Natural Christmas Card

Courtesy of DK Books - Greener

Happy Holidays Friends,

Inexpensive to create, this organic holiday card will delight friends and family. If you want to mail a homemade three-dimensional card, choose flat embellishments. For cards you hand-deliver, use chunkier, more textural options.

Materials Needed:

• recycled card stock
• scissors
• found objects such as seed heads, twigs and leaves in different sizes, dried flat
• X-acto knife
• ruler
• spices such as star anise and cinnamon sticks
• dried ingredients such as bay leaves
• glue

Step 1

Cut a piece of recycled card stock to the correct size. Score lightly down the middle of the card in a straight line using an X-acto knife and ruler.

Step 2

Fold the card in half along the scored line, which will ensure a clean fold down the center of the card.

Step 3

Arrange and stick a dried leaf onto the front of the card using small dabs of glue.

Step 4

Glue two smaller leaves onto the larger leaf and attach one star anise at the base of the leaves. Set aside till glue has fully dried, then add your holiday greeting to the card's interior.

This is a special card for the special person in your life - enjoy creating it...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Silver Spoon Christmas Ornament

Courtesy of HGTV

Happy Holidays Friends,

Create sparkling ornaments with vintage silverware and a bit of bling.

Materials:

• vintage spoon
• metal primer spray paint
• silver spray paint
• hand-held drill
• drill bit created specifically for metal
• craft glue
• faux gems
• ribbon

Steps:

1. Spray spoon first with primer, covering the entire surface front and back. The primer will allow the spray paint to properly adhere. Once primer is dry, spray-paint spoon, front and back, with silver spray paint. Allow paint to thoroughly dry.
2. Using a drill bit created specifically for metal, drill hole into end of handle.
3. Embellish bowl of spoon with faux gems attached with craft glue. Insert ribbon through hole in handle and tie to create a loop for hanging ornament on Christmas tree.

Gives a new meaning to born with a silver spoon...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Unique Handmade Christmas Stockings

Courtesy of Marian Parsons

Happy Holidays Friends,

No mantel? No sewing skills? No problem! These unique handmade Christmas stockings will inspire you to think outside the sock.

Sack It to Me
Instead of a traditional Christmas stocking, try making our featured fun, vintage grain sack inspired "stocking sacks" from Marian Parsons. With draw strings and custom painting, these sacks are cute and functional. Use them in lieu of stockings, as a stand-in for wrapping paper or as a personalized hostess or teacher gift.

Pails by Comparison

Give your holiday decorations a playful twist by swapping out traditional Christmas stockings for metal pails painted with fun, bright colors. Who said stockings had to be made of fabric anyway?

Wood You Try This?

These handmade plywood stockings from blogger Erin Loechner reflect a Scandinavian aesthetic and the wood subtly warms up the white mantel. Best of all? They're magnetic, so they can be removed and filled with ease.

Give It the Boot

HGTV fan QuincyRN had the clever idea to repurpose cowboy boots as stockings for a dose of Southwestern charm.

Hide & Chic

Give your holiday mantel a high-fashion makeover with custom leather Christmas stockings. Wouldn't these tanned beauties be so appropriate for a rustic industrial holiday?

A Better Sweater

Don't toss that old sweater. Instead, repurpose it as custom stockings for the entire family. This project requires no sewing machine or knitting needles and can easily be completed in an afternoon. (That's our Christmas gift to you!)

Burlap of Luxury

These burlap coffee sack stockings have an effortless, vintage vibe. Sprigs of greenery peeking out of the top feel fresh and also hide the treasures inside from prying eyes. Design by Holly Mathis; sewing by Michelle Fritz

From our Mantel to yours...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Outdoor Holiday Decorating Idea: Mini Christmas Tree

Courtesy of Kim Stoegbauer
Photography by Picasa, ten22 studio | Rennai Hoefer

Happy Holidays Friends,

Spread the holiday cheer to your front porch with this easy-to-decorate mini Christmas tree. A few handmade touches make it special.

Materials Needed:

• faux or fresh small pine tree
• basket
• bunny tail yarn garland
• satin ribbon
• yarn ball ornaments

Swap Out Container
Instead of using the container your tree came in, swap it out for a rustic basket.



Add Garland and Ornaments
String white bunny tail yarn around the tree as a garland (Image 1). Add yarn ball ornaments throughout the tree and a satin ribbon bow to the top (Image 2). Learn how to make the yarn ball ornaments.





Festive inside and out...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Keeping the Cut Christmas Tree Fresh

Courtesy of HGTV

Happy Holidays Friends,

Follow these tips to get the most out of your tree this holiday.

Question:
It is very warm this year for December and all the Christmas trees are already cut. Is it best to pick up the tree now early in the month, cut the bottom and place in water, or is it better to leave it with a callus on the bottom. Which way would keep the tree the freshest?

Answer:
The best way to have a fresh tree is to cut one at the last minute, but when that isn't an option, we do the best we can. The main thing is to keep it as cool as possible for as long as possible and keep it in water. The usual suggestion of keeping it outside is intended to help keep it cool—and the usual suggestion of keeping it in the garage is intended to help keep it out of drying winds and direct sunlight. Once you bring it indoors, keep it away from heat sources such as radiators and heat vents. The callus will prevent the tree from absorbing water, so a fresh cut is needed.

The tree may soak up anywhere from two pints to a half a gallon a day, so be sure to keep the stump cut in water. If the water level is allowed to drop below it, you will need to recut it. Finally, some folks swear by the various commercial products or homemade recipes for keeping trees fresh, but we've had mixed results.

Good luck with your tree!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Christmas Nougat Candy

Courtesy of DK Books - Greener
Photography by DK - A Greener Christmas, 2008 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Happy Holidays Friends,

Make these wonderful, light candies as a sweet holiday treat. Package them as gifts by nestling them in baskets or decorative tins filled with colorful paper.

You'll need a candy thermometer to ensure the sugar solution reaches the correct temperature as it boils — be aware that it is extremely hot at this stage, so don't let children come too close to the pan.

Ingredients

• 3-1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1-1/2 cups sugar syrup
• 1/4 cup clear honey
• 1 cup water
• 2 egg whites, beaten until stiff in a large bowl
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 10 oz. mixture of blanched almonds, hazelnuts and macadamia nuts

Directions

1. Heat the sugar, syrup, honey and water in a saucepan until it reaches 310 degrees F. Stand the thermometer in the pan to check the temperature.
   
2. When the heated sugar solution for the nougat candy is ready, add it to the bowl of beaten egg whites, beating the mixture constantly until it is stiff and waxy.
3. Add the vanilla extract and the nuts to the bowl and fold them all carefully into the mixture using a large metal spoon.
4. Put the nougat mix into a tin lined with wax paper. Allow to cool completely before cutting it into small squares. Once cool, store candy in an airtight tin.

Perfect for the sweet tooth in every home...

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Yvonne

Happy Thanksgiving!

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!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Caramel Apple Martini Recipe

Courtesy of Kim Stoegbauer

Happy Thanksgiving Friends,

Whip up this scrumptious cocktail for your next fall get-together or Thanksgiving dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 oz. Baileys Irish cream
• 1/2 oz. apple schnapps
• 1/2 oz. butterscotch schnapps
• 2 oz. half-and-half or whole milk
• coarse sugar
• ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Rim glass with coarse sugar mixed with cinnamon.
2. For each cocktail, pour all ingredients into a drink shaker.
3. Fill shaker with ice then shake and strain cocktail into a chilled glass, with or without ice.

Cheers...

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Yvonne

Day-After-Thanksgiving Turkey Club

Courtesy of Sam Henderson

Happy Thanksgiving Friends,

The classic club sandwich is heightened by substituting deli cuts with leftover roasted turkey. Continue the holiday theme with a bit of cranberry mayo for one delicious sandwich.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices wide bread
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon whole cranberry sauce
• 2-3 thick slices roasted turkey
• 2-3 slices cheddar cheese
• 4-5 slices tomato
• curly leaf lettuce
• 4 strips cooked bacon
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine the cranberry sauce and mayonnaise in a small bowl. Stir to fully blend.
2. Toast both sides of the bread in a long toaster or under your oven's broiler. Stack the sandwich beginning with a slice of toast topped with a thin layer of cranberry mayonnaise.
3. Add turkey, cheese, tomato and lettuce. Add another slice of toast topped with a thin layer of cranberry mayonnaise. Add bacon, more turkey (if desired), cheese, tomato, and lettuce. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spread a thin layer of cranberry mayonnaise on the last slice of toast and top the sandwich.
4. Press the sandwich down gently and poke a short skewer or long toothpick through each half of the sandwich. Cut the sandwich in half with a serrated knife, using a sawing motion to prevent displacing the ingredients. Serve immediately.

Bon Appétit...

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Yvonne

Woven Dough Thanksgiving Cornucopia

Courtesy of HGTV

Happy Thanksgiving Friends,

This centerpiece for your holiday table looks good enough to eat.

Ingredients and Materials:

• cone-shaped colander
• rolling pin
• aluminum foil
• vegetable oil spray
• 2 loaves of frozen bread dough
• egg wash (used as paste)
• cooking brush

Steps:

1. Wrap the colander with aluminum foil and spray with vegetable oil.
2. Let the frozen dough thaw overnight in the fridge. Roll one loaf of bread flat with rolling pin, and drape dough over colander. Join dough edges together with egg wash, and then cover the entire dough surface with egg wash.
3. Roll out the second loaf of bread and cut it into strips approximately 1-inch wide. Position strips of dough lengthwise along the cone shape, tucking the dough ends inside the colander. Create the basketweave design by lacing in strips of dough widthwise.
4. Twist dough ends together to make the cornucopia's curling end. Apply egg wash on the entire surface, which will give a glossy sheen to the cornucopia once it's baked. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until the surface is golden brown.

Yum...

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Yvonne

Taking Wine? Dress the Bottle With These Cute Ideas

Courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Hi Friends,

Wine is the go-to hostess gift for almost any occasion but most popular during the Holiday Season. Rather than take just a simple bottle of wine, dress it up to make your hostess feel really special and put everyone in a festive mood. Kick it off with our featured Festive Socks. Slip your bottle of wine into a holiday-themed sock, then use its matching partner to create a cute bow. This clever gift wrap is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.

Handmade Leather Tassel

Add some sophistication to your wine bottle with a simple handmade leather tassel. Add a key ring to leather strips to use it for both decorative and practical purposes.

Custom Address Stamp

A personalized stamp is a great way to dress up wine for a holiday housewarming party or a newly-married couple spending their first Christmas in a new home.

Mulled Wine Sachet

An individual mulled wine sachet isn’t just useful, but when dressed up with cinnamon sticks and fresh rosemary, it also makes for a pretty presentation.

Personalized Luggage Tag

A tailored luggage tag makes for a great gift for the world travelers on your holiday list.

Furoshiki Wrap

A traditional Japanese fabric wrap is an eco-friendly alternative to paper or plastic wrapping. Use a tea towel or dishtowel to turn this pretty packaging into a practical gift.

Add a DIY Touch

Get crafty by creating a reusable ornament made out of collected corks. This thematic adornment is the perfect host or hostess gift for wine lovers.

Vintage Scarf

Pick up a one-of-a-kind vintage scarf and wrap your wine bottle up for a flea-market-chic look.

Faux Fur Cuff and Brooch

For the fashionista on your list, scour a vintage store for a faux fur collar and costume jewelry. Then, give your bottle of wine a high-fashion makeover.

Wooden Bottle and Glass Holder

For a serious wine lover, don’t worry about getting that perfect bottle of vino. Instead, gift them something wine themed that they may not already have in their arsenal, like this wine tote for two.

Add your crafty Holiday wine sleeves and share them with us. Look forward to hearing from you...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Help Yourselves

Courtesy of HGTV

Happy Thanksgiving Friends,

The best way to enjoy company is by keeping your own load light during the party. Simplify your hosting duties by setting up a buffet near the table and letting guests help themselves to their favorite Thanksgiving foods. Use fresh herbs and seasonal fruit to garnish each dish, and set out menu cards identifying the ingredients in each item.

Bon Appétit...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Stir It Up

Courtesy of HGTV

Happy Thanksgiving Friends,

Thanksgiving is all about focusing on what really matters: family, friends and the ultimate comfort food. Take a fuss-free approach with tips for setting a seasonal table that incorporates rustic elements with a touch of sophistication.

The party starts as soon as guests arrive. Greet friends and family with a tray of piping-hot cider, garnished with fresh cinnamon stir sticks.

Cheers!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Count Your Blessings

Courtesy of HGTV

Happy Thanksgiving Friends,

Thanksgiving is all about focusing on what really matters: family, friends and the ultimate comfort food. Take a fuss-free approach with our tips for setting a seasonal table that incorporates rustic elements with a touch of sophistication.

This Thanksgiving let everyone join in the fun of decorating the table while remembering to count their blessings. Craft our chain of thanks in advance then ask guests to write down what they're thankful for on the paper strips. Run the chain down the length of the table and take turns reading the sentiments aloud during the meal. For an extra dose of fun, leave the strips of paper anonymous, and let everyone guess the author of each one.

Make a Chain of Thanks for Thanksgiving
Print out our free printable template, attach to twine and ask your Thanksgiving guests to write down what they're thankful for, then take turns reading the sentiments aloud during dinner.

Materials Needed:

• kitchen twine
• paper cutter or scissors
• 4 sheets of metallic card stock
• hot glue gun and glue sticks
• double-sided tape
• pens, pencils or markers
• Click here to download Chain of Thanks Template

Download Template and Cut Out Strips
Print the template attached above onto four sheets of card stock. Use paper cutter or scissors to cut strips along template guidelines.

Attach to Twine
Heat hot glue gun. Add a line of hot glue to back of paper strip then press twine along line of hot glue. Add a small piece of double-sided tape to one end of strip then fold over to meet taped side and press to seal. Repeat with remaining paper strips, adding a paper strip about every five inches, alternating colors as you go.

Fill In
Display completed chain on a flat surface with assorted pens, pencils or markers. Invite guests to write what they're thankful for on blank sides of chain links.

ENJOY!

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Live well,
Yvonne