Archives for December 2015

The Simple, Intimate New Year’s Eve

Prosecco in non traditional goblets that are less formal than champagne flutes.

Prosecco in non traditional goblets that are less formal than champagne flutes.

Here’s to the bright New Year
And a fond farewell to the old;
Here’s to the things that are yet to come
And to the memories that we hold.

With a few rare examples, life should be easy.  New Year’s Eve is no exception.  I envision an intimate setting with Champagne (or Prosecco as a nod to my Italian roots) and a simple set up .  This food board offers taste, variety and texture and will see you and your guest (s) through until midnight without being heavy or overbearing.

Everything was store bought with the exception of the croutons (directions follow) and was assembled in less than 10 minutes:

  • Rosemary ham, hand shredded and piled directly on bread board
  • Candied walnuts
  • Home made croutons*
  • Shaved parmesan
  • Baguette bread
  • Dijon mustard
  • Sliced green apples
  • Crème Fraiche

*cubed baguette bread, tossed with olive oil to coat, salt and pepper to taste, mix in a palm full of grated parmesan cheese, baked at 325 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until browned and crispy.

If the host or hostess isn’t stressed, that seems to me a win for everyone.

I hope that 2016 brings each of you what your heart desires.  May your troubles be as short as your New Year’s resolutions.;)

God’s speed and safe travels.

All the best,

Cindy

A simple set up using some rosemary sprigs throughout.

A simple set up using some rosemary sprigs throughout.

A simple raspberry garnish for the beverage.

A simple raspberry garnish for the beverage.

The home made croutons stand on their own as a savory offering and provide a counterpoint to the sweet Prosecco.

The home made croutons stand on their own as a savory offering and provide a counterpoint to the sweet Prosecco.

Hotel silver bowls make a lovely addition to the food board.

Hotel silver bowls make a lovely addition to the food board.

Antique 19th century French mustard pot along with mother of pearl spreaders at an interesting visual note to the presentation.

Antique 19th century French mustard pot along with mother of pearl spreaders at an interesting visual note to the presentation.

(Holiday) Guest Amenities

The holiday bed.

The holiday bed.

I am always looking for simple ways to make guest feel special, but simplicity is a must.  In my holiday guest room this year, I have a quilt fold that yields a special surprise and an amenities kit using a simple lunch sack.  Both can be easily done on the fly, without too much effort.

I hope you find inspiration.

All the best,

Cindy

Holiday greens, dressed bed and some special surprises...

Holiday greens, dressed bed and some special surprises…

A gift on the bed side table.

A gift on the bed side table.

A simple lunch sack folded over, left plain or using holiday stamps and embellishments as I have done.

A simple lunch sack folded over, left plain or using holiday stamps and embellishments as I have done.

Bottled water, simple snacks and personal care items.

Bottled water, simple snacks and personal care items.

Travel sizes all wrapped in a muslin bag decorated with simple holiday stamps.

Travel sizes all wrapped in a muslin bag decorated with simple holiday stamps.

Simple folds create a place to tuck in a little gift.

Simple folds create a place to tuck in a little gift.

A special gift for guests. Nothing fancy. It could be a favorite candy bar, event tickets or even a lottery scratcher. Anything to bring a smile to the face of visitors.

A special gift for guests. Nothing fancy. It could be a favorite candy bar, event tickets or even a lottery scratcher. Anything to bring a smile to the face of visitors.

The holiday bed.

The holiday bed.

Holiday Birch Logs with German Glass Glitter

A random smattering of German glass glitter. A little like moss growing on a tree.

A random smattering of German glass glitter. A little like moss growing on a tree.

My house is by no means opulent, but every now and again, I can’t resist a little sparkle when the holidays arrive.  While spending some time with family in Dahlonega, Georgia in October, my cousin helped me find the perfect birch tree on my uncle’s property to harvest for this project.  It had been broken off by storms and we felt it would be okay to chop what was left into a few pieces.

I got home and randomly dabbed watered down glue in various areas and added some coarse silver German glass glitter.  I can’t really say the pictures do it justice, but it looks lovely.  Place them in an old tub found at the Round Top Antiques show, along with fresh greens and smattering of artificial embellishments and it makes for a lovely arrangement throughout the holidays.

I hope you find some inspiration.

Always,

Cindy

A warm welcome in front of the fire.

A warm welcome in front of the fire.

Nature's finest. Birch logs and Christmas greens.

Nature’s finest. Birch logs and Christmas greens.

The additions of scented pine cones.

The additions of scented pine cones.

Arrangements aren't just for flowers.

Arrangements aren’t just for flowers.