Take some time to add a personal touch

Even if you just do it for yourself…..there are a few extra things you can do around your home and before the holidays that will add the “peace” you are looking for amongst all the hustle and bustle of the season.

Add a little red

Adding red to any décor works when it’s Christmas – if you are into the color then try a little dash of it. These vibrant red earthenware vases will add sparkle and shine to a sideboard or mantelpiece. Available in two sizes, these deep crimson beauties will attract lots of compliments. They're not watertight, so don't fill them with fresh flowers. Instead, opt for dry botanicals; consider amaryllis or paper whites for festive flair.

Stop to smell the…..

Whether it’s an oil burner or a fresh swag on the mantel – there is a smell of the season that always warms your heart. Try a fresh over sized magnolia wreath to capture that sense.Simple and understated, this magnolia wreath will add natural beauty to your home. Perfect for the front door or above a fireplace, this wreath features lovely, fresh green leaves mixed with silver and gold faux leaves.

A touch of whimsy

I think a little bit of whimsy can go a long way especially if it’s as special as these mugs. So cute, so stylish even if your by yourself. These ceramic reindeer mugs just make you want to fill them with something tasty and wrap your cold hands around them while you sit in front of the Christmas tree. Don't forget to fill them with hot chocolate on Christmas Eve or tea and coffee on Christmas morning – indulge!

Festive Surfaces You know by now my love for holiday dinnerware – why not use them all season long? This set of four porcelain plates will make a statement on your holiday table or throughout the winter. A modern square design paired with a striking black and white snowflake pattern makes this set perfect for a contemporary table. A set of four is beautifully packaged for gift-giving too.

Beautiful Candle Light Lit candles add such a festive feeling during the holidays. The design of these ornate candlesticks is inspired by the luxurious, opulent living of 18th century France. Placed on the dinner table, they're sure to add a warm and inviting ambiance. I would place them allover to carry the glow from room to room.

Adding warmth with Cashmere Add warmth to your home décor with extra pillows and a cozy throw blanket. At arms reach, a warm throw blanket is a must have – great for curling up after an evening of wrapping gifts.

So take time to relax - grab a festive plate full of sweets, a whimsical mug of hot cocoa, light a candle and sit back to enjoy!

Tis the season

The best part of the holiday season? The endless social events that quickly fill your calendar!

Here are a few cocktails and accessories that are sure to put you in a festive mood!

Cocktail Shakers Mix drinks with the confidence of a pro. A quick twist of the lid on this shaker reveals tons of cocktails recipes with foolproof measuring guides for perfect results. I saw these at the recent show in China and then recently saw them again at Pottery Barn - I think it would make an awesome hostess gift along with a nice bottle of gin!

For the wine lover If you are not into cocktails but wine is your thing then these gift tags from Crate and Barrel are super cute.

Or how about these bright and festive “martini’ inspired appetizer plates? I also love these wooden mini mingling plates from style hive.

And now for the showstopper (or what I think is the showstopper…) cocktail twists. Who does not love a sweet garnish on their drink – and what better garnish then these from Party Stockholm. Add a twist to your favorite cocktail with these cute hard candy twists there are four yummy flavors: espresso, peppermint, citron and apple that are ideal for martinis, cosmos, margaritas, coffee drinks or liquors. Hook it on the edge of the glass or drop it right in. Another wonderful hostess gift and great idea! You can find them on http://www.uncommongoods.com/ .

Here are a few recipes sure to warm you up.

White Chocolate Raspberry Cocoa {via HostessWithTheMostess.com} Ingredients: 1 to 1-1/2 ounces white chocolate sauce6 ounces steamed milk, 3/4 ounce Chambord, 3/4 ounce creme de cacao

Directions:

Fill a glass coffee cup with boiling water to preheat. Pour out water. Mix white chocolate sauce and steamed milk in coffee cup. Add Chambord and creme de cacao. Garnish with whipped cream and fresh raspberries. Hot Buttered Rum {via cocktailtimes.com}

Ingredients:- 1 lb light brown sugar- 1/2 lb unsalted butter (softened)- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:

In a mixing bowl beat together softened butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract and spices until well combined. Refrigerate in an airtight reusable container for up to a month, or place in your freezer until ready to use.Directions: In a pre-heated coffee mug combine 2 heaping tablespoons batter with 1 1/2 oz. Mount Gay Eclipse Rum. Top with boiling water and stir well to mix. Serve with a spoon.

Hot Apple Pie {via HostessWithTheMostess.com}

Ingredients:2 oz Tuacahot, apple cider, whipped cream, cinnamon stick for garnish

Directions:

Pour the Tuaca in an Irish coffee glass.Fill with hot apple cider.Top with whipped cream.Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Fireside Martini:

If you have jumped on the Martini train, and wish to offer specialty Martinis to your guests, you will need to add some imperative items to your bar list - like super-premium gin or vodka.

1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 3/4 oz vodka, 3/4 oz Baileys Irish Cream and 1/2 oz white crème de cacao. 2. Shake until frothy and strain into a Martini glass rimmed with crushed chocolate.

And to end this spirit inspired post – don’t forget your rims?

Spice up your Holiday cocktail party with a garnish-your-own-rim bar. Here are a few ideas.

Snappy Chai Eggnog: Coat the rims of four rocks glasses with the brown-sugar syrup, then the gingersnap crumbs.

White Chocolate Rum Shake: Pour into tall glasses and top with whipped cream, sprinkles and a candy cane.

Pecan Pie Martini: On a small plate, stir together 1 teaspoon corn syrup and the brown sugar. Dip the rims of 4 martini glasses in the mixture, then in the chopped nuts.

Cheers!

Holiday treats

Christmas Treats by Maevelicious

Looking for some tastey treats for your Holiday table - here are a few guaranteed to tantalize you and your guests.

Martha Stewart’s Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Serve this showy dessert this holiday season. Christmas Tree Cakes are laden with snowy frosting and sprinkled with sanding sugar. Save some sugar to create beds of "snow" for serving. This are beautiful – check her website for the recipe – they are made using waffle cones in order to get the tree shape! BRILLIANT!!!

William Sonoma Original Peppermint Bark

Introduced a decade ago, and a favorite ever since this bark is the best. An original Williams-Sonoma recipe, the nostalgic handmade treat continues a proud tradition of artisanal candymaking. Often copied but never matched in quality or flavor, the confection derives its inimitable taste from custom-blended Guittard premium chocolate and natural oil of peppermint that’s triple-distilled to extract the cool, clean flavor of fresh mint. Master candymakers pour melted semisweet chocolate onto a confectioner’s table, then add a layer of creamy white chocolate. The bark is finished with a snowfall of crisp handmade peppermint candy bits – an inspired contrast to the rich, velvety smoothness of the world-class chocolate. I also love (and keep) each of my tins – I can’t wait to get another this year!

William Sonoma Handcrafted Marshmallows

Individually wrapped to preserve their freshness, these classic light-as-air marshmallows are just right for floating in a cup of hot chocolate or dipping into melted chocolate. Making marshmallows this good takes plenty of time: Confectioners begin by cooking whisked egg whites and syrup together in copper kettles; for the chocolate flavor, premium Guittard cocoa is added. Then the airy mixture is poured onto marble slabs to cool and set before its hand cut into cubes. Vanilla and chocolate.

William Sonoma Peppermint Snow

As festive as a holiday snowfall, these red-and-white peppermint bits add seasonal color and crunch to homemade treats. Artisanal confectioners craft the candy entirely by hand, right down to the striped detailing. I would top a wonderful bowl of ice cream with these or sprinkle them all over my holiday cupcakes – the options are endless!

Horchow Chocolates in a Dome

Delight them with chocolates placed on an edible base and enclosed in a container resembling a snow globe. These unique 6-oz. confections are from Golda & I Chocolatiers- almost too lovely to eat……I said almost!

Red Envelope’s Modern Gingerbread House

Every bit as edible as the traditional one, this isn't your grandma's gingerbread house. Red Envelope gave the classic holiday treat a mid-century makeover, complete with garage and rock garden. A unique gift and sure-fire conversation piece, it comes assembled and ready to enjoy. Once unwrapped, it should be eaten within 30 days. Left as decoration, it will keep for up to 12 months. Love it – now I wonder if you could find someone to do a custom gingerbread of your own house – that would be awesome!!!

Lump of Coal in Felt Bag Crate and Barrel Exclusive. Even if they've been nice, kids (and adults) will get a kick out of finding this licorice hard candy in their stocking.

Marks and Spencer Here are some great Christmas cakes from the master of holiday food – unfortunately their not in Canada anymore.

Handmade Holiday

There is nothing like making handmade gifts for family and friends. Here are a few simple ones even I could do! Thanks to BHG.com for the inspiration.

Sparkling Green Sensation

Paint a clear ball with acrylic paint; let dry. Apply a thin coat of crafts glue to the ball and spoon ultra-fine glitter onto the surface. Gently shake off any excess glitter. To minimize messes, work over a shallow box, a box lid, or a jelly-roll pan covered with wax paper. These would make a pretty tie-on for that special present.

Matching Pillow Set How lovely would this couple be – on my own sofa!!
What you need for the red pillow
· 1 yard of red felt
· Scraps of white felt
· Fabric glue
· Red pom-pom trim
· Matching sewing thread
· 16-inch pillow form

How to Make It
1. For the pillow front, cut a 17-1/2-inch square of red felt.
2. Cut a tree pattern twice onto the back side of the pillow front and cut out the tree-shape openings.
3. Cut a 4-1/2-x-10-1/2-inch rectangle of white felt.
4. Glue the white rectangle strip onto the back side of the pillow front, covering the tree-shape openings.
5. Cut a few pom-poms from the trim and glue them onto the trees.
6. Sew a 17-1/2-inch length of pom-pom trim across the pillow front.
7. For the pillow back, cut two 17-1/2-x-9-inch rectangles of red felt.
8. With right sides together, stitch the pillow back to the pillow front using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, overlapping the back pieces at the center back to create an opening for the pillow form.
9. Turn right side out and insert pillow form.

Note: For a more permanent pillow, substitute the fabric glue with needle and thread.
What you need for the white pillow
· 1 yard of white felt
· Scraps of red felt
· Scalloped-edge scissors
· Matching sewing thread
· Fabric glue
· 16-inch pillow form

How to Make It
1. For the pillow front, cut a 17-1/2-x-14-inch rectangle and a 17-1/2-x-4-inch rectangle of white felt.
2. Cut a 17-1/2-x-3/4-inch strip of red felt and use the scalloped-edge scissors to trim a decorative edge along one long side.
3. Sandwich the strip of red felt between the white felt rectangles and sew together using a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
4. Trace a small tree shape onto the back side of the pillow front and cut out the opening.
5. Trace a large tree shape onto red felt and cut out.
6. Cut a 4-1/2-inch long strip of white felt using the scalloped-edge scissors on each long edge.
7. Glue the white felt strip on the back side of the tree-shape opening followed by the red felt tree shape.
8. For the pillow back, cut two 17-1/2-x-9-inch rectangles of white felt.
9. With right sides together, stitch the pillow back to the pillow front using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, overlapping the pillow back pieces at the center back to create an opening for the pillow form.
10. Turn right side out and insert pillow form.Note: For a more permanent pillow, substitute the fabric glue with needle and thread.

Festive Paperweights

Glass paperweights decked out for the holidays make practical and gender-neutral gifts -- ideal for coworkers and teachers. The super simple project starts with a glass paperweight kit, available at crafts and hobby stores or online. Decorate the paperweight with scrapbooking paper, gift wrap, or an old Christmas card. Thin foam letters glued on one paper send glad tidings.

Now if you are more like me – buying handmade is another option. And there s no other place to go for spectacular handmade items other then the mother-ship of handmade, http://www.etsy.com/.

Sterling Silver snowflake by Erin ElizabethA teeny tiny Sterling Silver snowflake charm glides along Sterling Silver chain. One tiny Freshwater Pearl snowball slides alongside. The Sterling lobster clasp is framed by two Sterling Silver beads. This tiny, delicate necklace is perfect for layering or wearing on its very own! This necklace measures approximately 16 inches long, the pendant measures approximately 1/2 inch long.

Lovely Earthenware by Paloma's NestAs seen in the December 2008 issue of Better Homes and Gardens Magazine!!! Spreading the JOY of the season, this little dove bowl will find a special place in your heart.This little dish (or they have ornaments too) is perfect on an entry table, dresser or desk, to catch jewelry and all of life's little treasures, or just as a reminder to share JOY in your home and your world. A lovely gift for yourself or for someone else...Each piece is hand-crafted of fine pure white clay, and fired in our kiln; the piece has a protective matte finish applied to the surface and is designed for decorative use only.

Snowman Tray by Little Korboose
Ok, we know I love all things snowman…but this little tray is so special! All of the their plates/trays are made from melamine so it is dishwasher safe – just no microwaving with these babies!

So go ahead, pull out the glue gun or the credit card and happy hand making!

NEXT....please......

NEXT is a great brand that you find everywhere in Europe.

Next is a UK based retailer offering stylish, good quality products in clothing, footwear, accessories and home products. Next distributes through three main channels: Next Retail, a chain of more than 480 stores in the UK and Eire; the Next Directory, a direct mail catalogue and transactional website with more than 2 million active customers; and Next International, with more than 140 stores overseas.

I love their Holiday items and wanted to share a few with you.

I love their party dresses and the accessories are sweet and special. The purse and key ring sets are adorable.

I mean what girl doesn’t need a shoe bank with matching wallet – isn’t that ironic?

Now for home décor.

They are similar to a target- great items for good prices….There are so many great items for the holidays I thought I would just show you some collections to drool over!

I love these card holders - 20 clear replaceable micro bulbs with detachable laundry clips or how about the curtain of lights?

Their Christmas line up this year is wonderful – if you travel to the UK be sure to make at stop!

Holiday Dinnerware

Ok, I think I have a growing obsession for holiday dinnerware. I know I have an obsession with paper plates (can’t really talk about it now perhaps a post is in order), but I am beginning to realize the paper plates are filling a void on my entertaining table set-up.

I adore holiday themed or Christmas themed dinnerware. I find myself surfing for patterns all season long – walking down aisle seeking tiny appetizer plates with beautiful or novelty designs. But the out come is always the same – I don’t have a set yet. I would love one of these sets from Crate and Barrel– I would use them as soon as Halloween was over and keep using them till the first thaw – considering we have about 5 months of winter where I live I think I would need 2 sets.

Target always has some great designs which usually always including serving pieces like trays and bowls. Here are several patterns I would consider for my own table.

Lenox is another great china source for Christmas and holiday pieces – here are a few I like

– and you can also find some retired collections on ebay etc. that are still as beautiful today as they were when they launched!

Now Pottery Barn (and PB Kids), is a no brainer for dinnerware, but honestly I don’t think these sets are new – I recall seeing these (or something very similar) last Christmas.

If you know whether these are new for this season let me know – or I’d have to conclude that PB is very “green” this year, as in recycling last years line up!

Macy’s also has all the top names in china flaunting their holiday colors and patterns. Now these are really a “collection”. I really like Fitz & Floyd’s “Town and Country” collection – timeless.

A great line of dinnerware (be it Holiday or everyday) is Waechtersbach.

The collection Willie & Emma or George & Gracie (who are the friends of Willie and Emma), are both fun whimsical designs that are sure to bring holiday cheer to every event you have!

Now if you have a chance to get to Marks & Spencer (in the UK) then plan for an entire day of shopping!

Here is this year’s holiday dinnerware collection from M&S and I think it is my fav!

I hope you enjoy looking at these as much as I do…and if you have a set of dishes you use at Christmas or during the holidays please share.
PS: I also added the latest Kate Spade winter dinnerware collection – which is another I love!