Think Outside the Box

It's that time of year, when we search for boxes to stash gifts inside and we want them to look pretty or different so we wrap them in bows and tie ribbons around them but we can also simply make the boxes pretty to begin with. This is how I did it.

I bought a book that has all sorts of special boxes and instructions inside.

Then I press out the pre-designed box and start to put it together.

I made a few of them tonight.

So when you're wrapping your presents, don't simply think of wrapping paper and ribbons or bows. Think outside the box... :D

EZ-Smeazy Holiday Drinks

Sparkling Christmas Punch - thanks to Pottery Barn

Bottle sparkling apple cider
Equal parts champagne and cranberry juice
frozen raspberries

Hot Toddy

6 oz hot water 1 1/2 oz whiskey or bourbon
1 tsp of cloves
1/2 tsp. of honey
1 cinnamon stick for stirring

It's Dangerous Out There Take This With You

So what do you give the guy who has everything? How bought a hand made mug?

All it takes is a personalized design and some glass etching paste.

A nice heavy mug can be bought inexpensively and then it can be turned into a very personal gift.

Adding Link's Sword from the Legend of Zelda, is the perfect way to personalize a mug for a gamer.

Setting a Simple Holiday Table

We were celebrating the holidays and I wanted the table to look pretty but I didn't want to spend a lot of money. Here's how I did it.

I took 3 yards of fabric that I bought on sale and simply spread it out over the table as the tablecloth. Then I took gold chargers and put pretty Christmas plates on top. I used cupcakes I'd made the night before for the centerpiece.

It was so simple and I think it looked pretty.

Homemade Christmas Leg Warmers

I am always cold and here's a way to Shoo (or shoe) away the cold. Wearing leg warmers can help fight the chill.

Here's how I made them.

I took wine bottle Christmas bags.

And cut off the bottoms. Then simple sew the raw edge to finish it.

And Wah-LAH! Super simple and festive Christmas inspired leg warmers.

Okay so my kids think I'm a dork...I'm not arguing.

Simple Holiday Appetizers - that are YUMMY

If you'd like to make a fresh baked apple pie and serve it warm - right out of the oven - as your guests walk in the door--it's going to take some time but here's how to have the same effect without all that work.

Grab a pretty holiday plate, put a bowl in the middle and fill it with Apple Pie Dip and surround the bowl with Cinnamon Pita Chips.

The simplest way to make the Apple Pie Dip is to take a can of apple pie filling and warm it in the microwave - you can add some water (one tablespoon at a time) to thin the mixture (and chop the apple chunks before serving).

You can buy the Cinnamon Pita Chips at the store.

So simple, tasty and oh so festive. And, if you have a little more time, you can make the Apple Pie Dip and pita chips from scratch.

Apple Pie Dip (Thanks to Pottery Barn)


2 Large apples, peeled, cored and diced small
Juice from half a lemon
3 Tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon cornstarch, dissolved in 1 teaspoon water

In a small saucepan, combine all dip ingredients minus the cornstarch/water paste.  Heat on medium low until the mixture is boiling and juices are bursting from the apples. (Just a few minutes) Remove from heat and stir in the cornstarch paste.

Return to heat, then cook on medium low for a few more minutes until boiling again and the sauce is somewhat thickened. Transfer to heat-proof serving bowl and set aside to make the chips. (Serve warm, cold or at room temperature, however, store int he fridge if not serving right away.)

Christmas Cupcakes

I

I love to bake and I love the holidays so what could be better than some Christmas inspired cupcakes?

Here's how I made them.

I started with some pretty cupcake papers.

Then I filled them with cake batter. And I created some frosting with coconut, marshmallows and food coloring. You can make it yourself with a pound of powdered sugar and one cube of butter for butter cream frosting (if you want cream cheese frosting, simply substitute cream cheese for the butter) and mix them up together until smooth. Add your food coloring and wha-lah, you're ready. I add in shredded coconut or marshmallows to create the texture I want.

Then I frosted some ice cream cones and stuck them on top of my frosted cupcakes.

For the Santa Hat, I used a marshmallow for the fur.

I decorated my trees with candies to make them look like ornaments.

It was fun and they were also great to use for tabletop decorations.