Winter Wonderland

Winter has engulfed us this year.  The snow is piled high everywhere.  Driving has been a bit of a challenge here and there but overall, people seem kind of happy about all the snow.  I’m happy about it. It has been the light, fluffy kind of snow that is made up of large ice crystals which sparkle in the sunlight. So pretty.  I went out and took a few photos in my neighborhood to remember this most perfect December of 2010.

Yesterday, we woke to  hoar frost covered trees and brilliant blue skies.

I can’t decide if I like it better in black and white.

We spent an afternoon skiing on trails right outside the door.

This is the willow grove where Liz and Brentan were married.  Our ski trail goes through the middle of the bower. It still feels magical. If you look closely, you can see the arbor on the bottom right where guests entered the chapel.

Here is another view of the wedding willows. I like the trail leading to the trees.

I do sometimes feel like I live in a postcard.

What a beautiful world.     -Peg

Christmas Dinner

Well I cooked up a storm on Saturday for Christmas dinner. (The other half of the day was spent solving a puzzle my lovely husband put together that eventually led to a new computer!!) Most of the yummy food came from my Williams Sonoma Special Occasions cookbook. The highlight of the new recipes were certainly the Gruyere Cheese Puffs!

-Liz

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Look What I found!

I found this stunning tablecloth at an estate sale recently. Someone stamped these charming woodland deer and evergreens onto heavy natural linen. I would LOVE to get my hands on these stamps. The stamps look like they have been hand carved onto linoleum block? and then hand inked and stamped.  There are 12 linen napkins to complete the set. I was nervous to wash the cloth but I did. I carefully hand washed it in cool water and line dried it. The ink ran a tiny bit but it does  not detract from its beauty. I am enjoying this cloth on my kitchen table. It completes my holiday woodland decorating scheme. Thank you somebody who put such time and talent into making this…for me!  -Peg

California Christmas

Although I’m likely doing a traditional Christmas dinner this year (I haven’t finalized my menu–shocking! but something along these lines, with a ham), I think a California Christmas would be a fun compliment to my California Thanksgiving. While the rest of the country has a white Christmas, I’m dreaming of Christmas in the fog…

A eucalyptus wreath or swag would make a good-smelling and local decoration for your door or table.

Some fresh carrots and California pecans would be delectable!

I might make this clementine sorbet anyways!

I love Sunset magazine’s fresh and modern holiday table settings (especially without a runner or tablecloth or placemats– how casual!).

My neighbor has a tree full of pomegranates, maybe they’d let me have some to make this pomegranate duck glaze. Yum.

Happy Christmas and New Years party planning!

-Liz

 

Birch Bark

We have snow snow snow everywhere and I am in the mood to celebrate! Yea, I like snow in December. Come March, I may have a different story but for now, I am embracing it.  I decided that instead of pulling out of storage the same old red and green holiday stuff, I would make some new decorations. I went a little bonkers making snowflakes for a while and then I made a bunch of ice lanterns but when I got tired of that, I pulled out my sewing machine. I saw some cute Christmas stockings quilted from felt to look like birch bark so I set about recreating them. Then I made a table runner to match. These are the results. Winter Woodland Wonderland, don’t ya think? -Peg

A Light bulb Moment

My son Sam came up with this clever re-use for an outdated light bulb. The hat is made from cardboard and  the eyes and buttons are glued on black beads; I’m not sure what he used to make the carrot nose. You could easily duplicate it with a bit of clay. Although, this snowman does not light up on his own, he will certainly brighten your day. This type of  light bulb will soon be gone forever so why not  preserve a bit of history and make one of your own! Nostalgia for a light bulb…go figure!  -Peg

Christmas Ornament Decorations

Our tree is finally up and decorated!

I made a few crafts with some extra ornaments, like stringing them from the chandelier in the dining area.

And a garland for a doorway by the tree by using some fishing line. I brought another one of these over to a holiday party this past weekend for the hostess–I think they make great, easy gifts!

It certainly feels like Christmas around here! Also, doesn’t our tree look even better with our beautiful wood floors?

Speaking of Christmas tree balls, you can make an exhibit out of them!

-Liz

Ice Lanterns

Winter has arrived early here in the north and to keep my spirits up, I have been making stuff. Yesterday I wrote about the million snowflakes that I have been cutting. Well, I have also been making Ice lanterns to brighten the darkest nights of the year. They are so easy to make. The only materials you need are a bucket and water…and frigid cold temperatures. Fill a bucket with water and set it outside overnight (or in your freezer if you  don’t have freezing temps where you live).  After about 12 hours, dump the bucket upside down in a sink. There should be water (not frozen) in the middle of the bucket. Dump out the water and voila, a lovely ice lantern is born! I plan to line my walk and entryway for holiday guests.

The best part? There is no clean up. The lanterns will melt and disappear before spring. If I use them enough, the candles will burn down to nothing! Electric lights, who needs them? – Peg

Snowflakes

We are still digging out from one of our biggest snowstorms in history. Everything is white and wintery. We will definitely have a white Christmas this year. In honor of all the snow, I have gone a little crazy with making snowflakes. I am decorating the house with snowflake garlands and a snowflake only Christmas tree. I cut out many snowflakes as a kid but I had forgotten exactly how to make a nice round lacy snowflake. Here is a refresher course for you in case you would like to fill your house with some snow!  I used recycled paper from my computer and didn’t worry about a little print on one side of the snowflakes. Use sharp scissors and be careful. To make a garland, simply sew the snowflakes together using a long stitch on your sewing machine. Have fun!  - Peg

Snowflakes!

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