The past few years I’ve baked goodies for friends and neighbors at Christmas time. The fact is, I’m not an awesome baker. That truth, combined with a hectic schedule in December, Hannah and I decided to do something different this year.

We created these little suet bird feeders, tucked them in a bag tied with a ribbon and a note that read: May you enjoy the beauty of nature outside your window this holiday. Merry Christmas!

orange-bird-feeder

I was tickled when I drove passed a neighbor’s house yesterday and saw the feeder hanging outside her sun room window with Chickadees flitting about.

making-bird-feeder-gifts

We cut oranges in half and carefully peeled out the flesh (and saved the fruit for our holiday brunch fruit salad). Using an embroidery needle, I threaded raffia through the sides for a handle. We made homemade suet by melting equal parts peanut butter and lard. To that we added corn meal, raisins, and a variety of bird seed. We carefully filled the orange halves and then set finished feeders outside to chill until they set.

orange bird feeders

I filled silicone cupcake liners with the extra suet mixture to use as refills for our orange suet feeder.

I don’t think the birds will mind that I’m such a great baker!