From radish toadstools to bauble wreaths – it’s not the festive season without a little magic and imagination. And, even better, these fun home ideas are quick and easy, too

THIS MONTH Christmas cake

Ingredients (Serves 8) ◆ 240g baking margarine ◆ 240g caster sugar ◆ 4 medium eggs ◆ 300g self raising flour ◆ Yellow food colour gel ◆ 1tsp natural orange extract ◆ 25g cocoa powder ◆ 125g chocolate

Christmas tree cakes This clever recipe makes two ‘trees’ from just one sponge, so once it’s baked and cooled, you can go head-to-head on the decorating with the kids! SERVES 16 (makes 2 cakes) PREP 4

Hosting a kids’ Christmas party? These are perfect for sharing, and you can save time by using shop-bought cupcakes that you simply decorate. ■ Serves 24 ■ Prep 45 mins ■ No cook 24 cupcakes (shop-bou

Make sure to measure the space where it’s going to go before committing to a tree. There are all sorts of different varieties to choose from, but try to make sure that the tree is healthy before you t