Sometimes the best decorations take the least amount of time to make. I have always loved scented pinecones. I like to place the pinecones all around the house, especially in the dinning room. Sitting down to a meal with the fresh smell of cinnamon and pine in the air makes it that much more enjoyable.
I have a very simple and creative project for you today.
Here is what you will need to get started:

24 small (2×2 inch) pinecones
2 ounces or ¼ cup of Frankencense powder
4 ounces or ½ cup of Myrrh powder
1 ¼ cups of gold glitter
White craft glue
Cellophane bags
A shallow …read more

I just love to find inexpensive and pretty decorations to use around the house. You are going to love this project. It is made up of the simplest materials and it looks great when it is finished. Okay, let’s get started on this creative work of art that will be exclusive to you. This will be your “work of art.”
Here is what you will need:

Two sheets of styrofoam  measuring 12 x 12 x 1 inches
Scrapbook paper (12 x 12 sheets)
Decorative ribbon (1x 1 ½ inches per square)
A serrated knife
A candle stub or paraffin was
Pencil
Ruler
Scissors<
Putty knife
A carpenter’s level
A low temp glue …read more

If you are anything like me, you love to have candles all over the house. I don’t always have them lit up; I just like the way they look and the feel that they give to a room. For this project you can use a regular pillar candle, it doesn’t have to be white. It can be any color you choose.
Here is what you will need to get started:

A white pillar candle (again, you can use any color – I used white)
A thanksgiving paper napkin with images
Modge Podge or white glue thinned out with water
Sharp, fine pointed scissors
A paint brush
Rubbing …read more

Sandra Magsamen is a one-woman empire…and an inspiration to us all. A self-described “Renaissance” woman, she began making handmade, original gift items with messages from the heart in her garage in 1991. Her company “Table Tiles,” expanded into a multi-million-dollar gift business in less than a decade. Today, her ideas are licensed by major gift manufacturers, such as Department 56, Lenox, and Creative Imagings. Her “Messages from the Heart” plaques have sold in the tens of millions.
Ms. Magsamen just launched a “Messages from the Heart BABY” in January with JC Penney stores and she’s just released her 29th (29th!) …read more

Sure, poinsettias are beautiful, festive flowers, but why are they associated with Christmas? Here’s the scoop:
Mexican legend says that there once was a boy who had not gift to put by the likeness of Baby Jesus at his church on Christmas Eve. On the way there, an angel told him to pick some dried weeds for his gift. Once he laid the weeds by the figure, they turned into beautiful flowers.
The first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, Dr. Joel Poinsett, brought the plant into the United States, where it was later graced with the name “poinsettia”.

What seems like a very odd choice for a Christmas tree ornament is actually a deep-rooted tradition that originated in Germany. The Christmas Pickle is said to bring good luck, and was always the last ornament put on the tree.
On Christmas morning, the first child to find the pickle scored a little extra something left behind by The Jolly Old Elf, himself. This tradition was encouraged so that the children may appreciate all the ornaments on the tree, instead of rushing to see what St. Nick had left for them.
Quite an endearing little tradition, isn’t it? Does your family …read more

What’s better than a table dressed in fresh holiday linens? One that’s decked out with fun and festive reindeer plates!
Snowflakes are dainty, winter scenes are heartwarming and Santa’s certainly earned his place at the table, but there’s something about a wacky reindeer motif that lightens up the party and makes for a great conversation starter. Here are just a few I’ve been ogling (and chuckling over). See a set you like? Act fast and you can have these little guys on your table by Christmas.

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Reindeer Plates from Crate & Barrel
Reindeer Plates from Shop.com
Reindeer Plates from Wrapables.com
Reindeer Plates from Pottery Barn

Think a candy cane is just a yummy garnish in your hot cocoa (well, it does serve that purpose well, doesn’t it?) Here’s a little trivia that might get you thinking otherwise:

The candy cane begins with a stick of white candy, which symbolizes the purity of the Christmas season.
The red stripes are for the blood shed by Christ on the cross for the benefit of our eternal life.
The hook shape of the candy cane is actually a “J” to represent the name of Jesus, or may symbolize the staff of the Good Shepherd.
The candy’s hard texture represents the Solid Rock, …read more

You’ve made the choice to have a live tree this year – great! There’s just something about a live Christmas tree that rounds the entire holiday season out. But choosing one can be a bit difficult. Here’s a handy-dandy list to help you find your way through a tree farm like a pro.

Balsam Fir – Short, long-lasting needles are rounded at the tip. Dark green in color with a silver cast. Very fragrant.
Douglas Fir – Slightly longer needles that have a wonderful aroma when crushed. Color is bluish to dark green. Good fragrance.
Fraser Fir – Shorter, flattened needles which are …read more