Stuck on Ideas?

WORDS: CHYKA KEEBAUGH

IMAGES: MARCEL AUCAR

Ah, the holiday season – a time for twinkling lights, multitudes of catch-ups, and, of course, the age-old tradition of exchanging gifts. But what if we shook things up this year and didn't try and do it all? What if we didn't buy all the gifts on black Friday like we have been told to? Who cares! What if we embraced the handmade instead of store-bought? What if we don't know how to cook a turkey, and it's your turn to bring one to lunch? I'm here to help! We are told we SHOULD be doing so many things in the festive season, but realistically, we can't do it all, so let's help each other out a little. Hitting the shops isn't everybody's idea of a good time, and let's face it, everything is so expensive these days! So, let's challenge the status quo this holiday season. Put down the credit card, pick up the crafting supplies, and dive headfirst into the world of handmade magic. After all, the most memorable gifts are the ones that come from the heart, wrapped in love, and tied with a bow of creativity. Happy crafting, and may your holiday season be filled with the warmth of handmade happiness! Let's search deep into the Chyka.com archives and get creative this Christmas…

How to Cook The Perfect Turkey

It’s your turn to cook the Turkey, and you can’t find the perfect recipe? I’ve got you. I have a huge collection of Christmas Recipes to explore in the archives, all you need to do is tap the link, follow the steps and read all the tips. You got this!

 

Get Creative with Cake Stands

Got a few of these taking up space in your pantry? Get them out and use them to decorate your home. Cake stands are a fabulous tool for the decorator and can used in so many creative ways, read the post and start decorating!

 

The Ultimate Christmas Pudding

On dessert duty for Christmas? You have to try this recipe. I love how it includes traditional flavours reinterpreted into a cold, delicious dessert - perfect for a hot Australian Christmas. A family favourite, this recipe is a winner!

 

4 DIY Wreaths For Your Home

A simple wreath invites Christmas into your home, so, its always fun to challenge the traditional wreath by getting creative and making something a little out of the ordinary.

Hang Your Wreath With Ease

Don’t want to hammer a nail into your front door to hang your wreath? Put a removable plastic hook ( picture hanger) upside down on the back of your front door, make your ribbon long enough it can hang over the top of the door and simply hang!

 

Wrap It Like A Retailer

Want your gifts to stand out from under the tree? Ditch the generic paper and tags and DIY your own! Head to this post for ideas, inspiration and links to help you create the perfect Christmas for your family.

 

Handmade Gift Ideas

Like all our little DIY projects, you don’t have to spend enormous money to make people happy. A fun selection of gifts and a heartfelt note is all you need. I purchased these gorgeous jars from Spotlight and filled them with fun objects.

 

The Perfect Christmas Cocktail

Year after year, we bake the traditional cookies and eat the traditional lunch - now and then, you need to introduce a new tradition to the fold. Mine is to work on a new cocktail each year.