Using Your Leftover Christmas Ornaments (Day 14)

Finally, something to do with those leftover Christmas ornaments.  Using the extras to decorate other rooms in your house can be fun, creative, and festive.

Use some of your leftover ribbon to hang your ornaments from a chandelier, 

hang in your window, or even from your ceiling. 

Your extra ornaments will work well as your centerpiece for your 

dinner table or any table in your home.

There are many uses for your leftover ornaments.  It's the holidays, be creative.

Now, Let's Get Inspired!

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Christmas Shopping Road Trip (Day 12)

Tis' the season to go shopping, fa-la-la.......

You have a ton of Christmas shopping to do and its always more fun to shop with friends.  The traffic is going to be horrendous and after visiting all those fabulous stores it would be nice if you could just enter your destination and the car takes you home without any help from you.  Problem solved; host a shopping excursion.

Think about all your friends that feel the same as you do.  Oh, and they have friends, and they have friends, and they have friends.  Trust me, it's not that difficult.  Whether you decide to make it a local trip or you think you might want to go out of state, make it fun, fun, fun.  Call three bus companies (I say more than three and you start to get confused) let them know whats going on.  Get all the pertinent information; cost, length of trip, deposit amount, when deposit is due, when balance is due, etc.  Discuss it with your friends, give them a deadline (always make it before your actual deadline date) and start collecting money.

If you decide to make it an out of state trip make sure you choose somewhere close that will be easy for a round trip.  You must get the coach bus as they will be supplied with a bathroom and you and your guests will have more comfort.

The yellow school bus works well for local shopping trips just remember to leave room in the back of the bus for all the packages Santa gives you to bring home.

Local or out of state I say spend the extra dollars for snacks.  Also, make sure you have some fun Christmas games to play on the bus.  Whichever route you take remember to have fun, enjoy the folks you invite, shop till you drop and leave the driving to someone else.

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Christmas Album Mantel (Day 11)

The holidays are here and you have a mantel to decorate.  Every year you place the ornaments just right, the garland goes in such a way, and the little red cherries give you that spark of color you want.  Well, for 2012 let's do something different.

Locate some old Christmas albums at a thrift store if you don't already have some in the back of your basement closet.  After finding your choices, glue them on a 3 x 3 piece of plywood.  When dry place on your mantel with all your favorite Christmas decorations (you don't need so many now) and you have a different Christmas look.

Now, Let's Get Inspired!

   

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Stocking Stuffers (Day 10)

Stocking stuffers are great if you are on a budget but you really would like to give something.  Below are a few items to help make your decision easier.

Stocking Stuffers For Toddlers:

1. Playdoh

2. Bathtub Crayons

3. Board Books

4. Character Kids Cup

5. Bubbles

Stocking Stuffers for Dads:

1. Wallet

2. Car Charger for Cell Phone

3. Coffee Shop Gift Car

4. Golf Balls/Tees

5. Mini Flashlight

Stuffers for Teens:

1. Earbuds

2. Cell Phone Covers

3. Funky Colored Nail Polish

4. USB Flash Drive

5. Itunes Gift Card

Stuffers for Mom:

1. Fancy Hand Soaps

2. Gourmet Coffee

3. Votive Candles

4. Manicure/Pedicure Gift Card

5. Beaded Bookmarks

Stuffers for Anybody:

1. Christmas Ornament

2. Slipper Socks

3. USB Flash Drive

4. Specialty Tea or Coffee

5. Hand and Foot Warming Packs

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Naughty and Nice (Day 9)

Here’s a great idea I found on Martha Stewart for a stocking stuffer.  Gift boxes resembling lumps of coal, however, there's no coal in these boxes.  This is a fun idea that is easy to create.  Can’t wait to try it.

Source

Now, Let's Get Inspired!

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Holiday Movie Marathon (Day 8)

I don’t know if you are like me but I love the holiday movies.  I look forward to watching the classics every year; White Christmas, Scrooge, It’s A Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34^th Street, and the cartoon classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas.  I usually have my favorite cashmere throw, some hot chocolate, and position myself on the sofa for a treat.  

This year I’m doing a holiday movie marathon (no more than three).  I will invite approximately six friends that I know enjoy holiday movies as I do and ask them to bring their favorite throw and movie.  If they don’t have the movies I will ask for suggestions and the movies with the most votes will win.  I’m sure I already have them or I will go to my neighborhood movie rental. 

I will set the mood by turning down overhead lighting only using the lights from the Christmas tree and the lights we used to decorate the windows.  I’m a big fan of the oversized chair and I have great oversized pillows for those that like the floor.  My menu will consist of buckets of popcorn, soda, water, and my favorite, nachos.  Of course I will have the candy treats along with some holiday desserts and hot chocolate. 

Once everyone arrives and settles in, let the movies begin.

Now, Let’s Get Inspired! 

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Girls Night In - Gift Wrapping Party (Day 7)

Every year you probably plan to wrap your gifts early and never get to it until the last minute.  Or, you are left alone while everyone else is celebrating and you’re wrapping gifts.  Well this year why not invite a few friends over for a light dinner, some holiday cheer, and wrap your gifts together. 

Make sure you invite an intimate group that is up for the task.  Have each person bring a roll or two of wrapping paper and their own scissors; think beyond red and green.  They should bring all gifts they want to wrap in the presence of others.  Choose a date and time that would be easy for all to attend.  If you choose a date closer to Christmas the more shopping will be completed.  If you purchased gifts for anyone that will be attending the party make sure you wrap those alone. 

Pump the holiday music and set out the supplies (wrapping paper, tape, name tags, ribbon, etc.).  Choose a space where you can create wrapping stations so everyone won’t be on top of each other.  Your menu does not have to be elaborate.  A small buffet of snacks and treats will do just fine.  When the wrapping is completed each person can keep any unused wrapping paper or they can leave with you for the next gift wrapping party. 

Holidays are a perfect time to enjoy with family and friends,

Now, Let's Get Inspired!   

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Holiday Cocktail (Day 6)

The holidays are among us and the parties are flowing.  When you give your gathering why not have a signature holiday cocktail.  Create a specialty drink that will soon become a yearly favorite.

Christmas Cheer Egg Nog

Ingredients:  1 oz of egg nog, 1 oz of peppermint schnapps
Layer egg nog first or stir ingredients together and enjoy

Cranberry Cocktail

Ingredients

2 cups fresh or thawed frozen cranberries, 1 cup pure maple syrup, 2 cups dry red wine, 1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar, 1 vanilla bean, split, seeds scraped, Thin strips of zest from 1/2 lemon, 2 teaspoons pink peppercorns, crushed, Pinch of coarse salt, 2/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 cups seltzer

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put cranberries into a large, high-sided skillet; set aside. Bring syrup, wine, brown sugar, vanilla bean and seeds, lemon zest, peppercorns, and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan, whisking occasionally.
2. Pour over cranberries. Cover tightly with foil, and bake until cranberries are soft but have not burst, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer cranberries to a bowl; cover with 1 cup cooking liquid. Let cool completely.
3. Bring 1/2 cup cooking liquid and the granulated sugar to a boil in a small saucepan, whisking until sugar has dissolved. Reduce heat to low; simmer until liquid has reduced and barely coats the back of a spoon, about 6 minutes. Pour through a fine sieve into a medium bowl; let cool completely. Syrup can be refrigerated in an airtight container until ready to use, up to 3 days.
4. Reserve 40 cranberries. Puree remaining cranberries and liquid in a blender.
5. To serve, place 10 reserved cranberries on each of 4 decorative skewers. Pour 1/4 cup puree and 1/4 cup syrup into each of four 12-ounce glasses; stir to combine. Add skewers, and fill glasses with ice. Top with seltzer, and serve.

Chocolate Peppermint Cookie

Ingredients:

3/4 oz Partida Blanco Tequila, 1 oz Peppermint Schnapps, 3/4 oz Godiva® Liqueur, 1-1/2 oz cream, candy canes (garnish), chocolate syrup (garnish)

Directions:

Rim martini glass with chocolate syrup and crushed candy canes. Shake ingredients in a shaker with ice and strain into martini glass.

Toasted Macaroon

Ingredients:
1 oz coconut milk, 1-1/2 oz coconut rum, 1/4 oz Licor 43, 1/2 oz Partida Blanco Tequila, 1/2 oz Frangelico, toasted coconut (garnish)

Directions:
Combine ingredients in a shaker and shake with ice. Strain into a glass filled with ice and garnish with toasted coconut shavings on top.

Now, Let's Start Mixing!

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Re-Gifting Party (Day 4)

I know that you know re-gifting is not cool, however, I know we all do it.  So, since we all do it why not have a Christmas re-gifting party.  This party is perfect if you are in a block club, small organization, or office party where everyone understands and gets the joke.

Keep the guest list small and intimate.  The smaller the group the more likely it will be a good exchange.

Make sure everyone brings a wrapped unwanted gift from the previous Christmas.  The goal is to bring the prettiest wrapped gift to entice others to want to choose it.  Please note, they should not bring a gift that was given by someone that will be attending the party.

Once everyone has arrived, have your guests draw numbers, this will be the order in which they choose a gift.  Everyone should wait until all gifts have been chosen before unwrapping.

I suggest to have a designated photographer, you don't want to miss the looks and the laughter. 

Now, Let's Get Inspired!   

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Christmas Carole Karaoke Party (Day 3)

In your home or at a venue who doesn't love karaoke.  

If you don't own a karaoke set nor do you want to buy one they can easily be rented.    

Create a Christmas playlist and off you go.  

All the pop artists as well as the classics make Christmas music so the choice is yours.  

For those that say they don't sing, make a few spiked holiday drinks and watch what happens.      

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Tree Trimming Party (Day 2)

Most of us have attended a tree trimming party at one time or another.  I have found them to be fun, and the tree gets trimmed in no time at all leaving the remaining time for partying.

There is little preparation needed as the focus is on trimming the tree.  You can start with a bare tree or have the lights on your tree before your guests arrive.  Choose one area and spread out your ornaments, garland, tinsel, lights, etc. making it easy for your guest to pick from.  

Buffet style would be perfect for this event.  Your guests can break when they want, grab a snack and return without problems.  It's always nice to have a holiday drink ready and waiting, your choice of alcohol or not (I say both).  Eggnog, cider, and hot chocolate are my faves   A nice choice of Christmas music playing on the Ipod is a must.

All in all a tree trimming party is an easy way to get family and friends together for lots of laughter, good times, and all on a low budget.  Oh, I almost forgot, don't forget to take photos.  Happy Holidays.  

Now, Let's Get Inspired!

  

  

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The Ugly Sweater Party (Day 1)

To all my fellow bloggers and blog readers, I am so excited about my next blogging endeavor.  My goal for the month of December is to give you 31 holiday party ideas and tips to help make this holiday season fun. That’s right, one idea/tip a day.  If you have any ideas of your own please add to the comments section.  Now, let’s get started.

If you have managed to go this long in life without obtaining some dreadful Christmas sweater you have done good.  However, for this party you definitely will need one.

Invite family and friends to put some use to that sweater they have hidden in the back of their closet.  Your party is guaranteed to be fun and your guests will have plenty to talk about. 
Just in case you don’t have a sweater visit your local K-Mart and you are sure to find them.  They are not expensive and your party photos will be something you will always cherish and remember.

Now, Let's Get Inspired!

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Avoiding the Holiday Debt Hangover

The holidays are fast upon us and if you are like me, the gift of giving is far greater than receiving.  However, in today’s economy households have less to splurge with.  With that said, I am offering a few tips to help avoid this year’s holiday debt hangover.

1.  Create A Budget – I know Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays are around the corner but its not too late create a budget for who and what you are going to spend.  My family is not very large so I make sure I buy specifically for the kids and if the budget permits I buy for the adults.

2.  Keep Your Priorities in Order - Although you are in the spirit of giving remember, there is life after the holidays. 

3.  Know Your Vendor - Whatever the deal, whatever the temptation, don’t buy from anyone you don’t trust.  Make sure you check out the return policy.    

4.  Debit vs. Credit vs. Cash – By all means use debit cards and cash above credit.  If you must use credit make sure you can pay it off by the next due date.

5.  Black Friday and Cyber Monday – Make sure you are really getting a deal.  I always go in a few days before and see the non sale price to make sure I’m getting a deal. 

6.  Create a Shopping List – Know what you are going into the store for.  Going in the stores all willy nilly will eat up you budget quickly.

7.  Large Families – If you have a large family and your budget can’t be adjusted suggest having a grab bag. 

8.  Look For Alternatives – Some people on your list may appreciate a homemade gift (photo in a nice frame, crocheted shawl, free babysitting for a weekend, homemade jams, etc.) in place of a purchased gift.

9.  Free Gift Wrapping – Take advantage where this is offered.  Saves on buying wrapping paper and your time.

10. Save, Save, Save – Start a monthly savings plan for 2013.  Choose an amount to set aside each month so you can pay for everything in cash.

 

Now, Let’s Get Inspired!

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