Whether they’re in our food or part of our decor, cranberries are ever-present during the winter holidays and brighten any space they occupy. From antioxidant-rich face masks to swirled cheesecakes, here are four ways to use this versatile berry.

Cranberry garland

Supplies (quantity may adjust to container size)  

• Four small Pinecones (about one inch tall)
• 15 inches of thick string
• 21 Cranberries
• One Toothpick
• Hot glue gun

Steps:

1. Cut the thick string into desired length, then tie one end tightly to a toothpick.
2. Pierce the cranberries into the toothpick and pull toothpick from the other end. Repeat process for about 5 cranberries. 
3. Hot glue a pinecone directly to the string, carefully making sure the pinecones all face the same direction. 
4. Repeat steps three to four until the string is full. All numbers can vary based on length of string and number of pinecones available.

Source | cleanandsensible

Floating candles with cranberries

Supplies (quantity may adjust to container size)  

• One glass jar
• 10-12 Rosemary sprigs cut to about 1.5 inches or less 
• Water 
• 10-15 Fresh cranberries
• One Tea light

Steps

1. Place the desired amount of rosemary sprigs into the glass jar. 
2. Pour water into the jar until it is ⅘ full.
3. Add the desired amount of cranberries, being careful to not overflow the jar.
4. Gently place the tea light onto the cranberries.

Source | bellalimento 

Cranberry cheesecake

Supplies:

– Crust

• 10 graham crackers
• Six tablespoons unsalted butter

-Cranberry Swirl

• 3/4 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• Two teaspoons orange zest
• Five tablespoons water

-Cream Cheese Filling

• 16 ounces room-temperature cream cheese
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• One teaspoon vanilla extract
• Two large eggs
• One tablespoon flour
• Pinch of salt

Steps:

-Crust

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Ground Graham crackers until fine. Add melted butter to crackers and spread mixture on a baking pan.
3. Bake for 12 minutes and then set to cool.

-Cranberry Swirl

1. Put cranberries, granulated sugar, orange zest, and water into a saucepan. Bring to a boil while mixing frequently. Cook for six to eight minutes and let cool for 20 minutes.
2. Blend mixture until smooth, adding water if needed.

-Cream Cheese Filling

1. Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla in a bowl with a stand mixer until smooth. Add eggs one at a time and beat into mixture. Add flour and salt, starting at a low mixing speed to keep flour in the bowl.

-Assembly

1. Pour cream cheese onto crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
2. Place spoonfuls of cranberry mixture onto the cream cheese and swirl with a knife.
3. Bake until edges are slightly golden, about 35 to 40 minutes. 
4. Place on cooling rack to cool. Cover and chill in fridge before serving.

Source | handletheheat

Cranberry Facemask

Supplies

• 10 fresh or frozen cranberries
• Dates (remove pit)
• One teaspoon of argan oil (or coconut oil as a substitute)
• Two tablespoons honey
• Two tablespoons fine oatmeal

Steps:

1. Crush the cranberries and dates in a mortar after adding some water to make it easier to work with.
2. Once it forms a smoothie like consistency, put in a bowl then add the argan oil. 
3. Stir honey into the mixture, thickening it and making it easier to later incorporate oatmeal. 
4. Add oatmeal until the consistency thickens to a paste. Then chill in the fridge.
5. Apply to face and neck, and allow mask to dry for five to ten minutes. Then wash off mask with water.

Source | Cosmopolitan