Homemade Edible Gifts for Christmas

During our upcoming Christmas trip to England, we are staying at mostly B&B's and small Inns.  In the spirit of Southern Hospitality, I thought it would be a nice touch to leave a small "Hostess" gift upon our departure.   I am making about a dozen jars of 
Cinnamon-Sugared Pecans.

Here is the recipe. 


 I plan on putting them into small canning jars with a fringed-burlap circle, tied with a gingham ribbon, and a cute handmade tag that says "Thank you for your generous hospitality, The Garretts."


Over the next week or so (once I recover from this icky case of bronchitis)  I am going to make several food gifts for both family and friends.  I thought I would share with you some of these gifts I have planned.

Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Sticks.  
Just think how pretty these would look in tall, plastic bags tied with curly ribbons. 

Hot Chocolate (or Coffee) Stirring Spoons
I make variations of these every year.  
Here is a great site which gives ideas and how-to's. 

White-Chocolate Dipped Oreos with Crushed Peppermint
Simply Sinful!  
Best of all, no baking is involved.  
I plan on boxing these in simple white Chinese carry-out boxes with small red polka dot stickers, and gingham and raffia ribbons.
This site has the simple instructions.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Fudge
I've never made this before, but if it tastes half as good as it sounds, I think these will be a huge hit!
This awesome blog has the recipe.

Mini Cranberry-Pecan Pies

I generally make pecan pies in mini muffin pans, but I love the idea of adding cranberries.  I plan on placing a dozen or so of these delectable beauties on a small Christmas plate wrapped with clear cellophane.

Here is the recipe.

I can't wait to get into the kitchen.  I also love the idea of creative food packaging. 

Look at the cute ideas...

The Dollar Store is a great place to find inexpensive containers, plates, candle stands and more.  Think outside of the typical box and Christmas tin.  


I hope this inspires you to give a true gift of 
Love from the Heart!

My $87 Guest Room Makeover

I know this is not a Christmas post - but I thought I would share with you my recent $87 Guest Bedroom Makeover.

Over the Thanksgiving Holiday, I had a houseful of guests for four days.  This room had been a mess for about a year, and desperately needed to be revamped.  

(Isn't amazing what incoming guests will make one accomplish in a short period of time?) 

The room, over the past eight years since we have lived here, has been used as on office, a Toddler room when my son and daughter-in-law were in Iraq and Mr. Grits and I kept our grandson, Cole -  and then back to an office.  Lately though, it has become the "I don't know where to put this so just stick it in the guest room" room. 

 (yea, we all have one at one time or another, huh?)

 It had a futon, and although it was a pretty one in a Sleigh-bed style - nevertheless it was a "futon."  We sold the futon, and so started my journey of "Use What I Had Decorating." 

The room was already painted a nice grey-sage color. 

(Nope, I don't even have an inkling of memory what this color is called - sorry)

The wood blinds were already in place, as well as, all of the other furniture pieces.  There is a lovely armoire out of sight which now encompasses our "office."

We had a beautiful, antique bed we purchased in Belgium , and we had planned to use that bed from the start, but we decided last minute to use a Queen-sized bed - so the antique, full bed was put back into storage.  (I need a bigger house!) That meant a trip to the Thrift store for another bed or headboard, and $40 later I walked out with the one you see.  

(I see some Chalk Paint in my future. *smile*)

The other major cost was $40 for two chocolate-chenille panels.  They are too short, but with company coming in less than 48 hours I had to make due and "let it go."  (Another 2012 project added to the list)  The other $7 was spent on (2) Queen-sized pillowcases. 

Once the bed was in place, it was just a matter of adding the linens, shopping the house for accessories....and here ya' go!  

My $87 Guest Bedroom Makeover.

The plaid "table skirt"is simply a leftover curtain panel from the Master Bedroom.

At first, I thought I wanted only two panels for the corner windows, but after seeing them up - I want to add two more.  I have another plaid panel (aka table skirt) so I plan on simply sewing a panel of fabric at the bottom of the too short chenille panels.  I am also thinking of replacing the (just a little too stark) white wood blinds with some rattan ones. (That 2012 Project List just keeps growing)

The side table consists of an antique glass/pitcher set bought in Europe and a stack of vintage books with my Waterford clock.  See the small leaf dish filled with stones....?

... this was a gift given to me by my sweet friend, Jeanette, when we went to California to visit with Kathysue at Good Life of Design.  It is filled with found stones we collected on the beach at Carmel. I love the little bird feather I found in the sand. 

Here we are on the beach at sunset. It was mine and Jeanette's  first time seeing the Pacific Ocean in person.  We were like little girls when we dipped our toes into the very cold water.  And speaking of toes.....

(hee hee - just had to share.)

Okay, back to the bedroom....

This is the chest at the foot of the bed. 

(sorry about the blurry picture)

Again - it's a solid piece of furniture, but its just screaming for some Chalk Paint - don'tcha think?  :)

On top, I have a few pieces of my collection of Brown & White Chintzware I have collected here and yonder...

...and a tassel hanging from the lamp which encompasses the color scheme. 

The chair by the window, which you can see a glimpse of, was Mr. Grits' Mothers.  It sat in her guest room, too.  I am reluctant to recover it because it has the same fabric from when we inherited it.  So, instead, I used a spare Euro sham wrapped and tucked on the seat as a mini-slipcover. 

So there you have it.  Not magazine worthy by any means - but for $87 I am quite proud of the efforts.  I look forward to seeing it evolve from how it looks now, to how I have it visualized.

And before I go....I know everyone is up to their eyebrows in Christmas decorations - but I just wanted to share a few pics of the last remaining Fall leaves in my yard.  

I bid farewell to my blessed Autumn.

Thank you Lord for the spectacular show this year.

Thanks for letting me share....Barb

Takesy Backsy....:)

Okay, you know how I said I wouldn't be blogging until after I got back from England?

Well, I am going to "Takesy-Backsy" that comment and actually share a few random posts with you over the next few weeks.

You see - I am living vicariously through your posts since I made the decision not to decorate for Christmas this year since we are leaving Dec 17th.  But, as always - I am swept up in a wonderland of amazement at the abundant talent that encompasses Bloggyville.

So....I am going to share with you some of the beautiful Christmas decor I discover.  I will leave you a message so you know your home or project has been chosen.  I hope no one minds too much that I am sharing your designs.

I think this will be a way for me to feed the creative juices I am trying to force back. (sigh!) 

So, I present to you...

Barb's Design Discoveries

Case No 1: Embellishments by SLR

Meet Shenita.  As she opens up her home for the Holidays, she treats us with a view of her foyer table, decorated in colors of bronze and chocolate.  I am absolutely in love with the chocolate ornaments.  

Her style is very close to mine... encompassing the theory that "More is More."  :)

I think you will love her style, too.

http://embellishmentsbyslr.blogspot.com/2011/11/christmas-2011-foyer-table.html

Thanks, Shenita for sharing your home and your talents with us!

I'm off in search of more discoveries. Who will be next?

Have You Missed Me?

I know, I know.  :(

I post a note saying I am going to visit with my dear friend, Kathysue (Good Life of Design) in California - 

and then I disappear for weeks on end.

Well, I have some good news and some bad news.

Good news... I WILL be back to Bloggyville.

Bad news.... it won't be until after the Holidays.

My husband and I are leaving for England on Dec 17th for NINE wonderful days.  We can't wait to get back to our favorite European Country. 

We are renting a car and driving around the Cotswalds - going from one castle to another, staying at 500+ year old Inns, eating and drinking at famous pubs, and making several stops along the way at some English Christmas Markets.  (one is medieval, and started in the 1200's)  It will culminate with Christmas Eve spent at Westminster Abbey, and Christmas Day at St Paul's Cathedral.

Can you say EXCITED boys and girls.  :)

So please don't delete me from your Bloggy List....I may be temporary out of commission, but I will be back.

Love and Hugs to All.... Barb