OS Christmas Support thread & timetable

ShelBell

went foraging for blackberries this morning and although didn't get many got enough for atleast one bottle of blackberry vodka to go in the christmas present pile

furrypig

ShelBell wrote: »

went foraging for blackberries this morning and although didn't get many got enough for atleast one bottle of blackberry vodka to go in the christmas present pile

Ok how do you make that one???

Was just thinking I neede to look up the recipe for skittles vodka but blackberry vodka will be cheaper as I can pick them!!

Cheapskate

I picked 5 lb of blackberries yesterday, now in the freezer for baking/Christmas pressie making! Got a bottle of vodka from last year, unopened, so might try the blackberry vodka.
We've got one of those £2 book shops in our town, so books will form the basis for lots of people this year! Got one for DH already & when DS is back at college next week, will start Christmas planning in earnest.
Got 2 weddings this month, so not much spare cash for anything else - actual Christmas buying will have to wait for next month. I got 2 puddings in Sainsbury's Jan sale this year, large puds for about £2 each instead of more than £8 each, so just need to make cakes & mince pies.

melvis

furrypig wrote: »

Ok how do you make that one???

Was just thinking I neede to look up the recipe for skittles vodka but blackberry vodka will be cheaper as I can pick them!!

mmmmmm skittles vodka

told other half I was gonna do Xmas hampers for the first time and was checking out the Delia recipes ... he said "CHUTNEY?! Who likes Chutney?!" :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Valli

You should check out the jam thread - we are extending to chutneys now!

Chris25

stressedoutmumof1 wrote: »

Right, haven't posted for a little while as I have been busy knitting!! I'm proud to report that I have now finished knitting Mrs Claus, to go with Father Christmas that I knitted last year. Here's a linky to Jean Greenhowe's website that shows them both. As Father Christmas is still in the loft from last year I won't post a piccie till December

stressedoutmumof1, they are great - I love those tea-cosies.

I'm sure my Mum knitted that nativity set (or something similar) with a pattern from Woman's Weekly many many years ago Where on earth did it go?

It's strange, I think someone last year was looking for similar patterns to these, don't know if they found what they were looking for but I'm sure I posted a US link but it wasn't till I saw the pictures that set, that i remembered my Mum making it !

Perhaps she made such a mess of it, I repressed the memeory sorry mum !!

Chris25

ShelBell wrote: »

Hellooooooo

Am after any recipes/ideas for home made gifts, more the ones that I can start doing now rather than biscuits and truffles etc. Chutneys, preserves, pickles, liqueurs, etc.
Any advice on doing alchol-ed fruits? Do I just whack em in?
.

There's a huge index on here from last year of all sorts of HM goodies.
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=4021665&highlight=homemade+edible+christmas+presents#post4021665

ShelBell

furrypig wrote: »

Ok how do you make that one???

Was just thinking I neede to look up the recipe for skittles vodka but blackberry vodka will be cheaper as I can pick them!!

I just soaked the blackberries in vinegar water for 6-7 hours to draw out the critters, sorted through them and rinsed out the 'keep' bowl. Then popped them in a cordial kilner bottle (any bottle with a good seal will do) and topped up with vodka! The bottle was about 1/3 full with fruits.

mam2dylan02

Ive scared myself with how organised i am this year, as im usually a "run around at the last minute, panicking" type xmas person.
Ive drew up a list of everyone, and what im making them.
So far ive got chutneys,marmalades,jams and oils all done, and pretty much most of the ingredients etc for all the other pressies
The only person im gunna have to buy for is DS as i dont think theres any way i could make Ben 10 stuff!!!:rotfl:
Got a couple of paintings to finish, and some painted wooden spoons too.
ummm.....Lavender filled gingham hearts and stars for keeping your smalls and wardrobe smelling yummy.
hmmm i wonder how long Marzipan Fruits will last if i make them soon
Did toy with the idea of making fruity vodkas for the SIL's but then thought, nah, do i really like them that much anyway!! HAHAHA

mrs-moneypenny

i know they are more of a summer toy but sainsburys are having a clear out i got soft (foam covered) rounders bat and ball sets reduced from £3.49 to 87p each they have balls of glass marbles for 24p and 2 plastic tennis racquets and a ball for 49p.

found another knitting pattern i might run a few off to use up some odments its a little polo necked mobile phone cosy.
cast on 34 stitches do 2inch of knit2 purl2 rib increase 6 stitches evenly along next row then stocking stitch untill its long enough for your phone cast of. sew up bottom and side seam.
make a cord by casting on 5 stitches and knitting until its 10 inches long cast of fix it to your phone cosy. i'm always losing my phoe in the bottom of my bag so im making myself one of these and a few others as pressies.

got a book sorted out last night to start listing who i need to get for and what ive actually already got so im not doubling up on things for the same people.