Each Christmas, envious of friends’ organisational skills, as they have been setting aside presents since January, I vow to be more prepared. So this year I’ve made a start, a very small start, but it’s a start.

I’m saving boxes!

Little boxes, on the hill side and they’re all made out of ticky tacky.

Sorry, I love that song.

These little boxes make lovely Christmas tree decorations, I wrapped this one in white paper first and then a page from a book finishing with black organza ribbon. ( I love books! and only used this as it was broken and about to be recycled. Check out second hand shops, I was amazed at just how many they recycle instead of selling on in the shop ).

But wait… that’s not all, I’m also saving bottles.

I’ve started using 250 ml bottles of red wine for stews and sauces. If I open a full bottle I only drink the rest and then regret it. These small bottles have enough wine for the meal and then the leftover bottle is a nice size for gifts of home made sloe gin or raspberry liqueur. I’m working on some vintage looking labels as a finishing touch.

So, this is me pretending I’m planning ahead and being organised for Christmas.

Shelley.