Chocolate Crinkles

by Meredith

These are my favorite Christmas cookie.

Blue Ribbon Crinkles

• 1/2 C. vegetable oil
• 1 squares unsweetened chocolate, melted
• 2 C. ganulated sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 t. vanilla
• 1 C. flour
• 2 t. baking poweder
• 1/2 t. salt
• 1 C. powdered sugar

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes
Makes six dozen

Mix oil, chocoate and sugar in bowl. Blend in one egg at a time until well mixed.
In separate bowl, mix vanilla, flour, baking power and salt together. Once well mixed, stir into oil mix.
Chill several hours or over night.
Take teaspoon and form small balls out of batter. Roll in powder sugar and place on cookie sheet 2 inches apart.
Cool cookies, but place small marshmellow in center before completely cool.
Mix up simple chocolate frosting or buy canned frosting. Drip over center.

Christmas Lights

by Meredith

This is my home, completely covered in LED Christmas lights, and thanks to the awesome work of my father. #MerryChristmas

Is your house still dark this holiday?  There is still time to decorate.  :)

 

Afternoon Holiday Tea

by Meredith

Host an afternoon tea this holiday season.  Grab Grandma's teapots and teacups and invite loved ones over for a tea.  Here's all you need: 

• Teapots and teacups
• Classical or vintage mucus
• Candles to create ambiance
• Server a variety of petit fours, scones, fruit, cheeses, crackers, sugar cookies and of course chocolate. Display on china platters
• Set out bouquets of pink and white flowers.
• Take Polaroid snapshots of guests to add to the fun
• Encourage guests to dress up complete with heels, hats and gloves. 

{Blueberry Almond Scones and Lemon Curd via Bonne Nouvelle}

{Cucumber Sandwiches are a must}

Holiday Cards

by Meredith

To me, there's nothing better than receiving a traditional, hand-written holiday card via snail mail during the Christmas season.  You can either buy them from the store or make them yourself.  Gather your loved ones addresses and tell them how much they mean to you.  You'll make their day and it's a simple, inexpensive way to show you care.

 

Hand Painted Ornaments

by Meredith

In need of a few little gifts this holiday season?  Here's a creative idea.  Pick up some ornaments (plastic or glass) and acrylic paint, then create your own beautiful tree ornaments.  You can make the design as complicated or simple as you want and they will still be stunning.  Guaranteed your friends and family will love them.  This makes a nice, small thoughtful present, or use them to decorate the outside of a present by attaching it near the top by the bow for an add-on.

This can also make for a fun activity to do with kids this holiday season.

{Ideas courtesy of Thomas Pacconi and ShopNBC}

{Ideas courtesy of Thomas Pacconi and ShopNBC}

{Ideas courtesy of Thomas Pacconi and ShopNBC}

{Ideas courtesy of Thomas Pacconi and ShopNBC}

{Ideas courtesy of Thomas Pacconi and ShopNBC}

Lakes of Wood

by Meredith

For the past five years or so I've gone to my local craft fairs and have seen the Lakes of Wood booth.  I've always wanted to buy one of our lake for my family, and this year I finally did.  I cannot wait to give this gift Christmas morning.

If you know someone else who has and loves a home or a cabin on a lake in the Midwest, this is a great idea.