Yup it’s that time of year again. Now we all know that a cute little baby elf will die every time somebody puts up a decoration or sings a carol before the beginning of December? What you didn’t know that? Shame about all those poor little elves.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t plan, in fact you need to plan, unless of course you a bloke with a woman who does all the planning for you. Massive generalisation I know, but if the cap fits …
Rather smugly I can say that present wise I am pretty much sorted. Well, I still have to finish a pair of socks and start a cardigan but the rest is pretty much sorted. Today was hamper day. Some exceptionally lucky people are getting a little hamper of home made goodies. What do you mean “poor sods I hope she doesn’t give them botulism”?!
Today was herb oil. The lovely bottles originally contained a rather lovely Rosé from Provence. For reasons of which I am unsure we only drank four bottles. I may have to purchase some more. Anyway, I originally bought the wine because I loved the bottle and I loved the glass stopper. The wine was a pleasant bonus!
Wash and dry bottles and add herbs of your choice. I tend to use stronger woody ones that can survive in the oil without curling up and looking manky! A whizz round the garden produced:
- Rosemary
- Bay leaves
- Lemon thyme
To which I added:
- Sliced garlic
- Red peppercorns
- Long peppercorns (also known as Indonesian peppercorns)
- Penja black peppercorns
- Juniper berry
Topped up with olive oil and sealed. I’ll tie a pourer around the neck and they are all ready for the little hampers.
Love Gillie x
one pair of shoes at a time 
A very good gift idea. Thanks. And your first paragraph made me laugh. I ribbed my sister-in-law so much when she set up her tree BEFORE THANKSGIVING!