Happy Holidays

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday season. 

Kid's Dessert

Want a fun, easy dessert that will "wow" the kids...how about this Snowman Sundae?  With just a few items outlined here at Food Create you can have a joyous house full of holiday spirit.

Table Settings

Love the look of this holiday place setting.  Painted pine cones a little holiday bough and a cute ribbon.  Looks easy enough and the result is stunning.

Marshmallow Stars

Apparently Martha and I are in sync this season about having festive holiday hot chocolate drinks.  What could make my holiday hot chocolate recipes better?  What else...marshmallow stars!

Link Love

Pinch of Yum
Chocolate Thumbprint holiday cookies...bring them on.

The White Bench
Great inspiration for gift wrapping.

Celebrations at Home
Hanging snowflakes are underrated

Six Sister's Stuff
This is the only thing on my dog's Christmas wish list

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Vegetarian Holiday

Do you have vegetarians coming over for the holiday's and don't want to look for a Tofurkey?  Well my suggestion is this amazing braised beans recipe.  This way vegetarian's will have a delicious protein and everyone else a tasty side dish.

Lattice Pie Mug Toppers

As you may have picked up on...I'm all about fun, festive drinks over the holidays.  These lattice pie mug toppers seem like the perfect make ahead treat for your apple cider while opening gifts.  The process looks kind of fun sense I haven't had to basket weave since high school art class and a ready made pie crust will cut down your prep time to practically nothing.  The holidays are all about breaking out the special touches and in my book this is pretty special.

Cheese Board

Cheese boards are one of my favorite things to set out as an appetizer.  They look beautiful, taste delicious, are easy to make and feed a large number of people with variety.  That being said, if you have a cheese board in your future but want to put something with a little ooh and aah factor then this recipe is for you.  Roasted grapes will not only add a pop color but it is something most people have not tried.  They also pair nicely with mild, soft and blue cheeses.  It will take you an extra 8 minutes and give your cheese the perfect accompaniment.

Child's Own Studio

This is the coolest thing ever!  Do you have a child's drawing hanging up on your refrigerator that makes you beam with pride every time you look its way.  Well how about turning that very same drawing into an actual toy.  I know it's hard to believe but here is the cold hard proof and child's studio is the place to do it.

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BHG
Love it!

Unconsumption
Upcycling at its finest.

The Family Kitchen
Cheese tarlets with blackberries...yes please

Cupcakes and Cashmere
Sparkles for your bubbly.

Peppermint Popcorn

I have an event that I am excited about in Hoboken, New Jersey tonight.  I wanted to give the guests a little something extra to take home and so I spent yesterday making Peppermint Popcorn.  I was pleased with the results and thought I would share.  It is a super easy recipe and a great way to kick your normal night of watching tv into something fun and holidayish.

Bar Cart

I did a little redecorating or maybe refreshing is the right word this summer.  I updated my curtains, pillows and added a new pop of lime green throughout the household.  One thing that I really wanted but just didn't have the room was a bar cart. When I saw this small bar cart from CB2, I knew that someone somewhere was looking out for me.  Portable, small enough to stick in the corner but yet large enough to fit at least 3 bottles and some cute accessories.  Do you think it will fit in my stocking?

Tired of Hot Chocolate?

If you are getting bored with plain old hot chocolate but still want something warm and delicious...how about hot vanilla.  If you are having family and friends staying with you for the holidays for consecutive nights why not introduce a different hot chocolate each night.  This vanilla recipe plus this red velvet recipe will give you at least three nights worth of delicious drinks to have with your movies, games and caroling.

Merci Chocolates

I would not say that my husband normally has a “sweet tooth.”  That is more of my territory.  However, he was at home and received a package for me that contained Merci Chocolates.  Then I noticed that I had 3 missed calls and 2 voice mails.  This is unusual behavior so I got a little worried due to the persistence.  When I picked up the phone all I heard was “Have you tried those chocolates yet and don’t eat the coffee and creams because I want them.”  So, of course I ate the coffee and cream.

Well I’ll just say he wasn’t wrong.  The chocolates have a silky texture that melts in your mouth and I love trying the different assortment of flavors that comes in each box.  Now I’ve tried a lot of chocolates and I don’t give my stamp of approval out easily.  But in all honesty these chocolates won’t steer you wrong.  My advice get a few boxes to have on hand for gifts and thanks you’s and don’t forget to sneak in a few for yourself.

If I get nothing else this holiday season, I will be extremely grateful for the box of Merci chocolates that arrived in the mail.

***photo courtesy of who's talking.com

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Tastespotting
Holiday shortbread bites...they are as cute as they are delicious.

Solgrim
 Look what a little crocheting can do!

Damn Delicious
This is what I want my leftover turkey to look like.

Kara's Party Ideas
Love these North Pole cupcakes.

DIY: Spray Painted Holiday Candles

If you are looking for a way to kick up your holiday decor on the cheap then this tutorial is for you.  I always pass these white candles in the dollar store and think those are a great value.  Now with a little tape, spray paint and this tutorial from Savvy Sugar you can have a room full of holiday cheer.

12 Items Every Guest Room Needs

The holidays are here and that means your guest rooms should get ready!  Most people just throw the sheets in the washer and air out the room.  I think it is really important to spend a few minutes thinking about how your guests will utilize the space.  That is why this article is awesome because it gives you 12 things to think about that are quick and easy steps to follow.  It's not about purchasing things or buying fresh flowers it's thinking about clearing out outlets for cell phone charging and cleaning out closets so guests can hang their clothes.  I say anything that makes the holiday's go smoother and helps make your guests more comfortable is definitely worth a perusal.

Advent Calendars

This year I am loving the advent calendar.  I like the idea of a tradition that gets you excited for the season.
Also let's face it a little something special at the end of each day (besides wine) who wouldn't want that?

Design Sponge's Falling Star

Life as a Thrifter

Finley and Oliver

Milch and Honig

Etsy

Gift Guide for the Little People in your life

Restoration Hardware
Personalized wool crown for $16...oh yeah!

Frecklebox Princess Lunchbox
Personalized awesome lunch box.

Etsy
 Perfect Stocking Stuffer

Discovery Kids Color Me Castle
HOURS of fun!

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Adorable Decor
Looking for a non-alcoholic holiday beverage?

The Rooster and the Hen
Cute way to display your holiday cards.

Bower Power
More adorable DIY ornaments

An Edible Mosiac
Who wouldn't like to get pumpkin cheesecake bread as a gift?

Pecan and Sweet Potato Bread

Thanksgiving leftovers are great but usually the one thing that is left stuck in the back corner of the fridge is the sweet potatoes.  It's hard to put them into a sandwich or soup but how about making some pecan and sweet potato bread?  Then  you can kick back with a piece of delicious buttered bread and some morning coffee and admire your empty fridge shelves.

Bring on the Dip

The holiday's to me definitely mean bring on the dip.  I love all types of dip...I'm really not picky.  Caramel dip, spicy dip, dip as a main meal, cheese and cream cheese concoctions.  I like to eat them all.  If you're like me and guilt free dip eating is one of your cherished holiday traditions then check out this inspiration.

Kitchen Simplicity
Nacho Cheese Dip

Closet Cooking
Bacon Double Cheeseburger Dip

Simply Gourmet
Jalapeno Popper Dip

Add A Pinch
Southern Pimento Dip

Haystacks and Champagne
Hot Artichoke and Salsa Dip