Merry Christmas Decor

Holiday Cocktail Recipes

2008-12-15T09:52:00.000-08:00

One of the best parts of the holidays are holiday cocktails. There are certain flavors that instantly evoke a warmth of the holiday season. Specifically, anything with peppermint, egg nog, or gingerbread. Anything peppermint tends to work the best for me. Thats why I love this drink so much. The Baileys Irish Mistletoe.

INGREDIENTS

- 2 ounces Baileys Irish Cream
- 1/4 ounce peppermint schnapps

DIRECTIONS

- Add Baileys Irish Cream and peppermint schapps.
- Shake with ice and strain into martini glass.

- If you feel like being fancy, you can garnish the bottom of the martini glass with chocolate syrup and add a mint leaf.

The Best Christmas Commercials

2008-12-12T13:21:00.000-08:00

Everyone always talks about Christmas movies and Christmas specials, but no one ever talks about Christmas commercials. Below is a compilation of some of the best Christmas commercials ever made.

Here is my personal favorite Christmas commercial for Fruity Pebbles.

The Christmas Toy

2008-12-10T12:56:00.000-08:00

Last night I forced to watch a Garfield Christmas. First off, I'd like to go on record as saying that it was without a doubt the worst Christmas special I have ever seen in my life! It was poorly animated, boring, it made no sense, and the music was just terrible. I was never a huge Garfield fan to begin with; I just don't see the appeal. He's a cat that loves lasagna, we GET it. How someone managed to stretch that comic out for so many years is beyond me.

After the movie came to a merciful end, I began to rant about how awful it was, as I am want to do. I began listing other Christmas specials that were far superior to this lackluster movie and I eventually came to Jim Henson's: the Christmas Toy. I was shocked and appalled to find that neither of roommates had ever heard of this film.

The Christmas Toy is one of my all time favorite Christmas movies. Without giving too much away, it is a story about toys that come to life whenever humans leave them alone. They have their own society and carry on fun little lives involving building things and playing games. The only catch is, if they are seen moving by a human, they pretty much die. They freeze in the position in which they were found and then the other toys hold a funeral service for them. How messed up/ great a premise for a children’s movie is that?!

Every year the toy society welcomes in the new additions that arrive on Christmas morning and last year’s favorite toy has to come to terms with the fact that they are no longer number one. This concept is lost on Rugby, a stuffed tiger who refuses to give up the thrown, as he attempts to sneak back down to the tree and climb into a box so that can be unwrapped and serve a 2nd term as the family childs favorite toy. Hilarity ensues. I am now on a personal quest to track down this movie so that I may add it to my holiday movie rotation.

If you have never seen this movie, please do yourself a favor and give it a shot. You won't be disappointed.

3 Films that you didn't know were Holiday Movies

2008-12-08T13:59:00.000-08:00

Gremlins
Sure you knew you can’t get them wet, they can’t be in the sun, and you can’t feed them after midnight. But did you know that Gremlins is actually a Christmas movie? Think about it. There are Christmas lights, snow, and at one point the Gremlins themselves sing Christmas carols to the enjoyment of no one! And who could forget the touching story explaining why Phoebe Cates doesn’t much care for the holidays? If you’ve had enough of the same old Christmas movies, pop Gremlins in your DVD player. Provided of course that Gremlins haven’t already destroyed it.

Ghostbusters 2
Sure ghosts are an issue 360 days a year for most of us, but in Ghostbusters 2 evil rears its ugly head on at the onset of the holidays and culminates on New Year’s Eve. When a haunted painting of a 16th century madman tries to take over the city, the boys in beigh are ready to do defend New York in an epic battle that can only be won with proton packs, slime, and holiday cheer of New Yorkers everywhere.

Die Hard 2
Meet John Mclain, the smart mouthed, gun toting, New York cop who saves Christmas! When a sky scraper is overrun by terrorists on Christmas Eve, Bruce Willis is forced to take action into his own hands with nothing but wits, guns, and an endless array of Holiday puns.

Egg Nog Cookie Recipe

2008-12-05T13:29:00.000-08:00

I've touched upon the greatness that is egg nog in the posts of Christmas past. I've also mentioned how much I enjoy Christmas cookies. It seemed only fitting that I somehow combine the two into what can only be described as the personification of holiday cheer. I'm talking about egg nog cookies. Can life get any better? I submit that it cannot.

They're easy to make, they're delicious, and they're a welcome change of pace from the same old ginger bread and sugar cookies that are shaped like socks. Here's what you will need:

1 1/3 cups butter
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2/3 cups eggnog
2 tsps dark rum
4 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp salt

Combine the ingredients in the order listed above. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour.

Drop the batter onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for about 10-12 minutes. After such time, press the center of the cookie. If your finger leaves no imprint, they are done. Make sure to keep an eye on them and don't let them burn. If you do, Santa will pass over your house on Christmas Eve and give all of your presents to that neighbor you don't like. You know the one I mean.

Holiday Drinks

2008-12-03T13:26:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite parts of the holiday season are the winter drink varieties at Starbucks. There are few things as warming on a cold winters day than a nice hot holiday beverage. This year there are 3 different varieties available: Gingerbread Latte, Espresso Truffle, and Peppermint Mocha Twist. Peppermint mocha's have been around for a few years now and I believe that the gingerbread latte was available last year. The only new edition to the line up is the espresso truffle.

I love peppermint mocha's and feel they are the best choice for a little holiday pick me up. Hot chocolate and peppermint; whats not to like? I recently tried the espresso truffle for the first time the other day, and while delicious, I suspect it kept me from getting a good nights sleep. I had one around 7 o'clock PM and didn't fall asleep until roughly 4am the next morning. Apparently you shouldn't have 2 shots of espresso that late in the evening. Who knew? Either way, I strongly suggest you give one a try, just make it a little earlier in the day.

Modern Christmas Music

2008-12-01T13:17:00.000-08:00

As soon as the holiday season begins we are all bombarded with Christmas music everywhere we go. Super markets, department store, even laudry mats start playing they're favorite holiday songs before the first snow even falls. I for one, love Christmas music, so I'm not complaining. I know many people that find it annoying, but not me. I especially love a new twist on an old classic. The Trans Siberian Orchestra for example plays rocking versions of classic songs. You've most likely heard their famous rendition of Carol of the Bells (one of my personal favorites).

What you may have not seen is how some people have used songs such as these to make some amazing videos with their Christmas lights. I strongly suggest you check out some of these videos.

A Christmas Carol?

2008-11-26T08:11:00.000-08:00

I’d like to take this time to discuss, what I believe, is one of the most underrated Christmas movies of all time: Scrooged. Scrooged is not only one of my all time favorite Christmas movies, but it’s also one of my all time favorite Bill Murray movies, second only to Ghostbusters.

If you have never seen Scrooged, it is a dark yet hilarious remake of the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol.

Murray breathes new life into the character by playing a greedy and callous TV exec who has forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. He is of course visited by the infamous 3 ghosts in an attempt to help him become reacquainted with the spirit of Christmas.

I strongly suggest you add this movie to your holiday rotation, especially if you are a fan of Bill Murray. This movie was one of his first that showed that he was as brilliant a dramatic actor as he is a comedian.

Christmas Cookies

2008-11-24T12:13:00.000-08:00

When winter first rears it's ugly head each year, people tend to gain a little weight. It's science people, I don't just make this stuff up. When it's cold outside, people tend to be less active. Not only that, but with the holiday season, comes holiday goodies.

It all starts with Halloween. No matter how hard you try, you will inevitably end up eating more candy than you'd like. There's really no use in trying to avoid it, it’s the way of the world. Before you can even recover from Halloween, you've got Thanksgiving (a holiday where you are encouraged to gorge yourself on food for an entire day) and following Thanksgiving of course, is Christmas!

Christmas is a little different though. At no point are you forced to eat a giant meal or campaign door to door for candy. You are, however, constantly presented with holiday treats: egg nog, candy canes, those red and green M&M’s, and of course, Christmas cookies!

Christmas cookies are EVERYWHERE! You see them behind the glass at Starbucks, there are plates kicking around the office, and if your grandmother doesn’t make at least one pan of cookies, then she isn’t doing her job. ;)

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. I love Christmas cookies. How could you not? They’re chalked full of sugary goodness and they’re shaped like my favorite Christmas gifts! What am I getting at? A simple request: Break out your cookie sheets and cutters and make a batch for your favorite holiday bloggers!

What are your favorite Holiday treats?

Cat vs. Christmas Tree

2008-11-19T12:10:00.001-08:00

The age old battle between cat and Christmas tree. The two locked in an eternal struggle. Is there a more storied rivalry in history? I submit that there is not.

Glass Ceiling in Christmas Light Displays?

2008-11-18T14:02:00.000-08:00

I was browsing some outdoor Christmas lighting displays earlier today and discovered an interesting phenomenon. I found one lighting set where the motorcycle Santa costs more than Mrs. Claus, and it's basically the same size. Why the different price? Maybe it's just supply and demand, and Santa may be the one you really want at your home on Christmas Eve, but this spurred an entertaining discussion with my fiancee:

Me: I wonder why Mrs. Claus on a motorcycle is only $975?! Equal pay for equal work!
Him: Even the elves costs more…

Me: There’s a glass ceiling in holiday lighting!
Him: Now, I’m sure Mrs. Claus is integral to the success of Christmas, but she doesn’t have to ride out in the cold air and squeeze herself down chimneys. There are high risks associated with the job; it’s right behind King Crab fishing…

Me: I guess I understand Santa getting paid more… sure. He puts in a tough night of labor every year and he deserves every penny. The elf getting paid more than the woman behind Santa is just a slap in the face.
Him: Maybe you should boycott Christmas.

What's your stance? Is Santa worth the hype? Should an elf make more than Mrs. Claus? Any guesses as to where they are going on their Harleys?

Liquid Holiday Cheer!

2008-11-17T13:38:00.000-08:00

The holidays are almost here and that means the return of my favorite holiday treat. Candy canes? Fruit Cake? Absolutely not! Those things are terrible. Actually, there’s nothing wrong with candy canes. I don’t know why I said that. What I am referring to is the triumphant return of eggnog!

Eggnog is as delicious and wonderful as it is terrible for you. I’ll be the first to admit, that the name egg nog sounds less than appetizing. I myself wouldn’t touch the stuff until I was in high school. However, once I tried it, I couldn’t stop. There are many different varieties of eggnog produced each year: Golden, vanilla, pumpkin, light, and even sugar free (though I would classify that as sweet milk). Eggnog is the perfect drink for people that want to have a little holiday drink, but also want some pancakes.

Eggnog can also be mixed with liquors such as rum, brandy, whiskey, and cognac and is apparently a great source of magnesium. That’s good right? It’s the perfect drink for holiday parties and is so versatile that you can even put it in your coffee! I strongly recommend that you drop whatever you are doing and get to your local grocery store to stock up on eggnog before the holiday rush. I’m giving you insider information here people, use it as you will.

The Best Christmas Ever!

2008-11-14T13:32:00.000-08:00

Christmas is a magical time of year. This isn’t news, everyone knows this. But what is it that makes for the perfect Christmas experience? Were you a child and you got that one toy you wanted all year long? Did that special someone decide that Christmas was the right time to pop the question? Or was it just the perfect combination of family, friends, and presents that made it the best Christmas ever?

I love Christmas every year, so it’s difficult for me to choose one year in particular. If I had to choose however, I do have one year that sticks out in my mind. It was the year that I got the Ghostbusters fire house. I was a huge Ghostbusters fan when I was a kid. Who am I kidding? I still am. I’d still play with the action figures if it were socially acceptable. When I ran into our living room and saw that towering box next to the tree… that may have been my defining Christmas moment.

What are some of your favorite Christmas memories?

Country Christmas Decorations

2008-11-13T02:16:00.000-08:00

What could be cozier than a country Christmas? I grew up in the country in a house built in 1820. It was a beautiful old cape with a huge barn, and my mom did an amazing job decorating every year with country decorations that made our house feel even more warm and welcoming than usual. Our tree was always covered with woodland creatures like mushroom birds, squirrel, bear and moose ornaments.

We also had to make a popcorn & cranberry garland each year. I didn't love doing it at the time (I pricked my fingers a little too often to enjoy it), but I feel nostalgic about making those garlands now. We put our popcorn garland on first, before adding the lights and other decorations, so that we could remove everything easily after Christmas and leave just the popcorn garland. My dad would take the tree outside and stand it in the snow next to the bird feeder. The birds would go crazy for the popcorn!

If you're thinking of decorating your home with a country style, here are a few ideas that I would recommend: a rustic Christmas centerpiece, woodland tree decorations and a popcorn & cranberry garland.

Rustic Christmas Centerpieces

Making your own rustic or country Christmas centerpiece is very easy and very rewarding. Christmas centerpieces like these could cost $50-$100 each if you buy them in stores, but with a little TLC, you can make your own and wow all of your guests for a lot less!

One of my favorite ideas for a country Christmas table this year came from Better Homes & Gardens. It's easy to find rosemary "trees" in stores right now. At the Whole Foods near me they have little Christmas tree-shaped rosemary bushes for about $15 each in pretty terracotta pots. Add a plaid ribbon around the pot, and you easily have a beautiful rustic centerpiece that will last from now through Christmas and beyond. Plus, you can steal branches of rosemary from the tree to flavor your Christmas roast or your Thanksgiving turkey. It's an idea that is affordable and multi-purpose.

Woodland Christmas Decorations

Woodland critters can add a very cute rustic feel to your Christmas decorating. The woodland decorating trend is pretty big for 2008, so there are a lot of options out there for creating this look, like the birch reindeer (above) from Crate & Barrel or the Martha Stewart Everyday woodland collection at Kmart.

You can also make your own decorations by getting a few simple supplies from your local crafts store: a variety of mushroom birds, fine glitter (if you like a little sparkle), Elmer's glue, tiny eye screws, and strong red thread. Screw the tiny eye hooks into the back of the birds, just behind the head, and then tie a 5-6" bit of the thread through the eye hook for a simple woodland bird ornament. To add a little sparkle, apply a bit of Elmer's glue to the wings of the bird with a paintbrush (I save the crummy ones from Crayola watercolor kits for glue application) and then sprinkle with glitter and let them dry. Following these directions you will quickly have a beautiful little flock of birds for your country Christmas tree.

Popcorn and Cranberry Garland

Making your own popcorn and cranberry Christmas garland is very simple. Buy 2 bags of fresh cranberries, two bags of plain un-popped popcorn, and fishing line or strong thread (upholstery thread is great for this kind of project). Pop the popcorn in a pot or a popcorn machine and use as little oil as possible (1 tsp should be fine) so it isn't too greasy. Thread a large needle with the thread or fishing line without cutting the thread from the spool. Start threading the popcorn on the line. I like putting about 10 corn puffs on and then a cranberry, and then 10 more pieces of corn and a cranberry, but you can alternate the pattern however you like. You can also add other pretty dried fruits, like dehydrated orange slices, if you want to get a little fancier. Once you have a long enough chain of covered line, then you can tie off the chain.

If you put your tree outside with the garland still on it when Christmas is over, you'll have some real woodland critters in your tree in no time!

Upside Down Christmas?

2008-11-12T13:46:00.001-08:00

What is the deal with upside down Christmas trees? I’m sorry, but I just don’t get it. It throws off the whole aesthetic of the Christmas morning experience. The presents are all scattered underneath the tree (which is right side up), your eyes are slowly guided to the tree’s top, where the star resides. It’s the way Christmas is supposed to be! It’s enchanting! Upside down trees look too much like tornados.

These new hipster trees confuse and anger me! I’m a fairly modern individual in most regards. By the same token, I let people get away with a lot of stuff. How about this though? How about you don’t mess with Christmas? What was wrong with a good old fashioned regular Christmas tree? I don’t even particularly like artificial trees, but I can still deal with them.

Perhaps I’m being too judgmental here… I’m very set in my ways when it comes to Christmas. It is by far my favorite holiday. Who am I to question how you position your Christmas tree? You should purchase an upside down Christmas tree as you see fit. I apologize for getting all worked up. That’s not in the true spirit of Christmas. After all, Christmas is the one time of year where we can all come together to celebrate the same thing: the birth of Santa.

Christmas Advent Calendars

2008-11-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

If you're already counting down the days to Christmas, one thing that you should do now is order an advent calendar. In my family we always saved our advent calendars from year to year, and we would hang the pretty ones from past years on the walls.

Advent calendars are available in such a wide range of styles. I just found hundreds of them while shopping online. Here are a few of my favorites and where you can find them.

KidKraft Advent Calendar - $68.99 and Free Shipping at AllChildrensFurniture.com

Made from a beautiful hardwood, this advent calendar is made to endure for not just years but for generations. Each day that passes reveals a tiny piece of a nativity scene.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Advent Calendar - $15.95 at The Met Store

For a more sophisticated take on the advent calendar, the Metropolitan Museum of Art offers some exquisite options that echo the feeling of Christmas inside the Met, with the huge Met Christmas tree and its choirs of angels. Right now you can buy two advent calendars for under $25.

Chocolate Advent Calendar - $10.95 at Vermont Christmas Co.

When I was a kid, my favorite advent calendars were the ones filled with toys or chocolate. I was pleased to find that Vermont Christmas Co. has a few different chocolate advent calendar options, and for just under $11 each! The chocolate trays inside these advent calendars can be reused the next year by melting some good chocolate and then pouring it into each of the shapes on the tray and letting them cool. When they're fully cooled, you can pop them out of the tray and package them in cellophane bags for a cute & easy hostess gift for holiday parties.

Advent Calendar Cottage Kit - $14.99 at Martha Stewart Crafts

With this kit you can easily make a 3D Christmas cottage advent calendar. This looks like a fun project to do with kids and they'll love that you can hide their favorite candies or small toys in the compartments. Martha Stewart Crafts also has a lot of other great holiday craft materials and projects, so you can stock up on snowflake hole punches and gingerbread house kits while you're at it. (image top)

Christmas Lights

2008-11-10T12:13:00.000-08:00

Greetings everyone! Today, I would like to discuss a matter of great importance. With the holidays fast approaching, people are beginning to plan their annual decorating traditions. Some people take the less is more approach to decorating their home while some take the opportunity to show off their creative side. No matter how you decide to decorate your home, there is one you must ask yourself: What type of Christmas lights should I choose?

There are two schools of thought on this subject. You can choose to adorn your home and tree with traditional white Christmas lights that show an understated sense of refinement and sophistication… or you can do it the right way and decorate your house with a magnificent rainbow of brightly multi colored Christmas lights?

That’s right ladies and gentleman. You are given two options: the right way and the wrong way. Christmas is about having fun! It’s about remembering what it’s like to be a child again on Christmas morning. The heck with looking fancy, decorate your home in vibrant colors that can be seen from space!

Christmas is one of the few times a year that you’re allowed to go nuts. You have the rest of the year to show everyone how average you are. This year make the right choice.

Top 10 Christmas Movies for Kids!

2008-11-07T09:26:00.000-08:00

Even though I'm 28, I still HAVE to watch these holiday classics every year!

10. - Mickey's Christmas Carol
Though there are many more sophisticated or "adult" versions of A Christmas Carol, I have a soft spot for this Disney re-telling. I'm particularly fond of Jiminy Cricket as the Ghost of Christmas Past. This classic can only be purchased on VHS or in a compilation DVD called "Mickey's Magical Christmas - Snowed in at the House of Mouse", though the House of Mouse version is not quite the same as the original (missing the intro).

9. - Prancer
Prancer is a beautiful story. I love Sam Elliott in the role of a concerned father. From the breathtaking scenery to the wonderfully crafted characters, this film is a heart-warming Christmas story for all ages! Prancer is easy to find on DVD at this time of year.

8. - Muppet Family Christmas
In this Jim Henson classic Kermit does his best to get the whole Muppet family together for a big Christmas celebration, but as you can imagine with such a motley crew, many things go wrong along the way. This is one of my family's favorite movies. Do yourself a favor and by the VHS version if you still have a video player. The new DVD version has been edited to remove some of the best scenes!

7. - Emmett Otter's Jug Band Christmas
The story of how Emmett pulls through a tough holiday season and makes it festive even during hard times may be especially inspiring this Christmas. Newly released for 2008 on DVD, I'm not sure yet if the new version wasn't adulterated by crazy editing, but I hope not! This is a must-have!

6. - Elf
This movie is funny, sweet, and (I think) the best holiday movie in a while! Buddy, I like your style with the maple syrup. Elf is available on DVD and, if you're fancy, you can find it on Blu-Ray too!

5. - The Christmas Toy
This was my favorite Christmas movie when I was a kid, but it was hard to find! With a Velveteen Rabbit-esque plot, Rugby Tiger, a stuffed tiger, is offended that his child will be getting new toys for Christmas. Consoled by a doll and a cat toy named Mew, he perseveres. This movie is a great antidote to Poltergeist nightmares from Halloween movie marathons. The DVD version of this has been changed too -- no more Kermie! I think the VHS has the full movie, so I'd opt for that if you can choose.

4. - Miracle on 34th Street
This is the definition of a Christmas classic. This movie has lasted for generations for a reason! I prefer the older, Maureen O'Hara version. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!

3. Home Alone
Famous last words: "He's only a kid Harry. We can take him." I can't imagine the holidays without the tale of how Kevin McAllister defending his home from some ill-prepared thieves.

2. - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Where would we be without the Island of Misfit Toys, and Yukon Cornelius? I always try to catch this show when it's on TV, usually on ABC Family the week after Thanksgiving, but you can also get it on DVD or VHS.

1. The Christmas Story
Poor Ralphie... all he wants is a Red Ryder BB Gun! My affection for this movie is more about the little scenes like getting your tongue stuck on icy metal, or accidentally swearing in front of your dad. Everyone from Grandma & Grandpa to your 3-year-old nephew will enjoy this film - I think everyone can identify!

Did you know that Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) appeared in Elf as an elf?

Wine Racks - A Tasteful Toast to Christmas

2007-12-10T06:25:00.000-08:00

No Christmas is complete without a heart-felt toast with a glass of your favorite red wine! But don’t hide the beautiful bottle away in a cabinet – show it off with a stunning and sophisticated wine rack!

Wine racks are an impressive place to display and store your collection of wines and to make serving a glass stylish and convenient. Wine enthusiasts will recognize the unification of function and fashion, whether you have a couple of bottles to exhibit or a widespread wine cellar to take care of. Wine racks come in a variety of styles and sizes, so it’s important to find the right wine rack to fit your needs and your home décor.

Some styles of wine racks are modular wine racks, table top wine racks, wine cabinets, and wine carts. Stackable and modular racks offer an expandable design to customize how much space your have available for your vintages. They are mostly made for the wine cellar and allow the perfect amount of air circulation. Table top wine racks are a compact solution to display and store your wines so you can have easy access to them at all times. They are great for those who do not have a lot of extra space. Wine cabinets, on the other hand, are a larger, more durable storing option for your home. If you would like a wine rack that is mobile, consider a wine cart. Wine carts are convenient and feature luxury rolling casters for easy movement to the dining room, kitchen, or outdoors.

Before your Christmas celebration, arrange your wine rack with a diverse assortment of red and white wines. Sometimes choosing the right wine can be intimidating for those who are not acquainted with the art. To alleviate some of the pressure, consider asking a wine expert at your local liquor store, picking up a few wine magazines, or attending a wine tasting. With a little guidance and by following your taste buds, you will have built an impressive wine rack that you and your guests can enjoy!

While you’re collecting fine wines for your new wine rack, don’t forget to stock up on helpful wine accessories – such as glassware, wine refrigerators, wine stoppers, wine decanters, wine coolers, wine coasters, and wine openers!

How to Set the Perfect Christmas Dinner Table

2007-11-19T14:26:00.000-08:00

Do you want your dining table to look picture-perfect for your guests? The way your dinner table set is a reflection of the overall atmosphere of the party. A cloth table cloth, tall crystal wine glasses and a candle-lit centerpiece reflect style and elegance. With a few easy techniques, you can quickly capture your desired look for a magnificent Christmas dinner table!

The key is to plan ahead. Before you set your Christmas dinner table, you need to find out how many people will be joining you for the feast. Then, you will know how many place settings are required for the table. You should also review your dinner menu to determine what Christmas serveware, dinnerware, and Christmas flatware your guests will be using throughout their meal. For example, if you’re serving a soup and a salad, two dinner bowls will be necessary at each place setting. You may also want to include a salad fork in addition to a dinner fork.

Before you set the dinner table, protect your table with tasteful Christmas table linens. To avoid having the table look busy or cluttered, choose rich, solid-colored holiday linens in festive shades, such as cranberry red. The Christmas table linens will serve as the backdrop to your designer-looking table. From there, accent your dining table with the same color palette. Christmas home accents can include napkin rings, place cards, charms on the wine glasses, flowers, candles, coasters, Christmas tableware, and centerpieces.

When it comes to holiday tableware, mixing and matching patterns and styles is acceptable. The important thing is to try to keep your color scheme consistent. Also, don’t be afraid to add crystal drinkware – it’s an instant, dazzling way to add elegance and grace to the dinner table!
For formal dining, set your Christmas dinner plates equidistant apart with a napkin neatly folded in the center of each plate. Arrange your Christmas silverware around the plate in the order that they will be used, making sure that knives have their blade turned toward the plate and that forks are at the left of the plate. Above the forks, place the bread plate, and to the left of the plate place the water glass, followed by the wine glass.

A Christmas dinner table should be a relaxing and comforting place to gather. Follow these simple tips for a stylish and elegant holiday dinner table that will impress guests of all ages!

Pet Beds: Pamper Your Pets for Christmas

2007-11-16T14:37:00.000-08:00

The “dog days” aren’t just for summer! Your dog does so much for you and your family – it’s time to repay him for being your best friend. This Christmas season, pamper your pet with a comfortable dog bed to relax and sleep on!

Sharing a bed with your adorable companion might keep you warm during the night, but often it’s hard to sleep with the weight of your dog on your legs. A good dog bed will provide the comfort and support your dog needs to get a good night’s sleep – and you will sleep better with all the extra space in your bed! Dog beds are also better for your dog’s overall wellbeing. When your dog sleeps on the floor or other hard surfaces, it can cause your four-legged buddy to develop arthritis and calluses later in life. A pet bed will keep your puppy healthy and fit.

Dog beds are perfect for any breed dog of any size and come in a variety of styles. Nesting dog beds, pillow dog beds, bolster dog beds, furniture style dog beds, and designer dog beds are a few of the cozy options you have to choose from. The dog bed that is right for your pet will depend on the size of your dog, the age of your dog, and needs of your dog. The type of pet bed your choose for your dog will also depend on whether you’re looking for a casual spot for your dog to lounge in or a bed with the utmost of luxury. For older, arthritic, or ill dogs, orthopedic dog beds are recommended for maximum comfort and support.

If you love the gift of comfort, your pets will, too! While you relax on the couch and toast chestnuts over an open fire, allow your loveable dog to join in the fun and settle down nearby on his or her own pet bed!

Check out Merry Christmas Decor for other holiday tips, gifts, and decorating ideas!

Money Saving Christmas Light Tips

2007-11-16T14:24:00.000-08:00

Christmas lights add warmth to your home and have a way of keeping everyone in the holiday spirit. Nevertheless, whether you’re hanging a single strand of Christmas lights on your porch, or decorating your entire house with Christmas lights, it’s inevitable that your electrical bill will climb. But before you flick the switch to your Christmas joy, you should know that there are great ways to help ensure that lighting your house will not send your electric bill through the roof! What's more, Christmas lights create a festive atmosphere for your friends and family, so a slight seasonal increase in your bill is a small price to pay for true holiday cheer!

Use Timers for Lights: Timers ensure that your lights are turned off so you save money. Leaving Christmas lighting displays on overnight during the course of a few months will most likely lead to an increase in your electric bill. By using timers for your Christmas lights, you will never have to wake up in the middle of the night wondering if you forgot to turn off the lights. All you have to do is set the light timer and forget about it! They make one extra thing you won’t have to worry about – and every little bit counts during the holidays!

Use LED Lights: LED lights are energy-efficient, safe, shatterproof, and shock resistant. Each LED C7 multicolored bulb is only 0.08 watts – in comparison to a standard incandescent C7 bulb with 6 watts or an incandescent miniature lights with 0.48 watts. Bottom line – you can save up to 80% of your energy costs! LED Lights come in green, orange, gold, red, white and blue.

Replace Old, Large Christmas Lights: Your mother or grandmother used them, so now they have become a Christmas tradition, but those old large, traditional colored bulbs could be costing you! These older strands of Christmas lights use up to 10 watts per bulb, as opposed to most C7 or C9 Christmas lights that use 5 to 7 watts per bulb! Though the difference is only a couple of watts, it could amount to much more on your electrical bill. Instead, perhaps opt for miniature string lights – they use about 70% less energy and outlast larger holiday lights. Can’t scrap a holiday tradition? Keep your larger colored Christmas lights, but replace the 7 to 10 watt bulbs with 5 watt bulbs to save about 30% more energy – and more money, too!

Check out Merry Christmas Decor for other holiday tips, gifts, and decorating ideas!

Do-It-Yourself Christmas Centerpieces

2007-11-07T07:53:00.000-08:00

The hustle and bustle of the Christmas season is often unavoidable. With our never-ending obligations, sometimes decorating takes a backseat, but surrounding guests with Christmas cheer is often one of the most important aspects of a party. Christmas decorations set the mood to the festivities and are the visual representations of the occasion. And, since most holidays revolve around the dinner table, the center of attention should always be the Christmas centerpiece.

It's easy to find beautiful Christmas centerpieces at online Christmas shops or at local stores, but if you prefer to do-it-yourself, you can make your own unique centerpiece that will blend seamlessly with your holiday decor. Even if you have a "To Do" list as long as Santa’s, in a few spare moments, you can put together a simple, attractive, colorful, and effective centerpiece by following our tips below.

Christmas Bulb Centerpiece Directions
Gather spare Christmas bulbs of different sizes and colors, place them in any size clear bowl, adorn the bowl with gold or holiday colored ribbon, and in seconds you have a Christmas table centerpiece! Or use a hot glue gun to attach the bulbs to a styrofoam balls to create festive orbs like the ones above from Better Homes & Gardens.

Christmas Gift Centerpiece Directions
For another easy holiday centerpiece, wrap a few small boxes of different shapes with your favorite seasonal wrapping paper and pretty ribbon and arrange the boxes in the center of the table with some fresh pine boughs or other greenery. Not only will this centerpiece provide your guests with something to look at, it will spark their curiosity and excitement. You could even use some of the real presents from under your tree!

Modern Citrus Centerpiece Directions
For a very simple and modern citrus centerpiece, fill glass hurricane canisters with mixed citrus fruits and eucalyptus. Or, with a little more effort, you can make a pomander centerpiece like the one on the right. You'll need a cake stand, some oranges, cloves, thin rubber band ribbon and some greenery, like white pine, eucalyptus or mountain laurel. Pierce the oranges with the cloves in a pattern that you like. You can use the rubber band to help make sure that the cloves are lined up neatly. Arrange the pomanders on a cake stand with the greens and you're done! Make your own variation by mixing in a few lemons, limes or kumquats to add a little extra color, or add an extra layer on a glass plate, or put a candle in the middle. The options are endless!

Just remember, Christmas centerpieces should be made to be looked over, not over looked! Keep the height of your centerpiece low enough that your guests will be able to see each other across the table.

Luggage Tips for Stress-Free Christmas Travel

2007-11-07T07:34:00.000-08:00

While some are dreaming of a white Christmas, others are crossing their fingers that they don’t get snowed in! With millions of travelers crowding the airports, the holidays are by far the busiest travel season of the year. Whether you’re visiting relatives or escaping to a warmer destination, the key is to book early, plan ahead, and be prepared.

Packing your luggage is one of the most important parts of preparing for your Christmas trip. If you have old, beat up suitcases, it is probably time to invest in some quality luggage that will protect your precious belongings. To avoid frantic Chirstmas shoppers and long lines, consider shopping online. Luggage.com is an online luggage store that has a great selection of suitcases, carry on luggage, garment bags, ski and snowboard bags, and more by a variety of trusted manufacturers, like Samsonite and Boyt. When you’re buying new luggage, try to choose a piece that has wheels and a handle and look for well-built, lightweight, high-quality, and portable gear. Avoid heavy, bulky luggage that will be hard to maneuver.

When you’re traveling during Christmas, it’s important to pack light to avoid aches and pains during your holiday celebrations. Packing lighter luggage is better for your body’s muscles, bones and joints, and will make it easier for you to lift your luggage. Sometimes our goal is to fit all of our things in one bag, but this may be cumbersome. Instead, pack your belongings in a few smaller suitcases, rather than one large suitcase. Two lighter pieces of luggage in each hand, rather than one heavy piece in one hand also reduce stress on your spine. If you have bags full of holiday gifts for your loved ones, consider checking them or shipping them ahead of time in dependable luggage, allowing at lease two to three weeks for the gifts to arrive at their destination.

Have you ever arrived at your destination only to find that your luggage didn’t make it there? Lost luggage can put your Christmas stress level through the roof. To help your bags find their way back to you, be sure to attach luggage tags to all of your bags. Flimsy outside luggage tags can be torn off during baggage handling, so securely attach a durable luggage tag made of leather or faux leather to the outside of the bag with your contact information inside, and attach a second luggage tag in the inside of your bag as well. It never hurts to have a backup!

Check out Merry Christmas Decor for other holiday tips, gifts, and decorating ideas!

Simple & Delicious Christmas Pie Recipes

2007-11-05T14:44:00.000-08:00

No dessert captures the sweetness of Christmas better than a warm pie baking in the oven. It’s a nostalgic smell that brings to mind a grandmother’s kitchen, and evokes a safe, homey feeling. Freshly baked pies are a symbol of the holidays and a decadent dessert that have been enjoyed by millions since the time of the Egyptians. This Christmas, prepare your kitchen with all the finest cookware, bakeware, and appliances so you can cook up a mouth-watering holiday pie for all your family to enjoy! Don’t spend all day in the kitchen trying to make a complicated tiramisu or upside down cake. Bake a delicious pie that’s as easy as… well, pie! Here is a classic Mince Apple Pie recipe and a festive Holiday Eggnog Pie recipe for you to get started!

Mince Apple Pie:

1 baked 9-inch pie crust
1 cup prepared mincemeat
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 1/2 tablespoons flour
4 cups Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Pre-heat the oven to 375°. Next, line the bottom of 9-inch pie pan with half the pastry. Combine mincemeat and orange zest. Spread the mixture on the bottom of the pastry-lined pie pan.

In large mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup sugar, the chopped walnuts, and flour. Then, add the apples and toss. Next, spread the apple mixture over the layer of mincemeat and then sprinkle lemon juice on top. Cover the filling with the remaining pastry. Seal the pie crust and flute the edges. Lightly brush the top of the crust with water and sprinkle with sugar. Carefully cut several vents in the top crust so the steam can escape. Bake 45 to 55 minutes or until apples are tender. Wait least 30 minutes for the pie to cool before serving.

Holiday Eggnog Pie:

1 baked 9-inch pie crust
2 packaged of vanilla pudding mix
2 cups of eggnog
1 ¼ cups milk
1/8 teaspoon of grounded nutmeg
1 carton Cool Whip or whipped topping
¼ cup pecans (optional)
1 tablespoon rum

Combine the pudding mix, eggnog, milk and grounded nutmeg in a saucepan. Cook on the stove and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a complete boil. Then, remove from the heat and add rum if desired and cool for 5 minutes, stirring twice. Line the bottom of the pie pan with the pie crust and pour on the mixture. Cover the surface with plastic wrap. Finally, chill at least 3 hours in the refrigerator. Garnish the pie with Cool Whip or other whipped topping. Top with pecans or just a little nutmeg sprinkled on the Cool Whip.

Check out Merry Christmas Decor for other holiday tips, gifts, and decorating ideas!

December Belongs to the Christmas Tree

2007-11-05T14:06:00.000-08:00

A focal point in countless living rooms nation-wide, the Christmas tree is synonymous with good food, good company and general merriment. Being the most iconic of all Holiday decorations, the perfect Christmas tree can transform your regular living room into a Winter Wonderland.

If you prefer to avoid all of the maintenance that live Christmas trees require, then consider an artificial Christmas tree. While many old-fashioned Christmas celebrators fancy a live tree and all of its natural nuances, there are many folks that can just as easily engage in the same seasonal spirit and symbolism with the addition of an artificial Christmas tree to their Holiday decor. There are many advantages to boasting an artificial Christmas tree, including its hypo-allergenic properties, its low maintenance nature and its higher safety rating. Moreover, they provide for simple set up and storage, as well as the added bonus of reusability.

That being said, there are many traditionalists who believe that there is no other way to decorate or celebrate than with a live Christmas tree. The scent of a live tree induces a unique, nostalgic aroma that can evoke limitless amounts of childhood memories. Watching your father struggle to carry something much stronger and more imposing than he, but doing it with such force and willpower with a twinkle in his eyes, or heading down to the Christmas tree farm with the whole family arguing about which tree is the most perfect for your living room are priceless experiences that should not long be forgotten.

Fully connect with your Christmas spirit this Holiday season courtesy of the signature, most emblematic holiday decoration.. a Christmas tree!

Check out Merry Christmas Decor for other holiday tips, gifts, and decorating ideas!