Some more visual Christmas Inspiration, before we run out of time to celebrate this Festive Season.

My most important message, at this time of the year for gifting, creating and cooking, is GO GREEN and ORGANIC. The following images illustrate my passion for this way of life.

Why use plastic decorations imported from afar when you have beautiful, red, organic gems outside in your garden ?

Candles are always on top of the list to create a festive atmosphere. To introduce the green and organic theme, add mint leaves to a bowl with  floating candles.

Create a sparkling centre piece by floating hibiscus flowers and herbs in a container with floating candles.

Go with a bit of glitz and glamour this Christmas and decorate your chairs as well. Here I tied  a sprig of  Bay leaves. You could also tie small gifts to the chair backs instead of  bought christmas crackers.

Place  blankets or scarves on chair  seats when entertaining outdoors in the evenings.

Use your treasured linen serviettes with an outer serviette layer of  a delicate gold fabric. Tie with gold ribbon. Much more stylish  than cheerful paper serviettes.

Look to your garden for green and organic gifts for use in the kitchen and in baskets and herbal posies.

Wrap and decorate with fresh herbs as well. Both the bay leaves and the rosemary can be dried and used in the kitchen.

Prepare a basket filled with love from the garden. Any hostess would be proud to receive this as a green and organic gift.

Look to your herb patch for your  garnishes..... you will find all the festive, red, green and gold colours that you are looking for.

Another great gift for summer salad day's is a homemade, light, salad spritz to accompany your salad creations.

 

Here is a recipe suggestion for a light, salad splash : Zesty, zingy, Citrus splash.

Ingredients:
6 Tablespoons fresh Orange juice
4 Tablespoons fresh Lime or Lemon juice
2 Tablespoons finely minced Coriander leaves
2 Tablespoons finely minced Mint leaves
4 Teaspoons Cumin seeds
Pinch of Cayenne pepper

To prepare, simply mix all ingredients together in a salad dressing
bottle and shake well.
Seal and store in the fridge.

To dress up as a gift, pour the dressing into an attractive, salad dressing bottle.
Attach a homemade swing tag, making a note of the ingredients and tie off with a bunch of herbs.
 

More from the kitchen next time when we will look at some festive baking.