Helpful Hints

A Fantastic Christmas that is Affordable:
1.   Shop all year.  It is hard to emphasize this enough. Keep your eyes open all the time for clearance items or good deals. Keep a list of things that you need with you or in the back of your mind. Whenever you find a good deal on anything that will be useful for Christmas, grab it.  In the months leading up to Christmas, stock up on groceries that will keep.  For example, I use white grape juice for one of the parties but sometimes I can buy it months ahead when it is on sale and it will keep well in the freezer.
2.   Watch the after Christmas sales for stocking stuffers and party favors for the next year's Christmas.  Buy Christmas decorations that way as well.  Watch for semi-annual clearance sales, even the ones in the summer.  Sometimes stores will get rid of Christmas items even then.   It is rarely necessary to pay full price for many of these items.
3.  Budget months ahead.  Save a few dollars each week or pay period either all year or several months in advance.
4. Shop for gifts months ahead.  If you see something that someone would like to have, buy it right then and save it for Christmas.  Or if you know of an item that someone wants, but will not buy for themselves, buy it ahead so that your Christmas shopping list is not as long when Christmas comes. 

Easy Tricks to for Decorating:
1.   Details, details, details.  The decorating will turn out more satisfactory the more you pay attention to detail.  Even little things can add just the right touch to an arrangement, table, or setting of any kind--it gives the final product an especially, classy, perfect look.  You can probably never go too overboard on details.  Remember that details can add interest to your decorations that will keep people looking, since they want to discover what else there is to be seen, that they might have missed at first glance.

Dinning Room Buffet

2. Everyday items that make decorating easier and lovelier:
Books--they are fantastic for raising or changing the level of candles, arrangements, or any decorative pieces. For example, if you have a pair of stemmed candle holders; add some visual interest by using some small books and putting one of the candle holders an inch or two higher than the other.  Hide the books by covering them with pretty fabric or lace.  If you have a china cupboard, buffet, or any type of furniture that is difficult to decorate because everything sits down into the top; stack some books to the level where decorations can be seen and then hide them with fabric, even an old lace curtain or table cloth will work.

I used books under many of these pieces in order to get them high enough to be seen over the shelf railing.  Then I covered them with fabrics.

Fabric.  As you shop around, keep your eyes open for nice fabric that can be used in decorating.  This is especially useful in adding an elegant touch to a centerpiece, a grouping, or to just swirl around the base of a stemmed candle holder.  Look for fabrics that are somewhat slinky and will drape well.  I like the ones that have a sheen to them.  Solid colors are best or ones with only a subtle design--you don't want anything too busy.

Fabric and lace used under these decorative pieces to add a finishing touch and to make them stand out better.

Tulle--is a wonderful thing; especially the kind that is 8-10 inches wide and sold in spools or rolls, found in a bridal or ribbon section of the store.  Use it in place of ribbon (or even along with ribbon) in a garland, swirl it around all kinds of knickknacks for a frosty look.  We have some clear acrylic angels with lend themselves very well to this kind of thing.  A swirl of fine tulle helps them to show up better and gives them a frostier, finished look.  Since tulle is much lighter than ribbon, it lends a softer, more subtle touch.
Ribbon--is an amazing addition to decorating.  Weave it in and out of a center piece or arrangement; let it meander around candle holders, arrangements, and any other decorative pieces on a table or shelf.  Loop it into any garland and you have a classy finish.  Also try using ribbon in place of garland on the tree.  Shop for ribbons that go well with your theme or the look you are trying to achieve.  Ribbons can be reused year after year.  Just save the original spool and re-wind it back on and fasten with a straight pin.  It will keep its shape and stay fresh and crisp.  If the spool isn't available, use an empty paper towel roll.

Ribbon used in place of garland on this tree.

Ribbon wound into the decorations on the top of the buffet as well as the floral piece in the bottom shelf gives a finished look. On either side of the floral arrangements are large Christmas balls to add a finishing filler.

Christmas Balls are a nice addition to arrangements and many kinds of decorations. I love the plastic matte ones.  They look like the glass ones but are pretty much unbreakable.  If they will not sit correctly with their tops down; push a heavy roll of something through the hanger part of the ball to weight the top down.  If the item used for weighting down the top is unsightly try using a short, decorative cinnamon stick and you can also use a small berry or holly pick to hide the ball top. I use these balls for places where small decorations are needed.  Just add a small berry and holly pick with it and the result is a simple, yet classy decoration. 
Beads--make a nice change from ribbon but are heavier and sometimes easier to work with.  Lay a string of beautiful beads on a table in among the decorations for added interest.  This also helps to unite all of the pieces into a solid whole. Use beads in place of garland on a Christmas tree. The crystal looking acrylic ones add a nice sparkle. Beads will most likely be found where ever ribbon is sold or for bigger sized beads, check where Christmas garlands are sold or string your own beads.

Beads laying on the coffee table to pull all the decorations together. Taken Christmas morning, so ignore the Christmas bows and the leaning candles!

Acrylic Jewels. These little jewels are becoming quite popular and can add a nice sparkle to arrangements or garlands.  Tuck some into the folds of fabric or in around floral stems for a subtle, elegant touch.  Some can be hung with ball hangers and look nice in the greenery of garlands for extra sparkle.
Christmas Lights.  Use lots of strings of Christmas lights in garlands or under fabric.  The white ones are especially classy and can lend enough light to be the main source of light at any gathering.  Pick up extra stings after Christmas when they are cheap. Be sure to get sets of both white and green wires and cords.  The green for greenery and green trees; the white for white trees or for under thin white fabrics or Angel Hair.
Hat Boxes.  Find one, two, or three Christmas hat boxes (the round decorative boxes with lids sold at craft and discount stores) to set out somewhere for a decoration; even in a corner on the floor.  They are also very handy to store Christmas items in that you will be using throughout the season.  If you are using more than one box; get them in different sizes, that way you can stack them tastefully.  I use them to store candles, melts, tea lights, ribbons, and all kinds of table decorating items.  Then when I am preparing for a party, I can just get things from my decorative boxes close at hand rather than having to run to the attic or having a messy pile of this and that hidden away somewhere.

Easier garland hanging: If you have the traditional curtain rods (the ones that are kind of flat on both sides) you can attach drapery hooks (see picture) in the garland and hook over the curtain rod. If you have curtains, just slip the hooks right over the top of them. You can leave the drapery hooks in from year to year so that you don't have to figure out every year what the spacing should be, and how the garland should hang.

 

For garland that is hanging in doorways or in places that is not at a window; insert small "screw in" hooks into the ceiling or wall. If you paint them the same color as the ceiling, you could leave them all year long and they will hardly be noticed. Try placing a small loop of green floral wire around the main stem of the garland at the places where it needs to hang; twist it around itself several times to be sure it will be sturdy (see picture). Hook the loops onto the small "screw in" hooks. This allows you to hang the garland easily, and next year, it will all be spaced out for you so that all you have to do is find wire, and slip them onto hooks, and the garland is ready to shape and decorate. Using the wire loops and hooks allows you to bend and shape the garland without it falling down as easily. Be sure to use a half of a white "twist tie" to mark each green wire loop so that you don't have to spend a long time looking for your loops next year. Also, leave the lights in the garlands from year to year until they burn out, so that you can save time by not having to string lights every year.

 

For garland that is hanging in doorways or in places that is not at a window; insert small "screw in" hooks into the ceiling or wall. If you paint them the same color as the ceiling, you could leave them all year long and they will hardly be noticed. Try placing a small loop of green floral wire around the main stem of the garland at the places where it needs to hang; twist it around itself several times to be sure it will be sturdy (see picture). Hook the loops onto the small "screw in" hooks. This allows you to hang the garland easily, and next year, it will all be spaced out for you so that all you have to do is find wire, and slip them onto hooks, and the garland is ready to shape and decorate. Using the wire loops and hooks allows you to bend and shape the garland without it falling down as easily. Be sure to use a half of a white "twist tie" to mark each green wire loop so that you don't have to spend a long time looking for your loops next year. Also, leave the lights in the garlands from year to year until they burn out, so that you can save time by not having to string lights every year.

For garland that is hanging in doorways or in places that is not at a window; insert small "screw in" hooks into the ceiling or wall. If you paint them the same color as the ceiling, you could leave them all year long and they will hardly be noticed. Try placing a small loop of green floral wire around the main stem of the garland at the places where it needs to hang; twist it around itself several times to be sure it will be sturdy (see picture). Hook the loops onto the small "screw in" hooks. This allows you to hang the garland easily, and next year, it will all be spaced out for you so that all you have to do is find wire, and slip them onto hooks, and the garland is ready to shape and decorate. Using the wire loops and hooks allows you to bend and shape the garland without it falling down as easily. Be sure to use a half of a white "twist tie" to mark each green wire loop so that you don't have to spend a long time looking for your loops next year. Also, leave the lights in the garlands from year to year until they burn out, so that you can save time by not having to string lights every year.

The Food of Christmas

    One of the wonderful things about Christmas is the amazing food that goes with it.  There are some treats that we like to keep especially for Christmas and when you smell those scents wafting through the house, it brings back memories of bygone Christmases.
    A traditional Christmas dinner is always a must; however, it is fun to try other special dishes for parties.  For a number of years, we had a "regular" meal for our Family Christmas Party, until we decided that an array of hearty appetizers in place of meat and potatoes would be an interesting change.  Not to be confused with the kind of tiny bites that are usually considered appetizers.  This meal includes a variety of dishes, for example, savory cheesecakes with crackers; filled tortilla roll-ups; fancy sandwiches of various types; cheese and fruit board; hearty dips with plenty of chips or crackers; specialty salads; and always the white grape punch, homemade crescent rolls, and two kinds of dessert.  Just get cookbooks from the library and let what sounds good direct your meal. 
     We keep on the look out well in advance of Christmas for likely ideas and recipes for this meal.  We try to have a different variety each year, unless of course some dish was particularly well received.
     It is very helpful to as you plan each party to keep a record of what the final menu is.  This helps you plan grocery shopping and food preparation.  It is also handy to refer to from year to year so that you know what was served, what worked and what did not. 
    Christmas breakfast always revolves around one thing, and has forever.  That is the Christmas nut roll. We rarely make it at any other time of the year, so it is highly anticipated each Christmas.  To this, we add sausage another long standing tradition.  Sometimes we have added this or that to try to bring in something new; but in the end we never have to worry about what to plan for Christmas Breakfast because it is already decided.  
     It is always nice to serve drinks that coordinate with you color scheme if possible.  For the Family Party using the Snowflake theme, I make a punch that is a white grape juice base so it has a champagne color  and when served in champagne flutes, looks really elegant.  I always add water goblets to each place setting as well.  This serves two purposes, guests who really don't want all that sweetness can also have just plain water, and also, I don't have to make as much punch when there is water to supplement.  The table setting for this is simple; just place the water goblet above the knife and the champagne flute just to the left of it.  A comprehensive cookbook will often include the proper placement of extra flatware as well as stemware. 
    For the Christmas Morning Breakfast, as you can see below, the punch is somewhat red.  It is simply a splash of cranberry juice and lemon-lime soda.  For an extra special touch, use a pretty shaped "mold" (anything in which you can freeze water; I use very small fluted cake pans).  Put just enough water to cover the bottom, add some fresh cranberries, and freeze.  This keeps the berries from floating to the top of the mold.  When that is frozen, fill the rest of the mold with cold water and finish freezing.  These can be made ahead, popped out, and stored in a freezer bag.

Christmas Breakfast

       Then there is the traditional Christmas baking.  Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without loads of cookies and treats.

Gingerbread Cookies

Weeks before Christmas the old recipes for fruitcake and gingerbread cookies are pulled out and the Christmas baking begins.  We cannot just make one or two kinds of cookies, we have to have various and sundry cookies that we grew up with, as well as a few new ones.  There are Honey Sponge cookies,  Russian Tea Cakes (or Mexican Wedding Cakes), Pumpkin Pie Spice cookies, Sugar Cookies, Orange Fingers, and then the best Double Chocolate cookies, that will almost put you into chocolate coma.  Sometimes we also add toffee to this collection. I have included several of our traditional recipes.

Gingerbread Cookies

The Family Fruitcake

3 cups all-purpose flour--divided
1-1/3 cups sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup pineapple juice
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1/4 cup molasses
1 package (15 oz.) golden raisins
1 package (15 oz,) dark raisins
2 cups fruitcake mix
4 cups nuts*
Heat oven to 275 degrees. Place a shallow ovenproof container of water on the lowest oven rack,
Line the bottom of two 9x5x3 or 8-1/2x4-1/2x2-1/2 or an angel food cake pan with aluminum foil; grease .Measure 2 cups of flour and all the rest of the ingredients, except the fruits and nuts, into a large mixing bowl.  Blend 1/2 minute on low speed.  Beat 3 minutes on high speed, scraping bowl occasionally.
Meanwhile combine fruits and nuts with the remaining 1 cup of flour.  (This will prevent the fruits and nuts from sinking to the bottom of the cake.)  Stir the fruits and nuts into the cake batter.  Spread evenly into the pans.
Bake 2-1/2--3 hours or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  If necessary, cover with foil the last hour of baking to prevent excess browning.  Remove from pans; cool.  Wrap in plastic wrap and then in foil.  Store in a cool, dry place at least 6-8 weeks before serving.
*You may use any combination of nuts you want.  We use all walnuts/

Gingerbread Cookies

2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1.2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon cloves
1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup mild molasses
1 egg yolk
Sift together flour, soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.  Set aside.  Cream shortening, sugar, and molasses until light and fluffy, beat in egg yolk,  Add flour mixture, mix until combined.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out until  1/4 inch thick.  Cut with floured cutters into desired shapes.
Place on ungreased cookies sheets.  Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.  Cool on wire racks.  Frpst when cool.
Make 1--1-1/2 dozen depending on the size of cutters you use.
FROSTING:
Into a small bowl sift 1-1/4 cups powdered sugar with 1.8 teaspoon cream of tarter.  Add 2 teaspoon dried egg whites and 2 tablespoons warm water* and 1/4 teaspoon anise flavoring.  Beat with electric mixer on high speed until until frosting holds its shape.  Cover with a damp cloth.  If frosting is too thick, add a few drops of water.
I put the frosting on with a small brush.  Put the small candy decorations on before the frosting sets up.  When they are completely dry, then go back with either a fine brush or a toothpick and put on the holly with green food coloring.
*You may use  1 egg white instead.

Gingerbread Cookies (a recipe that was handed down from Mom's mom)

Christmas Breakfast Nut Roll

(Pictured above)

Make your favorite sweet roll dough and then prepare the filling below.
Nut Roll Filling:
1/4 cup soft butter
1/2 cup brown sugar packed
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla or almond extract

2 cups walnuts, finely ground (not chopped, however it is nice to have some pieces)
Mix butter, brown sugar and egg. Stir in milk, extract, and blend in nuts.
Roll the dough out paper thin and spread the filling evenly over the entire surface leaving an a half inch or so around the edges.  Roll up jelly roll style and place it on a large pizza pan or baking sheet.  If need be, curve it into a horse shoe shape in order to make it fit.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 - 40 minutes or until it sounds hollow when thumped.
Frosting (or make your own favorite):
11/2 cups of confectioners' sugar
1 Tsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla, maple, or almond extract

The Christmas Tree

    One of the most central parts of Christmas decorating is the Tree. Of late years I have had 4 Trees, but there is always one main, central Tree--the traditional family tree, just like Mom used to put up.

The theme of the Main Tree is predominately red and white; a tradition Mom started.

Helpful Tree Tips:
    When putting lights on the Tree, try to bury the wires into the branches by wrapping the strings around each large branch in a spiral.  This also allows for light bulbs to be on both the top and bottom of the branch.  For the Tree above, I have used white lights on the branches and red lights wrapped around the truck of the Tree and buried into the very middle of the top.  This gives it a subtle red back-light.

      If possible, use plenty (and I mean PLENTY) of decorations on the Tree! Pick a theme and build around it.  This can be a theme of a certain type of ornament or "look" (gingerbread men, snowflakes, etc.) or a color scheme.  If you have some special or meaningful pieces, by all means, work those in even if they don't strictly follow the theme.

    Use strategy and a bit of restraint so that the Tree won't appear junky or cluttered. In order to do this, do not hang ornaments of the exact same color or type together and don't hang everything out on the tips.  Scatter similar ornaments all over the Tree so that those pieces can be seen from every angle.  Fill the empty spaces "inside" the Tree.  This is especially helpful if the Tree is one that has large open spaces where the branches and boughs are not full enough.  In a sense, you will be "layering" the ornaments--those back on the "inside" of the tree; those in among the branches; and those out on the very tips of the boughs.  Layering allow you to use more ornaments without the tree looking cluttered  See next photo.

A layered look makes a tree look balanced

A cluttered Tree can happen because of placing ornaments of awkward sizes in the wrong place.  Generally, it is best to place large ornaments near the bottom of the Tree or in the "inside".  Large pieces make great "fillers" which can be used in the blank places on the Tree where the branches leave gaps.  Most of the smaller ornaments should be used at the top of the Tree.  This also helps them to show up better since they are more at eye level and are not lost among the branches as easily.
    If possible, purchase some acrylic icicles (see below) and place them on the tips of the boughs as much as possible.  It will give an unexpected sparkle.

Acrylic icicles give a finishing sparkle

    Use ornaments and decorations of differing textures and styles to create an interesting appeal.  And don't forget the sentimental pieces from Christmases gone by.

A sentimental piece on our Tree that was given to Mom years ago by her mother as a decoration on a gift.  He gets a place of honor.

Miniature sun catchers which allow the lights of the Tree to reflect.

Cardinals nestled into the branches have been a part of the Tree for as long as I can remember.

Yards of Garlands

    A fun way to make your home look like a Christmas fairy land is to use lots of lighted Garland.  It looks beautiful around doorways as well as windows.  Use it around large mirrors or to just fill in a large open areas between rooms.  Garlands allow you to use more Christmas lights and make a classy, cozy atmosphere.  Various themes can be used depending on the theme in the rest of the room.

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The garland above, is hung around a large mirror which allows for the lights in it to be somewhat reflected back.  It is a simple garland. I use red lights and a red velvet ribbon which I weave into it. The last touch is to wire clusters of three small red balls together at their their tops.  Cut the wire plenty long so that you can twist it to make the balls stay together, but still have enough length to wire each cluster into the garland.
    The fans and candle sconces have Christmas arrangements wired on to them.  These arrangements are not taken apart after Christmas.  Then the next year all that needs to be done is to pull them out and wire them onto the fans and sconces.  A safe and handy thing to use in place of wire on these, is soft, fuzzy pipe cleaner. You never have to worry about the wire damaging the shiny metal surface.  Just leave it in each arrangement so that it is quick and easy each year to attach.

Garland worked into a candelabra

   The candelabra above is very versatile.  I especially like to  use it at Christmas time.  I have cut a pine garland into two pieces.  One piece, I wrap around the pole and the other piece I have worked into the arms.  I then wire or just set in Christmas picks with holly, red berries and small pine cones.  To give it a finished look, I use a fairly sturdy, shiny red ribbon (about 5/8 inch width) which I weave back and forth through the garland; next, I wrap it up with a string of small red beads.  These are looped from the garland in the top (arms) of the candelabra and then add three long, slender red ornaments to dangle with the loops of beads.

Stair Railing Garland

    Stair railings are great places to use garland.  You can buy a pre-decorated garland or decorate your own. Be sure to work lights into it for an extra special touch.  White lights are especially classy.  However, in the one pictured above I used red lights to follow through on my red and green theme from the living room.  The red lights help to emphasize the red of the poinsettias.

White Pine Cone Garland

     In the garland pictured above, I have a small string of white pine cone lights that I leave in the garland for easier assembly each year.  I also wind a narrow, white and silver ribbon into it, and add white plastic snowflakes and clear acrylic gemstones.  A note about the tree.  This is an small alpine tree.  It is what I call the Icy Tree.  I use white lights, a collection of various acrylic snowflakes, clear or white snowflake balls, acrylic or glass icicles, small plastic pine cones, and iridescent strings of beads.  

Icy garland hung between the dining room and living room.

The icy garland above in the foreground, is part of the dinning room, snowflake theme.  The main goal of this garland it to create a classy, elegant look.  I use white lights, various sizes and shapes of white and silver balls/ornaments that I have collected here and there.  I also use different types of snowflakes.  However, before I start hanging ornaments on it I weave narrow white tulle through the garland.  This tulle can be bought by the spool in a craft or fabric store.  It is already cut to about a 8" or 10" width.  I just bunch it together and wind it in and out.  Fragile ornament tip: in order to be sure that the breakable ornaments do not get knocked off of this garland, I crimp each ball hanger around the garland as I hang the pieces.  The very lowest balls that you see pictured are actually plastic, so they can take the traffic of people walking past. The most fragile pieces I hang up high where they don't get bumped.

A bedroom garland

 The above garland is one I used this past Christmas in one of the bedrooms.  I used  a red velvet ribbon and then just filled in with an assortment of various sizes and types of ornaments--classy and cutesy.

    The kitchen has a theme of Gingerbread and candy.  The garland around the window (pictures not available just now) is done in white lights and a ribbon that has candy canes on it.  I then hang candy shaped ornaments on it.  These are just inexpensive plastic or acrylic bobbles--nothing fancy, but it has a cute affect.  In the middle of it there is a Santa Claus ornament that also carries the candy/baking theme.
    The upper kitchen cabinets do not go all the way to the ceiling so the top of them can be used for decorating as well.  One side has a perfect place for a garland.  I use a more rustic looking type garland here.  It is more like a vine with less pine in it.  I use a short string of red lights in this garland and add some red berries.  With an elf or two tucked in, it becomes an easy, fun way to add coziness to the kitchen. 

Garland over the living room window

    Over the windows in the living room, the garland is just a plastic holly garland--one of the old traditions of this household which have been in the family for a long time; maybe as long as I can remember.
    Garlands just have a way of adding a new dimension to the Christmas decorations.  They add a warm, homey touch and soften the edges of a room.  Don't be afraid to use plenty of them.  

Bits and Pieces from Christmas 2012

For this section, I'm just going to add a lot of pictures just to help you see how special Christmas at Mount Vernon.

By the front door.

As you can see in the picture above,  a mirror with window clings on it is the center focal point for the Entry Way.  The rest is garland with a couple of plastic balls hung on the ends, a ribbon woven into the top garland and an elf tucked into the bottom piece. The plastic balls look like the real thing but if the door gets pushed back too far, they will not shatter.

The mice in the middle have been around a long time; and the little candles on top are quite old

Old fashioned looking lamp.

The entire wall setting with the lamp

The old fashioned looking lamp was a really fun addition this year.  The lamp could be used any time of the year with different greenery, but I think it will have to best charm at Christmas.  It kind of makes you think of the Dickens era. The little glass shelves to the right of the picture have snowflakes standing on edge with red plastic balls in front.  The the accents are little Christmasy picks placed on either side of the balls.  Finally, hanging from each of the shelves is a silver metal holly leaf.  They were pretty when I found them, but they needed something to make them pop, so I added more of the similar type of Christmas pick as I used with the balls and attached it on top of them.

Moon mirror

Close of up the Moon Shelf

This Moon mirror had been around for a number of years, except that it was a different color.  I spray painted it a white/off white and sprinkled just a little bit of white/iridescent glitter on it while the paint was still wet.  To the shelf below I added the acrylic stag and the crystal tree along with some greenery.  It was a new twist on the stag and the crystal tree, both of which were pieces that had been given to my Mom.

Pixie Land

 The historic Pixie Land has been around since before I was born, as near as historians can estimate.  Mom started  it as a fun, whimsical decoration when we were very small and the tradition stuck.  Pixie Land is a permanent part of our Christmas decorating, even if we have long since outgrown it. 

Two pixies making a giant snowball.

Below is what I call the Icy Tree.  It is a small tree in the Dinning Room

with predominately snowflake and icicle ornaments on it.  In place of any garland, I use strings of iridescent beads.

A frosty snowflake on the Icy Tree

I enjoy the details in decorating.  It gives guests the opportunity to keep looking and  discovering.

These two pictures show one shelf; just opposite ends of it.  A small shelf with small pieces set on it and a couple of lace doilies to soften and refine the effect.

Here, I used tulle around the angel  on the bottom shelfof the china closet to soften the look.

On the top of the chandelier I have placed a normal wreath facing downward; then decorated it with small blue and icy ornaments with a sheer snowflake ribbon woven in and out.  Long dangling icy ornaments are also hanging from the bottom of the chandelier.

Candle Burning Tips

• Always trim the wicks to 1/4 inch, even a brand new candle.  This keeps the flame for being too large and burning the candle too fast or smoking and causing soot. It also keeps the carbon built up to a minimum.  Always remove the trimmings before lighting the candle.  Never allow a candle to flicker excessively, smoke, or have too large of a flame.
• Keep candles out of any drafts so that they will burn evenly across the top.
•  
• When burning a pillar candle, be sure to burn the candle for at least one hour for every inch in diameter.  The wax has a sort of "memory" and will not burn properly if only allowed to burn for a short time.  If only a small area was melted in the top of the candle, it will tunnel down from there and eventually drown the wick and waste a lot of wax.  However, once the melted wax has reached about 1/4 inch of edge, extinguish it and allow it to completely solidify and cool before relighting to avoid it melting through the edge or side and dripping. 
• Jar Candles need to be allowed to burn 3-4 hours since you need to allow a "meltpool" to form.  A hot meltpool is what gives off the scent. When you have got a good liquid pool of wax (about 2-3 hours into the burn time) the wick flame will start giving off the scent. Also, burning a jar candle this long allows it to burn more evenly so that you don't end up with a lot of wasted wax on the sides of the jar. 
• Stop burning a pillar or jar candle when it gets down to about 1/2 to 3/4 and inch of wax to avoid breaking the jar or container.  However, a electric candle warmer is wonderful for using up the last or these types of candles.  Just set the jar on and leave it; or put the pillar candle into a heat resistant glass container and set on the warmer.  They will allow you to get the last of the scent from them before you have to throw them away.To remove the used wax from the glass container when it is ready to be discarded, allow it wax to cool and solidify then pop it into the freezer for 10-15 minutes to allow the wax to shrink.  It should come out with a little prying or even just slip out. 
• Candles always make a cozy atmosphere and it is just about impossible to use too many of them.  They will also add heat to a room or your house, so if you are planning a party with a lot of people and candles, you may want to turn your thermostat back a few degrees so that you don't end up with a house that is too hot to enjoy. 

Also, oil lamps can make a lovely addition to a cozy look.  Just be sure to buy the lamp oil rather than kerosene.  This will not make your house smell of kerosene.  Check hobby stores in the candle aisle for colored lamp oil that will match your decor.

These tiny oil lamps have been in the family for many, many years.

Memorialable Christmas Parties

   Parties can be a very special part of Christmas.  For me, they are a chance to show family and friends how special they are.  A party can be just a small group of people, 2-3 extra guests; or it can be for larger groups.  Outside of the family, I particularly like small groups.  It allows me to focus on the uniqueness of the friendships--old friends who know me so well that I am at home and at ease with them; sharing memories and good times.  Or new friends who bring a new dimension to my life and about whom I can learn more.
  Plan your party well in advance.  Figure out most of the details: who you want to invite, what food to serve, what decor theme to use, etc.  By planning in advance you give yourself more time to work out the details and gather what you need for a successful party.

The Annual Family Christmas Party

A close up the table

  If at all possible, always try to use "real" dishes and flatware.  I guarantee that your guests will be impressed.   Nothing says, "I'm happy you came and I want to spend time with you" like setting a real table.  A dressy tablecloth and cloth napkins also add a special touch and allows for creative ideas for napkin rings.  Or use good quality paper napkins at least.

Snowflake theme napkin ring

    For the napkin ring above I found cheap, white felt coasters already cut into an almost snowflake shape.  I placed a small craft mirror behind it to allow some sparkle to come through and then wove white and silver ribbon through some of the openings in the design.  Between each opening I gave the ribbon a twist to make it stand out better.  Next I glued on white snowflakes punched out of shiny white paper and printed names, using the computer and cut out in the shape that I wanted since these napkin rings were also doubling as place cards.  These I also glued on.  For the "ring" I made a loop of plain white felt and attached to the  back.    
    Name cards are lovely, even for a small group,  Creating holders is such a fun way to present them.
Just let you imagination run wild.
    Pick a theme for the party.  This way, there is something around which to build decor; the napkin rings, the place cards, and even the table setting. Here are just a few theme ideas:  snowflakes--using blue, silver, and white: poinsettias or holly--using red and green or variations of that, for example, dark green and burgundy.
    For the annual Family Party, I always work with a snowflake theme using predominately white with accents of silver and blue.  White on white can be very elegant.  As seen in the pictures previous, I use a white damask table cloth, white china that has a silver rim, silver flatware, white cloth napkins, goblets that are etched with a snow scene (great use for the Arby's goblets) as well as a tall, thin champagne flute. Water is served in the goblets and a champagne colored sparkling white grape punch in the flutes. The center piece also carries the theme of white; usually an arrangement of white flowers with glass stemware candle holders and white tea-light candles.

Christmas Breakfast using poinsettias and holly with the reds and greens.

For an interesting touch, use cinnamon sticks as tea stirrers. In the background are small oil lamps with red lamp oil and tiny holly candle rings; something that Mom had for years and are still very classy.

Arrangements can be used more than once for different themed parties.

    For the arrangement above, I used an all white arrangement with greenery from the Family Party a few evenings previous to Christmas.  Since the flowers were still in good condition, I simply added a few red flowers for my poinsettia and holly theme.
    I always like to try have some type of small party favor or gift for the guests of each party.  They don't have to be  expensive, in fact homemade gifts are really special.  Just an enjoyable gesture for the guests to be able to take home and know that they are loved and thought of.  Gifts can be as simple as some homemade cookies, cakes, or molded candy presented in a pretty package; or it can be small practical items like nice pens, note paper, chap sticks, lotions etc.  Make an especially fun package by getting creative with the presentation.

My own version of "English Popper". 

    As seen above, I wanted to have a sort of traditional "English Cracker" gift; but I wanted to be able to do it with a particular theme and fill them with things that I knew the guests would enjoy.  For these, I got pieces of 81/2" by 11" heavy card stock and rolled them up from the short end and taped them.  Then I filled them with candy, pens, possibly sticky notes, chap sticks, gum, etc.  I was able to find tissue paper that matched my theme, which I wrapped around the card stock and tied the ends with coordinating ribbon and put at each person's plate.

Molded Chocolate sleighs, filled with white chocolate, orange coconut fudge.

    For this past Christmas, I found a candy mold that could be made into a 3 dimensional sleigh.  The sleighs had a holly and berries on the sides, which fit right into my theme.  These could be made ahead of time and stored in a tight container in a cool location.  When I was ready to use them, I cut stiff paper into a rectangle and punched a decorative design into each corner. Then I  filled the sleighs with balls of white chocolate, orange fudge that had been rolled in coconut. Then set the sleighs on the papers at each place setting.   

Christmas Morning Breakfast.

Christmas 2013: 
I used the Holly theme for Christmas Morning Breakfast.  The place cards were lamp posts with the name of each person written on the post in gold ink.   The napkin rings were made of ribbon overlapping itself and wrapped around a scotch tape ring after the tape was gone.  The Holly was made of felt and the "berries" were tiny, little jingle bells.

Christmas Morning Breakfast table

Lamp Post Place Cards

Holly Napkin Rings

This year for the Snowflake Party, I used menu cards.  

 
The napkin rings were again empty tape spools, this time with white satin ribbon wrapped around and overlapping.  Then I sewed white and silver beads around the outside and strung beads to hang down from the ring and which ended with a snowflake button.

I was able to find pre-cut wooden sleighs, which I painted white, added names, snowflakes, and beads to make name cards.

Snowflake Party Favors

This picture of the Snowflake party favors is a somewhat blurry but I did want to include it anyway.  I found snowflake favor boxes and then added white chocolate fudge balls to them. They make elegant, yet fairly simple party favors.