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Christmas Countdown: Make a Cookie Plate for Santa

by Liz Gray December 23, 2012 No Comments

We’re counting down to Christmas with a new holiday party tip, decorating idea or DIY project every day until December 25. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

You guys! Only TWO DAYS left until Christmas. Today, get the kids involved in the holiday prep and make a hand-painted cookie plate just for Santa.

Cookie Plate for Santa

On white oven-proof plates, use assorted colors of food- and dishwasher-safe ceramic paint or paint pens to draw a Christmasy scene. Let dry overnight, then bake according to paint directions and place by the tree. Don’t forget the homemade cookies!

MORE HOLIDAY CRAFTS FOR KIDS:

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Countdown to Christmas: Holiday Cocktails to the Rescue

by Liz Gray December 21, 2012 4 Comments

We’re counting down to Christmas with a new holiday party tip, decorating idea or DIY project every day until December 25. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

The holiday season brings its share of less-than-easy situations along with all that Christmas cheer, like weaving through the crowds at the mall, warming up after shoveling snow and fielding unexpected guests. Luckily, we have holiday drink recipes to soften any situation the season throws your way.

Hot Chocolate With Cinnamon Sticks

This steamy hot chocolate is the perfect warm-up after an intense snowman-building session. For the adults, add an unexpected kick with Kahlua, light rum or silver tequila.

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Countdown to Christmas: Last-Minute Handmade Gifts

by Liz Gray December 19, 2012 1 Comment

We’re counting down to Christmas with a new holiday party tip, decorating idea or DIY project every day until December 25. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

Still trying to find the perfect gift for those last few stragglers on your list? It’s not too late to make your own…really. We have lots of impressive, easy-to-make Christmas gifts that only look like you’ve worked on them for months.

Make Your Own Silhouette Christmas Gift

A framed silhouette is a classic keepsake that makes a thoughtful Christmas gift. A digital camera, computer and printer make this centuries-old craft a snap. Are you working on any handmade gifts this year? Details, details!

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Countdown to Christmas: Creative Holiday Table Settings

by Liz Gray December 17, 2012 7 Comments

We’re counting down to Christmas with a new holiday party tip, decorating idea or DIY project every day until December 25. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

Holiday meals call for a little extra attention to the table, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot on a professional floral arrangement. This year, try simple table decorations using items you probably already have on hand.

Holiday Table Setting Ideas

The focal point of this sparkling table centerpiece is a Christmas tree fashioned from Boxwood clippings tucked into a white mug, but you could create the same look with clippings from your tree or from a shrubbery in your yard. Leftover ornaments and evergreen clippings arranged on a serving tray complete the look.

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Countdown to Christmas: Set Up a Holiday Bar Cart

by Liz Gray December 15, 2012 5 Comments

We’re counting down to Christmas with a new holiday party tip, decorating idea or DIY project every day until December 25. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

The 1960s bar cart tradition has made a huge comeback, and it’s easy to see why: Not only do bar carts keep your liquors and glassware organized and ready to use, they can also be used as a display space for favorite dishes or objects.

How to Style a Bar Cart

Set up your own bar cart this season, just in time for holiday visitors and dinner guests. Look for a cart at your favorite vintage store, or use our pros’ styling tips to set up a bar tray on a buffet or side table.

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Countdown to Christmas: Decorate With Last Year’s Christmas Cards

by Liz Gray December 13, 2012 3 Comments

We’re counting down to Christmas with a new holiday party tip, decorating idea or DIY project every day until December 25. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

By now, you’ve probably received a few Christmas cards, so you might be willing to part with a few of last year’s greetings. Instead of chucking them into the recycling bin, upcycle them into holiday-perfect wine charms for your Christmas party.

Turn Holiday Cards Into Wine Charms

Find an area with lots of color or an attractive design element, then cut a small hole in the middle for the glasses’ stem and a slit so guests can easily slide the markers on and off. Vary the colors and patterns so each partygoer can easily identify his or her glass. Or, turn those cards into a Christmas tree garland instead.

MORE WAYS TO USE WHAT YOU HAVE THIS HOLIDAY:

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Countdown to Christmas: Don’t Have a Fireplace? Fake It

by Liz Gray December 11, 2012 3 Comments

We’re counting down to Christmas with a new holiday party tip, decorating idea or DIY project every day until December 25. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

Mantel decorations. Santa squeezing down the chimney. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. The holidays seem to revolve around cozy fireplaces, but you don’t have to miss out on the fun just because your home or apartment is flame-free.

Chalkboard Fireplace

This whimsical take on a traditional fireplace is made from a drop cloth, drapery hardware and chalkboard paint. Draw on a raging fire and pin up your family’s stockings. After the holidays, it can double as a removable chalkboard for the kids!

No mantel? You can fake that, too. And if these ideas leave you cold, you can warm up with our cozy yule log video. Stay toasty out there!

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Countdown to Christmas: Check Coworkers Off Your Gift List

by Liz Gray December 9, 2012 2 Comments

We’re counting down to Christmas with a new holiday party tip, decorating idea or DIY project every day until December 25. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

Choosing a gift for the big groups of people in your life can be tough. You want to create something special for your coworkers, neighbors or community groups, yet you don’t want to spend a lot of money per person. Skip the cookie plate this year and try one of these inexpensive handmade gifts instead.

Handmade Gifts to Make Now

These mini pinecone firestarters are dipped in eucalyptus-and pine-scented paraffin, so they’ll both help light the fireplace and set the holiday mood. Or, for something edible, try Marianne’s chalkboard-painted coffee cans filled with coconut caramel corn. Coworkers: check.

MORE EASY HANDMADE GIFTS FOR A CROWD:

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Countdown to Christmas: Make Your Own Ornaments

by Liz Gray December 7, 2012 7 Comments

We’re counting down to Christmas with a new holiday party tip, decorating idea or DIY project every day until December 25. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

The best Christmas ornament is one with a story behind it. A great tree is full of family memories: Your daughter’s 6th grade class trip, your grandmother’s heritage, your first Christmas in a new home. Create new holiday keepsakes by making your own handmade ornaments this year.

Make Your Own Ornaments

Most of these ornaments are simple to make and require just a few materials from the craft store — you can make these beautiful origami butterflies with paper, scissors, glue and string. It’s the perfect thing to do as you watch a favorite holiday movie (White Christmas is my pick) and sip some hot cider (spiked or not.)

Or, host a casual ornament-making party so friends can join in on the fun. What Christmas ornaments are you making this year?

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Countdown to Christmas: Easy Ways to Deck Out Your Front Door

by Liz Gray December 5, 2012 5 Comments

We’re counting down to Christmas with a new holiday party tip, decorating idea or DIY project every day until December 25. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

Another day, another inspiring Christmas project! Today is all about door decor. Your home’s front door is one of the first thing guests see, so it’s a great place to focus your decorating efforts. But you don’t have to spend a lot of time (or money) to make a statement; for most projects, you just need a wreath form, some hot glue and a good idea. (Speaking of hot glue…check out Marianne’s easy pom-pom wreath how-to.)

Holiday Wreath Ideas

Take your wreath in a traditional direction by adding moss and cranberries, or go crazy and affix your favorite holiday foods, like jelly beans, peppermints or even pistachios. And don’t feel like you have to go circular, either: a square picture frame or a cardboard monogram can look equally chic. How are you dressing up your door this year?

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