Remember salt dough ornaments from primary school? If you don’t, they’re super easy and because of the salt, you can keep them for years.

This recipe is perfect for all ages. The Gousto Elves have even made fun baubles and Christmas character stencils to use too. Print, then stick on something like a cereal box so you’ve got a sturdy base to trace and cut out your dough.

What you’ll need

250g flour

125g table salt

125ml warm water

Butter knife

String

Method

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 150ºC

Step 2: Mix the flour and salt in a bowl and, while slowly adding warm water, use a wooden spoon to combine.

Step 3: When stirring becomes difficult, start kneading the dough with your hands.

Step 4: Once it’s stretchy, roll the dough onto a floured surface, about a ¼ inch thick.

Step 5: Once it’s rolled out, it’s time to get creative! Use our stencils, or grab a butter knife, and experiment.

Step 6: Poke patterns in with a toothpick or fork, and punch a hole in the top for string.

Tip: Flatter shapes will bake more evenly.

Step 7: Once you’re happy, pop the shapes onto a lined baking sheet, and bake for 3 hours. Then remove your decorations from the oven and let them cool completely.

Step 8: Time to paint! We used acrylic paints, glitter glue and spray paint, but use whatever you’ve got in the house. Then thread your string through the hole, tie a loop and hang them on your Christmas tree.

Tip: To give your ornaments extra polish, paint a thin layer of glossy pottery glaze over to give them a lustrous shine.

What is Gousto?

Dinner, but not as you know it. Our big red recipe boxes will help you whip up wholesome, impressive meals no matter your skill level, with all of the flavour and none of the fuss.

From everyday favourites and ten minute meals, to global cuisines and healthy choices, you’ll have over 50 recipes to choose from each week from our menu. We’ll send you step-by-step recipes and all the fresh ingredients you need too. Just pick what you fancy for dinner, and leave the planning to us.