Let's Make Our Own M&S Foodhall Advent Calendar!, by Chatty Bags on YouTube. 16 min 25 s.
- Video length
- 16 min 25 s
- Time to do it
- 90 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Choose a sturdy wooden crate or hamper that is clean, dry and big enough for 25 small parcels. A size around 30 x 20 x 15 cm works well for snack-size gifts.
Plan your 25 items. Mix festive food treats with small non-food surprises such as a decoration or a note. Keep each one small enough to fit inside the crate.
Number 25 tags or stickers from 1 to 25. Sort the gifts so short-dated food goes in the early numbers and heavier items sit lower in the crate.
Wrap each gift separately in wrapping paper. Cut the paper to size, fold the corners and secure the edges with tape.
Stick a numbered tag on each parcel and tie it with ribbon or string. Keep the numbers easy to see from the front.
Line the crate with tissue paper or a piece of festive fabric. This covers the wood and gives the parcels a soft base.
Place the wrapped parcels inside the crate, largest at the bottom and numbers facing outward. Leave a little space around each one.
Fill any gaps with shredded paper or loose treats so the parcels stay put when the crate is moved.
Tie a ribbon around the crate and add a gift tag. Store the calendar in a cool, dry place away from pets and direct heat.
Tips and common mistakes
Put food with the shortest use-by date in parcels 1 to 5 so nothing is wasted.
Avoid stacking heavy tins on top of soft cakes or biscuits.
Label homemade treats with the ingredients for anyone with allergies.
Keep chocolate away from radiators and sunny windows so it does not melt.
Questions
Can I use a cardboard box instead of a wooden crate?
Yes. Choose a strong cardboard box, tape the base well and decorate the outside with paper or paint.
How do I stop the parcels sliding about?
Pack the gaps with shredded paper or tissue. A snug fit keeps everything in place when the crate is lifted.
What size gifts fit in the crate?
Snack-size items work best, such as small packets of biscuits, chocolate bars, tea bags or mini jars.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
