The nights are drawing in, the clocks turn back soon and it's cold enough to put the heating on, we've even been tempted to light the fire early and play some http://www.foxybingo.com/.

Christmas will be on us before we know it, and thoughts are starting to turn to presents for friends and family. Edible treats always go down well in our house, and in some cases are all eaten by the new year.

Edible gifts are always popular at Christmas, especially if you've taken the time to make them yourself. Jams, chutneys and other preserves make great presents and can be made well in advance.

A nice gift idea is to make a selection and package them up in small jars.

Downloadable labels, wrapping and presentation ideas can be found in the labels section above.

I've been inspired to make a Chutney for next Christmas, having been given several jars of 'Christmas Chutney' this year. While in some respects obviously a marketing ploy, it got me thinking about what sort of chutney would have the required festive feel.

Delia has a Christmas Chutney which includes lots of dried fruit and  Mary Berry has one made from peppers and aubergines. The general idea seems to concoct something a bit richer than usual, maybe containing fruit associated with Christmas, which also goes well with cold meat and cheese (most chutneys do...)