Thinking of Christmas in July!

[organicsi]

I never thought I would ever be so organised, must be my age! At the moment I taking cuttings from my houseplants (and begging cuttings from others) I plan to grow them on and give them for christmas pressies. Packaged up in cellophane and lots of ribbon, perhaps even in nice planters or decorated terracotta flower pots (if I can pick them up cheaply), who will know they are not shop bought? Actually most of the planned recipients won't care anyway.
I am also picking and drying pot marigold flowers for later use in a variety of cosmetics. Anyone got any other ideas that needs forward planning?

[chilitony]

I usually give my pickles for xmas, so have been growing shallots, red cabbage, beetroot and this year i'm trying gherkins as well.
I am now picking gherkins every other day and trying to perfect the pickling process, having got several recipes from the web.

[crowsashes]

ive already written out what im getting/making the kiddies, mostly knitted toys, and have been working on them in the evening.

every one else is going to get foraged blackberry jam and probably a box of jam tarts or fairy cakes. ormaybe some hand made ornaments for the tree.

[Thomzo]

I've dried some chive flowers. They look pretty in a jar and are fab in cooking.
Jam making has started.
I'm saving candle ends for pretty firelighters (pour melted wax over a pine cone or a teasle and add some dried herbs)

[organicsi]

As I was collecting onion and other seeds this weekend, I suddenly thought putting together a small or even large seed collection in a decorated recycled container would also be quite a pleasing gift for quite a few people I know. Similar items are pretty pricey and this would be good and fresh!

[Gem]

I have given seeds as gifts before. Easy to grow stuff that doesnt need much space always goes down well. I have made jams and chutneys as well and start knitting or sewing things in the autumn with the intention of giving them as gifts. I have yet to perfect basket weaving (still a long way off!) but the home-made cloth bags instead of wrapping seemed to be appreciated.

[cocobelle]

Wish I'd read this back in July.....totally unorganised!