Sunday, December 29, 2019

Recap of the holiday...


We had another fabulous holiday - here is a quick recap of our Christmas day:


Mom, John and I had a Christmas Casserole and muffins for breakfast ... and a little "hot toddy"!


I made a huge pitcher of Peach/White Cranberry Sangria for the signature drink of the day!...


...and we nibbled on snacks....


...there were shenanigans....


...and Skypes...


...and a delish dinner...





...with "crackers" filled with crowns and toys...


...my favorite spaghetti squash - recipe at end of post...


...and a new "Bubble Bread" recipe that was a hit....


...there were plenty of desserts, cookies, cheesecake...



...Mom spent the day...


...and Carter joined us after dinner!


The decorations are coming down and we are anxiously awaiting the new year and the arrival of our 3rd grandson - Catie and Pedro's first child!



Happy New Year!

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Snowman Candy Bars....


This is a cute little gift to make for "kids of any age"!


All you need is a king size candy bar, a white sheet of paper, a pair of "one size fits all" gloves, tape, a piece of ribbon and a few markers.


Wrap and tape the paper around the candy bar.  


Stretch ONE glove over one end of the candy bar and lay the matching glove underneath it and tie it together with ribbon.


With markers draw a face and buttons:


And they are ready for delivery!!


Advice from a snowman:
Be a jolly, happy soul
Spend time outdoors
Avoid meltdowns
Be well-rounded
Live well, life is short

Saturday, December 21, 2019

A few holiday table settings....

I am always wishing that I took photos of my table settings after the fact, usually as I am clearing the table....sometimes I remember, other times I can't be bothered, BUT here are a few I was able to photograph this season:

Most are table settings for just the two of us:





This is my favorite from last year:


I am looking forward to setting the table for 12 on Christmas Day!


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Friday, December 20, 2019

Pretzel trees.....



A few of the holiday magazines featured these "pretzel trees" this month:


These are made simply by melting chocolate buttons in a zip bag and snipping off a little tip of one corner, and drizzled over a pretzel stick:


I made some "evergreen" and blue spruce" trees, some with snowflakes and some with sprinkles:


They can spruce up a parfait...


...or a brownie or a cupcake!


This was a cute way to dress up desserts for the holiday!

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Christmas in my home.....

Here are a few photos of our Holiday Home....


...our tree is filled with special ornaments from the past 40 years, and each one comes with a story.  They are from the children when they were little, souveniers from our many travels, family treasures, and special gifts....


...there are even a few from my childhood!!


My dining area is an open room and the holiday decor is in neutral colors.  The Swarovski Crystal tree is above the china cabinet surrounded by mercury glass trees.  The other cabinet holds my collection of Possible Dreams Santas and Carolers....


....a collection I began over 30 years ago!


The tree has some hand painted bulbs and lots of gold...


This year I placed my black and white tree on the mantle, alongside a snowman riding a reindeer!


A simple M-C floral and fruit arrangement sits on the other side of the room:


This little corner has my favorite picture of Santa....


....a new MacKenzie-Childs holiday arrangement...


...and a few little M-C holiday decorations:


Plates and picks are always set up on the bar, ready for an impromptu afternoon snack:


The coffee table sports candles draped in greens and berry candle rings from Grandin Road:


The cedar chest is in the entryway.....


....with a new cloche I got this year from Pottery Barn, and the cutest fluffy wool reindeer and battery operated lit tree:


The mercury bulbs are draped around a M-C spray and a jolly little Santa:


My Mark Roberts Elf sits by the spa tub in our bathroom....


....and this pretty arrangement sits on the counter of the guest bathroom:


I am looking forward to a joyful holiday and wish you the very same!