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Tips, Techniques, Unique and Fresh Ideas for Preparing and Organizing Festive Holiday Celebrations, Gifting.
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“The Christmas Season Starts Earlier Each Year.
5 Tips for Taking Advantage of it."
For decades, retailers and families began decorating for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving. Five to six years ago, retailers started the day after Halloween. And now Christmas has been moved way back to September. In fact, the day after Labor Day, in the U.S., is the new day on which retailers have begun organizing for the Christmas season.
While it’s a bit disconcerting to see holiday décor before fall arrives, and while we’ve barely experienced the end of summer, it can serve as a great time to plan ahead. Especially with prices rising.
Here’s 5 great things you can do to help prepare for a wonderful holiday season:
1. Find great sales on gifts. While it’s too early to find many sales on holiday décor, you can find a wealth of sales - and discounts - on gifts for family and friends. For instance, if your teenage son or daughter wanted a new cel phone, Blackberry or computer, this is the time to find them. Not only will you have an array to choose from, you’ll also get a much better deal. Not to mention have plenty of time
to check around for the best deals.
2. Save cash to buy gifts. Years ago banks had Christmas Clubs. You set up an account with a specific amount you’d deposit each week. Say $20 a week. By December 1st the bank would send you a check for the amount in your club account. While we don’t have those today, you can set up a savings account specifically for holiday spending. If you’ve been diligent, by Thanksgiving you should have set aside enough money to pay cash for some - or all - your Christmas gifts. And as you know, paying cash brings many more deals. Note: the average American household spends $1000 on Christmas gifts.
3. Put expensive items on layaway. This year many large companies announced they’re offering lay-away plans. What this means is it’ll be easier to find more expensive items and pay on them weekly, until paid. This gives you more opportunities to find, and buy, items you may not ordinarily have afforded. While you may be charged a small fee to do this, it’s nothing compared to the freedom you have to buy what you want.
4. Plan holiday meals and desserts. With prices on food higher than ever, if you decide on a menu - for Thanksgiving, Christmas, even New Years - ahead of time, it will be easier to plan purchases of many non-perishable items. Plus you can bake or cook some dishes in advance and freeze them. Also, planning a menu ahead of time allows you to experiment with new dishes and desserts.
5. Change holiday décor. In time all holiday décor begins to fade, break, chip and crack. So eventually you’ll need to replace some. With Christmas and other holiday items on sale from September, on, you can expect there will be plenty of sales. Not sure what type of new décor to purchase, buy several holiday magazines and check out what’s new. Not to mention you can buy it a little at a time, and get more creative.
Katt Turner started at 7 helping her mother organize wonderful holiday celebrations for their extended family. A “foodie”, by age 18 she was impressing family and friends with sumptuous dinners, desserts; creating unique recipes. Swapping recipes with family, friends, co-workers. Katt’s a tireless volunteer. Helping disables seniors and battered women’s groups obtain food, necessary services, benefits.
"Some Basic Info if You're Thinking About Putting
Holiday Items on a Layaway Payment Plan"
A layaway plan allows a company to hold items, you want to purchase, in their backroom. They set up a payment schedule for you. And once the entire amount of the merchandise, plus a small service fee is paid, those items are released to you.
Here’s a few guidelines for paying on layaways:
* A layaway plan is a contract which must be paid. Although if you default in many cases you’ll receive a refund.
* You’re required to make those payments - on time - in order to keep your layaway items on hold. Otherwise most companies return the merchandise back to the sales floor if you haven’t paid within a day or two of a scheduled payment.
* Some companies have a set amount of time - say 60 days - they’ll hold your layaway items. The amount you pay is a percentage of the total amount of the layaway items. You’ll pay that - say every 2 weeks - for example.
* Expect to pay a $5 or $10 layaway handling fee which is non-refundable.
* Expect to pay a $5 to $10 cancellation fee if you default or change your mind.
* There are guidelines regarding what you can't put on layaway.
* Rules regarding non-payment, refunds and returns.
* Layaway purchase plans are usually interest free.
Remember to read the fine print before you sign a layaway form. Especially where it concerns refunds. And the exchanging of an item on layaway for another. Also remember to ask about putting sale items or special priced items on layaway.
Basically, these are simple systems which allow you to buy on “time”. Also to get the most out of your cash with deals and sales.
Katt Turner started at 7 helping her mother organize wonderful holiday celebrations for their extended family. A “foodie”, by age 18 she was impressing family and friends with sumptuous dinners, desserts; creating unique recipes. Swapping recipes with family, friends, co-workers. Katt’s a tireless volunteer. Helping disables seniors and battered women’s groups obtain food, necessary services, benefits.
"What are some of the worst holiday gifts? Here’s 7."
Giving gifts and receiving them should be a win-win situation. Yet it isn’t
always that way. Often people gift others with things they want. On the other hand some simply don’t want to waste time searching for a gift. And end up giving something totally inappropriate or thoughtless.
Furthermore, some gifts come with unspoken words or suggestions. Be sure you want the person receiving the gift to understand them.
UnderwearThis is not a gift. And best left to mothers to give their kids, young or old. Unless you’re giving a fun pair of boxers to a guy who understands the unspoken words, or a significant other who will actually appreciate them, leave them off your gift list. Wallet
While a wallet seems the perfect gift, it serves only to remind the person gifted what they don’t have. Unless it’s something a person wants, steer clear of them. Or unless you’re giving one to a high school or college student. In that case, include a gift certificate inside
it, or some cash.
Pre-wrapped gifts
Believe it or not pre-wrapped gifts, like those you buy at a pharmacy or grocery store are top on the list of don’t give gifts. These are bought only when you don’t have time to give a real gift. Don’t care. Or think you can get away with something cheap. No one likes pre-wrapped gifts. Unless of course you purchase something wonderful and have it gift wrapped. That’s entirely different.
Snowglobes and crazy holiday decor
Because you like, or collect snow globes or unique holiday décor - like wreaths with snowmen who sing raunchy songs every time someone approaches, doesn‘t mean everyone likes them, too. Unless someone collects them, save these as gifts for yourself.
Clothing and Shoes
Aside from lingerie, clothing and shoes are some of the most difficult gifts to buy. Yet you’d be surprised how many people buy and give them as gifts. And get it totally wrong. Shoes, like clothing and some accessories, are personal items. Best left to individuals. There are just too many things to consider - like size, color, style for example. Not to mention the height, size and weight of the individual you’re gifting.
Lingerie
By far, lingerie is the most difficult gift to buy and give. Mainly because of the unique way in which each woman regards her body. Buy her something too large, she may think you feel she’s too small; to small you may think she needs to lose weight. And the beat goes on. If you value your relationship steer clear of this type of gift. And never, ever give a gift of lingerie to someone you barely know.
Fruitcake
Unless you make fabulous fruitcake, don’t go there. Because you love your own fruitcake, or a specialty brand, doesn’t mean everyone else does. Most people don’t. Plus, the word fruitcake has a variety of negative meanings. Not to mention it’s considered the all-time worst gift to give. So spare people the lies, innuendo. And faked excitement.
Katt Turner started at 7 helping her mother organize wonderful holiday celebrations for their extended family. A “foodie”, by age 18 she was impressing family and friends with sumptuous dinners, desserts; creating unique recipes. Swapping recipes with family, friends, co-workers. Katt’s a tireless volunteer. Helping disables seniors and battered women’s groups obtain food, necessary services, benefits.
"5 Important Pre-Planning Tips to Help Save Money
on Holiday Trimmings and Décor."
For some, holiday decorating can be one of the hardest things to do. Yet, it’s easier than you think. Instead of overwhelming yourself buying new decorations, consider repurposing and reorganizing what you have. Not only will you give life to old and well-loved ornaments and décor, you’ll save time and money to.
1. First, check out your holiday decorations. Aside from gifts, holiday décor can be very expensive. So before you rush out to buy tons of new stuff, go through boxes of what you already have first.
Toss out old cards. And unless you can repair them, toss broken ornaments and décor, tree trimmings; anything turning brown with age. Some well-loved, but chipped or faded ornaments, can be easily repaired - given new life - with some glue or colorful spray or glitter. Set those aside. Take stock of what you can use. Start a list of what you’ll need and carry it with you. Tis the season and stores will be filled to the rafters with holiday décor and trim.
2. Think about giving new life to aging or well-loved decorations. Often it can be much less expensive repairing old ornaments, and décor, rather then buying new. Plus it’s creative and fun.
* A can or two of gold or silver Glitter Spay can do wonders for fading ornaments. Give new life to other aging décor. Or - use colorful sprays to do the job.
* Give new life to ornaments by gluing a bow to tops; place an ornament hanger through the middle of the bow to hang.
* Glue stars and other tiny decorations to old ornaments. Spray with canned snow.
* Drape ornament tops with some gold or silver beads.
* Add colorful bows and small decorations to boring artificial green trim and wreaths. Or remove old trim and add new. Drape gold, silver, or colored bead strings through them. Spray some canned snow on
greenery.
3. Consider using greenery, berries and pinecones from your yard or garden. It’s easy to get creative with a harvest from your garden. Not only is it inexpensive, you’re doing eco-friendly decorating. And doing no harm to your garden.
For instance - *Tie together several small branches (branch bottoms up so fuller part points down); add some berries and a bow. *Trim bottoms of fallen limbs, place them in a large watering can; add branches of red or colored berries; tie bow around the can‘s handle.
*Gather up pinecones of varying sizes. Place in a large glass or wooden bowls or tall jars. Mix in some berries, add a couple of ornaments, break up some cinnamon sticks, for example. *Lay some boxwood branches over a fireplace mantle or down the middle of your dining table. Add some dripless candles in holders; tie red or green ribbon around candleholder base. *Make simple wreaths; using a Styrofoam wreath as a base, cover it with Moss you glue on. Add a bow and a couple of cinnamon sticks or small ornaments.
There’s no end of creative ways in which you can use items harvested from your garden. Even fruits.
4. Ask family and friends for decorations they aren’t using. And/or exchange decorations. Believe it or not, others may have extra decorations or those they don’t want. Ask around. Then set up a time to check those out. Decide what can be easily repaired. Use the info above as a guide for repairing or rejuvenating ornaments and trim.
5. Plan a holiday decorations budget once you have a list of what you need. And stick to it. Much of what you need can easily, and inexpensively, be found at places like Goodwill and other second hand stores. Even Dollar Stores. Holiday bazaars and weekend street fairs and markets.
Note: Toss what you can’t use. Give away what you don’t want. Buy what you need. Get creative and re-purpose what you have. And you’ll have a the best holiday season ever.
Katt Turner started at 7 helping her mother organize wonderful holiday celebrations for their extended family. A “foodie”, by age 18 she was impressing family and friends with sumptuous dinners, desserts; creating unique recipes. Swapping recipes with family, friends, co-workers. Katt’s a tireless volunteer. Helping disables seniors and battered women’s groups obtain food, necessary services, benefits.
"Christmas Officially Starts Once Your Tree is
Majestically Standing"
Nothing says Christmas like the simple, yet beautiful, Christmas tree. And whether you harvest yours from a snowy Maine forest, or thoughtfully purchase it locally, once it‘s standing it‘s becomes the glorious focus of the holiday season.
Nothing delights the senses more, brings back more memories, than a pungent smell of a tree throughout the home during this joyous holiday season. Stirring remembrances of Christmases past. Celebrating childhood Christmases with parents and grandparents. Your children’s first Christmas. Wonderful holidays spent with family and friends who are no longer with us.
Aside from family congregating for dinners and gift exchanges, your tree will form the cornerstone of your holiday. It’s colorful, twinkling lights. Ornaments that sparkle and lazily turn. Very importantly, also adorned with your beloved ornaments. Which gladden your heart with thoughts of holidays past. It’s no wonder the dazzling Christmas tree, you carefully trimmed, becomes the central location around which family and friends festively gravitate,
Favorite Trees
While all of us have a favorite type of Christmas tree, the Balsam is the post popular. It has the look and smell of the quintessential holiday tree. Because it’s neither prickly nor bushy is easy to decorate. Plus, once the season is over, you can strip it of it’s needles, if they’re still healthy, create balsam sachets and small pillows. To keep the incredible smell of the season drifting through your home throughout the winter months. Plus, you can trim your Balsam tree in any creative way you desire.
If you live in the Rocky Mountains or Northwest, the fragrant Douglas Fir is likely what you’ll trim this season. On the other hand, if you’re from the Southwest, the Douglas Fraser Fir is usually the favorite. Looking much like a balsam. All of which can easily be decorated as well as a Balsam.
Though fuller, the Spruce is classic in shape. However it’s shape makes it slightly more difficult to decorate with larger ornaments which may need
placing farther within the limbs instead of on the ends of branches. If, instead, you have smaller lighter ornaments, popcorn strings and lighter garlands and tinsel, the Spruce tree is perfect.
The Scotch Pine is more spherical than Conical in shape. It’s branches so thickly furred with spiny needles it almost impossible to decorate properly. If you love this beautiful tree, it’s best left lightly trimmed, with no heavy ornaments.
Katt Turner started at 7 helping her mother organize wonderful holiday celebrations for their extended family. A “foodie”, by age 18 she was impressing family and friends with sumptuous dinners, desserts; creating unique recipes. Swapping recipes with family, friends, co-workers. Katt’s a tireless volunteer. Helping disables seniors and battered women’s groups obtain food, necessary services, benefits.
"5 Tips for Choosing and Caring for Your Holiday Tree"
Taking care of your holiday Christmas tree, from the start, will ensure your tree will not only be healthy but look great all through the season. Just one simple thing, you can do from the start, helps put your tree on the road to good health. But let’s start, first, with the size and location of it. Since that will help determine the one you’ll buy. Help you purchase the perfect three for you and your family.
1. First, measure the height, from floor to ceiling, where you plan to sit your tree. Most trees will look smaller when standing amongst others in the forest or a crowded lot. Choose the wrong size and it will not only be too tall, but possibly overwhelm the space you have available.
Tall thin trees are best in smaller rooms. Fit and look good in corners. If it’s to sit up against a wall, choose a tree with one flat side so it lays well against the wall. Choosing a tree to sit in a central location? In order for it to look good, and sit well, your tree must be evenly rounded on all sides, from top to bottom.
2. Fresh cut trees last longer and are safer. If possible, get a recently cut tree. When shaken, they will loose few, if any needles. If you can bend a needle between your fingers, and it doesn’t break, it’s likely fresh.
3. If you must purchase far in advance, cut the trunk of the tree at an angle so it has a greater water absorption. And stand it in a pail of hot water, to start. To give it the start of a long healthy life. Thereafter keep fresh water in the pail using tepid tap water. Keep water fresh and your tree can sit, pre-cut, for a month or more. Fresh trees not only last longer, keeping their fragrance, a dry one is prone to combustion.
4. Once you’re ready to set up your tree, cut the base of the tree straight across so it’s flat and fits securely into it’s tree holder. Use a firm, heavy stand. One which is wide enough at the base so the tree won’t tip over and fall. Be sure the stand has a large water basin. Making sure to refill the basin daily.
5. If your floor is carpeted, it’s a good idea to place a piece of plywood (at least 3’x3’) on the floor. Then set tree on plywood to help stabilize it.
Remember to sit your tree in a secure area where pets or children won’t knock it over. Keep it a cool place away from all heat sources. Securely fitted into your tree stand.
Katt Turner started at 7 helping her mother organize wonderful holiday celebrations for their extended family. A “foodie”, by age 18 she was impressing family and friends with sumptuous dinners, desserts; creating unique recipes. Swapping recipes with family, friends, co-workers. Katt’s a tireless volunteer. Helping disables seniors and battered women’s groups obtain food, necessary services, benefits.
"You Can Festively Decorate the Family Tree
This Christmas Season - 7 Great Tips Professionals
Use to Make it Simple, Fun"
Decorating the tree comes second only to opening gifts during the Christmas season. In fact, it’s often the highlight of the season. When families gather. Sharing memories of Christmases past.
While every family has it’s own traditions when comes to tree trimming, there are several important things to do to make decorating more festive, fun. And easier.
1. Check out your strings of lights first. There’s nothing worse than totally decorating the tree, plugging in the lights, and nothing happens. If checking out the lights is too time consuming a project, find another willing family member. After checking each length of lights, connect each string to one another to make sure once they’re all connected to each other, the entire length of lights works when finally plugged in.
2. Always place the lights on the tree first. The reason for this, it’s too difficult to place them on tree limbs once you’ve already filled the tree with ornaments and decorations.
3. Use heavier lights if you want to hold thick tree branches down. If you want to fill bare spots, and add balance, smaller lights work best. Before adding ornaments, check your tree from every angle to be sure the lights are well balanced and secure.
4. If you’re planning to add a tree topper, do it right after adding the lights.
This way, if it doesn’t fit properly you’re free and able to fix the problem. Saving it until the end could create problems. The least of which - breaking your beloved ornaments.
5. Place any tinsel or bead strands on the tree next - after the lights and tree topper. Whether it’s tinsel, beads, chains or strings of beads, popcorn, or berries.
6. Professionals start draping tinsel at the bottom of tree, first. Looping, heavily, around the entire length of lowest branches which will support it. And working your way to the top. Drape your garland generously. So lots of it hangs down between branches before looping up to next. In short, don’t let your tree look like you’ve bundled it up for market. Give the garland a slight twist around each limb or connect it to a each limb with a wire ornament hanger to secure it.
7. Hang your largest and showiest ornaments in places where garlands connect. This helps frame smaller ornaments. Plain glass balls are best hung back, inside, branches - near the trunk. In order to reflect lights. And give depth to your tree. Hang smallest ornaments at branch tips where they can be seen. If there’s no room, place them on a tree-top table.
If you’re like us, every Christmas brings it’s unique, new thrill when it comes to trimming the tree. If you take it one step at a time, you’ll quickly have your tree gaily trimmed. Everyone ready to celebrate the spirit of the season.
Katt Turner started at 7 helping her mother organize wonderful holiday celebrations for their extended family. A “foodie”, by age 18 she was impressing family and friends with sumptuous dinners, desserts; creating unique recipes. Swapping recipes with family, friends, co-workers. Katt’s a tireless volunteer. Helping disables seniors and battered women’s groups obtain food, necessary services, benefits.
"Decorating Your Tree With Handmade Ornaments
Can Make Your Tree Prettier Than Commercial Ornaments"
Each season many want to try new ornaments. To give a fresh look to their holiday tree. But sometimes a few simple ornaments you and your family can make at home can create a look much prettier. Garner more compliments than commercially purchased ornaments.
Here’s 6 suggestions:
- Unless you have time, it’s best to create your ornaments in advance. This way you have plenty of time to gather up necessary materials to properly complete your ornaments. Much of which you may already have.
- Learn Origami. There’s no end of unique ornaments you can make using this simple design system. Once you learn the technique, you can make ornaments quickly.
- Gather up goodies from your garden or a local area. There’s tons available even in late fall. For example flowers. Once flowers have bloomed, tie together a small bunch with string. And hang bunches upside down on a clothesline or wire to dry. When dry, snip ends so the bunch is 6-8” long. Tie with bright ribbon and lay or tie on branches. If color has faded, lightly spray with glitter.
- Make a variety of boxes using small pieces of cardboard. Or reuse a variety of actual boxes. Spray box with bright color. Then spread thick, clear glue over box. Decorate with buttons, colorful spray glitter, rhinestones, for example. Tie with colorful ribbon or raffia.
- Cut strips of 3” ribbon 6” long. Using scissors, cut a “V” into bottom of ribbon. Fold back 1/4th inch at top; and glue. Make a small bow and glue to front of ribbon top. Glue buttons, for example, on in a unique pattern.
- Buy an assortment of Styrofoam balls. Wrap them with holiday colored yarn or ribbon. Make a bow and using a straight pin, punch it into ornament top. Place a metal ornament hanger thru ribbon and hang.
There are tons of items you may already have at home or can inexpensively purchase to create ornaments to make each holiday uniquely yours. For example, candy and cookie ornaments, garden tools. Using nature, folk art and your own creativity as a guide you’ll come up with tons of unique ornaments. You, family and friends will love. Guaranteed.
Katt Turner started at 7 helping her mother organize wonderful holiday celebrations for their extended family. A “foodie”, by age 18 she was impressing family and friends with sumptuous dinners, desserts; creating unique recipes. Swapping recipes with family, friends, co-workers. Katt’s a tireless volunteer. Helping disables seniors and battered women’s groups obtain food, necessary services, benefits.
"Creating Unique, Aromatic, Decorations Using
What You Probably Have in Your Kitchen"
Since the times of the first American settlers, Christmas was organized, decorations created, using food and other items found in the kitchen. And nothing says Christmas more than aromas we associate with the season wafting through your home.
- There are tons of foods which can be used to decorate with. In this article you’ll discover how to create unique decorations with apples, oranges and lemons.
Using a small fine pointed knife, cut out a 1/4th inch wide ring around the middle, and another one 1” from the bottom of each Lemon and Orange you plan to use. Centering it, cut a similar swath from top to bottom of each side of fruit. But don’t cut down to the pulpy part of the fruit; only to the inside skin. Stick Cloves into each circle, leaving a small space between each Clove. Place fruit in bowls and sit around your home. Or stick one metal “U” shaped floral pick upside down into the top of each fruit; tie a ribbon to each and hang on your tree or use to decorate a wreath, for instance.
- Use apples to create small Christmas trees:
You’ll need craft glue, 4 12” high Styrofoam cones, 1 dozen red apples, 1 dozen 12” thin, round craft sticks. 4 small, full branches of Boxwood.
Using a small knife, flatten one side of 3 cones. Then glue them together. Take the 4th cone, turn it upside down, and glue in into the middle of the 3 other cones (bottom is on top). Sit the group on a piece of sturdy cardboard, trace the bottom of the group, and cut. Glue the cardboard cutout to the bottom of Styrofoam cones as a base. Then glue Styrofoam base into the center of a 12”x12” piece of ¼” plywood.
Cut craft sticks to measure about 8” long. Cut one for each apple. Force one rounded stick into the bottom of each apple. And starting at the bottom of cones, stick in enough apples to fill in a circle around the base of cones to start forming your tree. Then add another level over that, and another. Until cones are full. Using the smallest one for a topper. Snip small pieces off your Boxwood branches and stick between apples to fill it out and make it look like a tree.
Sometimes it’s the simple things in life which bring us the greatest pleasure. Especially those creative decorations make at home. Often with family and friends at our side.
Katt Turner
started at 7 helping her mother organize wonderful holiday celebrations for their extended family. A “foodie”, by age 18 she was impressing family and friends with sumptuous dinners, desserts; creating unique recipes. Swapping recipes with family, friends, co-workers. Katt’s a tireless volunteer. Helping disables seniors and battered women’s groups obtain food, necessary services, benefits.
"Treasured Gifts Are Always Appreciated During
the Christmas Season"
You won’t have to be a skilled artisan or craftsman to create original gifts for family and friends. The most important thing about handmade gifts is the person you’re gifting knows you were thinking of them when you created it. Cared enough to give them of your time, too.
Even the smallest handmade gift brings with it a personal warmth no purchased gift can bring.
Before you start, think of the skills you have, materials you already have on hand. For instance, are you a sewer, knitter, scrap booker, quilter, baker. Though you may not have any of these hobbies or skills, if you think about it you can come up with something special you do. Which can easily be translated into a creative gift.
Begin with projects which don’t require lots of money to start or create. Or hours to make. Often, simple hand-sewn items like baskets, ornaments, stocking dolls, or potpourri made in your kitchen, can make perfect gifts. Simple and fast to make; requiring little money. Plus, you may discover once you’ve created these unique items it will turn into a hobby you’ll enthusiastically continue long after the holidays.
And tons of other gifts can easily be created using nature’s bounty. You can gather up dried seeds, cones and grasses at your convenience months before Christmas. Wreath making, organizing greens for hanging, is easier than you think. And they’re not fragile. Can be stored in a cool place until shipped.
Regardless of what gift you design, every person gifted will welcome it. Thanking you, sincerely, for your thoughtfulness.
Katt Turner
started at 7 helping her mother organize wonderful holiday celebrations for their extended family. A “foodie”, by age 18 she was impressing family and friends with sumptuous dinners, desserts; creating unique recipes. Swapping recipes with family, friends, co-workers. Katt’s a tireless volunteer. Helping disables seniors and battered women’s groups obtain food, necessary services, benefits.
"Creations From the Kitchen are Always Welcome Gifts
during the Holiday Season"
When it comes to gifts, none is as appreciated as one made by you that comes from your kitchen. And whether you’re creating gifts using a harvest from your own garden, or one you’ve gathered up from the local farmer’s market, guaranteed your gift will be appreciated.
Here’s some examples of gifts you can create, at your convenience, in your own kitchen:
Vinegars
Herbs as dressing or to cook with
Pumpkin bisque
Lemon sauces, drinks, dressings
Preserves, Jellies
Breads, Muffins
Cookies
All of these items can be made well in advance of the holidays. In fact, many cookies can be frozen, defrosted at room temp, and wrapped. Many ingredients may even be found in your kitchen. Or purchased inexpensively, in bulk, at your local food warehouse. Once created, may take little more than a cheerful holiday ribbon around them. Very importantly, these personal gifts will be there for them to enjoy and appreciate long after the holidays.
As always, handmade gifts, especially those made in your own kitchen, not only last long after the holidays. They’re always appreciated.
Katt Turner started at 7 helping her mother organize wonderful holiday celebrations for their extended family. A “foodie”, by age 18 she was impressing family and friends with sumptuous dinners, desserts; creating unique recipes. Swapping recipes with family, friends, co-workers. Katt’s a tireless volunteer. Helping disables seniors and battered women’s groups obtain food, necessary services, benefits.
"5 Ways You Can Creatively Decorate Using
Red Poinsettias If You’re Too Busy to Decorate
This Christmas"
Too busy to take time to decorate this season? Great news! You can easily create wonderful ambiance for your home using red Poinsettias. It’s easy and inexpensive. And can create a look so unique, friends and family will be impressed.
1. Place one pot at each end of your mantle. Then take 2, 4” clay plant pots, turn them upside down; placing one, each, about 4-6” away from the other plants. Sit a Poinsettia on each. If they don’t have ribbons around the pot, tie one on.
2. To festively decorate your unused fireplace, take 3-5 old pails, in varying sizes, and turn each upside down on the fireplace grate - in a loose “A” formation, except the front 2. Placing the smallest up front, larger to the back. Place one Poinsettia inside each of the front pails. Putting one on top of each of the other pails. And one in the middle of the “A” formation, sitting it on the grate. Tie a ribbon around each pot. Spread some fresh greens around the pails.
3. If your dining table is rectangular, sit a line of 5-7 Poinsettias down the middle, on a white runner or table cloth. If it’s round, place 3-5 in a tight circle in the table center. Spread fresh greens in a circle around the bases of the plant pots. Or place around pots on your rectangular table. Sit colorful ornaments in the greenery. Tie one long ribbon around the entire group and make a large bow. Or affix a large pre-made bow.
4. Use pots of Poinsettias to ring around the bottom of your Christmas Tree.
5. Place a row of Poinsettias on a long table. Add fresh greens, lay bows or ornaments around bases of pots. Place Poinsettias in a group in the center of a coffee table. Place, one each, on stairs to an upper level. Place on top of kitchen cabinets.
Katt Turner started at 7 helping her mother organize wonderful holiday celebrations for their extended family. A “foodie”, by age 18 she was impressing family and friends with sumptuous dinners, desserts; creating unique recipes. Swapping recipes with family, friends, co-workers. Katt’s a tireless volunteer. Helping disables seniors and battered women’s groups obtain food, necessary services, benefits.
"5 Tips to Help You Care for Your Poinsettia
Make it Flourish for Months"
How long your plants last depends on the maturity of the plant, when you purchase it, how you treat it. With reasonable care it can stay beautiful for months.
1. Keep your plants comfortable, away from low temps. Even a few minutes in cold atmospheres can damage them. Keep them away from windows where it’s colder. Also keep them away from heat registers, radiators, for example.
2. Place your plants in indirect light. Six hours is ideal.
3. The ideal day temp is 60-70F. Evening temp 55F. Too high a temperature will drastically shorten a Poinsettia’s life.
4. Place your potted plants on kitchen saucers or on clay saucers purchased in your local garden supply store. Check soil periodically to be sure plant soil isn’t parched. Though it’s best to water when soil is dry. If plants are wrapped in colored foils, punch holes in several places to allow excess water to drain onto saucer.
5. If you plan to keep your plants throughout the holiday season, it’s best to fertilize them once a month with a simple houseplant fertilizer. But don’t fertilize when plant is in bloom.
Katt Turner
started at 7 helping her mother organize wonderful holiday celebrations for their extended family. A “foodie”, by age 18 she was impressing family and friends with sumptuous dinners, desserts; creating unique recipes. Swapping recipes with family, friends, co-workers. Katt’s a tireless volunteer. Helping disables seniors and battered women’s groups obtain food, necessary services, benefits.
"Some Basic Helpful Tips for Purchasing and
Caring for Poinsettias"
Poinsettias are native to the country of Mexico. And were introduced in America by Joel Poinsett in 1825. They’ve often been called the Lobster flower and the flame leaf flower.
They’re perennials. And in their native environment can grow as tall as ten feet. The showy colored parts of them, which people consider leaves, are actually called bracts (modified leaves). The flowers are actually the yellowish flowers in the middle of the bracts. Called cyathia. And are priced according to the number of blooms.
Current studies at Ohio State University show they aren’t poisonous if eaten by humans. But can cause what’s commonly called a stomach if dozens are eaten. But can do harm to pets. Sap which can ooze from them can cause a skin irritation. And common stomach ache if ingested.
There are over 100 varieties of Poinsettias. Fresh Poinsettias have fewer or no yellow pollen in the center of the cyathia. And plants which have shed their pollen will soon loose their leaves. Though they are grown in 50 American states, California is the top growing state. With 85% of all Poinsettias grown coming from that state. And December 12th is known as Poinsettia Day.
The majority of Americans (74%) prefer the color red. 8% prefer white. 6%prefer pink. Since 2004 have been the best selling potted flowering plant in the U.S. The majority of plants purchased by women. They’re also the most popular Christmas plant. Most sold within 6 weeks of Christmas.
- Tips for Purchasing a Poinsettia
Make sure those you purchase have dark green foliage at their base near the soil line. Be sure the ‘bracts’ are completely colored. Don’t purchase plants with lots of green around the bract edges, or with fallen or yellowed leaves, or with drooping leaves. Be sure to check the plant’s soil. If it’s over-wet and the plant is wilted, this can be a sign of root-rot.
Poinsettias you choose should be full and balanced, color vibrant. Don’t purchase plants packed too closely together or used for display under hot lights. And don’t purchase plants with paper or colored sleeves surrounding the pot. As they’re likely to deteriorate quickly.
- Tips for Caring for Your Poinsettia
Be sure to keep your plants protected in weather below 50 degrees. Exposing it to cold temps can shorten it’s life. Remove any coverings and sit in areas with indirect light. 6 hours of daylight is best. Keep plants away from cold areas in your home, especially windows. Also, keep them always from heaters, radiators and other sources of heat. The ideal tem is 60-70F. Since higher or lower temps will shorten the life of the plant.
Be sure to check the soil at least every other day. Don’t over water it, but don’t allow it to become parched. Water it when it’s dry. Be sure to place each plant on a kitchen saucer or clay plant saucer and allow drainage. If you plan to keep your plants beyond the holiday season, feed it simple houseplant fertilizer once a month. Don’t fertilize it when it’s in bloom.
Katt Turner started at 7 helping her mother organize wonderful holiday celebrations for their extended family. A “foodie”, by age 18 she was impressing family and friends with sumptuous dinners, desserts; creating unique recipes. Swapping recipes with family, friends, co-workers. Katt’s a tireless volunteer. Helping disables seniors and battered women’s groups obtain food, necessary services, benefits.
"A Simple History of Christmas and American Traditions"
When you think about Christmas today, it’s hard to believe it wasn’t always as it is. But many traditions and celebrations we celebrate today, have changed and developed somewhat from the holiday’s original ideas for seasonal celebration.
In fact, Christmas was banned by our Puritan ancestors. Who were reacting strongly to what reminded them of “relics of Popery”. Based upon a centuries old conflict between Protestant and Catholic faiths. And later a similar conflict with high-Anglican and low-Protestant sects. Because most original Puritans were Protestants from England or Germany, these thoughts prevailed.
However, when later settlers came along, making homes in the southern part of America, they decided the season should be one of convivial celebration. In fact, it should be one of good cheer and merriment, sharing good food and companionship. Surrounded by hardship, difficult weather and almost unendurably cold, they wanted this to be an uplifting time. To celebrate hope. Hope for the success of this new nation called America.
As settlers moved on, they took their traditions with them. Traditions molded from their original homelands; married to their new lives in America. Slowly creating a new and truly all-American holiday.
The first celebrations were little more than a better meal than usual. Members of each settler’s family exchanging one gift with each other. Singing a carol of two remembered from their countries or origin or passed on. These were simple celebrations which over the decades grew, and evolved, into what we know today.
Since the majority of new settlers to America came from England, many traditions created developed from the British “Christes Maesse” (Christmas Mass) - a church enactment of the nativity. As early as the fourth century A.D. Christians in America adopted December 25th as Christ’s birthday; partly so all could celebrate it on the same day. Plus they set aside the Epiphany - the Twelfth Day of Christmas - for the arrival of the Wise Man and Christ’s baptism.
Those early festivities wove into the celebrations both biblical tales of pagan celebrations of the winter solstice. And a weeks celebration of Roman Saturnalia. When gifts were traditionally given to children and the poor. Also, in the Middle Ages, the Yule log and evergreens - symbolizing survival and eternal life - have come to be associated with the season. Not just in England, but Eastern Europe and Scandinavia too. And though this holiday has it’s roots stemming from holy traditions, it now has a combination of secular aspects which are also popularly celebrated in England.
Years later, when waves of immigrants reached the shores of America during the nineteenth century, a resurgence of the longing for tolerance and for the freedom of personal expression of faith prevailed. And so American traditions came to absorb and include the influences and traditions of many nations. Both in the spirit of joy and good will.
Katt Turner started at 7 helping her mother organize wonderful holiday celebrations for their extended family. A “foodie”, by age 18 she was impressing family and friends with sumptuous dinners, desserts; creating unique recipes. Swapping recipes with family, friends, co-workers. Katt’s a tireless volunteer. Helping disables seniors and battered women’s groups obtain food, necessary services, benefits.
"More Unique Traditions Carried to America
From Other Nations"
In decades past, many countries celebrated the holidays on two different days. The holy day celebrated on one, pagan celebrations such as gift giving on another.
In Holland, the holy day was December 25th, St. Nicholas’s Day December 6th. In Italy, the gift giving was celebrated on January 6th in Italy. In France, presents were traditionally left in shoes just beyond the door. Germans were the ones from whom cutting down a tree and decorating it came. Typically they used fir trees. Called “Paradise Trees”. Commemorating the feast of Adam and Eve. it was smaller and sat on a table. Decorated with wafers and lighted candles to symbolize Christ. Later Germans perfected the manufacture of glass ornaments and gaily painted molded figures.
Interestingly, Price Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband, a German, popularized putting up trees at Christmastime in England. The English used pheasant feathers and elegant tapestries which they hung to help create a festive look. And some of Americans most beloved Christmas traditions, such as caroling, and feasting on goose came from England.
The first Christmas card was developed in England in 1843. Bearing the words Merry Christmas and Happy New Year; coined in 1843 by designer Britisher Thomas Cole. In 1874, Bostonian lithographer Louis Prang produced the first greeting cards, which he sold.
The ingenuity of American pioneers and settlers were responsible for gathering up and decorating doors, windows and ceilings with greens and local flowers, pine cones, berries for example.
One tradition carried on since Roman times is giving to the needy. Preparing baskets of food, organizing toys to hand out to sick children; to hospitals and churches.
Gatherings which included such things as sleigh and hay rides, church sing-a-longs and suppers, are long standing traditions communities, around the world, gathered to participate in after holy pageants or enactments.
This is just a few of many holiday traditions celebrated throughout the world. Brought to America through immigrants. Passed down through the decades from family to family. Which blended together make the unique, wonderful holiday season we celebrate today in America.
Katt Turner started at 7 helping her mother organize wonderful holiday celebrations for their extended family. A “foodie”, by age 18 she was impressing family and friends with sumptuous dinners, desserts; creating unique recipes. Swapping recipes with family, friends, co-workers. Katt’s a tireless volunteer. Helping disables seniors and battered women’s groups obtain food, necessary services, benefits.
Articles on Home and Hearth Holiday Decorating
7 Tips for Turning Your Living Room From Cold to Warm and Inviting
When you’re so busy caring for family and/or working it’s hard to think about making any changes in your living environment. Especially during a season as busy as Christmas. That said, there’s still many small things you can do to liven up the atmosphere. Make it warm and inviting throughout the season.
1. If you’re handy with a needle and thread, cover some throw pillows you can add to the couch or stuffed living room chairs. If not, you can easily find a half dozen, very inexpensively, at a flea market, garage sale or store carrying used goods. Choose something colorful, in good condition, clean them or throw them in the wash. Glue or sew tinsel or beads around the edges, sew or glue a holiday saying or patch in the middle, sew or glue on colorful buttons or sequins in unique designs, for example.
2. Find several wood frames in a variety of sizes. Spray all of them with a holiday green or red, or some of each color. Hang them on an empty wall. Or remove personal photos or items from a wall and hang the colorful fames. Attach a sprig of greenery/holly and bow to the middle of the top of frame. Hang them at different angles. Or fill frames with personal photos. Tie ribbon around each like a package.
3. Cover several inside doors with colorful foil. Tie with a bow.
4. Purchase, or acquire, several old chairs, in good condition. And spray or paint them red or green, or a combination of the two. Or paint them to accent the colors you’re using this holiday season. Sit them around. Tie a sprig of greenery/holly to the chair back and tie a bow.
5. Drag out an old trunk, or borrow one. Clean it up and cover it with a piece of holiday fabric. Use it as a coffee table in front of your couch. Stand a couple of sturdy candle holders with candles on it along with a few other holiday decorations. Sit it in front of an empty wall. Hang a frame you’ve painted or a mirror over it, and decorate.
6. Paint or spray paint several small old end tables. Distress them using some sandpaper. Sit them around. Decorate. Or spray or paint a very small kitchen table and two chairs. Sit them in a dark corner to bring some color to it. Decorate.
7. Wrap sturdy, empty boxes - in a variety of sizes - with colorful holiday paper. Sit around in small groupings.
There are tons of unique and creative things you can do using items you have at home, can borrow, or obtain from a used goods shop. Simple things you can give a new life too, even use year after year. Plus, these re-newed items can give your home a new warmth this holiday season. That’s festive, yet inexpensive to create.
Katt Turner started at 7 helping her mother organize wonderful holiday celebrations for their extended family. A “foodie”, by age 18 she was impressing family and friends with sumptuous dinners, desserts; creating unique recipes. Swapping recipes with family, friends, co-workers. Katt’s a tireless volunteer. Helping disables seniors and battered women’s groups obtain food, necessary services, benefits.
Decorating With Linens Can Make a Big Difference When Decorating
Personally, I’ve been collecting old linens for years. Not only are they a beautiful way to decorate, but an inexpensive one. And they can be easily found at garage and estate sales, flea markets and used goods stores.
Whatever you find, though some may not be in pristine condition, most are still considered collectible. Of course, some more valuable than others. However, they’re still available at great, low prices. And make lovely decorations for any home. Especially during a holiday season. So buy several dozen. In a variety of sizes, if you don’t already have any.
For example:
* Slip-stitch or unobtrusively pin a 3” colorful, flat bow to either end of a 3’ runner and stretch it across a couch back. Do the same for smaller linens you’ll place on chair backs as they did centuries ago.
* Stitch or glue 2 squares or 3 round linens together, for example. Glue some round, thin holiday ribbon around the edges. Or, trim with artificial greenery, add a bow, and stand two or more glass or wooden candleholders with candles in the middle, for example.
* Glue or stitch several together and create a unique wall hanging. Trim with holiday greenery and ribbon.
* Use 2 or more on table tops as a base for a beautiful bowl, or holiday decorations. Place several, or a runner, down the middle of a rectangular dinner table, or organize a small group in the center of a circular table. Place a floral or holiday arrangement in the middle.
* Frame several. Or use small pieces, or handkerchiefs to trim your trees. Place a 2-3 pieces of cotton into a hanky, close the hanky so it covers the cotton. Tie a colorful ribbon around it, add a sprig of greenery and/or Holly. Take small squares of linen and fold over into “V”. Glue, at 2-3” intervals, over a colorful thin, round ribbon 6-8’ long. And use as a garland to trim the fireplace, tree, or other areas.
There are hundreds of creative uses for linens. All of which give a unique look to any home during the holiday season and throughout the year. Plus, you can place them in baskets, let the edges fall over the side and add colorful ornaments to the basket. You can even use them to wrap gifts.
Katt Turner started at 7 helping her mother organize wonderful holiday celebrations for their extended family. A “foodie”, by age 18 she was impressing family and friends with sumptuous dinners, desserts; creating unique recipes. Swapping recipes with family, friends, co-workers. Katt’s a tireless volunteer. Helping disables seniors and battered women’s groups obtain food, necessary services, benefits.
Holiday Gift Info and Resources