Deck the halls with ...... hanging baskets!

Hanging baskets usually lead empty lives in the winter. Why not give them a makeover and add a new dimension to your Christmas decorations? They can take any form your imagination leads you, indoors or out. It's not difficult.

Get a clean basket and a good supply of seasonal greenery - connifer twigs, ivy, holly - whatever looks good for the festive season. I used Leylandii and variegated ivy.

Weave the greenery into the frame of the basket, taking everything in the same direction. it looks better that way.

Make sure the bottom is well covered too.

Add something of a contrasting colour or texture to give it a bit more interest. I used variegated ivy.

Line the interior cavity with plastic and fill it with whatever takes your fancy. I piled it high with baubles and gold-painted cones for indoor use (twirl tinsel round the chains too for a real glitzy look!). Seasonal house plants (Poinsettia?) would also look good.

Alternatively, if you have somewhere outdoors to hang it ( a porch perhaps) decorate it with Christmassy bits and pieces, fill it with sand and put a few candles in the sand. I used gold sprayed fir cones as mine will be hung outside on a bracket. It can be hung inside as well if you have a strong beam or similar from which to hang it with clear space above so that the candles will not be a fire hazzard.  The sand makes it heavy so whatever it is hung on (and with) will need to be strong. You can use less sand if the interior is raised a bit first with something light like folded cardboard but have enough sand to keep a fire proof base for the candles. Alternatively, if lighted candles are a concern, use battery powered imitations.

Over to you! Why not post your own creations to the website so that we can all get inspiration.