Friday, November 30, 2012

Sleek, Simple and Stylish

Courtesy of H. Camille Smith

Hi Friends,

Thanksgiving is over and Christmas on the horizon. Welcome your guest with a gorgeous fall table setting during the transition.

Rate My Space user nyclq describes this table setting as, 'less is more.' Certainly, the look is minimal but it's far from sparse. By limiting the color palette to shades of brown and white, she creates a table that is warm, polished and oh so chic.

Remember, it's the simple. personal touches that make the most impact...

Happy Holidays from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Snowflake-Embellished Table Runner

Courtesy of Layla Palmer

Hi Friends,

Add a frosty touch to your holiday table with this easy-to-create felt snowflake table runner.

Materials Needed:
6-8 pieces of stiff, white felt
scissors
craft knife
hot glue gun and glue sticks
pen
various-sized paper snowflake patterns (printed from your computer)
burlap table runner

Lay Out Felt
Determine the number of snowflakes needed by laying out several pieces of stiff felt on your tabletop.

Trace and Cut Out Snowflakes
Use a pen to trace the shape of several different snowflakes onto the felt (Image 1), then cut out using scissors and a craft knife (Image 2).


Attach Snowflakes
Play with the position of snowflakes on runner by trying various layouts. When you're happy with the arrangement, attach corners and centers of snowflakes to burlap with small dots of hot glue.




Domed Centerpiece

Now let's talk centerpiece. An easy, budget-friendly addition created with items around your home. Simply take an everyday domed cake plate and add holiday greenery, pinecones and candles or embellish with ornaments. Think outside the box and use your creativity, personalize your centerpiece with items that have meaning to you and your family.

The sky is the limit...


Happy Holidays from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Easy Handmade Holiday Ornaments and Decorations

Hi Friends,

Add a personal touch to your Christmas tree and home with these easy-to-make yet intricate holiday ornaments and decorations that will give your home a warm, joyful look during the holidays. Courtesy of Farima Alavi.

A Rustic Christmas

Marian wrapped small, empty jewelry boxes with vintage holiday sheet music and thick ribbon for a rustic holiday look. Write names on the ribbon and place them on the dinner table as place cards or tuck the boxes into branches of a Christmas tree for an extraordinary twist. Carry through the rustic theme by filling the boxes with treats and placing them in stockings.

Dimensional Ball Decor

To add texture to the tree, Emily cut and folded 12 circles in half from sheet music, and taped one side to another circle's side until a complete ball was formed. Add dimension to the rest of the home with this easy-to-make ornament by filling stockings and bowls and hanging it from the mantel and stair railing.

A Spoonful of Creativity

Don't throw away unused household items. Melissa Michaels of The Inspired Room repurposed old spoons into ornaments for her dining room Christmas tree. She hung the spoons with jute to create the ornaments, which make a great conversation piece at the dinner table.

Fancy Holiday Spirit

This medallion looks intricate but is simple to make. To create this look, Emily Jones of Jones Design Company cut three strips of book pages and folded them accordion style. She then attached the three pieces together to create one long strip and glued the ends together to create a circle. After bunching the circle together and gluing it, she suggests adding a number to use the ornament as part of an advent calendar. Hang the ornament on the Christmas tree or anywhere in the house to spread the holiday spirit.

Sheet music is only one option for these great ideas. Use your creativity and develop your personal touch with items that speak to you and your family...

Happy Holidays from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Handmade Holiday Decorations

Hi Friends,

Give your home a cheerful and festive holiday update with inspirational ideas for easy-to-create Christmas decorations, crafts and centerpieces. Courtesy of Kayla Kitts.

Inviting Entryway

Create a warm and inviting entry for guests during the Christmas season. Fill mason jars with Epsom salt for a snowy, winter look. Add small votive candles and line the walkway for a true holiday welcoming. Image courtesy of Melissa Michaels

Snow White

Give plain stockings a fabulous makeover with simple and traditional adornments. Melissa Michaels of The Inspired Room suggests creating a custom and unique look by attaching old doilies and lace to the cuff of the stockings. Add monograms and embroidery for a personalized look.

Stocking Stuffers

These natural burlap-sack stockings are perfect for a cottage-style Christmas. White frill adorns the openings and softens the rough burlap exterior. Stuff the stockings with fresh greenery and ornament balls for a decorative touch. Design by Holly Mathis and sewing by Michelle Fritz

Silver Letter

Looking for a unique take on holiday place cards? Marian Parsons of Mustard Seed Interiors placed a glittered chipboard letter in a pinecone to create personalized place settings for each guest. To get the look, use an artist brush to apply school glue to both sides of a traditional chipboard letter. Then sprinkle silver glitter on the letter until both sides are entirely covered. Marian suggests adding adhesive magnets to the back of each letter for inexpensive and practical party favors.

Sparkling Staircase

Katrina Giles of Seaside Interiors jazzed up her Christmas staircase with holiday garland, silver ribbon and natural pinecones. She added silk greenery to the pinecones and coated them with silver metallic paint for a shimmery look that will bring holiday cheer all season long.

Joyful Banner

RMS user ChristyinNC used simple chipboard letters and gold ribbon to create this holiday-inspired banner for her mantel. To add even more sparkle and shine, you can cover the letters in a layer of gold or silver glitter.

Silver Bells

Layer garland with a collection of colorful ornaments in your favorite tray to create an irresistible holiday centerpiece or sofa table addition. Janell Beals of Isabella & Max Rooms dressed up a vintage-inspired porcelain tray with bold accessories and used a mixture of silver, blue and gold hues for an individualized twist on the traditional red and green.

Handmade holiday decorations are not only budget-friendly but fun and gives your decor that personal touch...

Happy Holidays from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne

Monday, November 26, 2012

Easy Christmas Card Holder Craft

Courtesy of Briana Mowrey

Hi Friends,

I’m terrible about sending Christmas cards, and it turns out I’m not much better at receiving them. I get these beautiful cards — mini works of art, really — and have no place to display them. Oh, there’s the fridge, of course, but anything less than my DREAM FRIDGE just seems too everyday for the good tidings. Fortunately, I stumbled upon this clever solution from Jen of Tatertots & Jello.

Jen made her own ladder and painted it blue to match her decor. She then dressed it with twine and clothespins, and ta-da! Now she can show off those Christmas cards in style. What’s more, Jen points out that the ladder can also be used to string up an advent calendar, or you could even use it to put up some stockings (especially handy for those without fireplaces). You may have to take down your Christmas tree after the holidays, but this is one attractive craft you can leave up year-round.

If you are not handy a library ladder will work as well...

Happy Holidays from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Creative Gift Wrap Ideas

Hi Friends,

A beautifully wrapped gift really shows someone you care. These clever do-it-yourself ideas are sure to impress everyone on your Christmas gift list without breaking the bank. Courtesy of Morgan Levine

Three-Dimensional Christmas Tree

To create the tree, cut 1/3 of a large circle out of green card stock. Score the center of the pie shape then accordion-fold the paper outward at evenly space intervals. Glue the edges of the folded paper tree down onto a wrapped gift and embellish with a paper star, rickrack garland and a brown paper trunk.

Paper Pine Branches

Just a few basic materials are all you need to create these colorful pine branches. Start by cutting long pointed oval shapes out of two sheets of light and dark green card stock. Stack the two pieces, score the center then glue the sheets together along the scored line. Once glue has dried, use scissors to fringe the edges to mimic the texture of pine needles. Create the branch by gluing a craft-paper-wrapped piece of floral wire along the center fold. Learn how to make the pinecones in the next paragraph.

To create pinecones, cut a tall triangle out of brown Kraft paper. Trim one long edge with scalloped scissors and darken it by running a brown marker along the edge. Fringe the opposite, non-scalloped long edge. Glue the short base of the triangle to a piece of paper-wrapped floral wire and wrap the triangle around the stem, scrunching fringe and moving up wire. Secure tip of paper with glue. Use a thin strip of craft paper to wrap branches and pine cones together, securing with glue. Tie sprig to wrapped gift with waxed twine.

Please feel free to share your creative gift wrap ideas with us...

Happy Holidays from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne

Saturday, November 24, 2012

6 Super Stuffing Recipes

Hi Friends,

We are sharing more recipes from our famous southern cook, Paula Deen. Today we are sharing, not one but six great southern stuffing recipes.

Apple Cranberry Stuffing
Recipe Courtesy of Paula Deen

Servings: 8 to 10 servings
Cook Time: 55 min
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients Add to grocery list
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup butter
1 onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup chopped celery
2 Granny Smith apples, cored and finely chopped
3 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (10.75-ounce) can cream of celery soup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
8 cups Hawaiian sweet bread, cubed and toasted

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking dish.

In a small bowl, combine chicken broth and cranberries; let soak for 30 minutes.

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, pepper and celery; cook for 5 minutes stirring frequently or until tender. Add apples and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and place in a large bowl.

Beat 3 eggs in a separate bowl. Add salt and pepper. Set aside.

In the large bowl with vegetables, stir in chicken broth mixture, celery soup, and cinnamon. Add toasted bread, stirring gently to combine. Add eggs. Spoon mixture into prepared dish and bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until center is set.
Sweet apples and tart cranberries blend together for a stuffing recipe that your family won’t soon forget.

Turkey / Chicken Stuffing
Recipe Courtesy of Bob Merten

An old fashioned stuffing recipe that can be cooked in a bird or a loaf pan!

Oyster Dressing
Recipe Courtesy of Paula Deen

Servings: 8 to 10 servings
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 min
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients Add to grocery list

Cornbread:
1 cup self rising cornmeal
1/2 cup self-rising flour
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Dressing:
7 slices white bread, dried in warm oven
Cornbread
1 sleeve saltine crackers
2 cups chopped celery
1 large onion, chopped
8 tablespoons butter
7 cups chicken stock
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
5 eggs, beaten
2 pints or 1 quart oysters, drained

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

To make the cornbread, combine all ingredients and pour into a greased shallow baking dish. Bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.

To make the dressing, crumble dried white bread slices, cornbread and crackers. Mix together and set aside. Saute chopped celery and onion in butter until transparent, approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Pour over corn bread mixture. Add stock, mix well and add salt, pepper, sage, and poultry seasoning. Add beaten eggs and mix well. Add oysters and mix. Pour into a greased pan. Bake for about 45 minutes.

Southern Cornbread Stuffing
Recipe Courtesy of Paula Deen

You won’t find a more traditional cornbread stuffing recipe this side of the Mason-Dixon line.

Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Cook Time: 1 hour 35 min
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients Add to grocery list
Cornbread, recipe follows
7 slices oven-dried white bread
1 sleeve crackers (recommended: Saltine)
8 tablespoons butter
2 cups chopped celery
1 large onion, chopped
7 cups chicken stock
1 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sage, optional
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning, optional
5 eggs, beaten

Cornbread:
1 cup self-rising cornmeal
1/2 cup self-rising flour
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, dried white bread slices, and saltines; set aside.

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the celery and onion and cook until transparent, approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Pour the vegetable mixture over cornbread mixture. Add the stock, mix well, taste, and add salt, pepper to taste, sage, and poultry seasoning. Add beaten eggs and mix well. Pour mixture into a greased pan and bake until dressing is cooked through, about 45 to 60 minutes.

Cornbread:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour batter into a greased shallow baking dish. Bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.

Good Old Country Stuffing
Recipe Courtesy of Paula Deen

The mushroom giblet gravy that accompanies this recipe is simply out of this world.

Servings: 8-10 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate

Ingredients Add to grocery list
2 loaves dry white bread, recommended: Pepperidge Farm
2 cups cooked white rice
1 sleeve crushed saltines
1 lb bulk breakfast sausage
2 cups chopped celery
1 large onion, chopped
7 cups chicken stock
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon dried sage leaves
3 eggs, beaten
1/4 stick of butter
Mushroom Giblet Gravy, recipe follows

Mushroom Giblet Gravy:
4 cups turkey or chicken stock
Giblets from 1 turkey
2 chicken bouillon cubes
2 tablespoons reserved stuffing mixture
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/3-cup cold water
2 pints button mushrooms, sliced
3 tablespoons butter
1 hard boiled egg, sliced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Crumble dried white bread into a large bowl. Add cooked white rice, and crushed saltines. Saute pork sausage. Add celery and onion and saute until transparent - 5 to 10 minutes. Pour over bread and rice mixture. Add stock - mix, add salt, pepper, sage, and poultry seasoning. Add 3 beaten eggs and mix well. Add slices of butter on top. Pour into greased pan and bake until done - 45 minutes.

Mushroom Giblet Gravy:

Bring stock and giblets to a boil. Add bouillon and reserved stuffing mixture. Make a slurry by whisking together the cornstarch and water and add to the boiling stock; cook 2 to 3 minutes. Meanwhile, saute mushrooms until browned in butter. Add mushrooms to gravy with egg and salt and pepper, to taste.

Deep-Fried Stuffing on a Stick
Recipe Courtesy of Paula Deen

Y’all know that we’ve never been scared to deep-fry something, even stuffing!

Servings: 12 servings
Cook Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients Add to grocery list
Stuffing:
5 tablespoons butter, divided
1 pound breakfast sausage, bulk
1 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced carrot
1/2 cup diced celery
1 bag unseasoned bread cubes, for stuffing
1 sleeve saltine crackers, crushed
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
2 teaspoons ground sage
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 quart chicken stock
4 eggs, beaten

For Frying:
Oil, for frying
2 cups all-purpose flour

Special equipment: 12 wooden ice cream sticks or skewers

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of the butter.

Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is cooked through. Transfer to a plate, while spooning off the excess grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the skillet. Add 4 tablespoons of the butter and melt. Add the onion, carrot and celery and saute until softened. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, toss together bread cubes, saltines, sausage, poultry seasoning, parsley flakes, sage, salt and pepper. Stir the sauteed vegetables into the mixing bowl. Pour in the chicken stock and eggs and toss together. Turn the stuffing out into the prepared baking dish.

Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the juices in the stuffing are bubbling.

Preheat oil in the deep-fryer to 350 degrees F.

Cool the stuffing completely. Cut it into 12 squares. Remove each square from the dish and wrap it around a wooden stick, pressing it onto the stick with your hands. Make the stuffing form a log shape around the popsicle stick, leaving 2-inches of the stick exposed for the handle. This should look somewhat like a lumpy corn dog.

Roll the stick in the flour, coating it well and then shaking off the excess. Gently lower the sticks into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain.

Bon Appétit...

Happy Holidays from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne

Friday, November 23, 2012

How-To: Creative Christmas Advent Calendars

Courtesy of Kayla Kitts

Hi Friends,

As a child, one of my favorite ways to count down the 25 days leading up to Christmas was to make a construction paper chain-link advent “calendar.” Each day I’d (impatiently) tear off a chain until 24 green-and-red strips of paper lay in the floor, letting me know it was time for Santa’s arrival. If you want to keep it ultra-simple this year with construction paper and glue, then more power to you (I always loved ripping off those paper links). But we have two chic and creative advent calendar ideas — one modern and one traditional — that are sure to make this holiday season memorable for the entire family.

We often picture an advent calendar strung up the banister or across the mantel. But, what about as a centerpiece? Jessica Wilcox of Modern Moments Designs covered sweetly wrapped gifts, ribbons and ornaments with a vintage chicken-wire cloche dome and attached printable Christmas tags to represent the 25-day countdown. Each day, let the kids remove a tag from the dome and open a gift. With each tag removed, simply replace with the next consecutive number. The interactive display will make dinnertime even more exciting during the holidays.

Download and Print Christmas Countdown Tags in Blue, Pink, Green and Teal

Traditional:

For those who love traditional charm and vintage style, we have the perfect advent calendar that looks especially lovely wrapped around the Christmas tree or up the banister. To create this holiday countdown keepsake, print 24 different, antique-inspired images onto fused linen and freezer paper and paint a number onto the bottom corner of each to represent the days of Christmas. Sew pockets into each image to hold treats and surprises for each day, and then tie each pocket together to create a long banner. Get the full how-to for the Vintage Garland Advent Calendar below:

How to Make a Vintage Garland Advent Calendar

Linen, ribbon and vintage printables come together in this advent calendar, which is sure to become a family tradition.

Materials Needed:
1 1/2 yards cream linen
all-purpose coordinating thread
sharp scissors
rotary cutter and mat (optional)
freezer paper
iron
ruler
pencil
computer and printer
photo editing software
sewing machine
graphics or pictures
10 yards grosgrain ribbon
no-fray glue
acrylic paint
1.0 artist liner brush

Cut Linen
Using a piece of standard printer paper as a template, cut out 13 pieces of linen and 13 pieces of freezer paper. Tip: Freezer paper must be used for this project, not wax or parchment paper.

Iron Fabric and Paper
Place one piece of linen face down on ironing board. Put the plastic coating of the freezer paper face down onto linen. Press paper onto fabric using an iron set on high until they are fused. Trim any overhanging freezer paper or fabric, if necessary. Repeat with 12 other pieces of linen and paper.

Edit and Print Graphics
Save 25 different vintage holiday graphics as jpg files. Make sure photos are either all vertical or all horizontal. Use photo editing software to crop all graphics to 3-1/2" x 5". Print each graphic on one page set at 3-1/2" x 5". Place fused linen and freezer paper into an ink jet printer oriented so the graphic will print on the fabric side. The image should be printed on the top left corner. Flip the fabric to print a second image on the bottom right corner. Note: All graphics used in this project are available for free at www.graphicsfairy.blogspot.com.

Cut Pockets
Using scissors or a rotary cutter, cut each piece of linen into four equal parts (4-1/4" x 5-1/2"). Trim pieces to center graphics, leaving at least a 1/4-inch border. Pair the printed pieces of linen with blank pieces of linen.

Paint Numbers
Mix equal parts red and burnt umber acrylic craft paint. Use a 1.0 liner brush to paint numbers 1-25 in the corner of each pocket. Allow paint to dry. Tip: Sketch numbers lightly with a pencil prior to painting.

Glue Raw Edge
Apply no-fray glue to the top edge of each pocket. Fold down the freezer paper to act as a stand as the glue dries. Tip: Some no-fray glues can cause ink to run. To prevent this, pour glue onto a paper plate and dip very top edge of each pocket into the glue for a more controlled application.

Sew Pockets
Separate the freezer paper from the linen. Assemble pockets with right sides facing out. Cut 50 lengths of grosgrain ribbon to approximately eight inches each. Insert ribbon between two pieces of linen in the upper right corner. Sew along the graphic, ensuring ribbon is sewn into the pocket as well. Rotate the pocket and sew the bottom. Rotate again and sew up the left side. Insert ribbon at the upper left corner and finish sewing the pocket.

Fray and Trim Pockets
Gently pull threads from pocket edges to create a frayed border. Trim excess threads. Apply no-fray glue to raw edges of ribbon and allow to dry. Fill the pockets with candy and small presents to build the anticipation of Christmas day. Tip: This advent calendar can be used in a variety of ways. Tie on new pockets each day to increase the length of the banner or start the month with a full banner and remove the pockets at the end of each day. Since it's a long banner, it's ideal for wrapping around a Christmas tree or draping along a banister.

Want to see more? Below are more easy advent calendar ideas you can make at home before December 1.

Christmas Treats

For this year's Christmas countdown, give your family daily surprises they'll devour. Using a sweet, holiday-inspired fabric, create miniature sacks to fill with delicious treats. After filling, add a corresponding countdown number, tie twine around the top to seal the sack and hang from the tree. Each day will leave everyone waiting in anticipation for another scrumptious Christmas treat.

Ornamental Additions

This advent calendar idea is simple and perfect for last-minute crafters. Melaine Thompson of My Sweet Savannah stenciled 24 numbers onto manila shipping tags and added glittery adornments. Each day, as Christmas draws closer and closer, the kids take off an ornament and place it on the tree.

Repurposed Holidays

Share My Craft user Cathe Holden reused vintage thread spools to create a one-of-a-kind holiday advent calendar in her home. On each spool she added a numbered wrap with a special note or a clue to a hidden gift. Cathe, a passionate crafter and designer, displayed her Christmas countdown on a vintage, modified spool holder. Cathe also suggests creating individual, numbered spool ornaments for the tree, or stringing the entire set together to create an advent calendar garland.

Countdown for the Kids

This traditional, felt advent calendar is the perfect addition to a child's bedroom door over the holidays. By using simple and inexpensive materials, each child can have a calendar of their own. Try to create different holiday-inspired shapes to form the background — a classic Christmas tree, snowflake, mitten or Santa Claus hat.

Share your Advent Calendar ideas...

Happy Holidays from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgivings!


Hello Friends,

All of us at Interior Design would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the timeless treasures of the season; the warmth of home, the love of family and the company of good friends.

Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Personalized Pumpkins

Design by Holly Mathis

Hi Friends,

Small details can make a big impact on your Thanksgiving table. Try tying handmade place cards to mini pumpkins for a personal touch that will make guests feel special.

Excellent and easy idea that doesn't take a lot of time to put together but will be remembered and appreciated by all your guest.

Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Honey Mustard Glazed Ham

Recipe Courtesy of Paula Deen

Hi Friends,

Sweet and savory together. This is the perfect dish for a Thanksgiving table.

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 min

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients
1 8-10 lb. whole ham
1 Jar Paula Deen Honey Mustard Glaze
1/2 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
2 Tablespoons orange zest
fresh orange for garnish, sliced in rounds

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 F

Place ham in a pan with 1 cup of water, cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil or a lid and cook at 325 degrees F for 18 minutes per pound or to an internal temperature of 160 F.

In a medium bowl, combine Paula Deen Honey Mustard Glaze, orange juice and zest. Reserve 4 tablespoons and set aside. During the last 45 minutes of baking baste the ham with the glaze mixture several times.

Let ham stand 10 minutes before carving.

While the ham is resting, baste with the reserved 4 tablespoons of glaze mixture. Garnish with fresh orange slices and serve

Bon Appétit...

Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne

Monday, November 19, 2012

Orange Apricot Turkey

Recipe Courtesy of Paula Deen

Hi Friends,

Here is an orange twist on Thanksgiving Turkey from one of my favorite southern cooks, Paula Deen.

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients
2 sticks butter (well chilled)
1 can Apricot halves (reserve liquid)
1 small can frozen condensed orange juice
Turkey 12-14 pounds
Salt & pepper to taste
4 stems rosemary (optional)

Directions
Preheat oven to 400º F

Place turkey in large roasting pan (no rack). Slice chilled butter into long slices. Slide one full stick of butter under the skin of each breast. Under the skin of one side place apricot halves. Take the frozen orange juice out of can and place in the cavity of the turkey along with the juice from apricot can and one cup of water. Cook at 400ºF for 20 minutes.

Reduce heat to 250º F and roast until turkey is done. Baste frequently with the orange/apricot/butter drippings.

Notes From the Paula Deen Test Kitchen: Turkey will take longer than instructed on a typical turkey package since you are roasting at a lower heat for the final time. Typically, a 12-14 pound bird will take a total of 4 to 4 ½ hours to roast with this method. We used Apricot preserves mixed with a little of the pan juices for a final baste on our turkey. Flavor was delightful and a nice twist on the usual turkey preparation.

Bon Appétit...

Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Memorable Ways to Welcome Your Holiday and Weekend Guests

Hi Friends,

Ensure a stress-free weekend during the holidays — for both you and your guests — with these simple hosting rules of thumb.

Courtesy of Jennifer Huskey

Know Your Limits

The first rule of thumb, says entertaining expert Dana Christine, is to know the limits of your home and don't invite more guests than you or the house can accommodate. If children are on the guest list, determine if you'll need to line up a babysitter if adult-only outings are on the schedule; if pets will be visiting as well, either make it clear that they're welcome in the house or offer up contact info for local kennels. Most importantly, Christine says to establish arrival and departure dates and avoid inviting friends and family for an open-ended stay. If you can't handle guests for more than a week, don't be shy about setting limits. This puts everyone on the same page and avoids surprises.

Create a Retreat

To help rejuvenate their spirits, give the guest room a bed-and-breakfast feel, says interior designer Kevin Simon. Dress the bed with fresh linens and blankets and use baskets to hold towels and toiletries. For the ultimate guest experience, provide robes and slippers.

Offer Drinks on Arrival

So guests don't feel like they have to forage for food the minute they arrive, be sure to supply them with snacks and beverages on a tray.

Provide Designated Storage Space

Equip the room with a bench or luggage rack for their suitcases or for guests staying more than one or two days, clear out a few dresser drawers so they can completely unpack.

Rely on a Simple Breakfast Buffet

It's best to rely on simple meals and appetizers for your guests that can be prepared before they arrive and just heated come time to eat. For breakfast, Pam Hix relies on doughnuts, bagels, pastries and a variety pack of single-serving cereal boxes for an easy morning feast that stays fresh for late-sleeping guests.

Make the Bathroom Guest-Ready

And don't forget to spruce up the bathroom, says event planner Damon Pease. Simple indulgences like fresh flowers and candles make guests feel welcome.

Keep Guests Satisfied Until Dinner

For mid-day munchies, offer a crudité and fruit platter and a couple of warm chip-and-dip combos to keep everyone satisfied until dinner. Also, be sure to have an ample supply of bottled water so guests can grab and go.

Now you're ready to open your doors for your Holiday and weekend guest, enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!





Live well,
Yvonne