Gordon Gossip

Time out

2012-01-03T21:33:00.000-07:00

Really, I don't have many deep thoughts to share, but I have been thinking about a lot of things lately. Priorities, goals - all of that good stuff that accompanies the beginning of a new year. A fresh start. And as part of all of this, blogging has weighed heavily on my mind for some reason. I have loved getting to know new friends and connecting with people in a way I never dreamed of, and rather than bore you with the bajillion other thoughts running through my brain on the topic, I will simply say that it's time for me to take a break. I'm not sure how long this break might be, and I might even post a little bit here and there. In the mean time, can we be friends on Pinterest?

{Image via.}

Zooey Deschanel is my FAVORITE!

2012-01-03T07:39:00.002-07:00

Sparkling Dessert

2012-01-02T06:15:00.000-07:00

Oh what fun would it be to celebrate any occasion - from birthdays to anniversaries with this sparkling dessert? Find the details at Everything Fabulous.

Celebrations

2011-12-31T10:17:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, Nikki at Perpetually Engaged blogged about these glittered champagne glasses. These would work well for any celebration that you have - from a NYE shindig to an anniversary celebration.

First up, these lovely gold and glittery flutes from The Bright Life.

Katie followed the tutorial for her golden flutes from Something Turquoise, who also added a monogram a la the below.

Aren't they pretty? Thanks for the great finds, Nikki!

New Year's Eve kit

2011-12-31T10:12:00.000-07:00

I'm completely sold on these New Year's Eve kits from Inchmark Journal. What a fabulous neighbor gift at Christmas! Find the details here.

DIY snowflake chandelier

2011-12-30T08:19:00.000-07:00

I may be slightly obsessed with snowflakes and snowflake garlands lately. And this one is no exception. Find the DIY directions for this lovely snowflake garland from Design Dazzle from Icing Designs. Beautiful!

What are you doing New Year's, New Year's Eve?

2011-12-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

So loving these ideas from Pizzazzerie.Check them out here.

Sequin photo booth

2011-12-30T08:10:00.000-07:00

How great is the backdrop for this photo booth? It's made with large sequins and you can find all of the instructions and more pictures at Oh Happy Day. This would be so fun for New Year's Eve!

New Year's Eve paper ball cupcake toppers

2011-12-29T08:02:00.000-07:00

You, too, can create these New Year's Eve paper ball cupcakes from One Charming Party using honeycomb paper. Find the directions from Hank and Hunt here at One Charming Party.

Falling snowflake garland

2011-12-29T07:57:00.000-07:00

This falling snowflake garland is beautiful, albeit slightly time consuming. The effect is totally dreamy and worth it, though. Find the directions from Chiara Alberetti Milott at Oh Happy Day.
{Photo by Kate Mathis.}

Ring in the new year

2011-12-28T07:53:00.000-07:00

Need some inspiration for a party this weekend to ring in the new year? Check out this great feature from Wants and Wishes Design featured on Amy Atlas. I love the colors, the balloons, the bubbles. You can buy the paper collection right here from Wants and Wishes Design. Oh what fun!

New Year's Hats

2011-12-28T07:43:00.000-07:00

You could incorporate the making of these tasty hats right into your NYE party. Find the directions here at Family Fun.

Christmas!

2011-12-27T07:55:00.028-07:00

Sometimes I can't decide how much personal information to share on this blog. And so lately, I really haven't. But this week maybe that's about to change. Prepare for an overload....

We have had the best Christmas holiday so far filled with fun, family, relaxation, games, presents, movies...what more could a girl ask for?

Of course, Christmas always starts with preparing Christmas cards...which sat on my table for weeks before I did anything with them! (has it happened to you, too, that you used to send nice, handwritten letters and then moved to a form letter or a recap of the funny things that happened or your favorite adventures...and then you just started sending pictures with no letters because you are too busy? Does anyone read them anyway? Should I make a resolution to do better this coming year?)

(That's us in front of The Empress Hotel in Victoria this summer. Yes, we had afternoon tea at The Empress. Check something off the bucket list. And it was awesome. Except the tea part, because guess what? I dislike tea very much. Kind of an expensive way to find out...but the room was beautiful, the experience priceless, and everything else about afternoon tea - like the sandwiches, desserts, and clotted cream - is fabulous.)

I hosted an ugly Christmas sweater party for my peeps at work. We ate yummy buffalo chicken dip, cheesecake stuffed strawberries, dipped Oreos, hot chocolate marshmallow stirrers on peppermint sticks, made reindeer out of Nutter Butters....and took funny photos with these Christmas props I bought. Watching Mindy act out the Sugar Plum Fairy for the charades game was probably the highlight of the gaming. It was clever and hilarious. Liz won the ugly Christmas sweater prize HANDS DOWN with her 3D costume.

We wished our neighbors and friends Mele Kalikimaka with what has become a family tradition for us: pineapples. I love this gift because it doesn't involve sugar (let's face it, we eat way too much sugar at Christmas). I decided this year to tie the pineapples with a burlap ribbon. I forgot how much burlap stinks!

At church we helped out a bit with the annual Christmas party. We brought a cake, helped to serve dinner, I performed a musical number, and then we helped to clean up. The decorations were the most fantastic part of the evening. Below, I present to you our winter wonderland. My friend was in charge of the decor and no one in the history of the world will be able to top what she did in a gymnasium. There were hundreds of the 3D snowflakes strung on fishing wire across the gym, Christmas lights everywhere, and beautifully decorated tables. It was pure magic!

The mister forced paperwhites for Christmas. They are so beautiful, but guess what else stinks? Yep, paperwhites. We're trying to focus on the beautiful part!

I made homemade vanilla for my team at work. It was such fun to do, and I loved every minute of making it and then watching it turn into vanilla. But here's a tip for you: it's kind of expensive to make homemade vanilla. A big bottle from Costco is much, much cheaper!

My mom was in charge of her side of the family's Christmas party, which always involves a re-enactment of the manger scene as seen below with the next generation doing their part. We had a yummy dinner, our fun "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" gift opening, our gift exchange, and then heard the Luke 2 story with lots of singing. It was a little heartbreaking not to have my grandfather there this year.

The mister came to sit by me while I accompanied the singing. He entertained adorable little Matthew who liked to add his own angelic notes to some of the songs.

We made it to The Festival of Trees - a fundraiser in these parts for Primary Children's Hospital. My friend's granddaughters decorated a tree in honor of her daughter, Angela Kirk, who passed away one year ago from breast cancer. It was a Tinkerbell tree, and it was absolutely magical. It had already sold by the time we saw it - otherwise I may have begged the mister relentlessly to purchase it. I heart Tinkerbell. And Angie. And my neighbor.

We spent some time with my family and celebrated Christmas with my favorite brothers. Brother #1 was in town from HI for a few days and one of the things we had to do was take him to Cafe Rio. I wish he could have stayed longer, but alas, patients and radiology images were calling his name all too quickly.

The mister celebrated a birthday. I love him. SO.MUCH. And wish his birthday didn't get so jumbled with Christmas.

We saw TinTin. In 3D, and it was pretty awesome. Brother #1 lived in Belgium for two years while serving a mission for our church, so we are pretty well acquainted with TinTin and were thrilled that he was in town to see it with us. The movie was fantastic, by the way. Go see it!

And on Christmas Eve/the mister's birthday, we started a new tradition with the mister's family: sky lanterns. They are just as cool as everyone tells you they are!

One of my gifts from the mister was tickets to Ballet West's performance of The Nutcracker. It was as fantastic as ever. I don't love ballet particularly, but I love, love, LOVE The Nutcracker!

Merry Christmas, every one.

Let Earth receive her king!

2011-12-25T08:25:00.003-07:00

Painting by Simon Dewey.

A perfect Christmas gift

2011-12-25T07:58:00.001-07:00

I spotted this very cool Christmas story on Design Mom. Each year, a firefighter dressed as Santa Claus repels off the Belize Bridge to deliver Christmas presents to some of the very poorest children in Guatemala City. This just melts my heart and reminds me what the true meaning of Christmas is.

Merry, Merry, Christmas!

My favorite Christmas cards

2011-12-25T07:55:00.000-07:00

I wish I had been clever enough to think of this one! Kari at Herndon House was.

And this one is my all-time favorite! It's from A-Bryan Photo. I have searched high and low for that banner, but it was sold out long ago.

Christmas tree cupcakes

2011-12-23T04:38:00.000-07:00

Do you read the blog C Stands for Carrie? I love it, and I love this project that she did for their Christmas tree hunt-and-cut celebration. She piped the Christmas tree onto pretzels! I love this project because it's one I can actually tackle! Find all of the instructions and more photos here.

{Photo from C Stands for Carrie.}

Santa hat pancakes

2011-12-23T04:01:00.000-07:00

My dear friend, Elizabeth, has been telling me about this recipe she found for red velvet pancakes. The other day she emailed it to me and I was so excited. THEN Studio 5 ran a segment on red velvet santa hat pancakes. Well, hello Christmas morning breakfast! We must make red velvet santa hat pancakes for breakfast this year! Go to Studio 5 to get the recipe and technique.

Milk and cookies for Santa

2011-12-22T06:48:00.000-07:00

I love so many of the details of this milk and cookies for Santa party from Parents Playground NWA spotted on Hostess With the Mostess.

Little cookie rings on straws atop milk bottles....I'm positively swooning.

The individual desserts had me oooohing an ahhhing.

And those reindeer lollipops are so cute!

Homemade vanilla

2011-12-22T06:19:00.001-07:00

For my team at work this year, I made bottles of homemade vanilla. It was really fun and smells heavenly. I hope they all like it! They did get a kick out of the thought of me at the state liquor store at the very least.

Christmas tree garland

2011-12-21T07:41:00.000-07:00

This Christmas tree garland from Folksy reminds me of Christmas when I was little. I feel so nostalgic just looking at them! My mom had a bunch of hand-made ornaments just like this, and now I think I totally need to recreate them.

Christmas utensil holders

2011-12-21T07:40:00.001-07:00

These utensil holders are adorbs. I just can't get enough of them, and luckily there is a You Tube tutorial right here! The project is from Stamp With Heather.

{Photo from Stamp With Heather.}

The gift of an olive grove

2011-12-20T08:26:00.001-07:00

The mister once told me that men plant vineyards for their sons and olive groves for their grandsons. He's a very enthusiastic gardener and there is no doubt in my mind that climate permitting, he would plant olive trees, so I've already warned him to expect this gift sometime in the near future: I'm going to adopt an olive tree for him. I think he'd love it and I'd love it. You get an adoption certificate, you can visit your tree, and in the spring and autumn you get 2 liters of olive from your tree and some flavored oils. Perfect for the foodie/gardener, no? Find more details at Nudo.

Found via Chic Geekery.

Holiday open house

2011-12-20T08:20:00.002-07:00

What a fantastic way to show hospitality to your neighbors: a holiday open house a la Studio 5. This is a fantastic clip on making spectacular milk steamers and hot cocoa to warm the neighborhood on a cold winter's night.

That's a wrap!

2011-12-19T08:15:00.000-07:00

I am loving these brown paper packages tied up with string from Stephmodo today - particularly the little mittens. Go here for a little tutorial on these lovelies.

{Photos from Stephmodo.}

I can't handle the cute!

2011-12-16T07:59:00.000-07:00

First, these test tube cocoa kits are so pretty! I spotted them from Pinterest and of course they were created by the talented Megan Reardon of Not Martha.

Second, these Santa hat cupcakes. I saw them on Cupcakes Take the Cake, but I don't see another source listed. If they are yours, awesome job!

Christmas cupcake liner flower

2011-12-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

This beautiful cupcake flower from Half Baked The Cake Blog (spotted on The TomKat Studio) is made from cupcake liners, of course. It's beautiful for Christmas and I'm sure can be adapted to any occasion or holiday of your choice.

Neighbor Gifts

2011-12-15T08:03:00.001-07:00

From reindeer truffles to caramel pears, Alisa Bangerter has you covered. Watch the whole Studio 5 segment right here.

Gingerbread party

2011-12-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

One day I will actually have enough time to plan and execute on a gingerbread house making party. I love this inspiration from Wants and Wishes via Celebrations at Home. I love the bright colors, the party favors, and just the whole concept. Someday!

Snowman S'mores

2011-12-13T08:23:00.000-07:00

Loralee Lewis is someone I would love to meet in person and then hang out with to soak up all of her niceness and creativity. And check out this great snowman s'mores project she made! So cute, right?
{Photo from No Fuss Fabulous.}

Ever-so-versatile Rice Krispies

2011-12-12T07:39:00.001-07:00

While reading all of my RSS feeds this weekend, I saw this lovely Christmas tree from Cookies and Cups. Genius and so easy! Find the directions here at Cookies and Cups.

Party spoon display

2011-12-12T07:38:00.000-07:00

I spotted this awesome party spoon display on Edible Crafts this weekend. It's from Jelly Fish Jelly and a fabulous idea!

Sleigh cupcake holders

2011-12-09T09:29:00.000-07:00

These adorable sleigh cupcake holders are from Crate and Barrel. I really, really want these!

Neighbor gifts

2011-12-09T09:03:00.003-07:00

Oreo truffles are my fave! If you are looking for a tasty and homemade neighbor gift idea, check out the recipe for Oreo truffles + free printable from The TomKat Studio. YUM. She has included a free download, too.

{Photo from The TomKat Studio.}

Great Christmas gift ideas

2011-12-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

I love the feature from Jordan Ferney on giving experiences as a gift. She has some really great suggestions and you can read all about them here. My favorite is the hot air balloon ride. I've always wanted to ride in a hot air ballon, particularly over the Loire Valley. Someday!

Festival of Trees

2011-12-09T08:13:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, the mister and I went to the Festival of Trees sponsored by Primary Children's Hospital. My friend's granddaughters had decorated a tree for her daughter who died last year of breast cancer and I wanted to see it so badly. It was a Tink tree, and as a huge Tinkerbell fan, I just couldn't miss it. At some point, I will post pictures of that tree and the Up tree, but today I wanted to post my favorite gingerbread house - do you recognize it? Someone sure is a Tangled fan! Love it.

Snowflake mobile

2011-12-08T07:10:00.002-07:00

I could spend hours staring at something like this Pottery Barn Kids snowflake mobile. It's sold out now, but I'm thinking maybe I could make it a project over Christmas break. How fun!

Rice Krispies Christmas tree lights

2011-12-07T07:28:00.000-07:00

Well aren't these just adorable and festive? Find the details to make these Christmas tree lights from Rice Krispies at Sweetology.
{Photo from Sweetology. Found via Edible Crafts.}

Christmas tree waffles

2011-12-07T07:15:00.000-07:00

I think these Christmas tree waffles will be a must on Christmas morning. Find the details at Rutherford Family Happenings. Found via Edible Crafts.
{Photo from Rutherford Family Happenings.}

Pearl Harbor Day

2011-12-07T07:11:00.000-07:00

70 years ago today, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and the United States entered World War II. My great uncle died on the Arizona that day. I am sad I never knew him, and my heart breaks for all mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, wives, husbands, grandparents, friends, and children who lose loved ones due to war. I am so grateful for the brave men and women who serve our country so faithfully and valiantly.

Festive Cabot Cheese tree

2011-12-05T08:13:00.000-07:00

As a huge fan of cheese, I have to acknowledge the brilliance of this little display. The mister has made the wooden display board for me so I can take this little creation to our family party. I'm so excited! Find directions for the display here at Cabot Cheese.
{Photo from Cabot Cheese.}

Snowman cookie kit

2011-12-02T08:34:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it looks like in your neck of the woods, but in ours there is a shocking shortage of snow, which seems especially strange given that it snowed into June this year! Nevertheless, if you have the urge to build a snowman, why not do as Meaghan from The Decorated Cookie did and build your snowman with cookies? Clever + fun. And delicious. Meaghan is a cookie genius! Find all of the information here at The Decorated Cookie.

{Image from The Decorated Cookie.}

Paper Christmas tree

2011-12-02T08:31:00.000-07:00

This Christmas tree, made by Amuse Studio is just lovely. Find more information here.

{Image from Amuse Studio.}

O Tannenbaum

2011-12-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

I simply must make time this weekend to recreate these adorable Christmas trees made from cupcake liners from Half Baked - The Cake Blog. Check out the full and awesome tutorial right here.

{Photo from Half Baked - The Cake Blog.}

Couldn't wait!

2011-11-30T09:01:00.001-07:00

I just couldn't wait to post about these little santa hats from Shindig Parties To Go. The presentation of the little cake pop pompom on the paper cones is fantastic. Find the details here at Celebrations at Home.

{Spotted on Poca Cosa.}

Christmas ornament cocktails

2011-11-30T01:28:00.002-07:00

Check out what Susan over at Poca Cosa has made. She took clear ornaments and with just a couple of embelishments, turned them into the cutest little drinking containers you ever did see. I LOVE this idea. If I move to Arizona, she will be the first call I make to decorate my house and plan all of my parties. Check out her blog here and this fantastic project right here.

Santa hat pretzels

2011-11-29T05:00:00.001-07:00

How adorable are these little Santa hat pretzels from Celebrations at Home? Dip your favorite pretzels in white chocolate, cover with sprinkls, and add a mini marshmallow. Genius.

Homemade gingerbread kits

2011-11-28T06:38:00.000-07:00

Although a bit on the time consuming side, homemade gingerbread kits are a stellar idea. I spotted this on Sugar and Charm, and I can't stop thinking about it. She used a recipe from The Food Network, and made four batches for six houses as gifts. Cute, cute!
{Photos and ideas from Sugar and Charm.}

Holiday photo booth

2011-11-28T04:57:00.000-07:00

These holiday photo booth props are sure to be the hit of your party. Purchase yours from Paper and Cake.

Ornament holder

2011-11-28T01:43:00.000-07:00

I need something really, really big to go over my mantle this year. I'm thinking this window ornament holder from A Diamond in the Stuff would be great. The mister made a really pretty felt nativity that hangs on the mantle, and it has a blue background so I'm thinking I could paint my box silver and then hang silver and blue ornaments inside. The size is just perfect for my space!

{Image from A Diamond in the Stuff.}

Sugar Plum Fairy...Again

2011-11-27T07:08:00.000-07:00

Oh goodness. Today's Sugar Plum Fairy party is from Tradewind Tiaras, spotted on The TomKat Studio. So lovely. And soft and purple. Here's an overview of the dessert table. GORGEOUS.

These pop-up invitations are such a nice touch. Love the purply-hued snowflakes. It ties in the purple and silver theme so nicely.

The purple cupcake wrappers and snowflake cupcakes are cute. And I bet those donuts were tasty.

I love the touch of the ballet shoes tied with purple roses to the dessert table.

These quilled snowflakes were everywhere: on the tree and hanging from the ceiling.

The desserts included: Dancing Snowflake Cupcakes, Mouse King Confections, Russian (dancer) tea cakes, a gingerbread house from the Land of Sweets, Sugar Plums (from a 16th century recipe), snowflake lollipops, ballet slipper sugar cookies, icing trees, snow-filled krumkake and rosette snowflakes. Nicole from Tradewind Tiaras made everything herself!

The tree looks enchanting, as it should for the Sugar Plum Fairy!

I love these little white icing trees.

For drinks they offered Sugar Plum Punch and Melted Snowflakes. The plastic goblets they used were such a hit that most of the children ended up wanting to take them home!

All photos from Tradewind Tiaras.

Gingerbread house pops

2011-11-27T05:06:00.000-07:00

Meaghan, of The Decorated Cookie and Edible Crafts is a cooking and baking genius. Take these gingerbread house pops of exhibit a. I mean, totally and completely adorable and fun, right? Find the directions on her blog here.
{Photo from The Decorated Cookie.}

Christmas icicles

2011-11-27T04:42:00.000-07:00

For some reason, when I spotted this picture and recipe from Sprinkle Bakes, visions of sugar plums danced in my head. I think these little candy twists are adorable. She suggests making a trial batch while you get the hang of things.

Icicle Candy
12-15 pieces
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 dram flavoring oil such as peppermint or blueberry
Blue food coloring
White food coloring *optional (I added a drop or two for opacity)
Disco dust *optional

Preheat oven to 185 degrees. Spray a cookie sheet and large knife with cooking spray (I found that a pizza cutter worked very well in place of the knife).

In a 4 cup glass measure, mix sugar and corn syrup together until a thick, uniform paste forms. Cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 3 minutes 15 seconds. Quickly stir mixture and cover with a new piece of plastic wrap. Microwave for another 3 minutes 15 seconds. Remove from microwave and stir with a clean spoon. After the mixture stops boiling, add the food color and flavoring. The cooked candy mixture will have a golden appearance, so when you add the blue food coloring you will get a blue/green (turquoise) color result.

Pour melted candy onto the prepared pan. Tilt the sheet to spread the candy to a 6x8 inch puddle. As the sugar starts to set (one or two minutes after pouring) cut candy into 1/2 x 4 inch strips. Remove one strip and twist gently. Allow to cool on wire rack. Repeat with remaining pieces. To keep the candy malleable, place in the oven for 1-2 minutes. You may prefer to keep the cookie sheet heated and work out of the oven. I found this to be a successful method. When candy pieces harden, lightly coat them with disco dust using a 2" soft-hair paintbrush.

*This recipe is meant to be prepared in a standard household microwave (600-700 watts). Mini microwaves and commercial microwaves are not recommended.

*Please use caution when making this recipe. Candy mixture is extremely hot when in liquid state.

{Photo from Sprinkle Bakes.}

Falalalala

2011-11-27T04:40:00.004-07:00

Isn't this packaging from Melanie at You Are My Fave the best? I'm the world's WORST wrapper. I loathe wrapping presents. LOATHE. The mister does a much better job of it, and sometimes I'm tempted to have him wrap his own. I kid, I kid. Unwrapping them, however, is another story, but maybe I'll feel inspire to decorate with a little felt fa-la-la-la-la this year. Love.

Holiday house place cards

2011-11-26T07:54:00.000-07:00

Here's a fantastic idea for your Christmas table: little snowy house place cards from Homework.

To make a snowy house place card, you will need:
Cardboard or an existing small box
Glue
Corrugated cardboard
Kosher or coarse salt
Make a small box out of cardboard and tape the inside of the box.
Make an A-frame roof out of corrugated cardboard and glue onto the top of the box. Cut out windows, and doors as desired.
Once you’re happy with your house, pour kosher or coarse salt into a plate.
Apply glue all around the house and press the house into the salt one side at a time. You may need to apply a little more glue and fill in the bare areas. Set aside to dry.
Add a name tag to each house.
{Photo and instructions from Homework.}

The Sugar Plum Fairy

2011-11-26T07:22:00.001-07:00

As one who is obsessed with The Nutcracker, and in particular the Sugar Plum Fairy, I love love LOVE this dessert table that I spotted on Icing Designs last year. The whole theme was designed by Tanya from Save the Date for Cupcakes for Operation Shower. Please read on for such adorableness you will not know what to do with yourself. (Seriously!)

These edible cones were made by Celebrate Today, with the white chocolate ballet cookies made by Sweeties by Kim.

The Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies were made by Queen of Tarts Cakes.

These edible, dancing reindeer were made by sweetdejavu. (Who, luckily, happens to be near me!)

These cute and yummy pretzels were made by Pretzels Please.

The printable kiss bottoms were made by Posh Pixels Design Studio. The snowflake and Christmas tree fondant toppers were made by Two Sugar Babies. The gift tags, food labels, and banner were created by Icing Designs.

Gingerbread party

2011-11-26T06:37:00.027-07:00

It's nothing short of a cruel irony, the paradox of gingerbread houses. So cute and such a pain. Nevertheless, this year I will conquer, because I want to throw a gingerbead party that is no less cute than this one from Jenny's Cookies, as featured on Kara's Party Ideas.

Seriously, check it. This gingerbread house is among the most adorable I've ever laid eyes on.

And these little santa hat cake pops are so, so, so cute.

Red sprinkles adorn cocoa mugs with a side of marshmallows. LalalaLOVE it.

Peppermint cake balls were included too. After all, what's the Christmas holiday without peppermints?

The little elf spying on the festivities from his glittered branches is a nice touch.

Gingerbread-shaped sandwiches = genius. How have I not thought of this?

A look at the whole spread, cute snowflakes and all...

Last but not least, hot chocolate on a stick.

I am in love from start to finish.
{Photos from Jenny's Cookies.}

Christmas sweets

2011-11-26T04:04:00.001-07:00

I am always super impressed and inspired by the dessert tables that Tracey Lau puts together. This Christmas dessert table from last year has me blown away. I love the red and white sweets theme with just a touch of green. It's lovely, really.

I especially love the drinks with their own mini wreaths. Cute, cute, cute!

{Images from Tracey Lau.}

Semi homemade

2011-11-25T07:39:00.001-07:00

I'm loving these ideas from The Party Dress - purchasing store-bought cakes, cupcakes, and cookies and then adding your own finishing touches - coconut, white chocolate trimmings and dragees, and ribbons. Find more details here at The Party Dress.

Neighbor gift idea

2011-11-25T07:08:00.001-07:00

From the Think Garnish blog I found this lovely little Christmas favor. Take their square kraft labels and stick them on a little container filled with your homemade cookie dough. Tie with a festive ribbon and voila! Fun!

Holiday cocoa with Rice Krispies

2011-11-25T07:05:00.000-07:00

You had me at cocoa. But then you added peppermint, a candy cane, and Rice Krispies. Nirvana, I tell you. Learn how to make these peppermint Rice Krispies snowballs right here at She Wears Many Hats. Found via Edible Crafts.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T07:26:00.002-07:00

My heart is full of gratitude for my many blessings: my faith, my family, my savior, my wonderful mister, my life, my friends, my health, my freedom, my home, my job, sunsets, flowers, clothes to wear, blue skies, food, rain, snow, sunshine, modern conveniences, my car, those who serve our country, weekends, music, holidays, the opportunity to serve others, my country, and so much more. Enjoy this day and be happy!

Flower turkey napkin rings

2011-11-24T07:20:00.000-07:00

These flower turkey napkin rings from Our Best Bites would steal the show at your Thanksgiving table. Find the directions here.

Flower Turkeys

Silk flowers
Scissors
Felt in brown and orange
Optional: googly eyes
Optional: napkin rings, clips, clothes pins, magnets, etc.

Instructions:
Remove flowers from stems. Separate center of flower from back and separate all petals. Stack varying petals together, stacking smaller on top of larger. Hold stack together and cut pile in half across the middle. Glue layers together. Cut turkey shapes out of brown felt and glue onto front of petal piles. Glue on small orange triangle for beak. If desired add eyes and attach a clip, clothespin, or magnet to back.

Dress to impress

2011-11-23T07:08:00.002-07:00

It's a little early for Fashionista Friday, which I have neglected completely lately, but this "how to wear a scarf" video is my most favoritest ever. Find lots of ways to wear this fantastic accessory this holiday weekend!
{Many thanks to the lovely Nikki.}

Mr & Mrs

2011-11-22T07:12:00.000-07:00

Should I really be expected to live without these adorable Mr and Mrs glasses? I thought not. Find them at Store03. Has anyone ever ordered from this site before? I'm feeling a little nervous about it for some reason...

Everything in a jar

2011-11-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

One more idea for hostess gifts as we kick off the holiday season. These darling jars are from The Gunny Sack. You can make a pampering jar, an energy jar, and a refreshment jar. I am loving these gifts in a mason jar idea! The Gunny Sack even has a printable you can use. Find everything you need, including suggestions on what to put in each jar, right here.

{Image from The Gunny Sack.}

Great gift idea

2011-11-21T06:59:00.003-07:00

If you're looking for a fun hostess gift this Thanksgiving or Christmas season, look no further than these DIY mason jar sewing kits by Tasha at Frugalicious Me. They are so cute and include just what you need in a sewing pinch, including some really cute pins with pink pearl heads. Plus, isn't everything automatically cuter when it's miniature and in a mason jar? Tasha spotted the ones Anthropologie is carrying for $48 and, like most of us, decided that was too expensive. And Tasha's turned out cuter!
{Photo from Frugalicious Me.}

Pinterest is a dangerous underworld

2011-11-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

When I spotted this cake from Clockwork Lemon on Pinterest, decorated with sprinkles to look like embroidery, I immediately began thinking of when and where I would make it. But the truth is, I would be half sick of sprinkles before I was a quarter of the way done. Where does one develop the patience for this type of thing? In the mean time, I'm just going to keep drooling over it. Because it's beautiful, and perhaps this type of sprinkle cake was just added to my bucket list.

{Photos from Clockwork Lemon.}

Thanksgiving scavenger hunt

2011-11-19T06:35:00.000-07:00

Walk off your turkey dinner with a scavenger hunt around the neighborhood. Dare I overuse the word "genius" again? Find the deets at Family Fun.

Thankful tablecloth

2011-11-18T04:34:00.000-07:00

Today I'm completely smitten with this lovely thankful tablecloth from Becca at Blue Cricket Design. It's such a sweet idea and a great way to express your gratitude + build great family memories.

{Found via Poca Cosas.}

Turkey cupcakes

2011-11-18T04:18:00.001-07:00

A thousand points to The Party Dress for featuring perhaps the most adorable turkey cupcake in the history of Thanksgiving. The ingenious creator is Stephanie from Anna and Blue. And pirouette cookies? I'm all in on this one.

Pumpkin mousse parfaits

2011-11-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

Check out these delightful pumpkin mousse parfaits at the TomKat Studio. Pumpkin is one of my very favorite things about autumn, and when you stack a parfait in a little glass, I just can't resist!

Pumpkin place card holders

2011-11-15T07:05:00.000-07:00

Why not whip up some little wooden place cards for your guests this Thanksgiving? Find the details at Oh Happy Day by Halligan Norris Smith. Those curlicue names/stems are clever!

Give Thanks

2011-11-14T07:13:00.002-07:00

Check out these cute favor boxes from Parties and Patterns. They have a free download right now - and these would be just perfect for your holiday table.

Best birthday idea.EVER.

2011-11-11T16:09:00.001-07:00

Please allow me to introduce you to my darling friend, Ashley. Today is Ashley's birthday. How great is that? 11/11/11. Lucky girl. Anyway...

I received this email from Ashley's husband today:

Today is Ashley's Jack Bauer (24) birthday, and terrorists have taken her gift hostage. It is currently strapped to a routerbomb. Below is a clue to help her recover the gift. If you don't get her the information by the specified time, her gift will blow up!

Click here to see live video of her gift taken hostage.

Please call Ashley with the clue below at 5:00 PM EST.

Which 24 character played basketball at the University of Georgetown? (The character, not the actor.)

Is this not the greatest idea? I've done my part, and I hope she finds her gift soon. She's in NYC, so the hostage location possibilities are almost endless.

Happy birthday, sweet Ashley!

Alphabet pie topper

2011-11-11T13:24:00.000-07:00

This pie topper is just too cute not to share. The incorporation of alphabet pasta into the design endears me all the more. I admit that I am not the biggest pie fan - unless it's a cream pie or an ice cream pie - but this topper would definitely entice me to eat whatever flavor of pie I am being served. Find the great details and tutorial from Chiara Alberetti Milott at Oh Happy Day.

Thanksgiving Treats

2011-11-11T08:18:00.000-07:00

The other day on Studio 5, Alisa Bangerter showed viewers how to make these great Thanksgiving treats.

These turkey pops don't look too hard, plus they're made with Nutter Butters. I'm pretty sure you can't go wrong with those.

I've always loved the ice cream cone cornucopia...

And these little Nilla Wafer acorns have grown on me.

Find it all here at Studio 5!

Another brilliant tutorial

2011-11-10T07:40:00.000-07:00

So loving these glass jars that double as favors and place card holders from Jordan Ferney. Click here for more photos and instructions.

Giant French pastry tip

2011-11-10T07:39:00.000-07:00

If I had this giant French pastry tip, I would probably make cupcakes every day. Well, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but this is totally wicked!
{Photo from Hostess Blog.}

White pumpkins

2011-11-08T08:06:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen such cute little white pumpkins? They're so adorable I just want to talk baby talk to them. Spotted on Pizzazzerie, I loved them at first sight. Kori at Paper and Pigtails is the creator. LOVE. Find the details here and here.

True bibliophiles

2011-11-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

A true bibliophile will love {and covet} this pretty book dessert table from Green Wedding Shoes. I'm totally trying to figure out how to do this. I bet the mister is involved in this scheme somehow.

Corn cob treats

2011-11-07T07:23:00.000-07:00

These little ears of corn from One Charming Party would be a fantastic surprise for the littles on Thanksgiving Day. Actually, I would swoon over them if someone brought them to me! Find the details at One Charming Party and then go and make your own.
{Image from One Charming Party.}

Cupcake liner garland

2011-11-07T07:18:00.000-07:00

This cupcake liner garland from Event Lucky has me over the moon this morning. From the colors to the medium, there's just so much to love!
{Image from Event Lucky.}

Bananas over this idea

2011-11-05T07:49:00.002-06:00

We are hosting a little Thanksgiving dinner for the fam, and I'm loving this idea from Pizzazzerie for mini pies. I'm not the biggest pie fan, which is super sad for the mister because he is. You could even let your guests create their own pies. O what fun! {Image from Pizzazzerie.}

Hot apple cider bar

2011-11-04T07:31:00.001-06:00

Such a fun autumn idea - a hot apple cider bar. This concept is sort of a cross between a hot chocolate bar and an Italian soda bar, and it's such a unique idea for celebrating or entertaining. Find the details and yummy flavor combinations at Studio 5 right here.

Ferris wheel cake

2011-11-04T07:29:00.000-06:00

You know this Ferris Wheel cake will taste as good as it looks because it's made with Rice Krispies. Find the details at Parents.Com. Found via Edible Crafts.

Lil pumpkin baby shower

2011-11-04T07:08:00.000-06:00

Admittedly, my favorite season is autumn. I love her copper light, cooler nights, spectacular sunsets, costumes, day of thanks, colorful leaves, pumpkins, and don't even get me started on the glorious fashion: sweaters, boots, blazers...so my ideal party incorporates so many of these elements, just like this little pumpkin party featured on Pizzazzerie and designed by Beleza Design. Find more details here.

Chocolate monogram favors/ place cards

2011-11-03T07:25:00.000-06:00

Jordan has done it again with this clever idea: chocolate monogram favors. You can make or purchase chocolate letters for your guests and how delighted will they be when they see them? Find the instructions here at Project Wedding.

Candy favors

2011-11-03T07:16:00.000-06:00

These repackaged Mento candy favors from Oh Happy Day are fantastic, easy, and so sweet. They are from the brilliant mind of Joke Vande Gaer. The best part is that you can adapt your color scheme to any need and any occasion: Christmas? Halloween? Thanksgiving? Done. Go here for more pictures and instructions.

Happy palindrome day!

2011-11-02T07:02:00.001-06:00

11-02-2011 is a palindrome! Here's some trivia based on eight-digit dates that I'm sure no one cares about but I totally geeked out over. There are twelve such eight-digit palindrome dates in the 21st century. The first occurred on October 2, 2001 (10-02-2001). Next was January 02, 2010 (01-02-2010). After today, the next one will happen on February 2, 2020 (02-02-2020) and before 2001, the last one was August 31, 1380 (08-31-1380). I feel like it should be some sort of recognized holiday where we all take paid time off to celebrate funny palindromes like these:

Don't nod
Dogma: I am God
Never odd or even
Go deliver a dare, vile dog!
Madam, in Eden I'm Adam

Donuts

2011-11-01T07:51:00.000-06:00

Donuts are the new cupcake for me. I LOVE them. Okay, maybe they haven't replaced cupcakes, but there is definitely room in my heart for both. I was thrilled when I came across this lovely donut-themed shower from A Beautiful Mess that was featured on Real Simple. I love the little chalkboard backdrop and the donuts on a stick in the drink cups. So fun!

{Photos from A Beautiful Mess.}

Pinhole camera

2011-11-01T07:30:00.000-06:00

I NEED this book about DIY pinhole cameras. Why, yes; sometimes I do confuse my needs with my wants.

Tops Malibu

2011-11-01T06:51:00.001-06:00

Late into the summer, Mindy Dunyon from Studio 5 featured a party store in Oregon called Tops Malibu. This place is the bomb.com/diggity. You must check out all of their goods here.

A few things I love....this bouquet of party horns

Confetti Cones...

Heart sparklers

Whimsically packed sparklers

Holiday surprise ornaments

And mini garlands.

Check out all of their goods right here.

Purple Chocolate Home

2011-10-31T07:01:00.001-06:00

Do you read the blog Purple Chocolate Home? Because you totally should. There are always so many great ideas over there, and Jacqueline has featured some spooktacular ideas for Halloween. I sort of want to move in with her and craft and bake with her!

One of my favorite ideas of hers is a Frankenstein cupcake made with chocolate clay. She even includes a recipe for the chocolate clay and fabulous instructions.

I am a fan of her vintage "eery" buffet and instructions are included on making those cute letters...

I may be a little obsessed with witches this year...I've dressed as one for two Halloween parties so far, so I could be a teensy bit biased about her adorable witch mantle. Also, it's purple - such a great Halloween color!

Last, but certainly not least, I love love LOVE this Halloween candy display:

{All photos and ideas from the lovely Jacqueline at Purple Chocolate Home.}

Glam witch cupcakes

2011-10-30T17:04:00.000-06:00

These cupcakes are AWE.SOME. Learn how to make them from Confessions of a Cookbook Queen.

{Photo from Confessions of a Cookbook Queen.}

Halloween treat printable

2011-10-30T16:57:00.000-06:00

This cute Halloween treat from Dandee Designs, which includes a printable, is still so doable as a last-minute gift.
{Find the details at Dandee Designs. Photo from Dandee Designs.}

Spellbound Sweets

2011-10-30T12:55:00.001-06:00

Am loving the collection called Spellbound Sweets from Hostess With the Mostess.

I also think the photo below is so so so clever. The plastic salad fork in the wooden box + little printable is awesome. And I love the twigs in the caramel apples because it makes them look a little more primitive + spooky.

These "spider bites" cupcakes are hilarious. Note the cupcake tower in the background that is a small cylindrical vase covered with striped witch's tights.

I love love love love love donuts on a stick. Particularly when the "stick" is made to look like a witch's broom!

{Photos and directions from Hostess With the Mostess.}

Pumpkin place cards

2011-10-30T07:33:00.000-06:00

Find all of the instructions for these cute pumpkin place cards, including a download pattern, at Party Planning Central.

Angry Birds pumpkins

2011-10-30T07:23:00.000-06:00

I crack up every time I look at these Angry Bird Pumpkins from Lizard and Ladybug. It's not too late to make some for any fans out there!

{Found via Be Different Act Normal.}

Peekaboo pumpkins

2011-10-30T07:20:00.000-06:00

The other day, the mister forwarded me this article from HGTV about making peekaboo pumpkins. Between our garden and my grandfather's pumpkin patch, I have a plethora of mini pumpkins. And how cute are these little googly eyes peeking out at you?
{Photo from HGTV.}