11 days and lots of Christmas cards

I like to find creative ways to display Christmas cards around my house. Most cards are so pretty these days, it is nice to incorporate them into your holiday decor.

I really like this first one using ribbons, a door and a roll of double sided tape. I have also done this same technique on my kitchen cabinet doors to add a little cheer.

This next idea only requires a hole punch and some ribbon. Really "punches" up the bannister, don't ya think?!? You could also string one long ribbon along the bannister and attach cards with clothes pins for a different take on the below.

Grab a branch from outside, anchor in a vase or pitcher with rocks and create a tree of cards. Easily attach cards with ribbon or curtain clip rings. This would make an adorable centerpiece if done on a smaller scale. Get creative by spray painting branches in metallic silver or gold or even dusting with fake snow before adding cards.

12 days of Christmas

I am kicking off a 12 day Christmas blogging spree with lots of fun ideas to get you ready for the 25th in style and more importantly with your sanity still in tact.

Drumroll please.......here is idea #12:

Courtesy of Paula Deen's Christmas magazine from 2008, these ornament-turned-flower-vases are just too easy. Don't they look great staggered as a centerpiece above? How about putting one at each place setting? Heck, if I was hosting Christmas this year, I would put these baubles all around the house.... in the powder room, on my guest room nightstands, clustered with candles and greenery on my mantle. The possiblities are endless, especially because you can choose ornaments and flowers to match your holiday decor. Use silk flowers and/or berries if you want to go completely low maintenance. One trip to Hob Lob and you have this one in the bag, girls! Their circular mirrors are even on sale at 1/2 off this week. They were located next to the registers at my store. Use a little hot glue to attach the ornament to the mirror, then stand back and wait for complements from your friends and family!

Clever Cranberries

Goodness! It is hard to find time to blog during the holidays! Depressing too, since I have lots of fun and festive ideas to share.

Here are some pretty ones using cranberries from Better Homes and Gardens. Check out the link for instructions and more photos. http://www.bhg.com/holidays/christmas/indoor-decorating/decorating-with-cranberries/?page=4

Who wants a shot?

A shot of dessert that is! I love the idea of having a small portion of dessert, instead of the entire serving. Much easier on the old waistline during the holiday season, that is for sure! These cute shot glasses are available on amazon.com, but you could make your own using glass votive holders from the Dollar Store. Fill them up with desserts you can layer in for a pretty effect.

Holiday Wishes

Treat your fingertips to a shimmery shine in a delicious new OPI shade, Pomegranate Me a Wish. At beauty brands for only $4.98 right now! (reg. $8.50)

I do love a good dip....

Here is a festive dip recipe for holiday gatherings. I took this to a board game party this weekend and it was a huge hit!

Layered Sundried Tomato and Artichoke Spread

Ingredients
1 pkg cream cheese, well chilled
3 Tbsp. finely chopped sundried tomatoes in oil, well drained
3 Tbsp. finely chopped drained canned artichoke hearts
2 Tbsp. pesto (I used the jarred kind)
2 Tbsp. chopped almonds
2 tsp. chopped fresh parsley
Crackers

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO DRAIN EVERYTHING AS LISTED ABOVE.

Cut cream cheese horizontally into 3 slices using dental floss or a piece of thread. Place one slice on large sheet of plastic wrap; top with tomatoes and second cream cheese slice.

Combine artichokes and pesto; spoon over second cream cheese layer.

Top with remaining cheese slice, nuts and parsley; press lightly to secure. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate 1 hour. Serve with crackers.

Pilgrim Hat Cookies

This time of year is so hectic, make an easy Thanksgiving dessert and save yourself some time. Everyone in our family is usually too stuffed to eat much dessert anyway!

INGREDIENTS

• 16 chocolate wafer cookies (such as Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafers)
• 1 tube orange frosting with piping tips
• 16 small peanut butter cups

PREPARATION

1. Place cookies on work surface; squeeze a dime-size dot of frosting in center of each.

2. Unwrap and invert peanut butter cups on frosting, pressing down gently.

3. Using the round piping tip, pipe a "hat-band" with frosting around peanut butter cup and a square "buckle." Let frosting set before storing.

Planning Tip: Can be made up to 3 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.