A Touch of Holiday!

I've never been one to "go-all-out" for Thanksgiving and Christmas as far as the house and yard decorations go. Time, energy, and dollars are not always at the levels needed to support my grandiose ideas I would otherwise like to implement! So, because of those limitations, I have enjoyed working within some boundaries that still provide the warmth and exhilaration we anticipate during this season. The following ideas are a combination of some of my own, and other inspirational visuals I have drawn from. One idea always leads to the next. I might see one small item in the store, or laying around the house, and all of a sudden, my brain takes off in a thousand different direction! That's the fun of creating!


LIGHTING
The one idea I set in place already is taking a long string of mini white Christmas lights and placing them around some shelving. They make for a great night light, and cast a soft glow to the room when all the other lights are off. Red lights are even more dramatic, and very much in keeping with holiday colors!





















Scented candles randomly placed around an area is probably my all time favorite. I found some candles from Holmes County that are, by far, the best I have ever had in the house. I discovered they can be purchased online too!
http://www.picturetrail.com/pamsprimitives


http://www.swancreekcandle.com/

To multiply the lighting effects, place some votives inside various sized glassware, wineglasses, or crystal dishes the equivalent of small vases, on an 8x10 mirror from the craft store. The reflection acts as a centerpiece for a coffee table, a hallway table, the bathroom, or mantle. The ideas are endless!















QUICK RECIPES
Try this recipe! Bet you can't eat just one!
1 package of oreo cookies
1 8 oz. package of cream cheese
Smash the cookies till they resemble fine crumbs.
Stir in softened cream cheese and mix into a firm batter
Place mixture in the freezer for about an hour to set
Shape the batter into small balls
Cover each ball in melted white chocolate and dry on a sheet of wax paper
YOUR TASTE BUDS WILL LOVE YOU!


Another fun one....
Melt different colored chocolate discs separately; red, green, white and chocolate.
Take a big scoop of the first color and drizzle on an 8 x 10 sheet of wax paper.
Take a scoop of the next color and drizzle on top of the first color, creating a random marbleized pattern.
Continue layering the colors until you achieve the thickness of a Hershey candy bar.
Right after the last layer has been drizzled, and is still very soft and warm, sprinkle finely crushed peppermint hard candies across the top (finely chopped pecans, or Christmas m&ms work well too!).
Let this set till hardened.
Break apart into chunks.


This is a super quick and easy treat to take to any holiday gathering! And, always a big hit!

CHRISTMAS CARDS
Decorating with Christmas cards always adds some extra color to a room.










GARLAND





We all know the list is endless. With a little time and imagination, you can create a colorful accent to any space in your home using simple items. Instead of one candle, use twenty. Instead of one string of lights, use ten, etc. Decorating doesn't need to be time consuming and costly..... just.... FUN!