Ho Ho Holiday Baking: 7 Treats to Make this Season

How’s your holiday baking going? If your annual shortbread and fruit cake seem a little stale, don’t fret! We’ve found some fresh and festive treat recipes that are sure to sleigh this season. Leave these sweets out for Santa and you might even get an extra gift – or two!

Marvelous Macarons – These peppermint macarons look almost too good to eat. We say almost, though, because they are absolutely worth eating. Light and sweet, they make the perfect holiday treat.

Image via Studio DIY

Beautiful Brownies – We are loving these festive little brownies. A simple squiggle of green icing, some sprinkles, and a candy cane combine with the always delicious brownie to make a fabulous Christmas tree. These are sure to be a hit at any holiday get together!

Image via One Little Project

Creative Cookie Cups – Most of you have had a cookie with your hot chocolates, but have you ever had a hot chocolate that is a cookie? These desserts are absolutely adorable (we’re big fans of the pretzel handle) and are sure to delight any child (or child at heart) you’re entertaining!

Image via The Gunny Sack

Sweet, Sweating Snowman – These snowman cookies are so cute, and a breeze to make! A Dollop of white icing, a peanut butter cup, and some sprinkles make one very convincing Frosty. Strapped for time, but want to wow your guests? These guys will do!

Image via Kitchen Meets Girl

Cool Christmas Trees – These Rice Krispie Christmas trees are fantastic (and could make the perfect prop for your Elf on the Shelf). Surprise friends, family, and neighbors with this sweet treat all December long.

Image via Simplee Thrifty

Perfect Peppermint Bark – Not sure what to serve your gluten-intolerant guests this season? We’ve got you covered. This peppermint bark is delicious and gluten free. Just because you can’t have gluten, doesn’t mean you can’t have fun!

Image via Gluten Free Canteen

Egg-cellent Eggnog Cookies – Finding festive vegan desserts can be a little tricky. Everywhere you look recipes seem to be calling for eggs and milk. Especially when it comes to eggnog inspired treats. So when we found these vegan eggnog cookies we had to share them!

Image via Half Full

We hope these treats add a little extra sweetness to the rest of your holiday season. Don’t forget to share your best baking shots with us on Instagram and Twitter – we love seeing what you create!

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8 Fabulously Festive Table Settings

Expecting many dinner guests throughout December? Whether you’re putting on a casual meal to celebrate the season with friends and family or hosting the main event, the right table setting can make all the difference at a dinner party. Read on for some fun and fabulous tablescape inspiration to help get you through the holidays in style.

Cranberries & Candles – We love this simple, elegant centerpiece. A few handfuls of cranberries, some votives, and a serving dish are all you need to recreate this stunning look.

Image via Midwest Living

Perfect in Plaid – This rustic table is fabulously festive. Cozy knit napkins, evergreen branches, candles, and cranberries make a table fit for any fan of the outdoors.

Image via Poppy Talk

Joyful Jars – This mason jar centerpiece is lovely. It’s beautiful without being overpowering – plus you can fill as many jars as you need for the length of your table. You’ll need several mason jars, some sea salt, a few candles, some cranberries, and some evergreen branches.

Image via Country Living

O Christmas Tree Napkin – How cute is this napkin? Getting creative with your place settings doesn’t have to be complicated. A square green napkin and some simple folding will festive up your places in no time!

Image via Instructables

Wonderful Wood – Wood, pine cones, and deer: oh my! Here’s another rustic table to inspire you. We’re big fans of the table runner they’ve chosen, as well the wood they’ve placed under their plates. 

Image via The White Buffalo Styling Co.

Pink & White Wonderland – Your table isn’t limited to a red and green color scheme this holiday season. Want to break out of the box? Try a white, pink, and gold table! With the right accents (like ornaments and reindeer) you can keep your festive motif while using these fun, fresh colors.

Image via Celebrations At Home

Cute Cranberry Wreath – We’re still fawning over these mini cranberry wreath place settings. They’re a snap to make and add some fabulous, custom charm to any holiday table.

Image via Say Yes

We hope these ideas help you set a beautiful table this holiday season. Make sure to share shots of your seasonal tablescapes with us on Twitter and Instagram – we love seeing what you create!

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Holiday Spirits: 6 Fun & Festive Drinks Worth Making

It’s mid-December and we all know what that means: holiday party season is in full swing. As you don your ugly sweaters and prepare for Santa swaps and other merriment, consider skipping the traditional egg nog for some more fresh and festive cocktails. We’ve found some delicious holiday spirits that will have everyone full of Christmas cheers!

Holly Jolly Jell-O Shots – These red and green creations are the perfect mix between cocktails and finger food. Guests can enjoy a playful bite, and there are no cups for you to tidy later!

Image via Tablespoon 

Sensational Blackberry Sparkler – With its mix of red, gold, and green, this ombre sparkler is a beautiful cocktail to serve at your holiday party. Whether you’re drinking to good health or the New Year, it’s the perfect beverage to sip.

Image via the Cookie Rookie

Peppermint White Hot Chocolate – This decadent and sweet concoction is perfect for cold days and serving to party guests who don’t want to imbibe. White chocolate and peppermint complement each other nicely, and when topped with crushed peppermint candies, this drink looks like Christmas in a cup.

Image via Gimme Some Oven

Cranberry Ginger Moscow Mule – We love this festive twist on the Moscow mule. The cranberries pair well with the vodka and ginger beer creating a fabulous seasonal drink. Definitely a must-make!

Image via A Brown Table

Apple Cider Mimosa – Hosting a holiday brunch? These apple cider mimosas should absolutely be on your menu! Not only are they extremely easy to make (we’re talking two ingredients here, people!) they look great.

Image via The Cookie Rookie

Hot Cinnamon Cranberry Punch – Cranberry, orange, lemon, cloves, and cinnamon combine to create this warm, festive beverage. Perfect for sipping by a hot fire, we’re sure your guests will love this sweet drink.

Image via Dessert Planet

We hope these fun cocktails help to add some festive cheer to your holiday parties. Whether you’re gathering with friends, coworkers, or family, we wish you and your guests a wonderful holiday season. And remember, if you create any of these cocktails, make sure to share some snaps with us on Instagram or Twitter!

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