Warm and Cozy Family Rooms

Country Living

Seating Area
Salvaged chestnut floors and beams bring warmth to this grandly proportioned living room. Windows nearly floor-to-ceiling and French doors bathe the room in light from three sides. A mix of new upholstery (in chintz, crewel, seersucker), antique furniture, and a worn Oushak rug give this room lived-in comfort.





Country Living

Outdoors Meets Indoors
A mix of eclectic furnishings and vibrant sky- and meadow-inspired colors bring the airy room into comfortable scale. Rustic fabrics dress down formal wingback chairs and the camelback sofa. Tree-trunk end tables playfully contrast with a modern steel chair.




Country Living

Relaxed Luxury
A mix of practical and precious — upholstered ottomans and silk curtains, respectively — create a look that's lived-in yet luxurious. Many of the furnishings are new, but have the warm patina of age.




Country Living

French Country Living Room
A Montecito cottage living room that includes not only reds, but also turquoise blue and mustard yellow French bergères, and an 18th-century French coffee table, make it true French-country style.

If you'd like to seem more warm and cozy decorating ideas from Country Living magazine please go to:

Decorating Ideas for Living Rooms – How to Decorate a Living Room ...
Whether you call it a living room, family room, or den, this room is a place to ... Decorating and Home Improvement. Decorating Ideas for a Living Room

Country Living

Country Style Home Decor - Home Decorating Trends - Country Living
10 Decorating Trends to Try Right Now. Punch up your home with fun country trends from vegetables to farm animals...

Recipes for a New Year's Eve Buffet

New Year's Eve Buffet - CookingLight.com
Welcome the New Year in style with a grand appetizer buffet.





Holiday Appetizers - Thanksgiving Appetizers and Christmas ...
Holiday Appetizers from Country Living Magazine. Tasty dips, spreads, and finger foods perfect for entertaining any crowd.

Pigs in Blankets
Frozen pastry dough and all-beef hot dogs make up these crowd-pleasing bites.

Recipe: Pigs in Blankets






26 Recipes for a New Year's Buffet
Jan 2, 2010 ... 26 Recipes for a New Year's Buffet from Better Homes & Gardens.These main, vegetable, and starch dish recipes are great for buffet parties.

All I Really Want For Christmas

May God grant you the light in Christmas, which is faith;
The warmth of Christmas, which is love;
The radiance of Christmas, which is purity;
The righteousness of Christmas, which is justice;
The belief in Christmas, which is truth;
The all of Christmas, which is Christ.

God’s heart is to give, and He enjoys blessing us as we bless others. From my heart to yours Merry Christmas!

Christmas Dinner

Cajun Christmas Eve --This marvelous meal is full of spicy Louisiana flair. Gather family, invite friends, kick back, and relax—Cajun style.

Recipe:
Shrimp and Andouille Sausage With Asiago Grits (pictured)





Menus - Christmas Holiday Recipes - Photos - SouthernLiving.com
Holiday Dinner Party Menus.
Plan a get-together for any occasion with with these combinations of our favorite holiday foods.





The thought of spending all day cooking in the kitchen on Christmas doesn't thrill me. Which is why this year I'm thinking about trying this recipe from Giada De Laurentiis that was featured on her Christmas television special. I like the fact that it's a simple pot roast and not a standing rib roast that requires a bank loan to purchase!

Stracotto (Pot Roast) with Porcini Mushrooms Recipe : Giada De ...
Cooking Time 3 hrs and 57 mins
Food Network invites you to try this Stracotto (Pot Roast) with Porcini Mushrooms recipe from Giada De Laurentiis.

Christmas This Year

christmasholiday:(via christmasdreams)





christmasholiday:(via verytumblrchristmas)

Christmas ornaments (by Helena Söderberg)







Tumbler photo credit: Country Living

Tumbler: Vintage Rose Garden






Tumbler: Vintage Rose Garden...
this is Tricia Foley’s house on habitually chic







"Christmas This Year" by TobyMac and featuring Leigh Nash

Food Gift Ideas for Christmas

Inexpensive Christmas Food Gift Ideas: Food Gifts Under $3 ...
Savory or sweet, these less-than-$3 food gifts are easy on the wallet and the kind ... Food Gifts Under $3.






The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Food Gift Basket Ideas MyRecipes.com
Tailor this year's gift to fit perfectly by giving a basket packed with homemade treats and gourmet goodies.





Photography by Leigh Beisch

Florentine Bars Recipe MyRecipes.com
The colorful mixture of fruit and nuts makes for a festive presentation atop rich shortbread.

Recipe: Florentine Bars

Family Fun @ Christmas

Too cute for words....

Crunchy the Snowman Recipe Christmas Appetizers & Snacks FamilyFun
Dressed in colorful candy scarves and top hats, these stylish, easy-to-make snowmen are sure to liven up any holiday gathering.



Christmas Craft: Rudolph Table Topper Christmas Character Craft ...
This reindeer doubles as a table decoration and a festive display rack for ornaments; another great Christmas craft from FamilyFun.com.




Holiday Card: Changing Faces Snowman Christmas Character Craft ...
Here's a fun card that's perfect for those special people on your list. It holds up to five photos of your family members -- recipients just pull the tab to see who's wishing them good tidings.

Christmas Is All In The Heart

In a one bedroom apartment on the humble side of town
There stands a little Christmas tree, looks a lot like Charlie Brown's
And underneath there's one little gift for him, and one little gift for her

After six months on the new job, they're still barely getting by
So in the way of decorations, there's nothing there to catch your eye
But both of them would be the first to say
We're together, and we're gonna have the merriest Christmas anyway

'Cause Christmas is all in the heart, that's where the feeling starts
And like a fire inside, it touches every part
'Cause Christmas is all in the heart
And even if no white snow falls, that's all right because
The joy can still be found, wherever you are
'Cause Christmas is all in the heart

Two little blonde haired boys with big dreams, tried to sleep but sleep wouldn't come
We'd be tearing into presents, long before the break of dawn
With Mom and Dad and cameras making sure we'd never forget that day

Now I'm the one who's taking pictures in the middle of the night
Of my own blonde headed dreamers that just can't wait until daylight
And in my sleepy eyes the spark still glows
I guess there's just some things a kid never outgrows

'Cause Christmas is all in the heart, that's where the feeling starts
And like a fire inside, it touches every part
'Cause Christmas is all in the heart
And even if no white snow falls, that's all right because
The joy can still be found, wherever you are
'Cause Christmas is all in the heart

No, it's not in the snow that may or may not fall
And it's not in the gifts around the tree
It's in the love heaven gave, the night our Savior came
And that same love can still be found wherever you are
'Cause Christmas is all in the heart
And the joy can still be found, wherever you are
'Cause Christmas is all, all in the heart
It's all in the heart

© 2005 Sparrow






You don't have to look far to learn that local charities are stuggling to meet increase demands for food, clothing and yes, Virgina even toys for tots under the Christmas tree. So this week why not find a charity in your neighborhood and lend a helping hand? Together let's find ways to help make Christmas just a little bit brighter this year!

In the News:

Share Your Christmas enrollments far outnumber adoptions
Houston Herald -- A 1-year-old boy would be very happy to get a musical toy, some books or some trucks for Christmas. He needs size 12-months pants, size 5 shoes and size ...

Overwhelming Number of Angels Adopted; Not Returned
WNCF - Lisa Blackwell - ‎5 hours ago‎
The problem is….not all the gifts are there. It takes time to pack Christmas gifts at the Salvation Army. Everything needs to be sorted and organized. ...


Charities:

ANGEL TREE: Angel Tree is a ministry of Prison Fellowship, delivering love in the form of Christmas gifts and a message of hope to children of prisoners.

The Salvation Army: Home

TOYS FOR TOTS: Donate a new toy or give a donation to help make Christmas a little brighter for a needy child in your community.

Simply Having A Wonderful Christmastime

Holiday Dinner Party Menus
Plan a get-together for any occasion with with these combinations of our favorite holiday foods from Southern Living magazine. more



Quick & Easy Party Food Appetizers - BHG.com
From spicy chicken fingers, mini puffs with Goat Cheese to beefy Mexican Meatballs recipes. All these recipes are fast & easy, thanks BHG!



Here's several more Christmas Appetizer recipes from BHG:

10 Quick & Easy Hot Dips

Winter Party Appetizers

Easy Heart-Smart Appetizer Recipes



Wonderful Christmastime -- Jars of Clay

Bailey the Unknown Reindeer

A Christmas Dalmatian -- Submitted By Ashley Virgin

Mason City, IA, United States

Pet in Christmas Gear Photo Contest Winners - Woman's Day
Pet in Christmas Gear Photo Contest Winners. Cuddle up to the season with the help of these holiday-happy pets....

Since much of the country is dealing with record snow falls. I thought it only fitting to post this video!

Merry Christmas from Bailey the Unknown Reindeer
This video was shot on VHS-C in my backyard, near Ward, Colorado (8,700' elevation) during a blizzard in the late 1990's; a local weatherman said it was the most measureable snow (if memory serves, it was 54" in 48 hours) from the least amount of moisture ever.

Cheers to dogs, and to all those that love them!

Picture Perfect: Dips & Punch Recipes

Tiramisu Dip -- In a perfect world, even dessert is dippable.

No Utensils Required - Entertaining - Top Stories - CHOW
No Utensils Required. Savory or sweet, classic or inventive, dips are for everyone. Dip. It's a command! You must dip...




Martha Stewart's Eggnog {4 minute video}

My favorite Eggnog recipe is compliments of Martha Stewart. I've been making this delicious recipe for years and it's simply fabulous for a party. To learn how, please watch the video link posted above.

Serves 26
12 large eggs, separated
1 1/2 cups superfine sugar
1 quart whole milk
1 1/2 quarts heavy cream
3 cups bourbon
1/2 cup dark rum
2 cups cognac
Freshly grated nutmeg

Directions
In a very large bowl, beat egg yolks until thick and pale yellow. Gradually add sugar to yolks. With a wire whisk, beat in milk and 1 quart cream. Add bourbon, rum, and cognac, stirring constantly.

Just before serving, beat egg whites until stiff. Fold into mixture. Whip remaining heavy cream until stiff and fold in. Sprinkle with nutmeg.

From The Martha Stewart Show, December 2007





Eggnog and Christmas Punch Recipes - Photo Gallery - Photo 1 ...
From rum punch drink recipes to Christmas drink recipes, SAVEUR's favorite crowd-pleasing party beverages.

All Things Gingerbread

Photo: Tiny White Daisy's





Photo: The Cookie Shop

Ho Ho Ho – It's Gingerbread Time! « The Cookie Shop
Dec 1, 2009 ... Ooh, I love the idea of a honey gingerbread cookie! I wish I had the time to make all these great cookies I've been seing online lately! ...





Gingerbread Cookies « Annie's Eats -
Dec 16, 2009 ... It turns out that my mom was definitely right when she told me as a child that my tastes would change over time. I remember as a kid thinking gingerbread cookies looked absolutely delicious – and then I tasted one...




Gingerbread Pinwheels
These cookies are a holiday twist on traditional pinwheels, in which plain and chocolate doughs are swirled together.

Recipe: Gingerbread Pinwheels



Gingerbread Ornaments
These ornaments are very adorable, with a tasty looking gingerbread person with white frosting embellishments. Perfect for hanging on your Christmas tree!






The Gingerbread White House

Thanksgiving Bloopers

Illustration by Chris Hall


Your 10 Funniest Thanksgiving Bloopers + the Most Common Disasters ...
Here now, by popular request, is a list of our favorite stories from the Thanksgiving Bloopers from Bon Appetit magazine!

There are some very funny cooking stories in this article but my personal favorite is this one from Kerri of New Jersey:

"Casserole Soup"

A couple of years ago, my younger sister decided she was finally brave enough to join in the family tradition of everyone making a dish to bring to Thanksgiving dinner. We suggested she make a green bean casserole since it is easy (the recipe is right on the can) and inexpensive (a little condensed soup and frozen green beans).

On Thanksgiving day she walked in with a huge roasting pan and set it on the counter. I asked her how it came out and she said, "okay, but it cost more money to make than I thought." She uncovered the dish to reveal a gray, gelatinous, green-specked mass sprinkled with a few fried onions on top. I calmly asked, "sweetheart, did you follow the recipe?"

"Yes!" she replied, "I just can't believe how much soup it takes to make it!" I grabbed an extra can of green beans we had to see what had gone wrong and there it was: (2) 10oz cans cream of mushroom soup. Without much experience, she had thought it said 10 cans, not 10oz cans!

We put the dish out on the table with everyone else's dish because she had put so much effort into it. Everyone took a big gray scoop of it, and no one in our family has thought about green bean casserole the same way again. - Kerri, Ewing, NJ

Bygone Era Christmas Gifts

Nostalgic Carol Mugs Pottery Barn
$6.50 each

These beautifully illustrated drawings borrowed from vintage Christmas cards and carols adorn our holiday mugs. Collect all eight of these mugs for a set!




Nostalgic Carol Plates, Set of 4 Pottery Barn
$29.00

With the nostalgic appeal of Normal Rockwell drawings, the illustrations on our stoneware plates perfectly capture that magical feeling of Christmas from a bygone era. Each of our eight collectible plates features a different Christmas scene. To create them, our designers replicated images found on vintage holiday cards from the 1940s and arranged them with clippings of classic Christmas carols...




Antique-Silver Salt & Pepper Shakers Pottery Barn
Salt & Pepper Shakers. $19.00

Vintage silverware that’s been passed down for generations inspired this heirloom-quality salt and pepper shakers.



Etched Mercury Cachepot Pottery Barn
Mercury Cachepot. $10.00 – $19.00

Our cachepots were handblown using techniques developed in the 19th century, then etched in traditional patterns.






Ticking Stripe Ruffled Guest Towels, Set of 2 Pottery Barn
$19.00.

Set a welcoming tone in the powder room or guest bath with our guest towel sets. Our yarn-dyed Ticking Stripe Towels are edged with a ruched ruffle. Free Shipping Catalog/Internet Only Monogramming Available.

Christmas Tree Toppers

Glittery Star
The traditional Christmas star becomes a shimmering beacon when coated with silver glitter and outlined with wired tinsel roping.

Make This Tree Topper





Beautiful Christmas Decorations from Martha Stewart.com
Doily Star Tree-Topper
This doily tree-topper conjures images of folktales and snow-dusted forests.

Make This Decoration

SALE-Lighted Tree Topper - Angel - 9in- Christmas - Vintage
JuJuToo $12.00 Etsy




Isn't she adorable!

SALE-7in Tree Topper-Vintage - Angel - Christmas
JuJuToo $7.00

A Red & White Christmas

Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe at Epicurious.com
Peppermint buttercream is sandwiched between homemade chocolate cookies; then the sandwiches are rolled in crushed candy canes.







Better Homes & Gardens

Red-and-White Christmas Cake
Your guests will be delighted with this cake inside and out! As a centerpiece, it resembles a sumptuous snowball. Inside is an ever-favorite classic -- the red velvet cake -- made more delicious for the holidays with a raspberry filling.


View Red-and-White Christmas Cake recipe

















Good Housekeeping


Red and White Christmas Decorations - Red Christmas Decorating ... - Nov 30
Christmas Decorations in Red and White. Put a peppermint twist on the holidays with this crisp, classic combo.