Delightful Peppermint Candy Purses for Festive Holiday Decorating and Gifting

Delightful Peppermint Candy Purses for Christmas

The holidays are a wonderful time for enjoying festive treats and decorations. One creative way to spread some seasonal cheer is by making adorable peppermint candy purses. These sweet little bags make delightful gifts and holiday table decorations that look good enough to eat!

Fun Supplies for Crafting Peppermint Purses

To make these candy-inspired creations, you'll need some basic craft supplies like:

• Red and white hard peppermint candies
• White chocolate, candy melts, or almond bark for "glue"
• Small clear treat bags
• Ribbon for handles and decoration

You can find all of these items at local craft stores or even your grocery store. The hardest part will be resisting the temptation to eat the peppermint candies early!

Assembling Your Peppermint Purses

Making the purses is simple enough for kids to help out. Just follow these steps:

1. Melt the white chocolate/candy melts according to package directions
2. Dip the bottom of a peppermint candy in the melted chocolate, then press onto the bottom of a treat bag
3. Repeat to cover the bottom of the bag with peppermints
4. Add alternating rows of red and white peppermints along the sides
5. Cut lengths of ribbon for the handles and glue in place with more melted chocolate
6. If desired, decorate with extra ribbon or sprinkles while chocolate is still wet
7. Let purses fully set before gently removing from work surface

Displaying Your Edible Accessories

Once your chocolate glue has hardened, your charming candy bags are ready to give out or display:

• Tie onto gifted food baskets or bottles of wine
• Use as festive place cards by adding name tags
• Fill with nuts or treats for each guest's table setting
• Hang on the Christmas tree or along a garland
• Line up on a mantel or down the center of the table for color

You can customize your peppermint purses with different colored ribbons or crushed candy toppers. Get creative with different flavored hard candies too like strawberry, sour apple, or wintergreen.

Tips for Working with Candy Crafts

When undertaking candy art projects, keep these pointers in mind:

Picking the Right Weather

Be sure to make your purses on a dry day. Humidity can cause condensation that stops the chocolate or candy from setting properly. Allow extra drying time if needed.

Keeping it Clean

Cover your work surface well to prevent sticky messes. Use wax or parchment paper to keep candy from adhering.

Watching Temperatures

Take care not melt chocolate or candy at too high heat or it can scorch. Stir constantly for even consistency.

Securing the Settings

Aim a fan or hair dryer at your projects to speed set times. Refrigerate pieces if your home is very warm or humid.

With some preparation and patience, creating candy crafts like peppermint purses is a delicious way to celebrate. Just be careful not to eat your holiday decor before it's display time!

Fun Variations on Peppermint Candy Crafts

Once you master the basics of working with confections, there are so many sweet ideas you can whip up:

Make Them Mini

Craft bite-sized purses using mini candy canes attached to small cellophane bags. These make great party favors or tree ornaments.

Create Centerpieces

Cover foam cones with alternating red and white candies to form a festive peppermint swirl. Display on plates surrounded by additional holiday treats.

Top with Treasures

Glue shiny beads, crystals, or crushed candy over the purses for extra sparkle and crunch. You can coordinate with your main gift wrapping paper.

Shape Them Square

For a different look, attach peppermints to square boxes instead of bags. They'll stand up nice and straight for buffets.

You're limited only by your imagination when working with candy, so dream up your own designs. Just be prepared to make lots of extras because these sweet decorations tend to disappear fast!

FAQs

What kind of candy works best for the purses?

Hard peppermint candies, like candy canes, work best. The hard texture makes them easier to attach and they'll keep their shape better than soft candies.

How do you melt the candy coating without burning it?

Use a double boiler or microwave candy coating at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds. This prevents scorching. White chocolate or almond bark also works instead of coating.

What can I use if I don't have treat bags?

Small plastic food storage bags or cellophane candy wrappers work too. You want a clear material to show off the candy decoration.

How long will the candy purses last?

If kept dry and cool, they'll last 1-2 weeks. The chocolate may bloom but it's still safe to eat. For longer duration, store in airtight containers in the fridge.