Adventure time

Spark anticipation ahead of the big day with these beautifully different Advent calendar ideas

- MARIE NICHOLS

DINNER PARTY FAVOURS

Pop chocolates into fabric bags. Tack a ribbon to each one, number labels 1-24, then tie these to the bags. Attach the gift bags to a piece of string and create a weekly Advent calendar with seven at a time. Using Command strips, stick two pinecones to the wall and wind the end of each ribbon around them to hang your bags.

Find drawstring gift bags and ribbon on Etsy. Wall painted in Chateau Grey wall paint, £55.95 for 2.5ltr; table painted in Old White and Scandinavian Pink chalk paint, both £26.96 for 1ltr, Annie Sloan

AFFIRMATIONS DECK

Envelopes filled with daily affirmations will spread positivity in the lead up to Christmas. Decorate mini envelopes and add numbers to the fronts. Print or write out your positive messages and acts of kindness prompts onto small cards to go inside each envelope. Present in a rustic box or basket.

Envelopes and stickers, from a selection at Hobbycraft. Brown Kraft tape, £2.75; vintage brick mould, £17.50, both The Danes. Rectangular labels, £4.50 for 18, Cambridge Imprint

MEMO COUNTDOWN