Confetti Fair Christmas Mini Mag

MINI MAG

Christmas

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The Magazine Team ESTHER KEFALOUKOS Confetti Fair owner/director and magazine editor.

MARIA ANDRIOPOULOS Digital marketing manager, graphic designer and writer for the magazine.

Contributors ALEXANDRA MOALA Stylish Soirées Perth

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AMBER COMADIRA-SMITH Commie's Cupcakes ANNA HOGBIN Mama Bear's Kitchen EMILY JABOUR The Party Bebe RACHELLE BURNIE The Decorated Table CAROL NAJJAR Confectionately Yours

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Editor's Note Holiday season is here!

There are so many things to celebrate at this time of year. The end of school, the start of summer and more importantly, a new year and new beginnings. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, there are plenty of excuses for a party! In this special Christmas issue, we bring you plenty of ideas for decor, food, styling and more! We hope that Issue 2 of the Mini Mag inspires you, and that you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed putting it together!

Merry Christmas, happy holidays and an even greater new year!

Esther x

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In this Issue...

Editor's Note Traditions Holiday Food: Gingerbread Cake Holiday Food: 2 Minute Sweet Treats Holiday Parties: Make it Special Feature Party: Angels, a vee dub & Santa, baby!

Holiday Parties: Perfect Parties Christmas Printables Christmas at Confetti HQ A Chat with Santa Party Products we Love All Wrapped Up Holiday DIY: Advent Calendar

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Vendors 2makeitsweet Chantelle Venter Photography Confectionately Yours Commie's Cupcakes The Decorated Table Ellmer Eve&Co. Fantasy Kids Parties Fluid Ink Letterpress Favor Lane Party Boutique Frosting Cakery Honeysuckle and Lime Ink & Glitter Co

House of Royal Velvet Little Glitter Co Mama Bears Kitchen Marikart Studio Owl Made The Party Bebe Petite Events Hire The Smith Family Straight Down the Line Productions Styled by Mumma Stylish SoirĂŠes Perth Sugarlicious Parties Sweet Daisy May

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TRADITIONS

In my house we....

WE CATCH UP WITH SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE PARTY PEOPLE TO CHAT ABOUT THEIR HOLIDAY TRADITIONS We spoke to a few vendors about how things go down during Yule Tide!

WE ALWAYS HAVE A BIRTHDAY CAKE AND SING HAPPY

BIRTHDAY TO JESUS. WE ALSO MAKE A PIÑATA IN A

CHRISTMAS DESIGN – A ROCK

HARD ONE FOR ADULTS, AND A SOFT ONE FOR THE KIDS.

IT'S THE WEEKS OF SAVING

NEWSPAPER AND GLUE THAT BUILD THE EXCITEMENT. A REAL FAVOURITE IS WHEN I EMPTY WALNUT SHELLS

AND FILL THEM WITH LITTLE

WE PUT THE TREE UP TOGETHER AS A FAMILY AND LET THE KIDS DECORATE (MY INNER OCD GOES MENTAL AT THIS)! ALSO, THE KIDS HELP THEIR NONNA PREPARE AND COOK THE PASTRY FOR THE CANNOLI SHELLS FOR CHRISTMAS DAY. DANIELLA, EVE&CO.

CHARMS, OR COINS AND GLUE THEM BACK TOGETHER.

PLACED IN A BOWL OF MIXED NUTS THEY GO UNDETECTED

UNTIL CRACKED. AS OUR KIDS GOT OLDER THEY LEARNED

TO SCRUTINISE THE SEALED

EDGES AND SHAKE UNTIL THEY FIND ONE WITH MONEY!

CAROL, CONFECTIONATELY YOURS

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We always do Christmas Eve and it ends in a huge paper fight. The kids all love it and when it involves 38 people, you could imagine the mess!

We look forward to it for sure.

LEE, FANTASY KIDS PARTY

We celebrate Christmas Eve, as we did in Germany. Funnily enough, in Uruguay, where my husbands' family is from they do the same. We have dinner then go to my brother-in-law's. At 10pm the kids open their gifts. It's supposed to be midnight but as we have small children we do it earlier. We keep our own Christmas gifts for the morning of the 25th and give to the kids then, because I want them to be in touch with their roots (celebrating Christmas Eve) but also celebrating on the 25th.

On Christmas day we get together with friends or family!

NATASCHA, PETITE EVENTS HIRE

Old vs New CHRISTMAS IS AN EVER CHANGING HOLIDAY. FROM ITS BEGINNINGS WITH THE BIBLE AND PAGAN IDEAS, TO MODERNITY, TRADITIONS ARE VAST AND TRANSIENT. HERE ARE Personalised Reindeer Friends Santa Sack in SOME TRADITIONS THAT HAVE Stone, from honeysuckleandlime.com.au, $64.95 CHANGED IN THE PAST FEW YEARS. CHRISTMAS CARDS VS DIGITAL WISHES Whilst no-one will deny the beauty and power of sending out a handwritten greeting, the truth is that when you're running out of time to get things done, it's just too easy to log-on, find a pretty picture and press send! You know your second cousin who you never see and that old work friend won't mind.

LOTS OF GIFTS FOR EVERYONE VS MINIMALIST & CHARITY GIVING It seems everyone is gifting lighter and smarter.

But no ones missing out! With the emergence in popularity of health and environmental issues everyone is over the materialistic gluttony of years past and is participating in family and friend wide KK, or donating to a charity instead of buying a gift. With the launch of gifting apps parents can now even organise for givers to put in towards something substantial and out of reach for kids, rather than 20 unwanted space depriving gifts.

MAKING A GINGERBREAD HOUSE VS THREE-INGREDIENT DESSERT RECIPES Gingerbread houses...I know they're doing it in Bad Moms 2 but that doesn't mean it's a thing, right? I mean, ain't nobody got time for that! Give me a no-bake 3 ingredient internet recipe any day!

LEAVING OUT MILK & COOKIES FOR SANTA VS REINDEER FOOD. Aah, the magic of milk and cookies on the mantle!

Made the idea of Santa so real! But what about his ride? Well that's where reindeer food comes in. Upon research, I found out that it is a curious mix of oats, sequins and glitter! Magical yes but I hope no one is putting it outside to be eaten by the birds. Keep it right next to Santa's treats!

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN VS ELF ON THE SHELF Back in the day, being told Santa knew if we were naughty or nice, was freaky enough. Nowadays, Santa is just too busy so we have the creepy little elf keeping a watchful eye for the man himself.

CRAFTED STOCKINGS VS PERSONALISED SANTA SACKS Remember the stock standard plain red stockings?

The deluxe version, if you were lucky, had lovely felt trees and baubles glued on. None of that these days! Now we have super-luxe personalised Santa Sacks in gorgeous metallic lettering. I know which one I prefer! n

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HOLIDAY FOOD

A Christmas Classic A LIGHT GINGERBREAD CAKE PERFECTLY PAIRED WITH CINNAMON CREAM CHEESE FROSTING AND WALNUTS FOR ADDED TEXTURE. A LOVELY ADDITION TO YOUR CHRISTMAS DAY DESSERT! BY AMBER COMADIRA-SMITH OF COMMIE'S CUPCAKES

WHAT YOU'LL NEED GINGERBREAD CAKE • 1 1/2 cups plain flour • 3/4 cups self-raising flour • 1 tsp bicarb soda • 2 tbsp ground ginger • 1 tsp mixed spice • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 1 cup brown sugar • 3/4 cups olive oil • 1 cup golden syrup • 2 eggs • 3/4 cup milk CINNAMON CREAM CHEESE FROSTING • 1/2 cup softened butter • 2x 250g softened cream cheese • 8 cups icing sugar • 2 tsp vanilla extract • 2 tbsp cinnamon

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GINGERBREAD CAKE METHOD 1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease three 6 inch tins and line the base and sides with baking paper.

2. Sift the flours, bicarb soda, ginger, cinnamon and mixed spice into a large bowl and stir until combined. Stir in the sugar and put the bowl aside.

3. In your mixer combine the oil, golden syrup, egg and milk. Add the dry ingredients and beat the mixture on a medium speed for 15 seconds.

4. Pour the batter evenly between the three tins.

Place the tins in the oven and cook the cake for approx. 30 minutes or until cooked through.

5. Once out of the oven, overturn the cakes onto a drying rack to cool completely. Wrap the cakes in cling wrap and chill in the fridge for at least three hours before use.

CINNAMON CREAM FROSTING METHOD 6. Combine the butter, cream cheese and vanilla extract into your mixing bowl and mix on medium speed until everything is combined.

7. Add the icing sugar and beat on high until you get a smooth (lump free) mixture.

8. Mix in your cinnamon. This should give you a subtle cinnamon flavour to your frosting. Feel free to add more cinnamon for a stronger flavour profile!

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THE FINAL TOUCHES 1. Cut the domes off your cakes so that you're left with a flat (and even) cake surface.

2. Place your first cake layer onto your plate/serving board and using a butter knife load the top of your cake with a small layer of frosting.

3. Sprinkle crushed walnuts over your layer of frosting and then place your next layer of cake on top. Repeat this process for the next cake layer.

4. Once all three of your cake layers are stacked, use your knife to cover the cake in frosting (top and sides of the cake).

5. Now the fun bit - time to decorate your cake! I used gingerbread biscuits to top my cake but you could also use fresh flowers, chocolate flakes or fruit!

6. Serve the cake immediately or place in the fridge until dessert time! n

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HOLIDAY FOOD

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THE PARTY BEBE'S EMILY JABOUR SHOWCASES THESE QUICK TREATS THAT EVEN THE BUSIEST OF PARTY PLANNERS CAN MAKE! The holiday season is upon us, and whilst I love baking festive treats with my little ones, with backto-back Christmas parties and events I also need to be able to come up with some super quick party treats.

Here are two Christmas party food ideas that will literally take two minutes to make (the kids will love to help make these too, so make sure there are some spare cookies available for them to get creative)!

A big thank you to Charlie's Cookies for providing the delicious cookies for these party treats!

WHAT YOU'LL NEED SANTA BELT COOKIES • 1 packet red iced cookies, macarons or melting moments. Charlie's Cookies Raspberry Melting Moments were used in this recipe •

Black writing icing or melted dark chocolate

•

White icing or melted white chocolate

SANTA'S BELT COOKIES 1. Start by piping or drawing the belt onto the cookie with black writing icing or melted dark chocolate. (I used Queen writing icing).

2. Pipe on the two round buttons above the belt.

(I made a royal icing and then piped the buttons on, but you could use melted white chocolate, white writing icing, or even mini marshmallows.)

3. Allow to set and then enjoy!

REINDEER COOKIES These adorable cookies won't last long on the dessert table! Rudolf has never looked sweeter!

1. Pipe a mouth, ears, eyes and antlers on to the cookie.

2. Add icing to the back of a Smartie or M&M and place the nose onto the cookie and allow to set.

REINDEER COOKIES • Writing icing • Smarties or M&M's for the nose • 1 packet gingerbread cookies (these ones are Charlie's Cookies Gingerbread Bears, (turned upside down and iced onto the back of the cookie) which were perfect.

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HOLIDAY PARTIES

Make it Special 1

ANNA HOGBIN OF MAMA BEARS' KITCHEN SHARES HER WONDERFUL DESSERT TABLE STYLING IDEAS Every year at Christmas I delight in creating a simple themed dessert table full of homemade sweets and treats for my family. It doesn't have to be time consuming or expensive. With a handful of creative ideas and smart shopping you can take your Christmas festivities to the next level, giving your family and friends a dessert experience they will long remember.

Here are a few simple ideas to kick start your creativity and inspire you to cobble together your own amazing Christmas dessert table.

CHOOSE YOUR COLOUR SCHEME The first thing I do when I see Christmas looming is choose my colour scheme and theme. Do you like traditional red and green? Or prefer icy blue and silver? Pastel pinks, or perhaps something more rustic with hessian, moss and timber? Take notice of store decorations and identify what draws your eye.

FABRIC IS YOUR FRIEND I'm often inspired by fabric, so I head to Spotlight to see what new selections they have. This year I will be very traditional with red and green tartan plaid.

Throw a strip of fabric over a white tablecloth, or timber table, to create a runner. Wrap presents in matching paper and fabric strips to stack onto your table. Tie fabric strips or ribbon around glass jars for 12 12

vases and find a few matching decorations to complete the look. You'll be surprised how many ways you can use a couple of metres of fabric on your Christmas dessert table.

One of my signature decorative elements is putting fabric in marquee light letters. You can mix and match the fabric to suit any theme and they are a versatile way to dress up your dessert display. My ‘JOY’ (right) table shows how I used fabric as my inspiration, marquee lettering and a few inexpensive decorations to display my sweets. The theme was also carried through to the table setting and gifts

INSPIRATION IS EVERYWHERE One year I found the cutest little tin heart decorations in Spotlight and instantly knew I had found my Christmas theme. I nailed them onto a timber palette my kids had painted, which I used as a backdrop, and arranged the hearts in the shape of a Christmas tree. I put a cake, rocky road and cake pops onto the dessert table. An easy and simple display. It doesn’t need to be expensive or cluttered to look impressive.

DON'T BAKE? NO WORRIES! If baking isn’t your forte but you still want to set up a dessert table, don’t be daunted. You can put your energy into presentation and fill your table with store

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bought goodies (I won’t tell if you don’t). Put them on cake stands, old tins or a stack of children's books. Tie matching ribbon or string around a stack of cookies, put your rocky road into cellophane bags and tie with fabric scraps. Pop a small gingerbread cookie onto a cupcake and string some of these fellows together to make a gingerbread man garland. Get creative about presentation.

REVAMP THE OLD CLASSIC Another idea is to make up jars of homemade trail mix to display on the dessert table. These make perfect take home favours for your guests and take very little time to make. Toss together a mixture of various nuts (including chocolate coated), cranberries and seeds, and put them into any size jar. Spray paint the lid gold and use a glue gun to attach a cheap gold reindeer decoration. Tie string and berry decorations around the lid and glue a pinch of fake moss on top.

Let me encourage you to make Christmas extra special for your family and friends this year by filling a table, old desk or sideboard with timeless treats and goodies which will fill hearts and bring delight to all those you hold dear. n 13

FEATURE PARTY

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When the talented Alexandra Moala of Stylish Soirées Perth decided to give her husband’s heirloom VW a face lift by spray painting it rose gold, she was inspired. Last year the car was a huge hit in their street Christmas lights display and now has become the centrepiece for this gorgeous Christmas picnic.

(of Favor Lane) brilliant suggestion of using her ‘Santa baby’ balloons, inspired the name for this pretty kid's picnic!

Of course, it is always crucial to get the Christmas tree scene right. What child doesn’t sit there and look up at their tree with wonder and delight? It was important for Alexandra to set the scene with a whimsical tree and accessories. The divine antique A huge fan of Christmas, she'd long wanted to do a chair provided by Styled by Mumma was the perfect party with a modern take, whilst still incorporating silver prop for the children and the presents. The some traditional elements. The colour theme of rose silver geometric balloons were also cleverly wrapped gold, blush pink, white and silver was chosen. This to look like presents! Ellmer’s beautiful handmade scheme accentuated a snowy, soft effect whilst the white lamp post completed the Christmas tree mix of metallics, gave it a sparkle that all Christmas scene. To finish off the look, Styled by Mumma parties should have! dressed the girls in gorgeous shades of rose gold, blush pink, whites and creams, with outfits from Tutu A number of party trends were brought together for du Monde, Fiona Scanlan and Tea Princess. the shoot. One was the popular picnic parties that are relaxed yet effortlessly chic. Organising a big Like at any Christmas party, food was the real pleaser Christmas party can be stressful, especially when on the day! 2makeitsweet displayed her creativity catering to a huge cohort of children. Picnics are a and flair with gorgeous cake pops, toffee apples, great and hassle free alternative to squishing them Christmas bauble cupcakes, Father Christmas cookie on to tables with adults and accommodates for pops and an amazing ‘Merry Christmas’ cake! Sweet different ages. No more high chairs or odd chairs at Daisy May made the most delicious gingerbread your pretty Christmas table! snowflake and Christmas tree cookies and House Balloons are an essential for any party and Christmas is no exception! Favor Lane Party Boutique provided the goods with the fabulous jumbo balloons and metallic orbz which came billowing out from the back of the VW. The fab metallic rose gold ‘Santa Baby’ and silver ‘JOY’ balloons were the perfect accessories for the boxwood backdrop and the iconic back window car shot. Shelley’s

of Royal Velvet made sweet macarons to sit on the adorable mini ghost chairs from Favor Lane.

All of these elements made one happy Christmas picnic for these little angels. With our beautiful Aussie weather and country allowing for gorgeous outdoor celebrations, who needs a traditional snowy white Christmas? n

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DIY TIPS Pretty up a pallet with some Christmas accessories like these hand made feather trees fashioned from styrofoam cones and a feather boa, made

by Stylish SoirĂŠes, or get your calligraphy on with a chalk pen and these Kmart coasters; Candles and partyware from Favor Lane Party Boutique.

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Concept, Styling and props: Stylish SoirÊes Perth; Photography: Chantelle Venter Photography Partyware, balloons and styling assistance: Favor Lane Party Boutique; Cake pops, Cookie pops, toffee apples, cake, cupcakes: 2makeitsweet; Gingerbread and Christmas tree cookies: Sweet Daisy May; Chair, Children’s styling and dresses provided by: Styled by Mumma; Handmade lamp post: Ellmer; Macarons: House of Royal Velvet 18

GET YOUR PARTY FIX IN PRINT! ISSUE 7 OUT DECEMBER

Visit confettifair.com.au to buy your very own copy!

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HOLIDAY PARTIES

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RACHELLE BURNIE FROM THE DECORATED TABLE TALKS CHRISTMAS PARTY TABLE SETTING IDEAS AND ARRANGEMENTS Christmas is busy enough without spending hours decorating your lunch or table in preparation of your Christmas Day festivities. We spoke to the team at The Decorated Table, who have put together a few table decorating ideas that will help you add that magic Christmas touch in less time than it takes to enjoy a piece of pudding!

KEEP IT TRADITIONAL There is nothing easier than a ready made garland to quickly add decoration to your Christmas table.

Of course, if you are feeling adventurous, you can start with a plain garland and add your own decorations.

Here I have used a traditional ready decorated green garland with gold decorations and simply added some clear glass tea light holders with tea lights to add some instant warmth and movement to the table.

Don’t forget that when having candles at the dinner table, ensure they are unscented as not to interfere with the scents of the dinner.

This quick decorating idea will take you no more than 5 minutes and your friends and family are sure to be impressed.

DOUBLE DUTY DECOR Beautiful food items work hard and can be used for multiple purposes. Cinnamon is a perfect example. If you want your house to smell like Christmas without the worry of burning scented candles, just add cinnamon sticks to your décor!

CHRISTMAS IS A BALL Vases aren’t just for flowers! Use small glass vases with Christmas tree decorations (the standard baubles look great) to make a table centrepiece.

The use of Christmas decorations on your table is an easy and cost effective way of carrying your decoration theme from your tree to your table.

Use any colour scheme – bright, metallic or pastels.

Just remember, whatever you decide to use, if you place a white tablecloth or runner underneath it will really make your decorations stand out (and give you Insta-worthy snaps). Happy holiday entertaining! n

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HOLIDAY DIY

Christmas Printables GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR GIFTING WITH THESE CUTE PRINTABLE ENVELOPE BAGS AND JUMBO LABELS.

Merry & Bright

Tis the season to sparkle

Shine Bright Like a Diamond!

Wish upon a star

For the labels: Print at A4 size on some sturdy card (finished size for the labels is approximately 8cm wide).

The best way to cut them is to use a craft knife but scissors are ok too. For the round tags, you can use a cup or another round item to help trace with the blade. If you have a punch, use that for the hole.

For the envelopes: Print the template onto A4 paper. Cut around the edge and fold the dotted lines. Use a punch or a 5c piece to create 2 'buttons'. These can be attached to the envelope with a brad or eyelet.

Wrap a piece of string around each 'button' to secure them.

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Finished envelope back view

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OUR PARTY STYLE

Christmas at Confetti HQ

CHRISTMAS AT CONFETTI HQ RARELY DEVIATES FROM THE CLASSIC GREEN AND RED. THIS YEAR, WE DECIDED TO GO OVERBOARD WITH METALLIC SHINE AND GLITTER SPARKLE, BECAUSE, WELL, WHO NEEDS AN EXCUSE? 'TIS THE SEASON TO SPARKLE AND SHINE AFTER ALL...

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ALL OF OUR TREATS CAME FROM WOOLIES!

Clockwise from left; silver plate and copper plastic cutlery from Kmart; Merry Christmas Bunting and Gold Foiled Festive Funglasses from Favor Lane Party Boutique; Wish Upon A Star Glitter Cake Topper, marikartstudio.com.au; Gold straws, Kmart; Laser Cut Christmas Pockets, Eve&Co.; Cake by Frosting Cakery; All other items stylists' own.

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PARTY PEOPLE

A chat with Santa

WE TALK TO DEPARTMENT STORE SANTA SYD HYETT

Tell us a little about yourself – what does life look like when you're not Santa?

When not being Santa, I spend my time between my family, my Lions Club (Ingleburn) and St John Ambulance.

How many Christmases have you been Santa for, and what made you decide to don Santa's suit and beard?

This is my 11th year as Santa. I originally started because I was out of work, but enjoyed it so much that I continued to this day. Besides, with 6 children and now a dozen grandkids, it can feel like I am Santa all year.

What is a typical day like for a department store Santa?

Arrive half an hour before start time and check that everything is ready, get dressed and into Santa mode, then it is Ho, Ho, Ho all the way to the Santa area. In the initial days instore, it can be a little quiet, but it gets quite hectic closer to Christmas Day. We have to deal with children that love Santa, and those that are scared of the big man. Santa also has to work with the photographer to ensure that the Santa photos are great.

What is the most surprising present a child has asked you for?

The most surprising present wasn't asked for by a child, but an adult with a mental disability. All she wanted was an Esky. Her carer bought her back the next year and all I got was 'Where is my Esky?' I naturally blamed one of my elves. The third year, I picked up a small foam Esky, but did not see her. Her carer (who is a friend of mine) took her to Macarthur Square, and when she saw Santa in the distance, started to berate him for not bringing her the Esky.

The fourth year came, but she had forgotten about the Esky and only wanted a pair of slippers.

What is the most frequently requested present?

Electronic equipment such as an Xbox and mobile phones.

Can you share a few of your most memorable Santa moments?

My most memorable moments are probably when I see children with a disability come to see me, especial autistic and those with ADHD. They are precious and I can put a smile on their face.

Do you have any tips for mums, dads or family members who are planning to play Santa on Christmas day?

When we laugh, we don't say Ho, Ho, Ho. It comes from the belly and is more a Ha, Ha, Ho. n

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HOLIDAY DECOR Clockwise from left, Christmas Typogprahy Ornament from inkandglitterco.etsy.com, $40; Merry Christmas Cake Topper from Sugarlicious Parties, $16; Ho Ho Ho Banner from littleglitterco.etsy.com, $12; Christmas Coaster Set from fluidinkletterpress.etsy.com, $14; Christmas Candy Favours from Owl Made, $2 each (more styles available)

STYLE AN UNFORGETTABLE DAY WITH THESE BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS DECOR ITEMS

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HOLIDAY PRODUCTS

RECYCLE! MAKE ENVELOPES MADE OUT OF WRAPPING PAPER. TRY RE-PURPOSING THE TEMPLATE ON PAGE 27 OR DO A GOOGLE SEARCH FOR 'ENVELOPE TEMPLATE'. GLUE A LAYER OF CARD FOR EXTRA STURDINESS.

#2

#1

Why bother with paper?

Buy a reusable canvas bag that doubles as a Santa sack every year!

Special Delivery Kids Canvas Santa Sack from Yellow Octopus, $16.95

All Wrapped Up WHETHER YOU LOVE DIY OR NEED TO SAVE A FEW BUCKS, ADD EVEN MORE EXCITEMENT TO GIFTING AND WRAPPING WITH THESE 10 NEXT LEVEL HACKS AND IDEAS!

It's really hard to find something truly special - that's why we love this wrapping idea so much! Go interactive with this DIY right here (click to reveal).

#3

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#4

Kraft paper anything! This serious obsession has run deep and for a while.

Try decorating with stamps, stickers, washi tape or acrylic markers for a special touch

Have you got a bit of a creative streak? Design and print your own on Spoonflower! Simply design your .JPEG, upload your design and you're ready to go.

#5

#6

Embellish, embellish embellish!

Grab anything you can think of and add as an arrangement to your gift - shells, bells, wire pine cones, old greeting cards or flowers!

#8

Use any old boxes or cartons you can find. This is especially good for odd and larger size gifts. Once you've placed your gift inside, cover with wrapping paper.

#7

#9

Work wonders with fabric and ribbon. Grab a large piece of fabric, a chunky ribbon, put your items in the middle and voila, beautifully wrapped and original gifting – no unsightly sticky tape!

Decorate your own canvas bags. These little bags can be found in craft and dollar stores everywhere so won't be hard to find. And the best part? They can be easily decorated with cheap Kmart stamps or stencils.

#10

Tea towels are an oldie but a goodie, and wrapped around a bottle of wine or chocolates make an awesome 2 in 1 gift!

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HOLIDAY DIY

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Your very own choc advent calendar

QUIT LUSTING AFTER ALDI'S VIRAL WINE ADVENT CALENDAR AND GET INTO THIS GORGEOUS DIY KIT YOU CAN SINK YOUR TEETH INTO. BY CAROL NAJJAR OF CONFECTIONATELY YOURS

You don't need an Advent Calendar to know that Christmas is coming, but who doesn't love opening a little numbered box to reveal a surprise?

Using the Confectionately Yours DIY kit you can create an extra special Advent Calendar to suit your whole family or someone special. The best thing is, you can totally put your own twist on them (like these moulded chocolate ornaments). Here are a few ideas for the kit.

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1

FILL S O M ULD AY TO HALF W AFER MAKE W HOC THIN C PIECES

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2

3

5

MAKE GORGEOUS MINI-CHOCS 1. Use a combo of dark, milk and white chocolate.

Melt in the microwave on 50% power until smooth.

2. Using the moulds, make a variety of shapes, enough to add to 24 boxes.

1

4

7

5. Add extra special sparkle using metallic lustres powder. Mix a small amount of powder with vodka or lemon essence to create a paint. While considered non toxic we recommend using metallics for decorative purposes only, so make extras to be eaten.

6. Once the painting is done, refrigerate to harden.

3. Add delicious flavour oils to make surprising tastes.

7. To finish, add even more variety by covering your chocolates with a coloured foil.

4. Colour the white chocolate by adding a tiny amount of oil based colour and mix well.

8. Display your filled boxes in pride and enjoy the daily anticipation!

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OTHER WAYS WITH THE DIY KIT You can follow a theme for items being placed in the boxes. For example, Australian Christmas (and then reuse the moulds for Australia Day!) or perhaps a traditional Nativity.

If you need a quick option just fill the boxes with a variety of toys. Kids will love them (like a Kinder Surprise but not as naughty)!

The Confectionately Yours DIY Advent calendars, chocolate colours, metallic lustres, flavours, foil and chocolate moulds that have been used in this article are all available online at confectionatelyyours.com. au. Each kit contains 24 boxes, gold stickers and twine.

Alternatively, use only 12 boxes and make 'Twelve Days of Christmas' in chocolate. A great 'preChristmas' gift for friends and family who you won't see on the day.

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December to Do ARE YOU ORGANISED FOR THE MONTH? FRI 1 HERE'S A FUN HANDY CALENDAR FOR YOU TO PRINT OUT! MON 4 Is the Christmas tree up?

Hosting?

Shop for non perishables

Have a family Christmas movie marathon in your Christmas pyjamas

Wrap gifts before school holidays start whilst watching Love, Actually!

Take the family to see Christmas lights

Last minute wrapping and gift rush. Find wrapping ideas on page 28.

School holidays have now started for VIC and TAS

THUR 29

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Have you got an Advent calendar yet? (see page 30)

MON 1 1

Carols in the Domain at The Domain Sydney / Live on Channel 7

SAT 23

Hosting?

Shop for fresh ingredients

SAT 2

Post Christmas cards

Overseas gifts posted?

Donate to gift drive or food bank (see last page)

Interstate gifts to be posted

Last day for online ordering!

Check your gift list – is everyone sorted?

TUE 19

WED 20

School holidays have started (NSW, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, NT)

Boxing Day

Don't forget Santa's cookies, milk and reindeer food (see page 3)

GOODBYE 2017, HELLO 2018

Thank you for your ongoing support

Merry Christmas& a Happy New Year from

Confetti Fair

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The Smith Family’s Toy & Book Appeal is your opportunity to help bring a smile to a disadvantaged child’s face this Christmas.

Sadly, thousands of Australian kids will go without receiving a gift this holiday season simply because their families can’t afford it. Our Toy & Book appeal is part of our Christmas ‘Stocking Exchange’ which provides gifts to children in need, allowing them to feel a sense of belonging this Christmas.

This year, with your help collecting toys and books, The Smith Family aim to deliver over 60,000 new toys and 40,000 new books to children in need around Australia. Your generous gifts will help them acquire the skills and knowledge they need to build a better future.

thesmithfamily.com.au/christmas 36

Purchase a gift o

nline toyandbook.thes mithfamily.com.a u It’s quick and easy and allows The Sm ith Family to target those most in ne ed.

Make a donati

on toyandbook.thes mithfamily.com.a u Not sure which gif t to choose? Dona te to the Toy and Book Ap peal and your fund s will be used to purchase toys and books.

Shop for a

gift Bring in a new to y or book and lea ve it at the collection location listed below. We ’ll ship all the presents off to The Smith Fam ily in time for Christmas.