Last year I vowed that I would prepare everything for Christmas ahead of time and be done with Christmas shopping, addressing Christmas cards and everything else before December even started. But this year, all I want is to keep things simple. So instead of trying to get everything done, I am trying to just do the things that feel easy and natural and simple. Like these easy sugar-frosted lanterns and apple candle holders, that bring a Christmas feeling to your table, and take only a few minutes to make.

Alec made a sugar-frosted lantern in kindergarten last winter and I loved it so much. The sugar really glitters and glistens when the candle is lit and it feels warm and cozy and snowy all at once. It really evokes the feeling of a white Christmas, even if there isn’t any snow outside. And you can make it with things you already have at home in under five minutes.

The children and I made a bunch of them this weekend and they will be lighting up our table through Christmas, and will also make charming little gifts from the children to their grandparents.

Here’s how to make them:

All you need is clean glass jars (preferably with lids), an egg white, and sugar.

(The hardest part of the project is getting the labels cleanly off your jars. Either use a hairdryer to melt the glue so you can peel off the label, or soak them in soapy water until you can scrape them off. Then make a paste of vegetable oil and baking soda, rub it onto the glue, and leave it for a few minutes, and then use a paper towel to rub off the remaining glue. Then clean the glass so all the oil is gone.)

There are two ways to make these. Either whisk the egg white a little and use a small paintbrush to paint it on the inside of the jar, and then put some sugar in the jar, swish it around, and pour out the excess. Or fill the jar with egg white, put the lid on, and shake the jar hard for a minute until the egg white is foaming. Then pour out the excess egg, add sugar and swish it around, and pour out the excess sugar. Let them dry, and then light a tea light and drop it into the jar.

It’s a fun activity for kids, and good practice cracking eggs etc, and you can even decorate the jars with stickers.

We’re also decorating our table with red apple candle holders. I love the look of red winter apples on frosty trees and these are such an easy way to bring that look inside.

All you need is apples, a sharp knife, and candles. Carve out a little hole in the top of your apple and stick in a candle. You can dress these up by sugar-frosting them, but I think they look great just as they are.

Thanks so much for stopping by Mini Piccolini for Day 5 of 24 Creative Days hosted by Gina at Willowday! Yesterday Den Kreative Sky shared these sweet melting snowmen, and you will not want to miss Hanna Wendelbo on Day 6 tomorrow!

Also to make: gingerbread candlesticks made out of cinnamon dough, mini gingerbread houses, and cork gingerbread ornaments and gift tags!

And to eat: winter white no-bake gingerbread cake pops, saffron truffles that will blow you mind, and ginger snap sandwich cookies with white chocolate ganache!