Merrily made

MAKES 1 PREP 1 hr plus overnight drying MORE EFFORT old newspapersquare piece of ironedcotton fabric (about80cm x 80cm)1 potatosmall, sharp knifemarker penkitchen paperpaintbrushacrylic fabric paintsg

Create a seasonal centrepiece that’s as stylish as it is spooky

Ingredients (Makes 12) 200 g plain chocolate50 g unsalted butter225 g light or Genoa-style fruitcake, crumbled2 tsp mixed spice12 plastic lolly sticks50 g white chocolate chips25 g green coloured read

MAKES 36 PREP 20 mins plus overnight setting COOK 35 mins MORE EFFORT V 300g green shelled pistachios2 tsp flavourless oil, such assunflower oil1 tbsp cornflour1 tbsp icing sugar2 x 20cm square sheets

These delightful little gingerbread houses will perch perfectly on the edge of your mug. Try them with hot chocolate or mulled wine for adults. MAKES 8 PREP 30 mins plus cooling COOK 10 mins MORE EFFO

Our green guru Wendy Graham suggests some planet-friendly alternatives to this kitchen staple. TIN foil may well be a kitchen staple, but it’s not exactly the most planet-friendly one. Making it can b