Welcome to the Bloggers' Christmas Party 2009

What's a party without appetizers?!?!?!

Scoop into this Layered-Sun-Dried-Tomato-Basil Spread from Southern Living. This is not my photo, and I've never made the recipe before. It just looked too darn pretty not to share.

Smoky Green-Chile-Cheddar Cheeseball with Mango Avocado Salsa
THIS is also not my photo, but I have made it. In fact, I made it for a party last weekend, and it was a hit. It's a hit everywhere I take it. Find the recipe here and SHARE SHARE SHARE! It has too much cream cheese in it to eat alone.

And here's how to use up all that Pumpkin Butter you have stored away:

Go here for a quick, EASY Pumpkin Butter Meatballs appetizer recipe.

And now, for some

ChRiStMaS tRaDiTiOnS

What good is a present you can't eat?
Husband and I have started making edible boxes of treats to give as gifts. It's our little way of cutting down on the "stuff" problem.

So, what's in the box?

Christmas Tree Bark, Cinnamon Honey Butter, and the best little Christmas cookie you'll ever have (and I do mean down-right gourmet). They're called Eggnog Logs. I'll post the recipe soon.

The Christmas Tree Star

I made this from tin foil my first Christmas with Husband. I made it as a temporary stand-in, but the ole' thing has enigmatic charms and it has kind-of grown on us the last three Christmases.

I think it's the quirky little tilt that makes it so charming-- like a lopsided little kid with only one dimple in his smile. We think we'll keep it and add a little foil every year until it's thick and large enough to lead wise men to the Lord of Lords :)

I may eventually have to do something about the plastic Dixie cup that props it onto the treetop. It's stapled on. (I can't believe I just admitted that in the blogosphere!) Plus, I want the back to look more presentable.

Christmas Cards.

I post them on this tack board and string them on a garland in the dining room. They are a main attraction in our Christmas decor!

The Advent Wreath

My mother-in-law made this for Husband when he was a working bachelor. It's made of bread dough, paint, and glitter, and we eat supper by its candlelight every night.

If you want to make one go here.

And if you don't trust yourself baking a wreath, this one looks easy enough to mimic. And very feng shui, I might add. Brings a little Zen technique to Christmas.

And now to share a few of my

ChRiStMaS bLuEpRiNtS

Or, ideas to focus on next Christmas.

A Wooden Advent Calendar

like this,

or this.

And the perfect nativity scene. This one is made of olive wood. I love that it's so natural and so unassuming, yet demands a certain presence.

The perfect nativity may take years to find. We have a temporary stand-in.

Two-piece door wreath found here.


Just thinking about

tHe CoLoR rEd:

The commercialism of Christmas has made it okay to be a little more flamboyant than usual,

found on this blog.

It's okay to wear things such as ROY G BIV reindeer protruding from breast pockets.

No idea where I found this hideous, stress-inducing photo!

And it's okay to answer that impulsive inkling within us that just wants a little tackiness sometimes. Is there anyone out there who didn't like the look of this as a child? If so, I'd love to hear all about it. I know of no one who dodged the gleeful ploys of colorful lights as child.

It's a time to think outside of the box and go all out, whatever that may mean to you. To some, it means clearing the daily schedule to volunteer at a soup kitchen or offering to lead the Christmas pageant -- with no teaching, theater, or child-care experience. To others, it means making a big purchase for a loved one or taking a nice family vacation. And to some, it means slaving over the stove to produce a glorious meal which people will talk, laugh, and commune over... and work off until Spring. And to some, it means covering their house and lawn in lights, simply because they loved it so much as a child.

Whatever it means, whether it's serving, buying, or even pampering yourself, the ultimate end to all of it is to be able to give back to the world. Which is the point.

And it's what I think all of you bloggers and blog-readers do. And I am thankful for you and all your efforts to bring beauty, art, and wisdom into the world.

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK YESTERDAY'S POST!

Our guest list has GROWN!

Thanks for stopping by and MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS!