This year, Christmas at South Bank is Made with Love.

Sections of Brisbane’s most loved public place will be transformed into a wonderland of authentic experiences where people from all walks of life can create, indulge and celebrate. Whether it is creating memories or even handmade gifts, Made with Love: A South Bank Christmas – presented by South Bank Corporation – will engage and delight the whole community.

An inspiring series of classes will be held at the Christmas Craft Studio (Suncorp Piazza) where from 10 December, twice a day, expert artisans will educate participants of all ages on how to craft their own lovingly handmade gifts − many from up‐cycled and sustainable materials.

From Wednesday 14 December, visitors can also take time out with friends and family at the Under the Trees lawn (Little Stanley).

Soak up the ambience and luxuriate in the holiday spirit by relaxing in the beautifully styled picnic area – complete with bar and entertainment – or challenge a newfound friend to a spot of croquet or lawn games.

In the true spirit of giving, South Bank Corporation will host a private gala community picnic on 17 December, where 40 Red Cross families will be spoiled with decadent hampers and a special night under the twinkling trees.

The Under the Trees picnic lawns will be open daily from 10am to 10pm with drinks and music kicking off from 6pm each day.

Check out www.visitsouthbank.com.au for full details on the whole program and to book tickets for the Christmas Craft Studio.

The full Made with Love program runs from 10 December to 23 December 2011.

What’s Christmas without the perfect Christmas stockings?

Go for something different this year with a whole new take on the traditional stocking!

From needlepoint to woolen and even southwest style, there is definitely something out there to suit everyone’s individual tastes.

Your best bet is to check out online stores - you’ll have access to a much wider range!

Check out Busy Bee Lifestyle for a list of great styles, all of which can be purchased online.

- Guest Blogger Cherizza Almario from QH Web Dept.

Give a fun little gift this Christmas with these cartoon toasters and waffle makers!

The toasters and waffle makers cook perfectly to imprint the character’s image on your toast or waffle! The designs are currently available in either Spongebob Squarepants or Dora the Explorer.

You can purchase the Spongebob Squarepants and Dora the Explorer toasters and waffle makers for $29.95 from Myer, either online on www.myer.com.au or in stores.

Your friends and family are guaranteed to enjoy breakfast that much more!

You may even be lucky enough to come across a wider range of characters from eBay or Amazon - I would love to get my hands on the Mickey Mouse one!

- Guest Blogger Cherizza Almario from QH Web Dept.

With Christmas rolling around the corner, Christmas decorating should be in full swing!

When I found out about Rudolph’s Warehouse, I was merely expecting overpriced Christmas goodies.

However, Rudolph’s Warehouse is very much a gold mine for Christmas deco enthusiasts! The amount of Christmas decoration that you are greeted with once you enter, is AMAZING.

They have a huge variety of Christmas themed decorations to suit both outdoors and indoors. From Christmas trees, ornaments, table settings and lighting, Rudolph’s Warehouse literally has everything you would look for in Christmas decorations. They even have a Christmas lighting showroom which displays some of the coolest lighting features.

If the festive season is your favourite time for getting creative, Rudolph’s Warehouse will definitely provide you with some great ideas and inspiration.

As for pricing, the products actually come quite cheap - considering they’re quite unique.

Be sure to pop by this Christmas season - they’re even open on weekends!

They are located at 3323 Pacific Hwy, Slacks Creek, Brisbane

OPEN Mon to Sat 9.00 Am Till 5.00 PM, Sunday 10 AM Till 4.00 PM

- Guest Blogger Cherizza Almario from the QH Web Dept.

Delicious treats for Christmas and the holidays have arrived at Monty’s Chocolates in Paddington. In keeping with their mission to bring the world’s finest chocolates to Australia a whole new range has arrived. Charbonnel et Walker have released a new delight - Banoffee Truffles - which are a handmade creation of white chocolate, butter, natural banana extracts and caramel enrobed in a milk chocolate shell.

New products from France include orange confit in dark and white chocolate. The orange confit is like a firm jelly similar to a fig paste in texture.  It contains real fruit and peel.  There are many other fruit-based delights and floral flavours like rose and geranium as well. I’ll be going for the Caipirinha Truffle myself!

Monty’s Chocolates are at 155 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington and are open 9 - 5 pm  Monday - Friday, 10 - 4 pm Saturday and 11 - 4 pm Sunday. They close about 5pm on Christmas Eve.

P: 0401 067 394, 07 3369 3135

montyschocolates@yahoo.com.au