Everson Museum Festival of the Trees Preview Gala

I have been donating a tree or two yearly to the Everson Museum Festival of the Trees for about 20 years.  Some have been large, some small and some my Child Psychology students created when I was teaching.  It is just something I have enjoyed throughout the years and the money raised during the 10 days of the festival and the sale of the trees helps the Museum.

The Preview Gala was a held Thursday night. 

Tobey and I enjoyed hors d'oeuvres, wine and music in the lobby....

...and then we toured the three floors of trees, and holiday decor scattered throughout the Museum

My little "Grinch" tree , with a handmade tassel was displayed here:

There were many trees, and these really caught my eye:

We met designer Thom Felicia:

 Tobey's sled (center) was on display with other unique holiday items....

...and I think this year the wreaths were my favorite:

This is a tradition I look forward to every year!!

Jello Cookies...

Do you need a little color on your holiday cookie tray?  

Here is an easy cookie recipe with lots of color and flavor!

 Jello Cookies

Makes 18 of each flavor

Preheat oven to 350'

Ingredients:

3 1/2 c flour

1 t baking powder

1 1/2 c butter, softened

1 c sugar

1 egg

1 t vanilla

4 3oz pkg jello - 4 flavors

food color

Directions:

Beat butter until creamy.  Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Blend in egg and vanilla.  Add flour and baking powder gradually.  Divide dough into 4 sections and stir in 2 Tbs of jello into each section and add 7 drops of matching food color to each section.

Shape into 1" balls.  Roll each into leftover jello.  Place 2" apart on parchment covered cookie sheets.  Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass.

Bake 9 minutes and cool for 2 minutes on cookie sheet, move cooling racks.

The flavors I used were:

lemon

strawberry

lime

grape

These are such a pretty and tasty cookie to add to your holiday desserts!

ENJOY!

Buffet Pockets....

 How many times have you gone through a buffet line, only to return to grab the silverware or a napkin?

Buffet Pockets can be made simply with wide ribbon, felt, little Christmas stockings, baby socks, or just plain ol' fabric!  

If you are having a buffet over the holidays, make it easy on your guest by using little "pockets" to hold the silverware - you can even tuck a napkin inside.

  These are mini Christmas stockings by Patience Brewster:

 These were made with wired burlap strapping and MacKenzie-Childs ribbon:

These were made from scraps of felt:

These are baby socks:

This one is made with burlap jute webbing:

Directions found here

We often have a buffet when the whole family gets together because it is much easier than passing the serving dishes around a table - and I have a huge kitchen counter!  It also make clean-up easier!

Buffet pockets are easy to create - Use your imagination!

Holiday Cocktails.....

Here are lot of ideas for some holiday cheer....

"Rimming" a glass for a holiday cocktail makes it so special.  There are a variety of ways to do 

this; you can use caramel sauce, chocolate sauce and even melted frosting!

OR just enjoy a good 'ol fashioned cup of hot cocoa....

 

 ...or a little hot toddy....

Trees, trees, trees....a holiday tablescape....

My small dining table is set for two today for a luncheon:

These "tree dishes" can be found at Pier 1 Imports...

.....and the "star" rimmed dishes are from Target, many years ago....

....the flatware is from Pottery Barn and I made the napkin rings (see below)....

These adorable tree place cards are from Hester and Cook!

The centerpiece is simply a greenery swag with mercury glass trees scattered around....

...there is something about the sparkle they give off that I love this time of year!

The glasses are from The Dollar Tree, I painted the stems and bases to give them more personality!

All of this is on an old table runner that I have had for years:

For direction on how to make this napkin ring, go HERE