Friday, December 25, 2015

Merry Christmas!


Hi Friends,

The Holiday Season gives us the perfect 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.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from your friends at Interior Design!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Thursday, December 24, 2015

'Twas the Night Before Christmas...



Hi Friends,

One of the oldest and most popular Christmas poems ever, commonly referred to as "Twas The Night Before Christmas," was written in the early 19th century.

Though its author is disputed, with the poem being attributed to both Clement Clarke Moore and Henry Livingston Jr. over the years, it was definitely first published on Dec. 23, 1823 in the Troy Sentinel newspaper in upstate New York.

It is also referred to as "A Visit From St. Nicholas" or "The Night Before Christmas." and goes like this...

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.
And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap.

When out on the roof there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
tore open the shutter, and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
gave the lustre of midday to objects below,
when, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles, his coursers they came,
and he whistled and shouted and called them by name:

"Now Dasher! Now Dancer!
Now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid!
On, Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch!
To the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away!
Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky
so up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
with the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
the prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head and was turning around,
down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
and he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes--how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
and the beard on his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
and the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
and I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
and filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

Hope you enjoyed the poem and will share it with family and friends...

Merry Christmas from your friends at Interior Design.

Merry Christmas!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

A Rustic Christmas


Courtesy of Marian Parsons

Merry Christmas Friends,

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.

Happy Holiday wrapping...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Seasonal Stencils


Courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Merry Christmas Friends,

Instead of typical ball-shaped ornaments, give your tree streamlined, graphic impact by stringing metal stencils from the hardware store onto twine. Create a similar look with cardboard stencils by punching a hole through the top, then hanging with twine.

Happy Holiday decorating...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Monday, December 21, 2015

Pear and Fig Tart in a Jar Recipe


Courtesy of Manvi Drona-Hidalgo

Merry Christmas Friends,

These fruit-and-cream tarts are simple enough for novice chefs to make, thanks to a pie crust shortcut. Individually portioned in clear glass jars, they're just the right size for holiday gift-giving. Get the recipe.

Makes 8 8-oz jars

Ingredients
8 (8-ounce) clear glass jars with lids
2 rolls ready-to-bake pie crust

For the Filling:
1 cup dried black figs, quartered
2 pounds canned pear halves in syrup
2-1/2 cups apple cider
1 cup fruit brandy
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Topping
1 cup mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup creme fraiche
2-1/2 tablespoons honey
2-1/2 tablespoons maple syrup
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For Garnish
1 bottle caramel syrup
1/2 cup English toffee bits

Directions
Preheat oven to 350° F. Roll out both pie crusts on a floured surface. Using the lid of a jar, cut crust into 8 rounds and ease each piece into an 8-ounce jar. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Set jars on a cookie sheet, add pie weights and bake for 15 minutes. Take out weights and bake for 35 minutes. Tip: The crusts can be made up to two days ahead of time.

Meanwhile, drain syrup from pears. Set aside 1/2 cup of the peaches for garnish, then cut the remaining peaches into half-inch cubes. Combine figs, brandy, diced pears, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer. Cook until pears are soft, about 18-20 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat and strain liquid into a bowl. Set fruit mix aside and return fruit liquid to saucepan and simmer on moderate heat until it turns into thick syrup. Set aside.

Whisk together mascarpone cheese and creme fraiche in a medium bowl. Add honey, lemon juice, vanilla extract and maple syrup.

When ready to serve, slice saved pears. Set jars on even surface. Using a ladle or ice cream scoop, distribute half of the fruit mixture evenly among the jars. Add two tablespoons of cream topping to each jar, followed by the remaining fruit mixture. Next, add another tablespoon of cream topping to each jar. Add a drizzle of the fruit syrup and a few sliced pears to each jar, then finish with caramel sauce and toffee bits.

Bon Appétit...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Sunday, December 20, 2015

Transitional Arrangement


Courtesy of Carrie Koller Waller
Photo courtesy of Whimsical Gatherings; photography by Meggie Velasco

Merry Christmas Friends,

When trying to create a holiday arrangement, look no further than what you may already have in your home. "The inspiration for this design came from the need to create a transition from the kitchen to the dining area and incorporating a common household item: coffee beans," says Carrie Koller Waller. The team uses glitter branches, coffee beans, cylinder vases, pillar candles and various ornaments to form this festive arrangement. "The coffee beans not only tie in the homeowner's love for coffee, but they also add a neutral color, give height to the candles, weight the vases and provide a great alternative to glass beads or rock fillers."

Happy Holiday decorating...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Arrange Your Own Mini Trees


Courtesy of HGTV

Merry Christmas Friends,

Bring holiday cheer to any room by turning boxwood clippings into a miniature Christmas tree. Fill a teacup or small container with oasis foam, then arrange boxwood clippings to form a tiny tree. For added sparkle, attach silver dragees with hot glue. This simple accent is perfect for a holiday table, an entryway vignette or as a festive small-space accessory.

Happy Holiday decorating...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Friday, December 18, 2015

Game Tile Gift Tag


Courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Merry Christmas Friends,

Designer Brian Patrick Flynn re-purposed Scrabble tiles and twine for this playful gift tag. To create it, simply loop a long piece of twine then attach the tiles to the twine loop with glue, leaving enough room above the tiles to act as a hanger and a bit of twine below the letters for attaching a tassel. Make the tassel by cutting six small pieces of twine, gather them together in the center then knot onto the bottom of the twine below the tiles.

Happy Holiday decorating...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Waterless Snow Globes


Courtesy of HGTV

Merry Christmas Friends,

If you have extra glass jars lying around, incorporate them into your holiday decor. Michelle created waterless snow globes by hot-gluing small Christmas trees to the jar'' lid, pouring fake snow in the jar and screw on the lids for an instant Christmas scene snow globe.

Enjoy the snow globes...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Create a Layered Effect Gift


Courtesy of H. Camille Smith and Marian Parsons

Merry Christmas Friends,

Designer Marian Parsons layers organic elements and textured ribbon to create wrapped gifts that are a step above the rest.

Tips: "Create pretty packages using items you can find around your house and in nature. Petite pinecones and sprigs of greenery embellish layers of ribbon while vintage sheet music is the perfect custom wrapping for a small gift."

Happy Holiday wrapping...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Teacups


Courtesy of Marian Parsons

Merry Christmas Friends,

Teacups can be found by the dozen at yard sales and thrift stores. Pick them up to give as small gifts to those who enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. Tuck some favorite flavors or blends inside the cup, tied in a bundle with twine or pretty ribbon.

Enjoy tea or coffee with family and good friends and they will appreciate the gift...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Monday, December 14, 2015

Wooden Crates


Courtesy of Marian Parsons

Merry Christmas Friends,

Be on the lookout for vintage wooden crates with original paint or unique typography when flea market season is in full swing. Fill crates with shredded paper and seasonal fruit, such as citrus and pomegranate. The crate can become functional storage afterward.

Happy Flea Market Shopping...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Light Up Your Entryway


Courtesy of HGTV

Merry Christmas Friends,

Create a warm and inviting entry for guests during the Christmas season. Fill mason jars with Epsom salt for a snowy, winter look, then add small votive candles and line the walkway leading to your front door.

Happy Holiday lighting...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Make Ice Lanterns


Courtesy of Marian Parsons

Merry Christmas Friends,

Get an assist from Mother Nature (or your freezer) to turn plastic cartons filled with water into magical ice lanterns to display either indoors or out. Make your own with the following tips.

How to Make an Ice Lantern
Use winter's frosty temps to your advantage when decorating your home's outdoors for the holidays. These ice lanterns are pretty, festive and just require water, plastic containers and a chill in the air.

Materials Needed:
  • water
  • medium to large plastic containers
  • plastic cups
  • evergreen sprigs and/or winter berries (optional)
  • tea lights/pillar candles
  • lighter

Pour Water into Containers
Fill a small plastic cup with water and put inside a larger plastic container. Fill large plastic container with water. As an option, add evergreen sprigs and/or berries to water to add some color and texture. Carefully put inside a freezer (or outside if temperatures are below freezing.) Allow it to freeze for several hours or overnight. Tip: The size and shape of the lanterns are only limited by the containers you find. Try making two huge ones to flank a front door by using 5 gallon buckets and large pillar candles.



Unmold Lanterns
Run warm water over outside of large plastic container to unmold lantern. The ice may crack, but the cracks look beautiful against the candlelight. Set outside and insert tea light candle or pillar candle that will fit inside ice lantern. (Never leave candles unattended.)



Happy Holiday decorating...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Friday, December 11, 2015

Turn Summer Souvenirs Into a Wreath


Courtesy of HGTV

Merry Christmas Friends,

Tired of traditional holiday decorations? Go coastal and embellish a fresh evergreen wreath with shells gathered at the shore. To attach them, add a short length of wire to each shell with quick-dry epoxy then just wire them on. Instead of a ribbon bow, wrap the bottom of the wreath with textural yarn or rope and top with a few starfish.

Not coastal, gather your favorite items and be creative; have fun - it's the Holidays...

Happy Holidays!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Light the Way for Holiday Guests


Courtesy of HGTV

Merry Christmas Friends,

For a safer alternative to the traditional paper-bag-style Santa's runway, add a layer of rock salt or Epsom salt to glass vases or mason jars then nestle a glass votive candle in the center of each. Depending on the size votive you use, the candles will safely provide hours of illumination. When one burns low, simply replace with a fresh candle.

Happy Holiday decorating...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Handmade Christmas Tree Card


Courtesy of HGTV

Merry Christmas Friends,

Surprise friends and family with this cute, easy-to-create handmade holiday card. Trendy patterns and traditional Christmas colors really make it pop.

Materials Needed:

Print Templates and Trim Card
Print PDF templates onto heavyweight matte photo paper or card stock using a color printer. Trim at gray dotted line (final card size should be 5" x 7"). Score and fold card in half.


Cut, Then Fold Triangles
Use scissors to cut out all nine triangles from the printed template. Fold each triangle in half lengthwise.


Assemble 3-D Trees
Use double-sided tape to attach three folded triangles together back to back, using one of each pattern, to create a three-dimensional tree shape.

Glue Trees to Card and Embellish
Use double-sided tape to attach three trees to the card front, positioned as shown in photo. Add a small ribbon bow to the top of each using double-sided tape.


Happy Holiday decorating...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Vintage Holiday Party Printables


Courtesy of Snapfish

Merry Christmas Friends,

Create a beautiful Christmas brunch or holiday tea with these vintage-inspired party decorations. The slightly muted red and gold colors combined with the craft paper “texture” of the design gives this party set a sophisticated flair that’s ideal for an elegant holiday affair.

Click the items below to be redirected to the FREE printable versions:

Banner
Cake Bunting
Centerpiece Kit
Cupcake Kit
Home Decor
Napkin Rings
Paper Chain Banner
Party Tags
Tent Signs
Wine Glass Tags

Enjoy the Holiday parties...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Monday, December 7, 2015

How to Make Cookie-Cutter Christmas Ornaments


Courtesy of HGTV

Merry Christmas Friends,

Looking for an easy way to trim the tree? Create beautiful, handmade Christmas ornaments out of metal cookie cutters and pretty paper. Here's how...

Materials Needed:
  • hot glue gun and glue sticks
  • metal cookie cutters
  • decorative scrapbook paper
  • embroidery thread, thin ribbon or twine
  • utility knife
  • scissors

Apply Glue
Apply a few small dabs of hot glue around the edge of a metal cookie cutter.


Press to Paper
Quickly press the glue-covered edge of the cookie cutter to the decorative side of a piece of scrapbook paper.


Cut Paper
Use an X-Acto knife to cut around the outside edge of the cookie cutter.


Tie a Knot
Make a small loop out of a short piece of thread, ribbon or twine.


Decorate Tree
Hang the ornaments on the tree, and step back to admire your work.


Happy Holiday decorating...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Friday, December 4, 2015

Red and Green Party Printables


Courtesy of The TomKat Studio

Merry Christmas Friends,

We've got your party covered in Holiday red and green. These FREE printable templates are stylist for any Holiday gathering. Your family and friends will enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Red and Green Banners


Gingerbread Favor Boxes


Gingerbread Food Labels


Merry Christmas" Circles


Have fun...

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Live well,
Yvonne