Friday, December 24, 2010

Dinner Party

Last night my brother and sister in law hosted a beautifully intimate family Christmas dinner. Shari, my sister in law, is quite the talented hostess and a sensational cook. Shari and Dave, my brother, entertain quite often and whether they are having one person in their home or throwing a backyard bash for one hundred, guests are made to feel special. Shari doesn't overlook any detail. The menu, the decor, the drink, the music and entertainment is always perfect. I must say, Shari is one exceptional entertainer!





Our meal opened with not one but three delicious appetizers. Some people might think three appetizers for a party of eight is excessive, but we paced ourselves and managed to leave clean plates. Between the appetizer course and the main course we wanted to slow things down a bit. You know, not fill up too fast. Dave had the steaks on the grill along with the potato stuffed red peppers. The green bean bundles and the rolls were in the oven and we were sipping our Poinsettia Gimlets, the signature drink of the evening. We took few moments to open gifts and then made the final preparations for the meal.







The meal was served buffet style from the kitchen. The dining room table was set with gorgeous holiday china and flatware. Antique crystal goblets sparkled and it was time to toast the season, our family and friends. We ate. And talked. And laughed. And then, we ate some more. It was a wonderfully fulfillling evening. A Christmas dinner and an night of cherished family memories.




Merry Christmas!

Barb

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Home for Christmas

My boys are coming home for Christmas! Last year my family wasn't all together for Christmas. My older son was working and couldn't make it home. It was our first Christmas in our new Florida home and although it was great to be in a new home, I wasn't in a real holiday mood. I only did minimal decorating- hung stockings on the staircase, two wreaths at the front door and a bowl full of ornaments. We didn't put up a tree, we had no glowing lights and we exchanged gifts given in the store bags, not even wrapped.

This year is different though. Both boys will be home. I put the tree up the day after Thanksgiving. I crafted a few ornaments and embellishments for the tree and dining room table, and I even did a little baking. I feel like it's Christmas. I still have much to do-shopping, wrapping, and more cards need to be mailed out. But the most important arrangements have me made. My son, Dylan, is already at the house, relieved to be on break after a week of college exams. My older son, Austin, and my husband will be coming Monday and I will be arriving Tuesday( my sons live in Ohio and my husband and I live and work in Illinois. We consider our Florida home our "real" home although we are only there about 3 months out of the year).

So, here's a little look at my Christmas house. Or, since it's more to me than just a house, I'll say my Christmas Home...

Hoping your season is bright!

Barb






Monday, December 13, 2010

Still decking the halls

Never mind the shopping and baking I have to do, I'm still decking the halls. I made these simple chair embellishments with rickrack chenille garland and old ornaments from Christmas's past. The greenery is simply pieces snipped from a large full wreath.




Old bits and pieces have a new life in the dining room bejeweling six plain white chairs. Simple, fast, and it didn't cost a thing.


Until next time,

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Glitter Alphabet!

Last year I was inspired to make my own place settings for my Thanksgiving table. Letters and numbers are very popular in decorating right now. I bought a package of letters and jars of glitter at the craft store with the idea that each guest would get their initial in glitter at their plate.





Each letter is glittered on both sides with different colors. I used these letters this Thanksgiving, too. I like the letters so much that I decided I 'd use them this Christmas as ornaments on the tree. I love that they have been able to do double duty. They were cheap, simple to make and I think they are a unique addition to what is traditional in Christmas decorating.




I have my glitter jars out again and I'm going to do something sparkly for the Christmas table. Hmm, I'm thinking maybe glittered seashells?!


Barb






Friday, December 3, 2010

More GLITTER!

So, my best friend, Barb and I are sharing this BLOG to show our creativity
and maybe inspire you to have fun with your home. She is, by far, much more creative
than I am. But, I’m more tech savvy…. so here we go!

DIY – #1

Glitter Pipe Cleaners for tree decorations.

Barb texted me this little jewel earlier today. She went to a local craft store and purchased glitter pipe cleaners. Curled them and added them to her Christmas tree. So easy, so cleaver! Way to go Barb!! We are sharing this with you. 



Wrap the pipe cleaner around a candle…