Snap, Sparkle and Pop!

It’s time to start seriously thinking ahead for Christmas and I have been busy getting those ‘little things’ out of the way. The little things that make all the difference … you know the sort of thing – crackers that snap well; table gifts and stocking fillers that bring a sparkle to the eye; and poppers that ‘pop’ loudly! Plus a few titbits to pop in a tin for you and your ‘elves’ to nibble on while busy with the preparations.

I think I have found some real ‘crackers’ of ideas that I would like to share with you. Read on for some lovely things to buy and make that will give you a festive head start ….

FOR THE TABLE

CHRISTMAS SPROUT PARTY POPPERS

You may not like sprouts but you’ll love these! Iconic green sprouts disguised as party poppers.

Box of 8 £4.50 from littlecupcakeboxes.co.uk

CHRISTMAS FORTUNE COOKIES

A fun alternative or addition to crackers on the Christmas table that are sure to raise a laugh!

Box of 12 £10.50 from littlecupcakeboxes.co.uk

Spend less, decorate more with making your own special tied herby and fragrant napkins.

In the midst of looking after everyone else don’t forget yourself!

Tying together cutlery with a pretty ribbon is a simple and effective way to make the table look great.

Invest in a Bariatric Portion Plate and Portion Control Cutlery from Bariatric Cookery (details here)

FOR THE STOCKINGS

“The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.”

Some bariatric-friendly ideas to stuff that stocking!

1. A packet of spiced nuts

2. A lottery ticket for the 25th December

3. A key ring

4. A few bath pearls or bottle of essence

5. A diary for 2017

6. Cinema tickets for 2

7. A festive coloured nail varnish

8. A scratch card (that could be lucky)

9. A special photo from 2016

10. A packet of nuts or seeds

11. A scented Tea Light Candle

12. Lip Balm

13. Shower Gel

14. A special bauble for the Christmas tree

15. Special tea bags

16. Travel toiletries for a weekend away

17. A wine glass charm

18. Special seasonings for cooking

19. A set of festive earrings

20. Hair clips or bands

21. False eyelashes

22. A notebook for ideas

23. An inspiring read of a paperback

24. A small portion of sugar-free candy/chocolates

25. A lippy to apply before standing under the mistletoe

FOR THE TIN

A small nibble of something festive keeps the spirits and energy high – make a batch of sugar-free Butter Cookies in shapes to suit. We’ve made snowflake and Christmas tree ones with cutters but use your imagination and free hand for adventurous ones – biscuit/cookie antlers look great on a Christmas bundt style cake. Flavour with spices if liked.

Not sugar but spice and all things nice …

Sugar-Free Butter Cookies: Preheat the oven to 200 C/400 F/gas 6. Cream together 225 g/1 cup or 2 sticks softened butter with ½ cup Truvia sweetener (we used the Baking Blend version), 3 egg yolks and 1 tsp vanilla extract. If liked 1-2 tsp spices like ground ginger or ground mixed spice can be added if liked. Add 250 g/2½ cups plain/all-purpose flour and mix to a smooth ball. Roll out on a floured surface and stamp out shapes; roll into small balls and place on a tray then flatten with a fork; or use a cookie press to make cookies. Place on an ungreased non-stick baking sheet. Sprinkle with coloured sugar. chopped or whole nuts or seeds if liked. Bake until a light golden colour, about 7-8 minutes but do not over cook. Remove with a spatula to a cooking rack. Store in an airtight tin for a few days.

FOR THE GIVING

Visiting friends and don’t want to go empty handed; need a thrifty but thoughtful gift idea; or stumped with finding a gift for that certain someone? Then these ideas might just be the answer …