Edible Christmas decorations

Raid the sweet jar

• Colourful lollipops wrapped in cellophane look great hanging from a tree. Sew a loop of twine into the top so that they hang freely.
• While you have the sewing box out make a garland. You will need a darning needle and waxed cotton. Thread American hard gums or fruit pastilles on to waxed cotton. They look great as the jewel colours and the sugar coating sparkle and catch the Christmas tree lights. You can also try this with thick licorice cut into 2in pieces, or air-popped popcorn.
• Using a combination of different sweets you can make model snowmen and Christmas trees by threading various gumdrops, licorice pieces, polo mints and gums into the shapes required. Cut up the sweets if necessary to suit your design.
• Get the children to paint some paper cups in bright colours, then secure one end of a pretty ribbon to the rim. Staple the other end of the ribbon to the opposite side of the cup rim and glue on a small decoration to hide the staples. Fill the cups with Quality Street Chocolates and hang them on the Christmas tree.