Hygge Holiday Cards and Simmer Pot Potpourri Tags

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by infusing your festivities with the warmth and coziness of hygge? If you’re unfamiliar with the term, hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) is a Danish concept that encapsulates the feeling of comfort, contentment, and an overall sense of well-being. It’s about creating a cozy atmosphere and appreciating the simple pleasures of life. As the days get colder and the nights get longer, incorporating hygge into your Christmas celebrations can bring a special kind of magic to the season.

Warm and Cozy Hygge Gift Boxes

In a recent post, we delved into the art of crafting Warm and Cozy Hygge Gift Boxes. Now we’re excited to share with you some delightful additions: free printable Hygge Holiday Cards and Simmer Pot Potpourri Tags. These charming printables perfectly complement the cozy vibe of hygge, making them a wonderful addition to your holiday festivities.

Hygge Holiday Cards: Sharing Warm Wishes

The Hygge Holiday Cards are designed to spread warmth and joy to your loved ones. Featuring heartwarming messages and festive illustrations, these cards capture the essence of hygge. Whether you’re sending them through the mail or attaching them to a thoughtful gift, these cards are sure to make your friends and family feel cherished.

Download Hygge Holiday Cards

Simply download, print, and personalize your cards with heartfelt messages. The act of sending and receiving physical cards itself is a hygge practice, fostering a sense of connection and nostalgia.

Simmer Pot Potpourri Tags: Aromatic Ambiance

Enhance the cozy ambiance of your home with Simmer Pot Potpourri Tags. These printable tags are designed to accompany jars of homemade simmer pot mixtures. A delightful and aromatic addition to any hygge-inspired space. The tags include instructions on how to use the homemade recipe, which combines ingredients like citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, and cloves to fill your home with a comforting fragrance.

Download Simmer Pot Potpourri Tags

Download the Simmer Pot Potpourri Tags. Attach them to your jars, and consider gifting these aromatic treasures to friends and family. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to share the hygge experience. And bring the scents of the season into the homes of your loved ones.

Why Hygge for Christmas?

You might be wondering, why embrace hygge during the Christmas season? Well, Christmas is a time of togetherness, reflection, and creating lasting memories. Hygge perfectly aligns with these sentiments, encouraging us to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the joy of being surrounded by loved ones.

The winter season, with its chilly weather and long nights, naturally lends itself to the cozy principles of hygge. By incorporating hygge into your Christmas celebrations, you’re not just decorating your home; you’re creating a haven of warmth and connection. From the soft glow of candlelight to the laughter shared over a cup of hot cocoa, every hygge-inspired element contributes to a holiday season filled with genuine comfort and joy.

So, as you prepare for the festive season ahead, consider infusing your Christmas celebrations with the hygge spirit. Download the free printable Hygge Holiday Cards and Simmer Pot Potpourri Tags, and let the cozy magic of hygge weave its way into every corner of your holiday festivities. Embrace the warmth, savor the simplicity, and create memories that will be cherished for years to come. Wishing you a hyggelig holiday season!

Have a Creative Day!

xoxo

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DIY Holiday Potpourri Jars: A Festive Gift for Friends and Neighbors. A great gift idea to welcome the holiday season.

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to spread joy and warmth than by gifting your friends and neighbors a touch of Christmas magic for their homes? I shared the Hygge gift boxes I am taking around to my friends and neighbors on December 1st, and I had so many questions about how to make the DIY Potpourri Jars I included in the boxes. So here’s a little tutorial. these DIY Holiday Potpourri Jars are not only easy to make but also a delightful present that will have everyone talking about the wonderful scents wafting through their homes.

How to Dry Citrus Slices:

Before we dive into creating these charming jars, let’s start with the heart of the potpourri—the dried orange and lemon slices. This step adds a personal touch to your gift and infuses the potpourri with a burst of citrusy goodness.

1. Slice Citrus: Begin by cutting 5-6 slices each of oranges and lemons. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even drying.
2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
3. Arrange on a Tray: Place the citrus slices on a parchment-lined baking tray, ensuring they are not touching each other. This allows for proper air circulation.
4. Slow and Low: Dry the slices in the preheated oven for 2-3 hours, turning them halfway through. The slow and low method helps preserve the vibrant colors and essential oils.
5. Check for Dryness: The slices are ready when they are mostly dry but still a bit flexible. Remember, they will continue to dry as they cool.

How to Create Holiday Potpourri Jars:

Now that you have your dried citrus slices, let’s assemble these delightful jars of holiday cheer.

Ingredients (per jar):

(Multiply this list by how many jars you want to make up)

• 5-6 slices of oranges and lemons
• 8 star anise
• 2 to 3 bay leaves
• 2 to 3 sprigs of rosemary
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1/2 cup cranberries
• 1/2 tablespoon whole allspice

Assembly:

1. Layering: Begin by layering the ingredients in an 8-ounce jar. The order is flexible, but a visually appealing arrangement is part of the gift’s charm.
2. Citrus Slices: Start with the dried orange and lemon slices, placing them along the sides of the jar for a decorative touch.
3. Aromatic Spices: Add the star anise, bay leaves, rosemary sprigs, cinnamon sticks, and whole allspice. The combination of these aromatic elements will create a symphony of scents reminiscent of a winter wonderland.
4. Finishing Touch: Top off the jar with cranberries for a pop of color and an additional burst of fragrance.
5. Seal and Decorate: Seal the jar tightly to preserve the freshness of the ingredients. Feel free to decorate the jar with festive ribbons or labels for that extra touch of holiday spirit.

Add Free Printable Tags to Your Holiday Potpourri Jars:

Enhance your gift-giving experience with printable tags, available for free on my site. Simply visit https://tatertotsandjello.com/hygge-holiday-cards-and-simmer-pot-potpourri-tags/ to access and download these charming tags. They add a personal touch and make your potpourri jars the perfect present for spreading holiday cheer.

Storage Tips:

If you plan to distribute the jars closer to December 1st, consider drying the cranberries and storing the jars in the fridge for a few days. However, remind your friends and family to use the potpourri within a week for the best fragrance experience.

How to Use the Holiday Potpourri:

When your friends and neighbors are ready to transform their homes into a Christmas haven, instruct them to pour the jar’s contents into a pot, cover everything with water, and simmer on low heat. The result? A magical aroma that will evoke the spirit of Christmas and create lasting memories.

This holiday season, share the joy of DIY Holiday Potpourri Jars with your loved ones, and let the spirit of giving and warmth fill every corner of your community. Tag me on Instagram at @tatertotsandjello if you make any, I would love to share them!

Have a Creative Day!

xoxo

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Warm and Cozy Hygge Christmas Gift Boxes. Gift your friends and neighbors with gift boxes full of warm and cozy items they can use this Christmas season!

Warm and Cozy Hygge Gift Boxes

The holiday season is upon us, and this year, I’ve decided to ditch the last-minute hustle and embrace the art of hygge with the perfect gift—Hygge Holiday Gift Boxes with Christmas items from Hobby Lobby. So, what exactly is hygge, and why is it the ideal embodiment of the holiday spirit?

What is Hygge?

Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) is a Danish concept that encompasses a feeling of coziness, contentment, and well-being. It’s about creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. This year, I’ve curated Hygge Holiday Gift Boxes for my friends, neighbors, and even my adult kids to spread the spirit of hygge. On december 1st I’ll be delivering hygee boxes to my friends and neighbor so they can enjoy them all month long!

Unveiling the Hygge Magic

Inside each carefully crafted box are elements that promise to envelop your loved ones in the comforting embrace of hygge:

1. Festive Twinkle Lights

Illuminate their homes with the warm glow of festive Micro Dot LED twinkle lights. These lights are not just decorations; they are an invitation to create a cozy ambiance, turning any space into a haven of comfort.

2. Fringed Dish Towel

Every home needs a touch of hygge in the kitchen. The fringed dish towel is actually a holiday fringed napkin, but they can be used as a dish towel. The napkins come in a set of 4, and the fringed edges adds a cozy element.

7. Christmas Tree Plate

What’s a holiday without delicious treats? The Christmas tree plate provides the perfect canvas for fresh Christmas cookies, inviting everyone to indulge in the sweet moments of the season.

3. Beautiful Santa Mug

Warm drinks become a delight in a beautiful Santa mug. Whether it’s hot cocoa, spiced tea, or a comforting cup of coffee, sipping from this festive mug adds a touch of holiday cheer to every sip.

4. Gorgeous Hygge Ornament

Adorn their holiday tree with a gorgeous hygge black and white tree ornament, a symbol of the season’s spirit. This ornament is not just a decoration; it’s a reminder to appreciate the beauty in simplicity.

I added some gorgeous velvet ribbon to the top of the ornament and around the potpourri jar. Hobby Lobby is my favorite place to buy ribbon – and it goes on SALE every other week!

5. Soft Pair of Gloves

Winter is the season for warmth and comfort. A soft pair of soft knitted gloves ensures that your loved ones stay cozy as they embrace the chilly weather, adding an extra layer of comfort to their hygge experience.

6. Beautiful Glitter Christmas Tree

Bring a touch of sparkle to their holiday decor with a beautiful glitter Christmas tree. This small yet eye-catching piece adds a festive and magical element to any room. These trees come in a pack of four!

8. Homemade Simmer Pot Potpourri

Transform their homes into a fragrant haven with a beautiful jar with bamboo lid filled with homemade simmer pot potpourri. Just pour the delightful mix of dried oranges, lemons, cranberries, star of anise, cloves, cinnamon sticks, rosemary, and bay leaves into a pot, add water, and let the inviting aroma of the holidays fill the air. I tied the free printable tag onto the jar with velvet ribbon that I linked above and a mistletoe pick. I love the way they look!

Free Hygee Printables

And here’s an extra touch to make your Hygge Holiday Gift Boxes truly special—I’ve created free printables that you can download and use to add a personalized touch to your gifts. Included in the printables are tags for the homemade simmerpot potpourri, complete with easy-to-follow directions for creating the fragrant blend. Additionally, there’s a charming Hygge card that not only explains the essence of hygge but also extends warm wishes for the holiday season. These printables add an extra layer of thoughtfulness to your gift-giving, allowing you to share not just the physical elements of hygge but also the heartfelt sentiment behind it.

Feel free to download the printables here, and for more details on how to use them, check out my separate post on incorporating these free printables into your Hygge Holiday Gift Boxes here. Let’s spread the joy of hygge and make this holiday season a truly heartwarming experience for everyone!

The Hobby Lobby Advantage

What makes this gift-giving experience even more delightful is that I found all these carefully curated items, plus the boxes, conveniently at Hobby Lobby. From twinkling lights to festive mugs and everything in between, Hobby Lobby is a one-stop-shop for creating a hygge-inspired holiday. You can follow Hobby Lobby for great party ideas, decorating and gift inspiration! Be sure to head over to Hobby Lobby because everything in[poiuty78dsze56dsa their Christmas Shoppe is on sale right now! You can follow Hobby Lobby on their Instagram, Facebook and TikTok pages for inspiration.

So, this December 1st, I’ll be delivering these Hygge Holiday Gift Boxes to my friends and neighbors, spreading the warmth and joy of the season. And for my adult kids, who may be miles away, they too will receive a piece of hygge to make their holiday season extra special.

This year, let’s make the holidays not just about gifts but about creating moments of warmth and togetherness. Embrace the hygge spirit with Hobby Lobby, and make this holiday season truly unforgettable for your loved ones. And tag me on Instagram at @tatertotsandjello if you make your own hygge boxes!

Have a Creative Day!

xoxo

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Wonderful Warm Fall Projects

Happy weekend, friends! How’s your September going so far? This year has flown by! I do love this time of year. I love nesting and making our home warm and cozy in anticipation of fall weather.

Update on Our Bathroom Remodel

We are still working on our girls’ bathroom. I can announce that we officially have a toilet now! Yay! The floor is done and now we are working on putting the room back together. I have a PINK element that hopefully is getting installed this week. I can’t wait!

New Projects

This week I shared a couple new pumpkin projects!

Pottery Barn-inspired Amber Pumpkin Cloches

Turn inexpensive glass pumpkin containers into high end looking cloches by painting and adding glitter! I made mine for $10 instead of $195!

Washi Tape Mason Jar Lid Pumpkin

Upcycle your mason jar lids and display your favorite washi tape by making this sweet and colorful pumpkin!

Ways to Make Your Home Warm for Fall

Here are a few ideas for inspiration!

Ways to Make Your Bedroom and Bathroom Cozy for Fall

We are almost done with our main bedroom and bathroom remodel. It was so fun adding some warm elements for fall! I have a post here with all of the easy ways to make your bedroom a warm and cozy fall sanctuary.

12 Cozy Fall Mantel Ideas

Here are some beautiful mantel ideas for fall inspiration. but don’t worry if you don’t have a mantel, you can use these ideas on a shelf or table in your home just as easily!

11 Plaid, Flannel and Sweater Projects

Upcycle a plaid shirt or sweater into beautiful DIY elements with these beautiful ideas!

15 warm and hearty fall soups

There’s nothing quite like soup on a cool fall night. Here are a few of my favorites. Be sure to give them a try this Autumn!

22 Slow Cooker Soups I Love!

I use my slow cooker so much in the fall. It’s so easy to throw everything in the pot in the morning and magically have delicious soup after a long day. Here are 22 of my favorite slow cooker soups!

Four Ways to Create a Cozy Front Porch

I am hoping to get my fall bins out tomorrow so I can work on our fall front porch. Here’s our porch from last year!!

Welcome Jen From Midwest Life and Style

A huge welcome to one of my favorite Instagram friends – Jen from Midwest Life and Style! Jen is so sweet, smart and creative. If you don’t follow her, you are in for a treat! She shares amazing ideas and you need to follow her on IG ASAP!

Jen has a great post with 9 Fall Porch Decorating Ideas! So many pretty ideas.

And I can’t wait to try Jen’s Homemade Spiced Apple Cider recipe. It looks amazing! You will love following along with Jen on Instagram at @midwestlifeandstyle!

Welcome Home Saturday

She Gave It a Go / How to Style Your Farmhouse Blanket Ladder for Fall

tatertots & jello / Pottery Barn Amber Inspired Pumpkin Cloches

White Arrows Home / Updated Coffee Bar for Cozy Mornings in the Kitchen

Crisp Collective / Pumpkin Pasta a Fall Favorite

The Tattered Pew / How to Prepare Pine Cones for Crafts and Decor

Midwest Life and Style / How to Make a Pumpkin Luminary

What are YOU loving this week?

Share it with us in the comments!

xoxo

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Pottery Barn Inspired Amber Pumpkin Cloches

Hi friends! It’s my favorite time of the year – FALL!! And now that it’s September, I feel like I can officially start sharing some pumpkin projects! One of my favorite home decor stores is Pottery Barn, unfortunately it is often out of my budget. So over the years I’ve shared a few different PB inspired projects for fall and the holidays to get the look for less! One of my favorite Pottery Barn items this year are the beautiful Amber Pumpkin Cloches.

DIY Fall Pumpkin Projects

Today I am joining some talented friends who are also sharing DIY pumpkin ideas! Be sure to scroll down to see the ideas and pop over to grab the easy tutorials!

Amber Pumpkin Cloches for 95% less

I created this dupe that takes grocery store glass pumpkins and creates the same warm feeling pumpkin cloches for $10 instead of $195!

Only a Few Supplies to Create Amber Pumpkin Cloches

You only need a few supplies to create this PB fall dupe! I used a lot of my supplies from my craft stache. Here’s what I used!

Pottery Barn Inspired Amber Pumpkin Cloche Supplies

• Glass Pumpkins – I used to different sizes. One larger which I found at my Kroger grocery aisle for $5 and a medium sized glass pumpkin I found in Target’s dollar spot for $5.
• Gold paint – Here is the one I used.
• Crackle Medium – honestly the crackle medium didn’t work that well on the glass and it gets covered up by the glitter so I would skip this step.
• Three different glitters – I used a chunky glitter to look like crackled glass and two fine glitters, a gold one and a copper one.
• Mod Podge – use this to apply the glitter.
• Battery Operated Candles – don’t use real candles. When you put the lid on the pumpkins the lack of oxygen will make the real candles extinguish.

How to Make Pottery Barn Inspired Amber Pumpkin Cloches

That’s it! You only need 5 supplies to create these PB pumpkin dupes. And they look so pretty glowing in the fall nighttime light! Here are the steps to creating these pumpkins. You can also check out my Instagram Reel where I have a video showing the steps to make these!

Paint Your Pumpkins

Use a craft brush or flat paint brush to apply a light coat of gold paint to the bottom of each pumpkin and the lid. Let dry at least 1 hour.

Add a Second Coat of Paint

Once the first coat of paint is dry, add a second coat. Let it dry completely, at least an hour.

Add a Layer of Mod Podge

Now you will add a coat of mod podge to the pumpkins. Do this in sections so the mod podge doesn’t dry.

Sprinkle Glitter on the Pumpkins

While the mod podge is still wet, add your glitter. I added the chunky glitter first and then filled in the rest with the finer glitter. It took some practice but I found that adding the chunky glitter evenly looked best. You can kind of see on the bigger pumpkin how it looks a little patchy compared to the smaller one. The smaller pumpkin has glitter that is more evenly distributed. Learn by my mistakes!

Glitter Tips

Put a large paper plate under each pumpkin as you are adding glitter. This corrales the glitter to the plate and makes clean up much easier. You can use the excess glitter on the second pumpkin you create. When You’ve finished the first pumpkin, put it on another paper plate and take the plate with the excess glitter and pour it over the next pumpkin. This creates much less waste.

Brush Off Excess Glitter

Once both pumpkins are done, use your hands to brush excess glitter off the pumpkins and onto the paper plates. That way you don’t have glitter flying off everywhere when you place them to display. If you are worried about glitter getting all over, you can also spray a layer of clear polyurethane spray paint over the whole pumpkin. I found that after I brushed the pumpkins off, there was very little glitter on my surfaces. You can also take your pumpkins outside and brush them off.

Blogger’s Best Series – Fall Pumpkin DIYs

1. Pottery Barn Inspired Amber Pumpkin Cloches by Tatertots and Jello
2. How to Make Concrete Pumpkin Candle Holders by Robyn’s French Nest
3. Dried Floral Pumpkin Centerpiece by Modern Glam
4. Sherpa Pumpkin Pillow PB Knockoff by Craftberry Bush
5. DIY Fall Decor Ideas by Jennifer Maune
6. DIY Faux Terra Cotta Pumpkins by Twelve on Main
7. Pumpkin Planters by Finding Lovely
8. Luxe Studded Pumpkins by My Sweet Savannah
9. The Best Pumpkin Wreath DIY by My 100 Year Old Home
10. Easy Pumpkin and Candle Decoration by Zevy Joy
11. Pumpkin Fairy House by Happy Happy Nester
12. Fall Pumpkins: How to Easily Make Costly Pottery Barn Look for Less by The Design Twins

More DIY Pumpkin Tutorials

Here are a few other pumpkin tutorials I’ve made over the years!

• DIY Yarn Pumpkin Garland
• Colorful Pumpkin Wreath and Garland
• Houndstooth Pumpkin Wreath
• Gold Geometric Pumpkins
• Embroidery Hoop Paper Pumpkins
• Gilded Leaf Pumpkins
• 3-D Pumpkin Wall Art
• Stacked Pumpkin Topiary
• Polka Dot Fabric Pumpkin Tutorial
• Pottery Barn-Inspired Gold Glitter and Grout Pumpkins
• Plaid Pumpkin and Ruffle Wreath
• Ruffled Fabric Pumpkins
• Dollar Store Crackle Pumpkins
• Fresh Sweater Pumpkins
• Painted Autumn Pumpkin Mantel
• Elevated Toilet Paper Pumpkins
• Glittered Dollar Store Pumpkins

Which Pumpkin Project do YOU want to make first?

Let us know in the comments!

xoxo

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12 Weight Watchers Holiday Recipes! Stay on track this season and still enjoy festive food with these smart and delicious recipes!

12 Weight Watchers Holiday Recipes!

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Skinny Peppermint Bark Dip – 4 SmartPoints @ Dashing Dish

Peppermint is my favorite flavor for the holidays! I can’t wait to try this dip.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Snowalls @ Happy Healthy Mama

My kids love peanut butter and I am sure they will enjoy this easy no-bake cookie idea!

Weight Watchers Berry Pie @ Recipe Diairies

Berry pie is my favorite and the crust on this one sounds amazing!

No-Bake Payday Nut Squares @ Skinny Recipes

These no-bake nut squares are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges!

Weight Watchers Cranberry Vanilla Mini Trifles – 7 SmartPoints @ The Holy Mess

How yummy do these trifles look. I love the idea of making cranberry trifles.

Peppermint Cheesecake Cups – 5 SmartPoints @ Emily Bites

Cheesecake is my favorite and I love that I can enjoy my favorite recipes and still be able to stay on track with my daily points during the holidays.

Christmas Balls With Only 4 Ingredients @ Kitty Tabby

These Christmas balls look so easy to make and I love that I only need four ingredients!

Skinny Eggnog Fudge @ Amy’s Healthy Baking

Egg nog fudge sounds so good. These would make such great neighbor gifts, especially for someone that you know is trying to be healthy during the holidays.

Butterscotch Pillows – 1 WW Points Plus @ Skinny Kitchen

How light and fluffy do these butterscotch cookies look. I can’t wait to try them!

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars – 3 WW Points @ Only Slim Recipes

Lemon and cream cheese is a match made in heaven. How flakey does the top look too. Yum!

Healthy Ginger Cookies @ Happy Healthy Mama

Ginger cookies are my favorite cookie. I love how soft and chewy these cookies are.

Apple Pie Crepes – 2 Freestyle Points @ Keeping On Point

Apple pie crepes are a wonderful Christmas morning breakfast idea. I need to make these ASAP!

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Here are more Healthy Holiday Sweets!

Weight Watchers Brownie Cupcakes – 2 Points

Decadent Keto Sugar-Free Chocolate Lava Cake

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Share some of your holiday recipes!

Share them with us in the comments! !

xoxo

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15 DIY Holiday Gifts!

15 DIY Holiday Gifts from this week’s Best Friday Features!

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Wine Gift Bags @ Refresh Restyle

DIY Holiday Gift Tags and Wrapping Paper @ Petticoat Junktion

Holiday Spirit Gift Tags @ Jacolyn Murphy

Advent Candlesticks @ Love Create Celebrate

Cherry Coke Poke Cake @ Embellishmints

Simple Farmhouse Style Christmas Stockings @ Twelve on Main

Exfoliating Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub Cubes @ A Cultivated Nest

Handmade Tea Towel and Baking Gift Idea @ She’s Crafty

Saltine Toffee that’s Simply Irresistible @ Suburban Simplicity

DIY Gold Foil Signs @ Love Create Celebrate

DIY Scented Photo Sachet @ Dazzle While Frazzled

Winter Vases Using Dollar Store Finds @ Taryn Whiteaker

DIY Heating Pads @ Crafts a la mode

DIY Color Blocked Vase @ Meaningful Spaces

Felt Car Roll Up for Kids @ Live Craft Love

* * * * * *

What are your favorite gifts you’ve received over the holidays?

Tell me what you’ve been working on in the comments – I would love to come see your ideas!!

xoxo

The post Great Ideas — 15 DIY Holiday Gifts! appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Here are…

16 Festive Christmas Ideas!

16 Festive Christmas Ideas from this week’s Best Friday Features!

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Bottle Brush Christmas @ Craflts a la mode

Farmhouse Christmas Wreath @ Simply Designing

Whimsical North Pole Christmas Mantel @ Giggles Galore

European-Looking Vintage Christmas Stockings @ So Much Better with Age

Christmas Joy Sign @ Run to Radiance

Silver Bell Christmas Ornaments @ Petticoat Junktion

Black Forest Gateau Cake @ Bird’s Party

Paper Wreath with Metallic Accents @ Deco Art

DIY Gumball Machine Snow Globe @ Petticoat Junktion

Peppermint Marshmallows @ Simply Darrling

Merry & Bright Coffee Mug & Wine Glass @ Simply Darrling

How to Freeze Cookies and Desserts @ The Jenny Evolution

Christmas Sweater with Lights @ The Country Chic Cottage

Scrabble Tile Christmas Ornaments @ Simply Darrling

Gingerbread Whoopie Pies @ Simply Stacie

Polar Post Christmas Tree @ Giggles Galore

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What are your holiday traditions?

Tell me what you’ve been working on in the comments – I would love to come see your ideas!!

xoxo

The post Great Ideas — 16 Festive Christmas Ideas! appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

We all love the Holidays, but sometimes I get overwhelmed when it comes to hosting holiday gatherings.  So, this year I thought a Holiday Wine and Cheese Party would be a delicious, simple, and festive way to celebrate.

If you don’t happen to be a fan of wine then just grab a couple of bottle of sparkling ciders to enjoy!

New Years Eve Simple Entertaining

It was simple to bring this gathering together. . . a quick stop at the grocery store for a beautiful collection of cheese and crackers.  I also grabbed a couple bottles of wine.  My guests were happy to bring their favorite appetizers to share and a few brought bottles of wine too.  We had a lovely evening visiting with good friends without a lot of stress or work!  We enjoyed a variety of light appetizers, wines, cheeses, plus created wonderful holiday memories.

One of my favorite stores is Trader Joes, which is where most of the crackers and cheese came from in the photos.  Oh and the cute box of dark chocolates. . .  just can’t have a proper wine and cheese party with finishing the evening off with dark chocolate

I grabbed a variety of crackers: Hand Stretched Rosemary Breadsticks, Pistachio Pomegranate Crisps, Some Enchanted Mulit-grain Crackers,  and Rosemary Italian Style Crackers.  Then I stopped by the cheese section for Pesto Gouda, Cranberry Chevre, and White Stilton with Apricots.  I already had the Smoked Gouda and Mini Brie wheels at home.

Oh plus I added a jar of sweet Lemon and Fig Jelly to our cracker and cheese board.

New Years Eve Simple Entertaining

The last piece of our Holiday Wine and Cheese Party was to add a few little holiday touches. . . some flowers with cranberries in the vase, tea lights, and wine glass markers.

New Years Eve Simple Entertaining

I hope this idea inspires you to enjoy a simple and elegant Holiday Wine and Cheese Party with your family and friends for New Years this weekend!

Here are a couple of other appetizer recipes you may also enjoy. . .

French Gâteau de Crêpes à la Florentine

Greek Feta and Roasted Pepper Spread with Flat Bread

I hope you have wonderful day and a very Happy New Year!

Much Love and Peace~

Ruthie

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DIY New Years Eve Photo Party Backdrop

Supplies:

• Gold cardstock
• Gold glitter
• Cutting machine or willing children and scissors
• Mod Podge and brush or spray adhesive
• Twine or fishing line
• Hot glue gun and glue
• Removable hooks
• Cafe curtain rod (or any cheap rod you can find)

Now here is where having an electronic cutting or die cut machine comes in handy. You are going to need about 100 or so similarly sized stars. If you don’t have a machine you can create a star template on cardboard and use it to trace and hand cut out the stars on gold cardstock. This would be a great activity for children, too!

With about 12 or so stars give them a nice coat of adhesive and a liberal sprinkle of gold glitter. This will help dimension to the backdrop and give it a little extra pizzazz in your photos.

Next, cut your twine or fishing line (or even ribbon) to about 4 foot lengths. Lay your twine down on the ground and eyeball the placement of about 12 stars evenly down the length of the twine, making one or 2 of the glitter stars mixed in. Carefully, attach the stars to the twine/line/ribbon with a dab of hot glue. I find it is always best to use a low temp hot glue gun when gluing paper – it dries quicker and it greatly lessen the burn chances.

Now you’re ready for the fun part, follow the directions on the back of your removable hooks and hang your curtain rod. Since I was doing a children’s photo backdrop I hung mine about 6 inches taller than my oldest daughter. Once your curtain rod is hanging, tie your strands of stars to the curtain rod.

Now get ready for the fun to ensue. There is something about glittery stars and random props that bring the silly out in my kids and I absolutely cherish these silly photos. And when you’re done photographing all the children at the party just move your hooks up to adult and height and let the grown ups get in on the silly action!

I hope that you’ve had a wonderful holiday season and you are ready to kiss 2014 goodbye so we can start looking forward to all the wonderful things 2015 has in store for everyone!

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Thanks Stacy! I love it! Such an easy and pretty idea for New Years or birthday parties! Stacy has all kinds of awesome ideas on her blog. Here are a few I think you’ll like:

If you’re looking for another pretty idea for NYE, check out her DIY Gold Confetti Champagne Flutes!

And, I love this DIY Stripes and Glitter Mason Jar. The glitter is perfect and you can leave this out all winter long!

And, I had to sneak in this cute Valentine’s Day idea. These cute Valentine’s Day Tags are perfect for your class parties!

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all through the holidays with awesome tutorials, recipes, decorating ideas and more from some amazing blogs!

xoxo

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