Helpful answers for the making table

No. Sharp scissors, a ruler, a pencil, PVA glue and string cover most projects. A bone folder is useful for crisp paper folds, but the back of a butter knife works too.

Paper and keepsake projects can be made from November and stored flat. Dried oranges keep for weeks once fully dry. Fresh greenery is best gathered within a week of display.

Paper chains, simple stars, salt dough shaping and painting, and pomanders with pre-made holes all suit children with an adult nearby. Adults handle knives, ovens and hot glue. See the keepsake guide for a child-friendly recipe.

We recommend battery LED lights near any paper, fabric or dried greenery. Real candles should only burn in stable holders well away from decorations, and never unattended.

Holly, mistletoe, ivy and yew are toxic if eaten. Display them out of reach or choose fir, pine, rosemary and bay instead. If you suspect a pet has eaten a plant, contact your vet promptly.

Choose a palette of two or three colours plus one natural material, then repeat a single shape or texture across rooms. Repetition is what turns separate makes into a cohesive Christmas.

Use rigid boxes somewhere cool and dry, wrap delicate pieces in acid-free tissue, add silica gel to boxes with salt dough or dried fruit, and label every box with its contents.

Yes. Most projects here use delivery paper, jars, pantry staples and garden clippings. A ball of string and a bottle of glue is often the only spend.

Compost uncoated paper, greenery and fruit, cut damaged paper pieces into gift tags, and save ribbons, twine and jars. The reuse guide has more ideas.