A Twist on a Tradition

Last year, we had a super fun and very girlie Christmas Tea Party for the girls in my daughter's class. This year, we continued the tradition, but tweaked it just a bit! Since the drink of choice last year was the homemade cocoa, we decided instead of a Christmas "tea" party, we would make it into a...

Christmas Cocoa Party!

(How cute is that...if I do say so myself.)

The great thing about this party, is that it could be a Valentine's party, a winter themed birthday party, for either girl or boy, or just fun playdate for the colder months. Who doesn't love a good cup of cocoa?!

menu:

We knew that we would have some of our favorite goodies, and then some additional Christmas cookies to make it more...well, Christmas-y. We simplified beverages, and had one hot and one cold choice...our homemade hot cocoa, and fruit infused water. The girls had a blast fixing their little dainty plates and definitely came back for seconds...and thirds!

activities:

1. craft time

Last year, the girls loved the craft time, so I wanted to continue that tradition to this year's party. Because I had no idea what I was going to do up until the day of the party (truly), I figured I needed to use something I had on hand...something that was easy...and something that would be fun for them to use again. So I decided that their craft would be mini Christmas garlands!

my little sister being "in charge" :)

It was so cute. They each picked out their own little ribbons and scraps, and loved making them. The mini garlands ended up being about 1/4 of the original garland size, so perfect for their bedroom door, hanging on their bed, or just a little flair for somewhere in their room or home. And, you know me, I love any activity that can double as a favor!

2. toy exchange

My daughter has loved playing the gag gift game every year with our family. She's old enough now to get it, and loves how funny and random it can be...plus the part about opening a present is pretty fun, too. So, this year, she asked if we could play the gag gift game at this party. I thought it would be fun if the girls used one of their own toys (gently used and ready to move on!) as a gift. It was so much fun. The girls got to each take home a "new" toy, without spending a dime. They loved the surprise of opening up a gift to take home! A second little take home goodie.

picture credit: http://realmomkitchen.com/654/classic-hot-cocoa-and-a-hot-cocoa-bar/

3. storytime

After all the goodies and festivities, I like to gather all the girls together to read a Christmas story. It's a great way to share what we believe Christmas is all about with her friends. The girls always love sitting around and hearing a new (or familiar) story.

I think my favorite thing about this party, is that throughout the year, the girls will remember things about the party, and will ask things like, "Are you going to have us over for..." or, "Remember those little white cookies you made?! Can we have those again!"

To know that there are sweet little girls that get as excited about parties as I do, is a joy. I'm so glad my daughter and I can partner together on fun ideas for gathering people together to celebrate life.

my stepmom and i being silly hostesses!

Valentine's Adaption:

menu: Valentine candy, heart shaped cookies, fruit, cheese cut out with heart cookie cutters, hot cocoa, and fruit infused water

activities: Making Valentine's for people with scrapbook paper; mini garland using mainly pink, red, and white; Valentine day story

Wonder.

A few weeks ago, when I realized Christmas was on Sunday, I sighed, and thought how difficult Sunday mornings can sometimes be, with rushing out the door to get to church on time (or not so on time). I almost had decided to not go to the service, until my 7 year old said with enthusiasm...

"Mom, can we go to service all together today?"

I almost reluctantly reminded her that we had just been the night before, but she persisted. I'm so thankful she did.

As we hurried in, it felt different. Less chaos, more space in hearts and minds to worship.

We sat down in some available seats a few rows back, but my little girl quickly said to me in a pleading voice, "I can't see back here. Can we move up front?" So, to the front row we hustled.

As our children followed along with the carols, I thought how grateful I am that they desire to know Him. They long to know His love, and have a wonder that is unyielding.

Our pastor spoke of a message and a messenger that blesses my heart often, and as we pondered all that we are grateful for, I saw with new eyes the blessings from His hand.

Children with faith like gold and hearts to mold and shape, and please God, let me do it in grace. A beautiful marriage that continues to grow in love. A family who loves and cares for us. A church that loves all and speaks truth to faint hearts. A life with gratitude that I am so completely blessed to live. I couldn't let today slip away without giving praise to the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

For to us a child is born...to us a Son is given.

true story.

When my husband and I first had children, we talked in depth about what traditions we would celebrate at Christmas time. We knew that we wanted to focus more on Jesus coming to earth than a fictitious character giving gifts out, but I held tight to my Christmas traditions.

We loved that my older sister and her family made birthday cake for Jesus, and thought that was a great way to focus on the real meaning of the day. We started the Jesse Tree, and welcomed advent. When we knew that we would have to take a stance of whether or not to "do Santa", I was saddened at the thought of not having the mystery and magic of Old St. Nick coming on Christmas Eve. Though my husband was great with hanging stockings and surprising with little gifts, there was something he couldn't get past. I remember listening, and it hitting me hard.

He said, "But the story of Christ is true. It's not made up or just a myth...He really came, God made flesh...born of a virgin...and the mystery of that is so much greater than any man giving gifts. I want them to marvel at what is true."

In the hustle and bustle of the season, it's so easy to miss that He really came. He really showed up for us, and gave us the greatest gift imaginable.

This past weekend I went to see my favorite Christmas concert. The first time I went to this concert, I thought I was going to see Christmas carols sung by Andrew Peterson. I had no idea what I was about to encounter, and why some of my friends would travel hours every year to attend. Last year, I took my stepmom to the show for her Christmas present, so this year, she treated my little sister and I to see it at the Cove this year, which was amazing.

The talent of this concert is incredible. It's become one of my very favorite holiday traditions, because it's a night devoted to focusing on the true story of Christmas. As Andrew teared up talking about this at the beginning of the show, he reminded me of my husband's words so many years ago...

"You see, the best thing about this Story is - it's true."

~ The Jesus Storybook Bible

Linking up with Tuesdays Unwrapped over at Chatting at the Sky...join us for the last one!

EASY DIY Christmas Garland

A few years ago, I had all these excess fabric remnants and scraps. I knew that a little love could turn them from trash to treasure, but I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to make. It was around Christmas time, and I had been wanting to find a new way to display Christmas cards...thus the idea to make a Christmas garland came about. I made several, and sold out at a local Christmas bazaar, and totally forgot about them.

Until just a few weeks ago, one of my friends who had bought one, asked for me to make 10 for Christmas gifts for her. I brought Krista over to help cut, rip, and tie, and in a couple hours, we had it knocked out.

They are super easy (just a little time consuming), and don't require any sewing or glueing, which in my book means a true DIY project!! (see how lazy I am?!)

1. First, gather scraps, ribbons, yarn, whatever fabric you have lying around, and decide on your color scheme for your garland.

2. Cut your fabric into 6-8 in. strips, each being about 1-2 inches wide. If you like the rustic, whimsical look, you can tear some to leave the ragged edges exposed.

3. Choose your base...my client wanted the rustic look, so I stuck with twine for her. You could do a wider ribbon, or any long piece of fabric you wanted.

4. Cut your base string at 8-10 feet. This is long enough to hang in a doorway, or over a mantle.

5. Space out your bows about a foot apart (I wanted to make sure that I had plenty of room between each little fabric tuft to hang either ornaments, cards, greenery, (insert whatever you'd like to hang).

6. Continue layering and tying fabric and ribbon until you have the size bow you'd like. I usually ended up having about 5-6 strips of fabric each bow.

7. Wrap up as a great gift, or hang in your house to have a fun festive garland to use over and over again!

Some ways to use these: mantle decor, wrap around your tree, place over doorway, use to hang Christmas cards from, hang ornaments over a window...the list goes on! Also, it's a great way to repurpose old fabric, clothes, ribbons, and bows!

happy trimming!

2011 Christmas Tour

Welcome to the Christmas Tour!

I'm so excited to have you stop by. I love this time of year, and it's super fun to be able to share and get ideas from others lovely homes. I'll keep the words few and let the pictures speak today...

This year, I kept our Christmas decor more rustic and simple. Natural and somewhat vintage. It was fun to switch where we have our tree, and do a few new things.

Blessing of peace and joy to your home today!

Linking up with the Nester's Christmas Tour.

The Simplest of Gifts

Their eyes were giddy with excitement at the thought of cookie dough. I had them each pull up a stool to help mix the ingredients. Such simple ways to celebrate the season. All I had said was,

"Let's put on some Christmas music and make cookies!"

With cheers of delight they scurried down the stairs, so ready to soak in the joy of the moment.

It challenges me to see their eager hearts and open hands, ready to receive a gift.

Do I so willingly rush to the manger to see the child? Do we find the gift in even the smallest of joys?

As we rolled our favorite holiday cookies, I thought of how precious of a memory we were forming in our own lives. To see the gifts of the season, in the simplest of ways...lights on the houses, bells ringing out front of grocery stores, people humming carols to themselves as they look for treats for the under the tree... might I find these gifts today.

Linking up with Tuesdays Unwrapped today.

..........................................................................................................................................................

As promised the recipes from this weekend's dessert:

noel nut balls

(a.k.a. Snowballs, Mexican Wedding Cakes)

2 cups all purpose flour

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup butter (2 sticks)

2 tsp. vanilla

2 cups finely chopped pecans

1/2 cup powdered sugar

Sift flour, sugar, and salt together. Work in butter and vanilla. Add 2 cups of pecans and mix well. Form into 1/2 in. balls and place on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 for 8-10 min. Roll in powdered sugar while still warm. So cute in cupcake liners and wrapped up for a gift! Or beautiful set out on trays.

MY NEW FAVORITE HOLIDAY TREAT!!!

(i love this recipe, because they are divine and only 3 ingredients!!)

mint oreo truffles

1 package mint oreos (finely crushed)

1 package cream cheese (softened)

2 packages of semi sweet chocolate squares, melted (chips work fine as well)

Crush oreos in plastic bag (or food processor) and place in large mixing bowl. Add softened cream cheese and mix well. Form into 1 in. balls. Then roll (or dip) in melted chocolate. (this is the only tricky part...using a spoon and kind of rolling it in the chocolate was easiest for us). Refrigerate for at least 20 min. to harden. (NO BAKING REQUIRED!)

chocolate covered strawberries

melt semi sweet chocolate chips, and dip strawberries in chocolate. stick in the fridge until time for party...then put on a pretty tray, and voila! your party just got fancy.

(picture credits: http://www.goodeatsblog.com/2007/12/oreo-truffles.html)

An Island Makeover

This past weekend, we had a really fun gathering in our home. Some of the families in our neighborhood did a progressive dinner last December. I had always wanted to attend a progressive dinner, but we were out of town last year on the night it was held. All year I've been waiting, and this year we hosted part of it. After guests enjoyed being at a couple other fabulous houses down the street, we ended the party here at our home for dessert...my favorite.

When I was thinking about the flow of the evening, I knew that I wanted to have stations around the house. Stations are a big thing with me...I love styling my receptions that way, because it makes for such great flow. It means no bottlenecks around the food, which is always a good thing! Another reason, is that we don't have a large dining room table...lots of smaller tables, and one big island. So, when planning where food would be, I had a couple thoughts in mind.

I wanted to make sure I had a main food table set up with most of the desserts, but then trays with dessert options set around at different places throughout the house as well. I decided that the island in our kitchen would be the best place for our main table...except I didn't really want it to look like our island. I wanted it to look like an elegant dining room table. So, in about three steps, I gave my island a weekend makeover.

First step...cover it! I used a vintage ivory tablecloth with lace around the edges, and then layered with a piece of fabric for a runner, and doilies over top around the sides.

Next, I brought in two large candlesticks as a prominent centerpiece.

Finally, to keep a more elegant look, I scattered an assortment of white, clear, and silver platters around the island. By choosing varying heights and sizes, it kept the look interesting while still being functional to what we were serving.

Just because it's Christmas doesn't mean that everything has to be red and green. I love a simple monochromatic look of mixing winter whites with silver and gold.

The end result was great. I wish I had a picture of all the food that adorned this spread, but I was too busy stuffing my face with treats to take pictures. However, stay tuned...tomorrow I'm going to tell you what I served on these pretty platters...complete with recipes for all your parties coming up!

Listening for Love

As he patiently waited for me to finish up my post yesterday morning, he couldn't wait to begin our game that he had set up.

We've gotten into a fun pattern in the mornings. After my 2nd grader heads out the door with Daddy, my little boy and I have just enough time to get a quick game in before leaving for Preschool. Memory is his favorite, and I almost beat him yesterday...and I was really trying.

It's funny how things like playing games with children can bring to mind the most simple of truths. We spend so much time trying to find out the profound answers to life, when in actuality, they can very many times be standing right beside us, with a hand resting on our leg.

We found this in his bag from school just the other day.

Such a simple list of gratitude...so necessary for my heart.

I find such comfort in knowing that Christ came as a little child. That he was willing to be a little boy, in need of a mother's lap. A boy of a carpenter, who learned from faithful Joseph. A brother to a few. A friend to many, and teacher to all...one with God, and yet, that He was willing to become a little child, to show His love for you and I.

As you think on the little child of Christ this season, may we take lessons from the little ones in our own lives this Christmas. Might we stop long enough to hear their hearts, and be challenged by their faith. May their simple gratitude charge us to speak out of ours even more boldly. Might we slow down enough to see who they really are, who they've been created to be. For, I believe love still speaks the loudest many times when we stop to listen to them.

Linking up with Tuesdays Unwrapped today. I'm looking forward to celebrating with you there.

Ready and Waiting.

The holiday music has started, the Christmas trees have started going up, and the neighborhoods are starting to light up the streets. The only thing is, I don't feel ready to celebrate Christmas. Don't get me wrong, I'm very excited that the season is already here, it just has a way of sneaking up on me.

We went to pick up our Christmas tree yesterday, and we realized that we didn't have our stand anywhere. So instead of being already set up in our living room, it's waiting on the back porch. It's just a little thing, but it felt like it was more representative than just a missing tree stand. You might remember how we moved into this house, just about a year ago, and our life has seemed like a whirlwind since. With my hubby in grad school, and then, running my business, not to mention normal family life, it's wild to see time slip through your hands. I feel myself being passed from one season to the next without much thoughtful participation on my part. Without fully entering the season with celebration.

Call this a confession, or maybe it's more of a proclamation, but either way, what I want more than anything this holiday season, is to be fully present. Present to my family, my friends...present to the mystery and miracle of what my God did for me. For us. All of us.

Love has come down, and I for one, don't want to miss what that means this season. May we celebrate what the season is truly about this year, and resist the temptation to be swept away with pretty decorations and busy shopping.

This week, my hope is to write a few posts that will help you enter this season with rest and renewal, being able to celebrate His coming in a new way. O, Come, let us adore.

Little Girl's Tea Party

Back before Christmas, my little girl and I decided to host a tea party. We invited all the girls from her class to come over in their fancy dresses and enjoy a Christmas Tea. It was so much fun, and definitely a party my daughter will want to make an annual event!

This tea party would be fun at any time of year, but would especially great for Valentine's Day!

The girls started by decorating their own cookie(s) in the kitchen.

Then, they headed to the craft tables.

We had pre-painted gold pots, moss, and floral foam already all sitting on the tables. All the girls had to do was:

1. pick their gold pot

2. put their foam in their pot

3. pick their stem and stick it in their foam

4. put the moss on top to cover the foam

Then they have a beautiful handmade centerpiece to take home and put on their table!

Then, we got into the goodies! The girls were so cute sipping their tea (or hot cocoa).

We decided to finish things up by gathering around the fire with a sweet story.

It was a sweet time, that I hope the girls remember for a while...

at least until the Spring...then we might have to do a Mother's Day Tea!

What's your favorite tea time treat? I love to hear what you think!

Lingering in Holiday Joy

I have a hard time saying goodbye...even if it's just saying goodbye to a holiday. I love to squeeze as much celebrating as possible out of my days. Sometimes, it feels like the world around us is ready to just push onto something else, without really savoring what has been. So, I'm resisting the pressure to put our Christmas stuff away, and am lingering in my cozy den of holiday joy.

Speaking of my den, these are a few shots of our den...I finally am getting around to taking a few pics of the new house.