INTIMATE STYLED HOLIDAY TABLE

I hope you each had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I got lucky and didn't have to cook this year since we went to a friend's house. Remember the cornucopia bread I said I was going to try? Well, I actually made it and it came out great. Except I had to leave some of the tin foil in it. But it was a big hit and one of my most highly engaged Facebook posts! Go figure.

Looking toward the next holiday, here is a cozy table by Iowa's Impressions Photography. I have to say my favorite element is the collage of black and white photos on the wall. It's a great idea for New Year's to reflect on the year's memories, or even a birthday party. Plaid is so big this year. It's a nice accent to use. The glow from the candlelight makes this table cozy without making it too fancy. Thanks to Impressions Photography for sharing it with us.

CORNUCOPIA BREAD

This year we'll be going to a friends house for a Thanksgiving Friendsgiving. The hostess just asked me to bring dessert and a relish tray. Well, I figure since I don't have to cook I should put a little extra effort into those easy requests. I am going to attempt to make this cornucopia bread I found on AllRecipes.com and adorn it with veggies, dip, olives, etc. I'm hoping it comes out the way all the reviewers say it will! There is a video which is really helpful. If you want to make the attempt too, check it out here. If it comes out well, I'll post it on Facebook. Stay tuned!

PAINTED SANTA LOGS

So, I've been looking for different ideas for the front porch (you can check out my Christmas Front Porch Ideas Pinterest board here). I came across this adorable idea from Smart Girls DIY. I called them Santa Logs, but they're really Danish Nisse Logs. Best part is I actually have a few thick stumps from a couple of trees we cut down over the summer. I didn't know what I was going to do with them, but I might take on this project. I can turn the logs into Santas, as done here, but also into angels or elves. I'll have to see.  Stay tuned! Find the full tutorial here.

WISH YOUR "SELFIE" A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Sometimes the best way to spend your birthday is just with an intimate gathering of a few close friends in a swanky lounge. And how better to make it about your "selfie" than with a social media theme?! Dallas photographers Lavishly Lux found this great setting filled with turquoise, gold and metals to hold the personalized soiree. The custom confections were the perfect desserts for the night.

Photographer:   Lavishly Lux Studio//Cake Designer: Annie's Culinary Creations//Rehearsal Dinner Venue: On Premise//Bakery:The Dough Bar//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

HOLIDAY DRINK RECIPES

Does your alcohol intake spike over the holidays? I know mine does... and I'm always looking for something a little different, more special for the holidays. Something beyond a bottle of wine. Star Noir Studio in Knoxville hooked up with Cocoa Moon to come up with a couple of winter beverages that are perfect for the holidays, complemented by a stylish photo shoot. Pin this post for the recipes below.

WHITE CHOCOLATE MARTINI

Try this recipe for a simple and tasteful holiday drink that is oh-so-rich.

1 oz. Vanilla Vodka

2 oz. Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur

1 oz. Cream

1/2 oz. White Creme de Cacao

1 Tablespoon Chocolate Syrup

Ice Cubes

LYCHEE MARTINI

Unique is the perfect way to describe this sweet concoction.

1/4 cup Simple Syrup

1 cup Lychees (6 to 10)

1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice

3 oz. Vodka

.75 oz Cointreau or other orange-flavored liqueur

CHEERS!

Photographer:   Star Noir Studio//Location:Cocoa Moon//Favors and Gifts: Custom Love Gifts//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

CHRISTMAS DECOR FOR EVERY ROOM

Now that Halloween is over, no doubt you're putting some thought into your winter holiday decor. If you're anything like this Alaskan family, it can literally take you days, if not a full week to get it all up! Every window, room and hall has been decked out for Christmas–offering us plenty of inspiration for our own homes. I love all the greenery and I especially love the TOY sign in the front entrance. Thank you to Alaska photographer Rhae Anne for capturing the inspiration and sharing it with us!