Gingerbread House | My First Time | Holiday Baking

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJU5hY7oNccnbU7_XfV1YhmGN3s7LAjd1LW0Q7ZC3d6NilZvVpPgxpaXXt-yM3RQ2JZl3a2MegvE491ZvyPmrmAfDYLr7CPRqmKuUGW0Ee-jN-gzOiY_qIQwdWvcuIeysqcyZRnjHOAM/s1600/IMG_9827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJU5hY7oNccnbU7_XfV1YhmGN3s7LAjd1LW0Q7ZC3d6NilZvVpPgxpaXXt-yM3RQ2JZl3a2MegvE491ZvyPmrmAfDYLr7CPRqmKuUGW0Ee-jN-gzOiY_qIQwdWvcuIeysqcyZRnjHOAM/s640/IMG_9827.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINnKexF1ovDXQryeEr5Yi9YX7WqSNDaL1z4egjn22O96fYr2DqaRa_NYL9N0C1R_T6U3ETS6hd5CaVpt3q0BywQxn6e5ry1nVmJ86FLrzSMp42WSVoe4Lj8ZkfmK3o7bNa1MhFConyOw/s1600/IMG_9139.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the first time in my entire life that I have made a Gingerbread House.  Ever.  I know - even Jill didn't believe me when I told her.  Apparently she's made several over the years.  Humph.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In honor of our adventure here in Massachusetts I wanted to make the house just like our house here in Concord - a cozy little Cape Cod.  I love how it turned out - dormer windows, evergreen garland and all!  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have to say, I have a lot of respect for anyone that has made a gingerbread house before... it was tougher than I'd anticipated!  Mike helped me assemble it - and let's just say, it is not like the pieces fit together like a snug puzzle.  I had to keep reminding myself that it was a cookie, not a carpentry project.  Small gaps and holes in the seams (and one cracked wall...) were not that big of a deal.  It is a cookie!  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is my photo documentation of the entire process.  I used <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/339021/molasses-gingerbread-cookie-dough" target="_blank">Martha Stewart's recipe for the gingerbread dough</a>.  It is different than a typical cookie dough- tougher with very little rise in the baking, which is important because you don't want the pieces of dough to change shape or size.</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/AVvXsEgzVlc5OFAEhLEOnkTJNxI5g0nJaFrTPcrL_44ySVkBgAaKU_KxU_THnagGmQUAMdUsn7hvHBq_wwMPFStCUtLcgma7P3ZZ1APJVWIGffiARmekkciDG-J3CR_Ohe0JoiKLTNNMIsPsKHo/s1600/IMG_9080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVlc5OFAEhLEOnkTJNxI5g0nJaFrTPcrL_44ySVkBgAaKU_KxU_THnagGmQUAMdUsn7hvHBq_wwMPFStCUtLcgma7P3ZZ1APJVWIGffiARmekkciDG-J3CR_Ohe0JoiKLTNNMIsPsKHo/s640/IMG_9080.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I created templates of all of the pieces I'd need.  Measuring and cutting straight lines are very important.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6L96555C0CShqPoHYECbZnSgMJioVNJb9AnCaLxvURR3L9k2EnTbfKkk510YrsERYDSyERypshhz48z3IwY0O8vlaVp0T99O6TVmtAXXWdato8LgF1wCe9INueuVQOVCl9n7PMEx4V9I/s1600/IMG_9083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6L96555C0CShqPoHYECbZnSgMJioVNJb9AnCaLxvURR3L9k2EnTbfKkk510YrsERYDSyERypshhz48z3IwY0O8vlaVp0T99O6TVmtAXXWdato8LgF1wCe9INueuVQOVCl9n7PMEx4V9I/s640/IMG_9083.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Here are all of my pieces ready to go.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzi2PKGal3u-6GD3BIkqovP00oDLqoqnYzmedwVnC6hrqAbEGfxWEn6mGxiRrd528fWcYbBveZOGQGaesSpWr-DZZROYCqLk0ypP70S_blJGxBi6PIyBPF4pDHxFqdehz5ZbKtvAIJls/s1600/IMG_9085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzi2PKGal3u-6GD3BIkqovP00oDLqoqnYzmedwVnC6hrqAbEGfxWEn6mGxiRrd528fWcYbBveZOGQGaesSpWr-DZZROYCqLk0ypP70S_blJGxBi6PIyBPF4pDHxFqdehz5ZbKtvAIJls/s640/IMG_9085.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I highly recommend rolling the dough out onto your silpat baking liners or parchment paper, then placing that liner or paper directly onto the baking sheet.  If you roll out the dough onto the counter, then try to move it, your cut outs will distort and change size and shape.  Even the smallest difference can mean a big hole in your house!  <br /><br />I rolled the dough out onto the silpat, then cut around my template.  I put the silpat directly onto a baking sheet, then into the oven.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XaF2CqcJogyubusHmZWUG6Kg5_j-8Za5ex8MHrEHHgF3FwT6MO70Bgjj9AMgjqBBWChE3tgkXwXGpspWy6Tjv1AVomue5ybn4AXmXXpDbLspKclbc-YK-kXidN9d5-5zaswPb7btF6g/s1600/IMG_9088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XaF2CqcJogyubusHmZWUG6Kg5_j-8Za5ex8MHrEHHgF3FwT6MO70Bgjj9AMgjqBBWChE3tgkXwXGpspWy6Tjv1AVomue5ybn4AXmXXpDbLspKclbc-YK-kXidN9d5-5zaswPb7btF6g/s640/IMG_9088.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />After the cookies had baked and cooled, I decorated them with <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2010/12/recipes-christmas-cookies-christmas.html" target="_blank">royal icing</a>.  I learned something new, again.  I would have thought the decorating should be done after assembled, but it was so much easier to make straight lines on the pieces before they were put together as a house. <br /><br />These are the front and the back pieces.  I did a trial run on the back so it would be perfect for the front.  I knew that where I planned to display the house - no one would see the back!  I modeled the door off of some of the <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/11/trip-to-deerfield-mass-new-england-day.html" target="_blank">colonial homes we saw in Deerfield, Ma</a>. a few weeks ago.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJALom-1eTOHcLyT2T85rZ8fqS6LvS8o7o2fi-EOoqmWPzMJZlhI1_ycddhd8H8KlHT0pzSw5Kfexp0xE5PdymueWreSV9uujERsoR7B0-jr6-L3vYzlprUDWlve19Yt7vbf5nr3QCDo/s1600/IMG_9089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJALom-1eTOHcLyT2T85rZ8fqS6LvS8o7o2fi-EOoqmWPzMJZlhI1_ycddhd8H8KlHT0pzSw5Kfexp0xE5PdymueWreSV9uujERsoR7B0-jr6-L3vYzlprUDWlve19Yt7vbf5nr3QCDo/s640/IMG_9089.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The sides.  I think the 'snow' in the windows adds some personality to the home.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfjzkhd1hkLDT_S8te-LPfwWbxrk7JLz39x5fkfnwPR46qT09wY65oJVrYGtBWai6N_o5PZg6ak1Y5rWyCEqhVB-MGxFXzin5KEoIaTA8SCbP1Mr_q8_JaUvHROt3SqCstb1YeENuXvE/s1600/IMG_9090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfjzkhd1hkLDT_S8te-LPfwWbxrk7JLz39x5fkfnwPR46qT09wY65oJVrYGtBWai6N_o5PZg6ak1Y5rWyCEqhVB-MGxFXzin5KEoIaTA8SCbP1Mr_q8_JaUvHROt3SqCstb1YeENuXvE/s640/IMG_9090.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I shingled the roof pieces with a 'brick' pattern.  The two dormer windows got a snow swept look, too. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxmOYKaUcFb9Hb60rS1xtc95JXKgu99J2LcERyxI2GFj6Z9shyphenhyphen2fApzvIXC1LAJLfX4szDDGTliYn40lzxHYEmWvyPmQz1TapfYztSGwCc8ZcrJY6EXgP2sGrkFZXwPiuybh4KV15RG0/s1600/IMG_9091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxmOYKaUcFb9Hb60rS1xtc95JXKgu99J2LcERyxI2GFj6Z9shyphenhyphen2fApzvIXC1LAJLfX4szDDGTliYn40lzxHYEmWvyPmQz1TapfYztSGwCc8ZcrJY6EXgP2sGrkFZXwPiuybh4KV15RG0/s640/IMG_9091.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />These were the other pieces that I needed for the dormers... they were a little complicated to create! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21O7FwrMOTSEjwe47QwfAlOmFBj4j-YpEKGevK2U8eVFnv1f5XjXkJMqpSO5qXFW2nz9XqIrMY9rIfoUN2rn8tg9YstjSnfdGr_JQXNIkJ4tjhTXpfhDxDx8iJ9X0njtAXuZK9QjSjnU/s1600/IMG_9094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21O7FwrMOTSEjwe47QwfAlOmFBj4j-YpEKGevK2U8eVFnv1f5XjXkJMqpSO5qXFW2nz9XqIrMY9rIfoUN2rn8tg9YstjSnfdGr_JQXNIkJ4tjhTXpfhDxDx8iJ9X0njtAXuZK9QjSjnU/s640/IMG_9094.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I used little pieces of cedar greenery to create a garland around the front door.  I attached it with my <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2010/12/recipes-christmas-cookies-christmas.html" target="_blank">Royal Icing</a> 'glue'. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYs6d3nw1HBZ69_glBSqfbmVdrJqGDGBMY_bDKKydcQB__mdim6PJ2yEp_aShs3CkzuM_q0n6LNtRpYyB94RGtMYS-JAqTgucQRHf4k-5xD5Ek_rGsI-sm0o-TcEiQ2uf4BX569y4u0Rc/s1600/IMG_9120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYs6d3nw1HBZ69_glBSqfbmVdrJqGDGBMY_bDKKydcQB__mdim6PJ2yEp_aShs3CkzuM_q0n6LNtRpYyB94RGtMYS-JAqTgucQRHf4k-5xD5Ek_rGsI-sm0o-TcEiQ2uf4BX569y4u0Rc/s640/IMG_9120.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />What a cozy little cottage!  Now for the snow... <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYL3Kh_DyinY1_oy3GS7O2GZ8sfXGEJKSrclbnrjA85vM6uwnpQ1KCkRvLWzKpASuoDuVcjg4psIH9z8Ov2OOa-ZB3ldkfgkN7DLXCLCbHQ-5kOOGz3deTwtgWkfQhyphenhyphenkBlzVXg2qNzeA/s1600/IMG_9122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYL3Kh_DyinY1_oy3GS7O2GZ8sfXGEJKSrclbnrjA85vM6uwnpQ1KCkRvLWzKpASuoDuVcjg4psIH9z8Ov2OOa-ZB3ldkfgkN7DLXCLCbHQ-5kOOGz3deTwtgWkfQhyphenhyphenkBlzVXg2qNzeA/s640/IMG_9122.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I made a small batch of Swiss Meringue to create pillowy snow drifts around the house.  I put the meringue in a pastry bag, then cut a very large hole to pipe it out of.   <br /><br />Swiss Meringue<br /><br />4 egg whites<br />1 cup of sugar<br />1 pinch of cream of tarter<br /><br />In the top bowl of a double boiler (glass bowl sitting on a sauce pan with simmering water), whisk together egg whites, sugar and cream of tarter.  Cook mixture in the double boiler over medium low heat for 3-5 minutes, or until sugar has dissolved.  If you rub the mixture between your fingers, you should be able to tell if the sugar has dissolved.<br /><br />Transfer the mixture to your kitchen aid fitted with the whisk attachment.  Whisk on high for 7-10 minutes.  The mixture will cool and froth into a thick meringue as it whips.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3_TH2c9PUSsj7_U7q_vGs3C8VWFu9uSGQ-nPDtvf59AbjmiVYShPwxoqJBX0xIX92isUH01D6jHRZ1zvOu1nGDwo6J0Tl2hMYHJBb2EDtr1LLhORstngHCjQ4hgiq4WacPfcb-QRa2M/s1600/IMG_9123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3_TH2c9PUSsj7_U7q_vGs3C8VWFu9uSGQ-nPDtvf59AbjmiVYShPwxoqJBX0xIX92isUH01D6jHRZ1zvOu1nGDwo6J0Tl2hMYHJBb2EDtr1LLhORstngHCjQ4hgiq4WacPfcb-QRa2M/s640/IMG_9123.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I tried to make it look wind blown and natural. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdurIavd_Ze4xCih0Bo8Mw0fbxurxiAzdMfV5aBP9Cl4_KOmvJQbZvCveHb5ZhAhv0BNn3P_zofuQpGbkNI-47cAC0IqhhlbsD_ITtF4PxuT1gWXMuP_cYamXbU-BmQW31OWYrbwnC8uc/s1600/IMG_9127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdurIavd_Ze4xCih0Bo8Mw0fbxurxiAzdMfV5aBP9Cl4_KOmvJQbZvCveHb5ZhAhv0BNn3P_zofuQpGbkNI-47cAC0IqhhlbsD_ITtF4PxuT1gWXMuP_cYamXbU-BmQW31OWYrbwnC8uc/s640/IMG_9127.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I LOVE meringue. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuhXlGvGMDK0A8Wp9DrnVfTnaCMKupLph2d5xjiX1r-S3uIOSe8vOTNPsALRBq67s7VZ65wJp7JBsc2j6jERy8TZEsQnse7qdQjIvRPK2pM0a-ld0ArnYvBSWX8gROyoPfyqvPA8zOP4/s1600/IMG_9131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuhXlGvGMDK0A8Wp9DrnVfTnaCMKupLph2d5xjiX1r-S3uIOSe8vOTNPsALRBq67s7VZ65wJp7JBsc2j6jERy8TZEsQnse7qdQjIvRPK2pM0a-ld0ArnYvBSWX8gROyoPfyqvPA8zOP4/s640/IMG_9131.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Finally, I sprinkled powdered sugar on the meringue and the house for that 'fresh' dusted snow look!  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHvpg_0BE7Cx0YAtH_hSYOD3qyQWoGzpbNuJ95AC04QrJmqxck4XHXEutVM_57nj_KYr37D530fKXhRMe7LzzO31M3UHDYxNsvqBIy4uDWJQJb4EnOXarrX-e25Tei-G6uGF0bSjPOes/s1600/IMG_9143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHvpg_0BE7Cx0YAtH_hSYOD3qyQWoGzpbNuJ95AC04QrJmqxck4XHXEutVM_57nj_KYr37D530fKXhRMe7LzzO31M3UHDYxNsvqBIy4uDWJQJb4EnOXarrX-e25Tei-G6uGF0bSjPOes/s640/IMG_9143.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Do you dare try to make a gingerbread house this year?  What are your secrets and tips!?

Gingerbread House | My First Time | Holiday Baking

This is the first time in my entire life that I have made a Gingerbread House.  Ever.  I know - even Jill didn't believe me when I told ...

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Easy DIY Homemade Stockings | Knit "Looking" Stockings | Holidays | DIY

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRPzZZcVOm4EAbQZnNbSIixtL2QRuTGZHWCpaXM7J1w5n3Mpf2tm0XY6F66E7wD2W_F-1u9PAaMi8TLqsZGPa0u9cf0wWYviF4oL3bcejOzddqYrozglSLQVeFd8D5_nLRogyvtXMOGc/s1600/IMG_9247.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRPzZZcVOm4EAbQZnNbSIixtL2QRuTGZHWCpaXM7J1w5n3Mpf2tm0XY6F66E7wD2W_F-1u9PAaMi8TLqsZGPa0u9cf0wWYviF4oL3bcejOzddqYrozglSLQVeFd8D5_nLRogyvtXMOGc/s640/IMG_9247.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNc6rHXcWLBvnYmtJYDTwhmaH4PY0naX_Obz16Gvpb3pc3N64O3Hd5u4D6BuVOC-IrjxrtMK4jOZc711TpTud5EltrIA97i22lEhcWmlwHppOl_YhLOBTfkxAH4xXdwDikbYAtfroCh0/s1600/IMG_9261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YO_0xmbe4DaDk1ZKFw7WGY0sRc9mGP5vhAszqOSfloE88FsdEcNAU7INM3a_1CzD7SL5MYMNzl-qDsFXDxFtzi1ktriIppAief48XycjG49xqyJ6TSFV9tK2BFfmmFZXtUZzm7THHmc/s1600/IMG_9455.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YO_0xmbe4DaDk1ZKFw7WGY0sRc9mGP5vhAszqOSfloE88FsdEcNAU7INM3a_1CzD7SL5MYMNzl-qDsFXDxFtzi1ktriIppAief48XycjG49xqyJ6TSFV9tK2BFfmmFZXtUZzm7THHmc/s400/IMG_9455.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>The source of inspiration for my "Handstitched Holiday" came from my hunt for stocking material.  I looked ev-er-y-where for the perfect material... I looked at sweaters, scarfs, plaids, wools - anything and everything.  I really wanted a knit sweater look - something that looked homemade and cozy.  Oh, and my budget was about $40.  <br /><br />I went to every craft and home decor store I could find.  I did find a lot of pre-made stockings that sort of fit my vision.  I almost pulled the trigger on <a href="http://www.landsend.com/pp/HandknitStocking%7E230159_-1.html" target="_blank">these from Lands' End</a> but I really wanted to make them.  I thought they'd be a really easy DIY craft to show on the blog... so, the search continued...<br /><br />I made a last ditch stop at TJ Max.  What-do-ya-know.  I found a knit blanket that had a classic, cozy reindeer and snowflake design - perfect!  It was $35 - perfect.  It gave me enough material to make 3 stockings and a pillow case to match.<br /><br />I can't tell you how easy it was.  The cutting, assembling and sewing took me about 45 for all three!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg557k1qe8RxN62SfzzVSpVvI-rBnNw5846JXxclBmggRaWdocl2Z2eTOuJe70dx16z2QI-HsjO_ygSK75jFraVrKVzC-GyoJbNRGcP5a2AS8C_f4pzIAq6Wgmw-kkRKNVWqVivSt4Kau0/s1600/IMG_9077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg557k1qe8RxN62SfzzVSpVvI-rBnNw5846JXxclBmggRaWdocl2Z2eTOuJe70dx16z2QI-HsjO_ygSK75jFraVrKVzC-GyoJbNRGcP5a2AS8C_f4pzIAq6Wgmw-kkRKNVWqVivSt4Kau0/s640/IMG_9077.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I made my pattern from a piece of kraft paper... as you can see, it was a very loose sketch.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMtP-Hp4NARJrvy-sBFnZmy1aEewgUG55Gsk6pSnLXbQrsn4VLmGTpTWwUoq1CPvws-6WJ_dRdW-F-QGA3a9xrOEmDLi3m6sNJxYqjkkaveYy6Wc11DOYh1FkP-sj46gje98wpXfOlcc/s1600/IMG_9079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMtP-Hp4NARJrvy-sBFnZmy1aEewgUG55Gsk6pSnLXbQrsn4VLmGTpTWwUoq1CPvws-6WJ_dRdW-F-QGA3a9xrOEmDLi3m6sNJxYqjkkaveYy6Wc11DOYh1FkP-sj46gje98wpXfOlcc/s640/IMG_9079.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I doubled the fabric and cut out both pieces (front and back) at the same time.  This is a view of the inverse of the fabric - it was reversible!  I sewed it inside out leaving the top open with a folded over cuff - the stocking on the right shows the stitching.  I trimmed the excess, then flipped it right sided out.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsSQxh4T7u1gPm5Y5Hk3-22W8QF-EZi6_Ke59Qh6ipBkKPYqFpoXVPupLKp918iIw7uq7uZFZiIxj2lkqGsnrSMmXOAoNIZUeIqemlJPWNcCpGCet1Hu2gDEgG11v_bFTzm-7bWvsPS4/s1600/IMG_9286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsSQxh4T7u1gPm5Y5Hk3-22W8QF-EZi6_Ke59Qh6ipBkKPYqFpoXVPupLKp918iIw7uq7uZFZiIxj2lkqGsnrSMmXOAoNIZUeIqemlJPWNcCpGCet1Hu2gDEgG11v_bFTzm-7bWvsPS4/s640/IMG_9286.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Here is a close up of the material.  I love how charming and cozy it is. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHBFctZRHaJlnYiSTYmKYHZnrw6TSKvfUod7od8eUtKzDP78-alScpmvkZA_l1Z6YFUt_EG41Ir50lo7j9TB2EDBFp7nNHdnXODuAmdXaieThY97Lyg7A4Ypk27JwOllsDfWo8YSdg1E/s1600/IMG_9748.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHBFctZRHaJlnYiSTYmKYHZnrw6TSKvfUod7od8eUtKzDP78-alScpmvkZA_l1Z6YFUt_EG41Ir50lo7j9TB2EDBFp7nNHdnXODuAmdXaieThY97Lyg7A4Ypk27JwOllsDfWo8YSdg1E/s640/IMG_9748.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />Here is the pillow that I made from the remaining material.  I put a plaid material on the back.  It was cut from an old blanket that I used for the tree skirt.  <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxvNBjXt88vby3DhBkSjvHVcUgwddLNsq79MURGlHh36IPsOocnph81CxMl_S1ql93EO35NjYCUXBtZVKvDCouLajx_pp-b-nlf2bHS8bUchCMYT_hXYYQsLQsN3KEYEfWWwo7vlhyV8/s1600/IMG_9273.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxvNBjXt88vby3DhBkSjvHVcUgwddLNsq79MURGlHh36IPsOocnph81CxMl_S1ql93EO35NjYCUXBtZVKvDCouLajx_pp-b-nlf2bHS8bUchCMYT_hXYYQsLQsN3KEYEfWWwo7vlhyV8/s640/IMG_9273.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />Hung by the chimney with care!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5UvIGO-tMH-q_s9dJel72sGZfoxLGEY5KpaEx710xduTdXGipRC-NcOkQbKYIT8vZuN1OLCdbmmEIcXpJrNbixyf2IhXufd39T2_3mH9h9pRp4TLH8zxwDS_Ls-sDIcvNXxrKlASO7Y/s1600/IMG_9753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5UvIGO-tMH-q_s9dJel72sGZfoxLGEY5KpaEx710xduTdXGipRC-NcOkQbKYIT8vZuN1OLCdbmmEIcXpJrNbixyf2IhXufd39T2_3mH9h9pRp4TLH8zxwDS_Ls-sDIcvNXxrKlASO7Y/s640/IMG_9753.jpg" width="530" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShyODgMnRs5K_rSI_lNMcB5slzegrphxkxSkv4oFeXRi9GMjF3pHogs58x8WqRYFP3b9-qLsyBlRW-MQjQLVhClJGSaqlM8ctT92AbAjGk60ezoNIAzG9Lond4Ip2DSMMM6_s2LXgXeQ/s1600/IMG_9749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>Mr. Darcy's stocking (from last year) matches perfectly!

Easy DIY Homemade Stockings | Knit "Looking" Stockings | Holidays | DIY

The source of inspiration for my "Handstitched Holiday" came from my hunt for stocking material.  I looked ev-er-y-where for the p...

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Holiday Decor | Our Home for the Holidays | Christmas Decorations

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZUkBPq5Cmpy6CNRjXfv_qR56ak053rVJ1mlEoVXHF22jXEWC4M_2mkJf-YmAY55dSQqIfL1KdKFn6wqIN5urYimM_nGigQUajZYqVUaQ3Agml8-9H6r3xoGl8rK9h-nyUTy7pBZXn6o/s1600/IMG_9274.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZUkBPq5Cmpy6CNRjXfv_qR56ak053rVJ1mlEoVXHF22jXEWC4M_2mkJf-YmAY55dSQqIfL1KdKFn6wqIN5urYimM_nGigQUajZYqVUaQ3Agml8-9H6r3xoGl8rK9h-nyUTy7pBZXn6o/s640/IMG_9274.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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPbI0Vo67iF3wIxW0BTIvQRianl17TLt9WCEqs8kBDzys_JhhEKjkcTGCm4wBVimGjT1dPqwirvyEWhb1daXSUlxHtp69kUaitKp9VNqJ19JgXzp1iU7mAWeKbFDvpQc7L7Qv7Htn7mo/s1600/IMG_9275.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPbI0Vo67iF3wIxW0BTIvQRianl17TLt9WCEqs8kBDzys_JhhEKjkcTGCm4wBVimGjT1dPqwirvyEWhb1daXSUlxHtp69kUaitKp9VNqJ19JgXzp1iU7mAWeKbFDvpQc7L7Qv7Htn7mo/s640/IMG_9275.jpg" width="425" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Handstitched</span> </div><i>Holiday Decorating</i><br /><br />Decorating for the Holidays is a little bit more special for me this year.  Both sides of our family will be here for Christmas... or at least sometime around Christmas to meet the baby.  So, I want our house to feel like the Holidays when everyone (including the baby) arrives.<br /><br />My theme this year is a 'Handstitched' Holiday.  I've never had a theme for my Christmas decorating, but when I was looking for material for the stockings I found a blanket that looked like a knitted sweater.  It had exactly the look I was going for - cozy and classic.  From the blanket I made a pillow and stockings.  It also inspired my gingerbread cookies.<br /><br />Stay tuned for the next week to see more details and step-by-step instructions for created your own 'handstiched' holiday.<br />  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We drove up to Vermont last weekend to get our Christmas Tree, a Frasier Fur.  Last year we had a fresh Frasier Fur in Kansas City that was shipped in - this year we got our own directly from the farm!  I'll post photos from our trip next week.</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/AVvXsEi_9fwvmTujvzQwBExe64SASXMpY4hwb49PWU7Lo-RbKYTZy_0ij9LTWjo4dro0tXyuVrOTUiFNqn_5fOdQIvhyrjUYrTEp3lM75aKUVBUcGGVz2j_DtUwyqNT5eLsNp6KoJ26xW97D9nA/s1600/IMG_9247.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9fwvmTujvzQwBExe64SASXMpY4hwb49PWU7Lo-RbKYTZy_0ij9LTWjo4dro0tXyuVrOTUiFNqn_5fOdQIvhyrjUYrTEp3lM75aKUVBUcGGVz2j_DtUwyqNT5eLsNp6KoJ26xW97D9nA/s640/IMG_9247.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;">I love that the stockings look like they were knitted... even though they were cut from a knitted blanket and sewn together.</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/AVvXsEg6JQD3kXKxVEtCP44DmrY_L1AgilyaxQIhXXCZHoXRt1cY6lk_FzmCW2RLwgaqFqj53DjRSaV-LDy23vGDyv-RL_oLBrihlCQJz8K-_zDaRoCQof82YKF952pj4DmOMJgb1Vl2g_B3VK8/s1600/IMG_9286.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JQD3kXKxVEtCP44DmrY_L1AgilyaxQIhXXCZHoXRt1cY6lk_FzmCW2RLwgaqFqj53DjRSaV-LDy23vGDyv-RL_oLBrihlCQJz8K-_zDaRoCQof82YKF952pj4DmOMJgb1Vl2g_B3VK8/s640/IMG_9286.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Here is a close up of the knitted blanket that became my stockings and pillow.  I'll post the DIY directions later this week.<br /><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/AVvXsEiK64tzxF8jRYeF55wcOX_P8tg1IdWa_xGVOFTvHJrnGFoJ25X-F_oMPr_TVyTx8KNZFq1BErZ9Zg0y4baWiJoLLYym95jU0_Pnl1ylUdr5NQ93Z_SBqfdxZcJkoE27ONjT84Y_CcVphtU/s1600/IMG_9276.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK64tzxF8jRYeF55wcOX_P8tg1IdWa_xGVOFTvHJrnGFoJ25X-F_oMPr_TVyTx8KNZFq1BErZ9Zg0y4baWiJoLLYym95jU0_Pnl1ylUdr5NQ93Z_SBqfdxZcJkoE27ONjT84Y_CcVphtU/s640/IMG_9276.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;">Mr. Darcy is enjoying his new cozy reindeer pillow.  That is his 'spot.'</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/AVvXsEgI3AmEUZksuDrUKilRQUwYlY5NqHevinm3uafQ4AwWpya_FNcm94yx6o2mseNl4tby2PkQjAlH2GQCpm03jD81LyPWs90k9IhP6cdPyIR68EOzmLgbmCTvGOK9IHtQSI1t24oR6_DhmyE/s1600/IMG_9237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3AmEUZksuDrUKilRQUwYlY5NqHevinm3uafQ4AwWpya_FNcm94yx6o2mseNl4tby2PkQjAlH2GQCpm03jD81LyPWs90k9IhP6cdPyIR68EOzmLgbmCTvGOK9IHtQSI1t24oR6_DhmyE/s640/IMG_9237.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I potted paperwhites... they should be in bloom by Christmas! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Gw_DWAMoStKf0TnhyF4-9QSi0wYb2YGGMofad9z-CjocnR3s54a0wBI9KVdpz__WluOwMHqpRQbHrtwlIZw6QyvO5g0xhPLm8J3krKnCA7IB4QTkiH3M-OCF6IF8doQDIt1Ol7pFsC0/s1600/IMG_9281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Gw_DWAMoStKf0TnhyF4-9QSi0wYb2YGGMofad9z-CjocnR3s54a0wBI9KVdpz__WluOwMHqpRQbHrtwlIZw6QyvO5g0xhPLm8J3krKnCA7IB4QTkiH3M-OCF6IF8doQDIt1Ol7pFsC0/s640/IMG_9281.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />On the mantle, I perched a faux bird amongst the cedar sprigs... it drives Mr. Darcy crazy!  I think he can smell the feathers.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCHdJm0-mdQL9Av46YpROvx890napbJOTsZVqL1ugenEl-qNozvhu8oH4Fx0sdqA43h-h9m5d-BVygUhTjqGZNHhj9DELpYGsOncJl_VwIPEOEUk8iuBmYVqFxwMxFZS9dk9nl-PFDhM/s1600/IMG_9354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCHdJm0-mdQL9Av46YpROvx890napbJOTsZVqL1ugenEl-qNozvhu8oH4Fx0sdqA43h-h9m5d-BVygUhTjqGZNHhj9DELpYGsOncJl_VwIPEOEUk8iuBmYVqFxwMxFZS9dk9nl-PFDhM/s640/IMG_9354.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />This was my first attempt at making a gingerbread house - it was harder than I thought it would be, but a lot of fun.   <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfG1dhantEhIv4T8XOySBtgck05IB5N7PKabY5PwrQXdLQrg0tc4DwuUMONyYSi_6DnMr3DykjYHlgswXDvdvJQgEI-mHeNignm6Xd4k_jd05WojuETahRNou__kBYHIhXad_RAjskpw/s1600/IMG_9363.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfG1dhantEhIv4T8XOySBtgck05IB5N7PKabY5PwrQXdLQrg0tc4DwuUMONyYSi_6DnMr3DykjYHlgswXDvdvJQgEI-mHeNignm6Xd4k_jd05WojuETahRNou__kBYHIhXad_RAjskpw/s640/IMG_9363.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />I "handstitched" these gingerbread cookies to look like the knit blanket.  Stay tuned for decorating how-to!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwft7mavcWoJV0vgdh_JQEXtsM9NWVgbtUQPFEH8r8bXW1iEep7BT3z58RSTsnWYDzGpg6ziAieI0D6dVBS5kqRHnHPxQEO6req821bRH-SlRPUKBGU2s7147yEZwLqHrNUBScXGKIROc/s1600/IMG_9310.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwft7mavcWoJV0vgdh_JQEXtsM9NWVgbtUQPFEH8r8bXW1iEep7BT3z58RSTsnWYDzGpg6ziAieI0D6dVBS5kqRHnHPxQEO6req821bRH-SlRPUKBGU2s7147yEZwLqHrNUBScXGKIROc/s640/IMG_9310.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><br />Fresh cedar draped on our banister - I only use fresh garland and wreaths in our house.  It makes the holidays feel more special with 'real' decorations.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtub8yfE452gqDT78ILMYpXNBkUBFnHwmhjJt63dlH43MBZK_n4UF3a7oN0VqTyiHeoRx1MMBI1Bft5SANsAc3ZcS5s6jEuJYYbZFIQzNBoVM0xV1icFpghUhzdBv2EiSJV8u3es3I8qk/s1600/IMG_9740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtub8yfE452gqDT78ILMYpXNBkUBFnHwmhjJt63dlH43MBZK_n4UF3a7oN0VqTyiHeoRx1MMBI1Bft5SANsAc3ZcS5s6jEuJYYbZFIQzNBoVM0xV1icFpghUhzdBv2EiSJV8u3es3I8qk/s640/IMG_9740.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Our packages even have a 'hand-stitched' feeling with yarn, cotton ribbon and stitched burlap.

Holiday Decor | Our Home for the Holidays | Christmas Decorations

Handstitched Holiday Decorating Decorating for the Holidays is a little bit more special for me this year.  Both sides of our family will b...

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Holiday Entertaining Guide | Recipes, Party Ideas, Decor, Cookies, Gifts...

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimokvVSILMfbIXBNw2VIoxx6tQeDfi0gf3fdyFh0u3p6mY6hcbOOLSHBsZ5i_fHAcbaPC59UOH8kgkKBoPL5-b5loIL4QNntcQMCemzFz02LFXri0LDjbxBNSMQMi5ZR19KythqK61yyE/s1600/Holiday-Guide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimokvVSILMfbIXBNw2VIoxx6tQeDfi0gf3fdyFh0u3p6mY6hcbOOLSHBsZ5i_fHAcbaPC59UOH8kgkKBoPL5-b5loIL4QNntcQMCemzFz02LFXri0LDjbxBNSMQMi5ZR19KythqK61yyE/s640/Holiday-Guide.jpg" width="386" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQd7L-wbplRly6luJeEDqubc4NCw3z7mRsg15XyiQorMgc4Ym3E0HJrvzbuvtuB-xgKGI9i4pVw7gTTO2oLenIz-DRpy7dEyjh-ata13sBWESF49cXaEDy6aCw6G8Y-v1ns5wmSgXDn8/s1600/IMG_8961.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>My "handstitched" <a href="http://www.jennysteffens.com/holidayentertain.html" target="_blank">Holiday Entertaining Guide</a> is full of great Entertaining inspiration for the Holidays.  Whether you're hosting a festive Cocktail Party, Elegant Dinner Party or Casual Holiday Brunch, I have recipes, tips and decorating ideas for you in my <a href="http://www.jennysteffens.com/holidayentertain.html" target="_blank">Holiday Entertaining Guide</a>!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74obPcQ3r5b_lb_LGehf6aY5jkbt22tdYF31QJBRBr_YOdsoY1o_06xt6EnNWoC7v1pMVbuHqz8SjWBj-ZC6FzgoyG-M0cj0GbDHCAIF4lVXXhMLflrvltI-LDOLOO0KoEv9_FgJUmjw/s1600/Gingerbread-Cookies.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74obPcQ3r5b_lb_LGehf6aY5jkbt22tdYF31QJBRBr_YOdsoY1o_06xt6EnNWoC7v1pMVbuHqz8SjWBj-ZC6FzgoyG-M0cj0GbDHCAIF4lVXXhMLflrvltI-LDOLOO0KoEv9_FgJUmjw/s640/Gingerbread-Cookies.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />The guide also includes ideas for homemade gifts, cookie decorating tips and the perfect gifts to bring to the Hostess when you're the guest.  Stay tuned for even more recipes, decorations, gift wrapping ideas, centerpieces & tips!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSA3hpI1aHuylrEeaHfq_MWC53K5AKy5mF_Pfe78B7UKRrnoGGcqbWdEpsrqXGolbZbiCE1klgmgPLEYacEq-nnfLrTt2AWXF0EoPuepy0aX0TnHVCgNSVVy_tnMGZ19Rr8BUDm8vU_8/s1600/IMG_9219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSA3hpI1aHuylrEeaHfq_MWC53K5AKy5mF_Pfe78B7UKRrnoGGcqbWdEpsrqXGolbZbiCE1klgmgPLEYacEq-nnfLrTt2AWXF0EoPuepy0aX0TnHVCgNSVVy_tnMGZ19Rr8BUDm8vU_8/s640/IMG_9219.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Visit my <a href="http://www.jennysteffens.com/holidayentertain.html" target="_blank">Holiday Entertaining Guide</a> for inspiration!

Holiday Entertaining Guide | Recipes, Party Ideas, Decor, Cookies, Gifts...

My "handstitched" Holiday Entertaining Guide is full of great Entertaining inspiration for the Holidays.  Whether you're host...

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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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Home | Holiday Decorations | Christmas Tree | Classic Christmas Tree Decorations | Burlap, Red Berries

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CL6BFW_cMbe5eO4aZPVDi-47k89kO1MEe3Elp1q5XIpwCI8Dc4eyf6d7KTwMvioRmwZwGthrRR06xT_YNyi0qYQRjb5CcP1igDB_jDwt6pga72ThN4HOne0lJJiO1SdDrOqQZLVfzS0/s1600/IMG_2748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CL6BFW_cMbe5eO4aZPVDi-47k89kO1MEe3Elp1q5XIpwCI8Dc4eyf6d7KTwMvioRmwZwGthrRR06xT_YNyi0qYQRjb5CcP1igDB_jDwt6pga72ThN4HOne0lJJiO1SdDrOqQZLVfzS0/s640/IMG_2748.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />We stared our holiday decorating by taking our annual trip to the Christmas Tree Farm to pick out a tree. I'm thrilled with our selection this year - a Frasier Fur.  It smells amazing.  The entire house is brimming with the smell of Christmas!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqbkoUvqKjdB-NBhbl8Dm-m_infaZwAeRYsBWk0opGB_TMtL_0Jbz4TvNDBCVBV0-cc0JPrEhtt0MqpfCsYMDocEMvb9DfU0Y2NLM6YT1aJVW9dUhM0Eu5JqvKslUrhBH6Xk9M2M7lwU/s1600/IMG_2774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqbkoUvqKjdB-NBhbl8Dm-m_infaZwAeRYsBWk0opGB_TMtL_0Jbz4TvNDBCVBV0-cc0JPrEhtt0MqpfCsYMDocEMvb9DfU0Y2NLM6YT1aJVW9dUhM0Eu5JqvKslUrhBH6Xk9M2M7lwU/s640/IMG_2774.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />On the mantle, I piled magnolia leaves under the TV and hung the stockings.  I love this stocking we got last year for Mr. Darcy.  The lantern on the left side is from my <a href="http://www.picketfencefloralshop.com/">Aunt's floral and decor shop, "Picket Fence.</a>"<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROihl7wdigaac8UbSvCiUVYFkDqENBKQuhUvcEThPyy8xcobwmMfnK5x_6-5RDiq_ORa5efZOYQjx-2cFxF4AtTab5de7SIJDEKHpOY5WFt1XnxjQc2Fq697xlLlUp4spYuwkMGrHX7A/s1600/IMG_2776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROihl7wdigaac8UbSvCiUVYFkDqENBKQuhUvcEThPyy8xcobwmMfnK5x_6-5RDiq_ORa5efZOYQjx-2cFxF4AtTab5de7SIJDEKHpOY5WFt1XnxjQc2Fq697xlLlUp4spYuwkMGrHX7A/s640/IMG_2776.jpg" width="402" /></a></div><br />I'll try to get a better photo of our tree at night - they are very hard to photograph!  I used natural colors with pops of red.  The 'garland' is upholstery strapping made of burlap with a red stripe. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfgUVK2KZilzHWoTyJEw2CKCQXg-wnv524M3Mqw7bHcPGlPhpA7L_Hmqnp69fOi_ywB6YieK3cJTZwGHYtPLvEY20h62VRD1YF_3cRJRdVHx6PnjEkP7m0asSMdAckyEbrNF38oNvijA/s1600/IMG_2779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfgUVK2KZilzHWoTyJEw2CKCQXg-wnv524M3Mqw7bHcPGlPhpA7L_Hmqnp69fOi_ywB6YieK3cJTZwGHYtPLvEY20h62VRD1YF_3cRJRdVHx6PnjEkP7m0asSMdAckyEbrNF38oNvijA/s640/IMG_2779.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Here is a close up of Mr. Darcy's 2010 dough ornament - I picked it up at the Junior League Holiday Mart.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGw1BiJmLutomNuxLz6KYmsKcqERr89zQNgXmvXfb45-FouWYCjmdmHiae_OxcJPNa051qqBVQrCSuNAM2em3hJonpmoEADDj_V93q2uAN1X0KdY7Uq5jE9DmLHhwWVUtk-Bn5GzoFGEo/s1600/IMG_2781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGw1BiJmLutomNuxLz6KYmsKcqERr89zQNgXmvXfb45-FouWYCjmdmHiae_OxcJPNa051qqBVQrCSuNAM2em3hJonpmoEADDj_V93q2uAN1X0KdY7Uq5jE9DmLHhwWVUtk-Bn5GzoFGEo/s200/IMG_2781.jpg" width="138" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqh0jLDalt9m-8q1je9mXjvQAZAL4LylWpKmX8uaWxy_gNJ06ZxcPrqlLR4JuvIDAvlLNw6O6bDtb3aExpxkXxQPzEZoWcomzsdLlhQGQlfnoNUJ4jS1xNJLsWLq3mAEF4I35h2jYINY/s1600/IMG_2773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqh0jLDalt9m-8q1je9mXjvQAZAL4LylWpKmX8uaWxy_gNJ06ZxcPrqlLR4JuvIDAvlLNw6O6bDtb3aExpxkXxQPzEZoWcomzsdLlhQGQlfnoNUJ4jS1xNJLsWLq3mAEF4I35h2jYINY/s200/IMG_2773.jpg" width="150" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmj0cm3MLLa_JuoSWX90nf97ot1UrdnjNDQDOwqQOGyZ6z7NhL6GlAacFvYH0bAZLfAtg4qy1xWzAl_S8_aLboNgAhD4vabhRkDQrkYW6odAF38Ct43cONt9c7F2Qbm3Q5UHcGVUXCakA/s1600/IMG_2783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmj0cm3MLLa_JuoSWX90nf97ot1UrdnjNDQDOwqQOGyZ6z7NhL6GlAacFvYH0bAZLfAtg4qy1xWzAl_S8_aLboNgAhD4vabhRkDQrkYW6odAF38Ct43cONt9c7F2Qbm3Q5UHcGVUXCakA/s200/IMG_2783.jpg" width="178" /></a></div><br />Some of the details are frosted red balls, the great lantern from my Aunts shop, red berries and burlap strapped.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItPofyDw6r3JVW1-rrt7r_XsjDv73KfcW52KU0OWf1oNYPOBxDj6AbCJPN-Nppwi3C0gE0tsDUjhKplyv9ceIgurP2sPmib9oIUqCKuQvPERKqgJwv4cmkoAg9z3Kg_V57bN187P624I/s1600/IMG_2767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItPofyDw6r3JVW1-rrt7r_XsjDv73KfcW52KU0OWf1oNYPOBxDj6AbCJPN-Nppwi3C0gE0tsDUjhKplyv9ceIgurP2sPmib9oIUqCKuQvPERKqgJwv4cmkoAg9z3Kg_V57bN187P624I/s640/IMG_2767.JPG" width="640" /></a>

Home | Holiday Decorations | Christmas Tree | Classic Christmas Tree Decorations | Burlap, Red Berries

We stared our holiday decorating by taking our annual trip to the Christmas Tree Farm to pick out a tree. I'm thrilled with our selectio...

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