25 Days: Creative Gift Wrap Ideas

The folks over at Country Living always have fantastic holiday ideas. Toss your ordinary Christmas wrapping paper and check out their tips for creative gift wrap!

Sheet music, along with a satin bow and jingle bells turn an ordinary gift box into a Christmas beauty.

A thrift store shirt and a beautiful brooch is eco-friendly and festive!

Sending a gift this year? Why not use candy instead of Styrofoam?

Craft paper and colorful masking tape makes this package festive.

What are your creative gift wrap ideas?

25 Days: Treat Yourself!

If you've been running around like crazy preparing for Christmas, it may be time for you to take a break . . . .

Have some EggNog!

         Ingredients

• 4 cups milk
• 5 whole cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 12 egg yolks
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 1/2 cups light rum
• 4 cups light cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

          Directions

1. Combine milk, cloves, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and cinnamon in a saucepan, and heat over lowest setting for 5 minutes. Slowly bring milk mixture to a boil.
2. In a large bowl, combine egg yolks and sugar. Whisk together until fluffy. Whisk hot milk mixture slowly into the eggs. Pour mixture into saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 3 minutes, or until thick. Do not allow mixture to boil. Strain to remove cloves, and let cool for about an hour.
3. Stir in rum, cream, 2 teaspoon vanilla, and nutmeg. Refrigerate overnight before serving.               

This recipe is from www.allrecipes.com.

25 Days: Gingerbread Houses

Have you made a gingerbread house this year? I haven't. As a child, I made a few, but I have to say that nothing I made came close to any of these beauties!

To see more gingerbread houses, swing by Delish.com.

25 Days: Let's sneak a peak!

Since I'm always interested in how people display their Christmas cards, I was excited when I visited my dear friend and saw her pretty display.

Upon entering her home, I was greeted by beautiful, white tulips and vibrant, red wreaths, hanging in front of the mirrors in her entryway.

A ribbon was strung across the bottom set of mirrors and her Christmas cards were clipped to the ribbon. So pretty!

What's your favorite way to display Christmas cards?

25 Days: Christmas Card Displays

Many people struggle with how to display all of the beautiful cards that they receive this time of year. Some people stick them on the refrigerator, some set them on the mantle . . . and some people do something a bit more creative . . . .

How do you display your Christmas cards?

25 Days: Something Yummy For Your Tummy

If you haven't taken the time to curl up with a cup of hot cocoa this year, now is the time. Take a quiet moment for yourself and sip on something chocolaty.

25 Days: Something Different

Thinking of trying something new this holiday season? Maybe you'd like to put a twist on the traditional holiday decor? Check out this great "Bubble Wreath" over at www.blog.cb2.com.

Are you a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas decor? Or do you lean more modern?

25 Days: A Beach Christmas

I'm Dreaming of a Beach Christmas . . .

How about you?

25 Days: Christmas is Blogland

In honor of our favorite day of the week, we're happy to share a few of our favorite Holiday posts from around the blogosphere. Just click on the photo to see the full post.

If you've never checked out Sprinkle Bakes, then you are missing out! The photographs are amazing and everything that Heather makes looks delicious!

Has someone in your house been naughty this year? Give them Coal Candy!

Did you make paper snowflakes as a child? Why not make a few to decorate Christmas gifts?

Do you live in a small space? Here's your solution!

These boxwood wreaths are simple and beautiful. I think I'll make a few for our kitchen window.

These faux snow balls are adorable and super easy to make.

We'll be busy working on holiday projects over the weekend. How about you?

25 Days of Christmas: Make a Difference This Year!

With the holiday's fast approaching, many of us take a moment to remember loved one's that will not be here to celebrate the season with us. Please take a moment and watch the video below. Perhaps you will find it in your heart to donate to The American Cancer Society this year in honor of a family member or friend who has lost his or her life to cancer.

This post is sponsored by American Cancer Society.

25 Days: Non Traditional Christmas Trees

Are you a traditionalist when it comes to your Christmas tree?

Or do you prefer something a bit more funky?

Which is your style?

25 Days: Silver & Gold Tablescape

We entertain a lot during the holiday season and I love changing our tablescape to fit the evening. Here, I threw together an easy silver and gold table, using items that we already had on hand.

Instead of placing our silver chargers under the dinner plates, I used silver and gold glitter paper.

A few years ago, I spray painted these pine cones that we found in our yard. Here, I used them as placecard holders.

The runner is a beautiful garland that lights the table up and creates ambiance.

Our crystal glasses added some extra sparkle.

The crystal Christmas trees could hold candy . . . but they don't today.

And of course, no holiday is complete without a wreath. Here, one is fastened to the back of a dining chair.

Oh, and a sparkly chandelier doesn't hurt either.

What's your table looking like these days?