My Stress-Free Holiday Entertaining Tips on MyWell-Being.com

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbes8zgw86-Q7KZBMM3UG6wBz60-Jq8bxw6OXOk4XBLxrXvMx_sPb7lRv483Mezbb3-MHR1CXvBKOsSmoYeTH1YlYoQeur-xc9LXf35vTjRzoK7rMl7LAJD6-yN6CoQIuwG-1xuMy4M44/s1600/IMG_9995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbes8zgw86-Q7KZBMM3UG6wBz60-Jq8bxw6OXOk4XBLxrXvMx_sPb7lRv483Mezbb3-MHR1CXvBKOsSmoYeTH1YlYoQeur-xc9LXf35vTjRzoK7rMl7LAJD6-yN6CoQIuwG-1xuMy4M44/s640/IMG_9995.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />As most of you know, I write a monthly blog for MyWell-Being.com, a site that serves as a "guide to getting started on the path to complete well-being in every aspect of your life—health and money, people and play."  On their site they explain Well-Being as :<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCTYyd9LTYlPx-pgwYplFMP_iM3xBdy7FrWBhmTWnKxM1Tf6cWr2XclIfLhfoRuawpCJCngeCy6qMpBjezD3mjM7GGdErl01xI5SJjytNzIwxQUwUuFEO_AOfOqiGfbvPR8sFTV_XG1Y/s1600/IMG_9982.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCTYyd9LTYlPx-pgwYplFMP_iM3xBdy7FrWBhmTWnKxM1Tf6cWr2XclIfLhfoRuawpCJCngeCy6qMpBjezD3mjM7GGdErl01xI5SJjytNzIwxQUwUuFEO_AOfOqiGfbvPR8sFTV_XG1Y/s320/IMG_9982.jpg" width="213" /></a><i>Well-being. It’s about so much more than simply being well.</i> <br /><i> </i></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>While your health—physical and mental—is a big part of your well-being, it’s only one piece of a much bigger picture. </i></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"> <i>Think about the sense of contentment you get from feeling close and connected to family, friends, and your broader community. That’s well-being. </i></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i> And remember how good it feels to be financially confident? When your career’s in good shape and you’re on top of your savings—that’s well-being, too. </i><br /><i> </i></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i></i><i>And let’s not forget the lift you get from the time you spend at play, traveling the world, or exploring new—and old—interests. Well-being, again. </i></blockquote>Isn't that great?  Their philosophy of "well-being" is very much in line with my beliefs of "living well" on a daily basis and what I try to inspire you, my readers, to do through entertaining friends and family, creating a warm home or traveling to a relaxing destination.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnal0OuxaoEXo7Oi6bzGSJwmtTwmZ13UWsto9CJf5myHYfa255EF4aRlcjtVh8ZjYU9e3k9HK_YgifvqMRJXjv_eLFQvRRgEqpssiOgzTIN39c87V7H5P0r7aDTu0ua8hQTkG3KZf7nyc/s1600/IMG_0007.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnal0OuxaoEXo7Oi6bzGSJwmtTwmZ13UWsto9CJf5myHYfa255EF4aRlcjtVh8ZjYU9e3k9HK_YgifvqMRJXjv_eLFQvRRgEqpssiOgzTIN39c87V7H5P0r7aDTu0ua8hQTkG3KZf7nyc/s640/IMG_0007.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br />This month, my MyWell-Being.com post is all about Stress-Free Entertaining for the Holidays.  Here is a small excerpt.  You can read the rest at <i><a href="http://www.mywell-being.com/enjoy/stress-free-holiday-entertaining-tips">MyWell-Being.com</a></i> : <br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i><span style="font-size: 14px;">At the beginning of each Holiday season, many of us make the resolution to spend less, rush around less, stress less and give more.  However, even with our good intentions, there are still Holiday dinners to be prepared, gifts to be purchased and parties to attend that seem to fill up our month of joyful celebrations with a list endless obligations.  Even now, as I write this I'm feeling very behind on my own Holiday checklist!</span> </i><br /><i><span style="font-size: 14px;"></span></i></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><i>One way to make our Holiday "to-do's" less stressful is to simplify our Holiday Entertaining.  Hosting the perfect family dinner or festive cocktail party this time of year can sometimes seem like a big burden.  Too often, we feel like our homes have to look perfect and the food has to be expensive and elaborate so we can impress our friends and family.  With these high expectations come a lot of stress and not a whole lot of fun...</i></span></blockquote> <i>Read the rest of the post and my 3 Solutions for Stress-Free Parties at <a href="http://www.mywell-being.com/enjoy/stress-free-holiday-entertaining-tips">MyWell-Being.com</a></i><br /><br />*Do you remember <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/12/holiday-table-setting-centerpiece-ideas.html">this tablesetting</a>?  I created it last year!  I think it is the perfect <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/12/holiday-table-setting-centerpiece-ideas.html">Christmas Morning Brunch table</a>... complete with cookies at each place setting.  Read about the details, <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/12/holiday-table-setting-centerpiece-ideas.html">here</a>.

My Stress-Free Holiday Entertaining Tips on MyWell-Being.com

As most of you know, I write a monthly blog for MyWell-Being.com, a site that serves as a "guide to getting started on the path to com...

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Bay Leaf Wreath for the Holidays | Holiday Home Decorating

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTSUSf3lZiAYw7KsDnAanmAFNCKmEtAXB9PWUh9-f7myLZNyOepM3BcshBjSxeYU89Bmp8TuLnGmkaHxokVs3CWWOPMTtlHcGAolDiazaIWbYmPD-Nm9A90EijiR9rWe2KSxDvyXyt6A/s1600/WS+Wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTSUSf3lZiAYw7KsDnAanmAFNCKmEtAXB9PWUh9-f7myLZNyOepM3BcshBjSxeYU89Bmp8TuLnGmkaHxokVs3CWWOPMTtlHcGAolDiazaIWbYmPD-Nm9A90EijiR9rWe2KSxDvyXyt6A/s1600/WS+Wreath.jpg" /></a></div><br />I can't wait to order this <a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000613802029127&pubid=21000000000393866">wreath from Williams-Sonoma</a> for the Holidays.  It is made completely of bay leaves - one of my favorite scents.  For $29.95, it is a great little something to send to friends across the country, too.  Or maybe you'll be a guest at someone's home for the holidays?  Send one of these in advance to let them know how much you're looking forward to spending the holiday with them.<br /><a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000613802029127&pubid=21000000000393866">Bay Leaf Wreath & Garland $29.95 - $99.95</a>

Bay Leaf Wreath for the Holidays | Holiday Home Decorating

I can't wait to order this wreath from Williams-Sonoma for the Holidays.  It is made completely of bay leaves - one of my favorite sce...

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Entertaining | Holiday Flower Arrangement | Flower Arranging Tips | Magnolia Leaves Clove Studded Oranges Roses

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSfdwxwXBTqVf4oKCFunek6OvT9nwyu_dDGpcoIgciu8heTnrBLOkxWBYJdq_sbFde7TIOcm9sK6q-Nvf9y_a5D3erFwzLPdEMMRbDPOjnMMnsDyR2UKQWJNxPkaMHKGYzXmodJdiKKX9/s1600/IMG_3781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSfdwxwXBTqVf4oKCFunek6OvT9nwyu_dDGpcoIgciu8heTnrBLOkxWBYJdq_sbFde7TIOcm9sK6q-Nvf9y_a5D3erFwzLPdEMMRbDPOjnMMnsDyR2UKQWJNxPkaMHKGYzXmodJdiKKX9/s640/IMG_3781.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For a client this holiday season, I wanted to create a sophisticated but traditional holiday floral arrangement to be the center of their cocktail party.  I am a little tired of all red and green, so I selected a variety of colors : red, coral, tangerine and pink.  The arrangement is made of red, coral and pink roses, with tangerines studded with cloves, white hydrangeas, pomegranates, and magnolia leaves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-Qbq6YmvRVKkniyjssVh1L0tfDWCO5BcicZJOmEr4CufK0-IMlDhDYhEsimc5M69SixxZoir_MgfpliPYLy2rYhpvv09zCsuaCF5LRd7gdjqec90Mlkp1TZm3qf3uZSOt5civtlH3K60/s1600/IMG_3772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-Qbq6YmvRVKkniyjssVh1L0tfDWCO5BcicZJOmEr4CufK0-IMlDhDYhEsimc5M69SixxZoir_MgfpliPYLy2rYhpvv09zCsuaCF5LRd7gdjqec90Mlkp1TZm3qf3uZSOt5civtlH3K60/s320/IMG_3772.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> I started with this large pewter footed bowl that I normally use to chill beer and wine (as you might remember from my <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2010/11/entertaining-how-to-set-up-bar-holiday.html">self-serve bar!</a>).  I put 3 bricks of water soaked oasis foam in the base and taped it down with clear floral tape. <br /><br />You can buy oasis at any craft store (be sure to get the 'wet' oasis and not the 'dry' used for fake arrangements), or sometimes if I'm in a pinch I run up to a florist (even at the grocery store) and buy some directly from them.  They typically cost a couple of dollars each.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6jFEqJrhuohopJbMx9ai8RzbKclighOfTiUFKo7Rrdk8DdqWdZy3qgJoxqNLsbepar8VSyatEXyzjOWkS9i-x0UufRa_05npyNiSvF5Cc1LetVgm4lvmmn12aBShUUt2dmR4vv3SntLJ/s1600/IMG_3774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6jFEqJrhuohopJbMx9ai8RzbKclighOfTiUFKo7Rrdk8DdqWdZy3qgJoxqNLsbepar8VSyatEXyzjOWkS9i-x0UufRa_05npyNiSvF5Cc1LetVgm4lvmmn12aBShUUt2dmR4vv3SntLJ/s320/IMG_3774.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Next, use your foliage to create the shape of the arrangement.  I used magnolia leaves - I love the contrasting brown and green sides.  Sprigs of evergreen (out of your backyard or the back side of your tree!) would work great, too.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7w_Q0UOcCbDKqKlglyCXrBmJx3azX8AORL_HF8saOKGiXo8JdzfHuuFnlRBaUw3cuNjIdLtO0bq6Ci_SinL4FyfWbMIAeYgBx26ObNUY2_67XP4ge-ZlDNgPEA5wds1ewvQb-pN9HU8F/s1600/IMG_3776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7w_Q0UOcCbDKqKlglyCXrBmJx3azX8AORL_HF8saOKGiXo8JdzfHuuFnlRBaUw3cuNjIdLtO0bq6Ci_SinL4FyfWbMIAeYgBx26ObNUY2_67XP4ge-ZlDNgPEA5wds1ewvQb-pN9HU8F/s320/IMG_3776.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Citrus fruits like oranges, tangerines and grapefruits are in abundance this time of year and are a very traditional addition to holiday decor.<br /><br />I used tangerines because of the rosy color.  They added just the right amount of contrast and texture to the arrangement.  I studded the tangerines with whole cloves - it smelled amazing.  The spicy cloves, when they pierced the skin let out the fresh scent of the tangerine.  It smelled like Christmas!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGacee39b7L4VAQPUQnk6GzgXR8eccLyHipJoW5V5Cf1fnPTDZYjuYsc94MKtASbDbB2BpyuHK39-UbqIPrDCKo_SrfdOcF3OaO_obAuxzCp8GUUHMqJDpR_UnIUHKObwO4JaIz8qqv155/s1600/IMG_3784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGacee39b7L4VAQPUQnk6GzgXR8eccLyHipJoW5V5Cf1fnPTDZYjuYsc94MKtASbDbB2BpyuHK39-UbqIPrDCKo_SrfdOcF3OaO_obAuxzCp8GUUHMqJDpR_UnIUHKObwO4JaIz8qqv155/s320/IMG_3784.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> I put the tangerines on heavy floral stakes (also purchased from the grocery store florist) to insert them into the foam.  I also used pomegranates staked the same way.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEIzgOTqNnSIJ_wZqJdBDoh5HpvqyVVUih7UaXdPwtw8NGs2fHIDoIpm38GPYsWu_hOvah4_v5xWQdrCns9zsTj11Rlb2AbKpw1DPGCe2Ef6WADKe6IOPeGfZ2DGQ-HTsoG0FpxbbmYQF/s1600/IMG_3787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEIzgOTqNnSIJ_wZqJdBDoh5HpvqyVVUih7UaXdPwtw8NGs2fHIDoIpm38GPYsWu_hOvah4_v5xWQdrCns9zsTj11Rlb2AbKpw1DPGCe2Ef6WADKe6IOPeGfZ2DGQ-HTsoG0FpxbbmYQF/s320/IMG_3787.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>At the end of the arranging, I decided to add some sprigs of white pine (from our backyard) too add even more dimension and shape.  The arrangement was looking a little too formal, so the pine added an organic look.

Entertaining | Holiday Flower Arrangement | Flower Arranging Tips | Magnolia Leaves Clove Studded Oranges Roses

For a client this holiday season, I wanted to create a sophisticated but traditional holiday floral arrangement to be the center of their co...

Read more »