Festive Ice Cubes, Camembert Bruschetta & Simple Tree Décor
Ideas & Inspiration
Simple, beautiful touches for easy festive gatherings – from herb and fruit ice cubes to golden Camembert bruschetta and handmade tree decorations using scraps you already have at home.
In a hurry?
Make a tray of festive ice cubes, whip up Camembert bruschetta bites and hang a few handmade fabric decorations on your tree. Three simple ideas, maximum festive feeling with very little fuss.
Festive Ice Cubes
Get creative with herbs and fruit to turn the simplest drink into something a little bit magical. These ice cubes are perfect for a summery South African festive season.
What you’ll need
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Lavender
- Bay leaves
- Pomegranate seeds
- Fresh cherries (or any small seasonal fruit)
- An ice tray – square blocks look especially beautiful
- Fresh water
How to make them
- Add a sprig of rosemary, a little lavender, a bay leaf, some pomegranate seeds or a cherry to each compartment of your ice tray.
- Fill the ice tray with water and freeze until solid.
- Pop the cubes out and add to your favourite mocktails, cocktails, wine or any other festive beverage you are serving.
- Nice square blocks give the best effect in your mocktails or cocktails. It adds such a special touch and is so simple.
Good to know
For slightly clearer ice, use cooled boiled water. If you’re making these ahead of time, store the cubes in a sealed container once frozen to keep the flavours fresh.
A Tasty Snack: Camembert Bruschetta
These little toasts feel special but are wonderfully easy. Day-old bread works best, so it’s also a lovely way to use up what you have.
Ingredients
- 1 French loaf, sliced into rounds (day-old is perfect)
- Olive oil, for brushing (garlic optional)
- Camembert cheese, sliced
- Crisp apple slices
- Cranberries, dipped into fine sugar to “frost”
- Raspberry jam (homemade if you have it)
- Fresh mint sprigs, to finish
Method
- Cut a French loaf into rounds. Day-old bread works best as it’s not too soft.
- Brush each slice with olive oil (add a little garlic if you like) and toast in the oven until lightly golden.
- Turn the slices once the top is crisp and brush the other side with oil. Toast again until both sides are golden.
- Remove from the oven and top each slice with fresh Camembert, then add a slice of apple.
- Finish with sugar-dipped cranberries and a little raspberry jam.
- Top with a small sprig of fresh mint and serve warm or at room temperature.
Why your guests will love these
The creamy Camembert, sweet-tart fruit and gentle crunch of the toast make such a satisfying combination. They look beautiful on a platter but are fuss-free enough for a relaxed family gathering.
Unusual Christmas Tree Decorations Using Fabric Scraps
Make some unusual Christmas tree decorations using fabric scraps you already have at home. It’s a gentle, mindful activity and a lovely way to upcycle old textiles.
What you’ll need
- Fabric scraps in your favourite colours and patterns
- Ribbon, twine or string for hanging
- Scissors
- Needle and thread or fabric glue
- Optional: buttons, beads, cinnamon sticks or dried orange slices for extra texture
Simple ideas to try
- Stuffed shapes: Cut two matching hearts, stars or trees, stitch or glue around the edges, lightly stuff and add a loop of ribbon to hang.
- Mini flags: Cut small rectangles or triangles, fold over a length of string and stitch or glue in place to make a tiny garland for your tree.
- Frayed tassels: Tear strips of fabric, knot them together at one end and trim the bottom for a soft, rustic tassel.
How to use them in your festive ritual
Hang your handmade pieces on the tree, tuck them into a wreath or tie them onto gifts as reusable tags. They bring a soft, personal touch that feels cosy and considered.
However you celebrate, we hope these simple ideas add a little extra beauty and calm to your festive season. Save this for later or share it with someone who loves a relaxed, homespun holiday.