Photo courtesy of Folláin
Last night I attended a master-class with Folláin hosted by the lovely Aoife McElwain. Folláin, founded in 1983 by Eithne Ui Shiadhail and Mairin Ui Lionáird, is today owned by Peadar & Mairin O’Lionáird. The name Folláin, the Irish for wholesome, is certainly reflected in the product. The preserves, all of the ingredients for which are prepared by hand, contain no artificial ingredients, colourings, flavourings, preservatives, additives, or GM ingredients. A sugar free range is also on offer, and all products are gluten free as well as being suitable for vegetarians. In addition to their marmalades, jams, relishes and salsa Folláin have just launched their Christmas range (available in Dunnes Stores) which includes luxury ham glaze with balsamic vinegar, luxury cranberry sauce, festive red onion relish and luxury mincemeat. I tasted all of the Christmas offerings last night and can confirm they are delicious. To find a list of Folláin stockists click here.
A collection of decorated jars & tins filled with tea lights arranged
on a cake stand make up a pretty centre piece.
Being a bit of a Christmas lover, I know, I don’t go on about it much but I really LOVE Christmas, Folláin asked me to dress a Christmas table on the night. How could I resist? As Christmas is an expensive time we decided to keep costs low and utilise items that you might already have around the house, hmmm a few empty jam jars perhaps. I very rarely throw jars out, they are great for a number of different uses, but one of my favourites is to turn them into candle holders. It doesn’t take much to do this, simply pop a candle in and cluster a few together. And if you want to push the boat out you can tie some ribbon around them, or maybe even a paper doily. I snapped a few pictures on the night to give you an idea. In addition I also made some really simple salt dough place cards that double up as a tree decoration for guests to take home with them. The recipe is below so I hope that you enjoy making them. It’s also a great way to get kids involved with dressing the table, they would love to paint these up for guests, and I’m sure would feel very proud when everyone sits down to dinner on Christmas day.
NB: THIS DOUGH IS NOT EDIBLE, JUST IN
CASE ANYONE GETS A BIT PECKISH LIKE
Some salt dough decorations currently drying out in the oven for
my niece & nephews to paint for their Christmas trees.
That sounded like a lovely evening – I was sorry to miss it. I love those decorations and will definitely be making them with the kids. Thanks
It was a lovely evening Nessa, it’s a pity you couldn’t make it. The decorations were a big hit with my niece on Saturday, they were a technicolour work of art. I hope the kids enjoy making them.
Fantastic idea! Love making homemade gifts and these decorations would be a great little addition!