Posts Tagged ‘holidays’

December 31st, 2013 No Comments

Crisp White with Navy for New Years Celebrations

Whether you celebrate on the eve of New Years or on New Years Day, white flowers are always a favorite of mine for table settings. Like a clean slate, white symbolizes a fresh start to the new year. Adding in crisp Navy in seating cards or menu cards adds a little depth and masculinity. Another beautiful option is to stay with the deep reds and burgundies of the holidays. You can tone down the all-red holiday look by using neutral or flax colored linens. To elevate a buffet, place labeled cards in front of food dishes. You might have fun … Read more

December 20th, 2013 No Comments

Candy Cane Cosmos

Most everyone loves a Cosmopolitan cocktail. The cranberry juice makes it red, perfect for a holiday party. But instead of garnishing it with lime or lemon rind, wet the rim with sugar and crushed candy canes then hang a miniature candy cane on the martini glass. A classic cosmopolitan ingredients: 1/2 ounce Contreau Orange Liqueur 1 ounce Vodka 1/2 ounce lime juice 1/2 ounce cranberry juice Cheers!

December 17th, 2013 No Comments

sugared cranberries and brie appetizer bites

Cranberries can be used so many different ways for the holidays and this recipe for sugared cranberries and brie bites is perfect for a holiday party or just as appetizers for your own family. Be sure to plan a bit ahead for this one as you should soak the cranberries over night. Here is the recipe link from Yummy Mummy Kitchen and if you are still looking for a gift for someone, especially if they have kids, there is a book of the same name full of wonderful healthy recipes for families available on Amazon.

December 13th, 2013 No Comments

Classic Mimosas for Christmas Brunch

I’m always gathering punch recipes or special cocktail recipes for the holidays but I forget about what to serve for Christmas brunch sometimes. A classic mimosa is a perfect celebratory drink for Christmas day. Usually two-thirds champagne and one-third orange juice, you can really do any combination that suits your taste. Blood Orange juice can be used (like you see above), Prosecco can be substituted for champagne and a dash of Triple Sec can be added if you wish. Garnish with a strawberry slice, orange slice or even a mint leaf. Set up a self-serve bar if you are having … Read more

December 3rd, 2013 No Comments

lavender hot chocolate

We love hot chocolate and we were thrilled to find this lavender hot chocolate recipe via alamodejournals.com. If you didn’t catch yesterday’s post we’re talking about using lavender for holiday entertaining this week.  This will be a lovely treat for your guests this winter. Let us know if you try it!  

November 26th, 2013 No Comments

personalize your gifts with monogramed wrapping paper for the holidays

What a wonderful idea! Gail Brill of Gail Brill Design can create a gorgeous monogram for you and turn it into small sheets of 11 x 17 wrapping paper. Black and white or color can be printed. It’s a $35 set up fee and $2 per sheet for black and white and $3 per sheet for color. Have your own initial or Gail did my husband and my initials together for this gorgeous paper you see above. Gail has many fonts but her most popular is her “Brill Script” which I’ve included below so you can see each letter. The … Read more

November 19th, 2013 No Comments

update how you serve punch for the holidays with these simple ideas & recipes

You can update the look of a traditional punch bowl just by using these other glasses and vessels. At the Philly Fish House in Philadelphia they take old wine bottles and recycle them by filling with their Philly Fish House Punch recipe and letting guests serve themselves from the bottles. Love those tumblers they show? We have them available on our shop. Here’s the link. (above photo by Tina Rupp) Consider using martini glasses to serve your punch to your guests instead of a tumbler or glass cup.  This Pineapple Punch from Cosmopolitan looks great in a martini glass. Try … Read more

November 15th, 2013 No Comments

inspiration for your holiday table: mckenzie powell’s enchanting florals

Mckenzie Powell, floral and event designer based in Seattle, has such romantic and organically beautiful florals. Mckenzie trained as a graphic designer which clearly has an impact on both her floral and event design. Her blog is charming. It features so many of her elegant celebrations and snippets of her personality and travels. When I asked her what advice she had for creating holiday centerpieces Mckenzie told me, “While I obviously love a lush floral centerpiece, something on the simpler side can still be really lovely. One of my go-to’s is using a collection of small potted plants, a … Read more

November 12th, 2013 No Comments

Chocolate Bar Place Cards and Favors in One, Perfect for the Holidays

We did this simple idea a lot for holidays and weddings at Martha Stewart. Take your favorite (flat) chocolate bar and cover with a beautiful paper or wrapping paper and secure with double stick tape. To personalize, add a simple label with each guests’ name. Hershey bars are an easy choice but I love my friend Jessica’s chocolate company Woodblock Chocolate, chocolates handmade by her and her husband. (see our behind the scenes post visiting their factory) You can find labels like these at Staples stores and online and search the internet for free clip art to print … Read more

November 1st, 2013 No Comments

recipes: white chocolate pumpkin cheesecake

Here is a wonderful no bake white chocolate pumpkin cheesecake with pecan pie crust recipe from Bakeaholicmama.com. And if cheesecake isn’t quite your thing see her link for 100 of the best pumpkin recipes. As the holidays approach it’s fun to try new recipes on the weekends in November. Let us know what your favorite recipe is by leaving a comment!