Festive Hot Chocolate

A hot chocolate recipe written out as if on a chalkboard: the mug topped with cream and sprinkles, a candy cane, the milk bottle, spoons of cocoa and soft brown sugar, a pinch of cinnamon and a scatter of snowflakes, all stitched in pale shades on a black ground.

It is worked from the chart in counted cross stitch, with back stitch for the lettering and outlines and French knots for texture; the sequins are sewn on at the end. Dark fabric is easier to stitch in good light, with a white cloth on your lap. A frame is not included: once finished, the piece looks at home in a kitchen or makes a Christmas gift.