I’m always trying to think of something new to add a little extra to the Christmas dinner table and something for guests to take home as a keepsake. This year I thought these novelty characters would be just the thing. You could fill the baskets with sweets or chocolate, yes a Chocolate Orange does fit! Or small personal gifts for each guest.

The pattern includes 4 characters: Snowman, Cheeky Elf, Reindeer and of course Father Christmas or aka Santa.

The actual character is knitted using double knit yarn (lightweight worsted or 8 ply) on 2.5mm straight needles. The baskets I used Aran (worsted weight or 10 ply) on 3mm straight needles. If you don’t have any Aran weight in your stash you could use 2 strands of double knit held together, it works, I’ve tried it.