Here’s a really great last minute Christmas idea that is a non food item, perfect for this year. I ran out yesterday and got the items in bulk from the grocery store and then ran by to dollar tree for some really cute containers. Originally I was going to do them in 32 oz mason jars but they seem to be sold out everywhere. I was determined to make this happen though because this was one of my favorite gifts I received last year. The Following is just an estimate, you can add as much or as little of the ingredients that you want.
Here’s what you need for each jar/container:
2 1/2 tangerines quartered
2-3 cinnamon sticks
about a 1/2 Tbsp whole cloves
2 tsps pure vanilla extract
Chopped up ginger root
a large handful and a couple more of cranberries
a couple of springs of fresh greens (I snipped a couple branches from the back of my xmas tree)
and about a cup or so of Apple Cider
a small amount of water to fill up the rest of a mason jar or to bring the liquid to around halfway in the container
I got cute tags from Dollar Tree as well and just wrote on the inside:
“Christmas Stovetop”
-Simmer on the stove on low, add water as needed and enjoy
Thinking back, I probably should have said not for eating but I figured that was implied with the tree branches in there, haha. Feel free to add that if you have adventurous friends though.
Overall, I assembled everything very quickly as it is a type of dump and go situation. Highly recommend, I was able to throw 8 containers of these together in less than 30 minutes. Enjoy! Let me know if you try it! It smells amazing!
-Julia McPeak
Update, this may be my new favorite tradition, its so easy to make and everyone said how wonderful it was on Christmas day. Some people did not buy trees and really appreciated the smell of fresh tree trimmings!
McPeak Designs 