Eww, peeenk, yuk!

That was my position in a previous life as a Graphic Designer in a corporate world where design was structured, masculine and beholden to a brief. A cool designer's attire was black, more black, and black with a touch of black. A uniform of sorts, you know, when you're being different by being the same. What a bland world and I'm glad I've left it all behind

So, here I am in the next century awash with colour and loving it. I have now fully embraced pink in all it's glory from the softest rose blush to deep fuschia reds. To me, it's celebratory and I think it's perfect for Christmas. Package lovely Raspberry White Chocolate Ganache chocolates (recipe to follow soon) in bamboo steamers with pretty velvet ribbons. I've designed stylish Christmas Tree gift tags with a pop-out Christmas Tree for you to use on your gifts and a wee 'Merry Christmas' banner to accompany Rosewater Lollipops (recipe to follow after the break, based on recipe from Donna Hay Magazine)

/>Download Christmas Tree tags and Merry Christmas banner a>

....of course you may not be partial to the colour, perhaps I can persuade you otherwise?

Gingerbread is synonymous with Christmas and these little biscuits would be a delight to make and give as gifts. Besides, I was itching to use my new molds and the swan mold is one of my favourites

Inspired by the swan's elegant wings, I designed a template for you to download and use as a wrap on your gifts. The wings simply interlock and hold in place. I think they also could be interpreted as angel's wings too, perfect for Christmas.
Download wings template.pdf

The gingerbread recipe (at end of the post) works wonderfully with simple cookie cutters as well if you don't have any fancy molds. Happy baking!

Recipe after the break

Congratulations go to Ellie, I'll send you an email and ship your stamps asap. Thank you so much to everyone who entered, I was blown away by your response! x Cate

These little gingerbread houses are just adorable, sitting comfortably on a cup's edge. Courtesy of Not Martha blog complete with templates and step by step instructions

One word, Italy. Arguably, the best things about Italy are Lake Como, Marni, Donatello and the humble Panettone sweet bread. And I want a slice of each. Perahps I've set my sights too high and have to settle for just the Panettone, but I'm not complaining. I just love this yummy decadence and I'm positve it's the culprit for my 1 kilo gain each Christmas. I've given this version an Australian twist by sculpting out the insides and stuffing it with Vanilla Bean ice cream and Kirsch soached berries. Lovely and refreshing on a hot Summer's Christmas day instead of heavy steamed pudding. You can skip the alcohol for the kids, but it just might settle them after a morning of screaming excitement opening gifts

The recipe is so easy to whip up and a definite winner in our house. You can find the recipe after the break