OS Christmas Support thread & timetable

lizzie12_2

Hey Guys, Only 21 weeks to christmas.!!! yipeeeeee

moggins

I think I will ask for a Pukka Pad for christmas, I still haven't got one yet

Churchmouse

If you're asking a man, make sure he knows it's a project pad you want moggins or you'll get one of the boring ordinary ones!!!:rotfl:

Squishy

I've got a few basic things to begin my presents with - can't really say what though as family members also read this site! Got some back in January and a few things yesterday. I've also just received a package of craft stuff which will eventually become my christmas cards, so I'm getting there! :beer:

AussieLass

Thanks Nikki. We have Viking Direct here as well. Just off to check if they stock Pukka pads as I've exhausted all the shops here. It's the project one that rows my boat. :drool:

kiwichick

Hi All,

Embarrassed to say I've only just read this thread!!! I am a bit organised but there is work to be done. So far I have all wrapping paper, cards, tags and crackers (from Boots in post xmas sales). Will try and buy the same this year as I got 3x10m rolls of wrap for a total of 30p and crackers reduced to £1.50 from £10.

I have presents organised for;
*mum
*eldest daughter
*step daughter
ALL bought reduced, I love a bargain!

And just one so far for dh, but it was from the book people and reduced by £35 so well pleased!!!! I'm only getting him a couple of little bits this year as he is so thankless(is that a word), last year I bought him a 20gb MP3 for £90 (thats the after vouchers etc price too!!) and he hasnt used it since feb - !!!!!!.

I am off on the bus to Leighton BUzzard this weekend with eldest daughter. We are going to check out all the charity shops (LOVING the money box idea) and the boots clearance section too. Hoping to find some bits and pieces.

I have also been using the paperpoint link on the freebies page to order nice paper each day towards hm cards for family. You are allowed up to 8 samples per day and its lovely stuff, you can get envelopes too.

Am going into the present box later today to make lists of what I have, you've inspired me.

Also, am thinking of making an xmas cake this year, never done it before, any tips for a newbie?!?!?!?

Kiwi.

Icemaiden

kiwichick wrote:

Also, am thinking of making an xmas cake this year, never done it before, any tips for a newbie?!?!?!?

Kiwi.

I normally buy mine from M&S, but this year I'm also determined to make one myself. I also include one for my mum in the HM hamper so want it to be yummy, I do however have a tendency to burn cakes.

Topher

Race You to the L.B. Charity shops, its years since I used to do them regularly, but I'm coming down to M.K. on Friday for a long weekend (going back oop North on Mon Eve.).... any carboot recommendations? I'll be at a house that takes the free paper, is it called "Go"?
Anyway.... about your thread. I once collectected Family Circle Christmas stuff & have done their budget Christmas ever since, lots of make ahead / freeze ahead stuff that frees me up from staying in the kitchen for two weeks. The Christmas cake recipe is called their Victorian Christmas cake, and is popular in my family. As my immediate family reduced, and used less of the Christmas cake, I now make a large square one, then cut a medium square from one corner which I keep for us, and take three more squares from the rest. These I marzipan and ice up for gift hampers of home made stuff, which are well recieved. Two of the recipients are happy with a smaller sized christmas cake, as they are widowed.
October half term marks the Christmas cake, Christmas pudding making time. (Stir up Sunday is a bit later I believe)
I can post the recipe if you wish
T.

kiwichick

Ooohhhh yes please TOPHER, I have mum coming from NZ for a month (!) over xmas and would love to do an hm cake to go with everything else. Proper OS xmas for us this year.

I havent been able to do any boot sales wince we moved here but can ask a couple of neighbours today, I know the couple next door do them a bit.

LB is the charity shop capital of the world isnt it?? I can think of 6 now and there are bound to be more. Plus there is the pound shop, the other pound shop and the pound stretcher.................reckon we're sorted.

I need to keep my eye out for a long plain curtain too, we need one over the front door and if I get something plain I can dye it.

peanutpie05

Icemaiden wrote:

I normally buy mine from M&S, but this year I'm also determined to make one myself. I also include one for my mum in the HM hamper so want it to be yummy, I do however have a tendency to burn cakes.

Hi, not sure if I can help ... but I make my own cakes each year and would make a few suggestions to anyone looking to make a cake this year.

This is based on the assumption that people will be making a traditional rich fruit cake.

> Although some recipes say to include chopped nuts ... you dont have to (personally I don't like it)

> Don't skimp with the glace cherries (if you like them) and keep the peices large ... that way it gives the cake a really succulent texture

> As an optional extra you could add small cubes of marzipan to the cake mix .... yum!

> I personally dont bother with putting booze in the cake mix (you cant really taste it after it's cooked (waste of money). BUT do be generous with 'feeding' the cake with booze in the month or so after it is made ... really makes the cake fragrant (hic!)

> Get yourself a good quality cake tin (or you can hire one from a professional shop). I've used cheap tins over the years and wasted such a lot of money because they've gone straight in the bin. Fixed base IS best (you should never have a problem with the cake coming out if the tin is lined properly). I've got one of the 'invicta' tins which are excellent quality and a 7" tin only cost me £8.50 ... it will last me many more years.

> Speaking of lining. Do double line with greasproof on the inside of the cake and also line the outside of the tin in double thickness brown paper tied with string (no sellotape!!!!). Also, I like to place a cirlce (or two) of greaseproof over the top of the cake to stop the top burning

> Don't be tempted to increase the temperature and reduce the length of time the cake is cooked for ... it will burn! Rich fruit cakes take a long time to cook ... and they are better for it.

Obviously - this is just how I like to do my cakes and everyone has different preferences ... but maybe a few ideas you can take from it??

HTH, and if you have any more q's ...let me know ...

xxpp05