Ornaments: Part 1 - For the Tree

Christmas tree decorating is very personal.

Some trees are designed around a theme, some a color. White lights or colored, blinking or not. Handmade ornaments and family treasures or the latest glittery design from a holiday store.

I'm especially loving the ornaments at Anthropologie this year.

Ebay and Etsy have great vintage tree trimmers.

1 vintage bottle brush ornaments $18 Ebay 2 Neiman Marcus $54 3, 4, 7, Anthropologie $16-$18 each 5 vintage Sputnik Atomic Star Ebay bid 6 vintage sold on Etsy 8 Garnet Hill $28

A truly green ornament - Spruce in a bottle Etsy $9

What's your favorite ornament?

Almond Buttercrunch - Holiday Treat

I love to make this yummy almond brittle with chocolate glaze at holiday time. I serve it at my holiday party and give it as gifts in fun, reusable containers.

photos by me

Heat 1 stick of butter, cut into pieces, 2/3 cup sugar, 1/3 cup corn syrup and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a non-stick skillet over moderate heat. Stir until mixture bubbles.

Add 1 1/2 cups of whole, salted, roasted almonds to the skillet and cook until mixture is golden brown, about 10 minutes.

Pour mixture onto a buttered shallow baking pan and spread evenly.

Immediately sprinkle 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips over the almond mixture and spread chocolate evenly as it melts. Let stand at room temperature for about 2 hours.

Break buttercrunch into small pieces. Makes about 1 lb of candy.

Lagniappe: A Little Something Extra

Rochester, MI kicks-off the holiday season this evening.

The Big, Bright Light Show will debut at 7 pm

Horse-drawn carriage rides will be available and there will be various musical performances.

Local merchants offer Lagniappe. (Creole for a little something extra)

I'll be at Firebrick Gallery with holiday jewelry and ornaments.

Thanksgiving

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

See you on Monday.

Thanksgiving Turkey

I picked up my fresh Thanksgiving turkey Monday.

In an effort to buy/eat local, I purchased my turkey from a farm about 10 miles from home.

These birds are unaware of what is in store for them.

photo from Epicurious.com

I'm a fan of a butter and cider glaze on my turkey. It makes a wonderful gravy. This year I'm trying a Bon Appetit recipe from the November 2009 issue. Click here for the recipe.

I'll cook the dressing outside of the bird. Our family has a sausage/apple recipe that is a favorite.

What type of stuffing/dressing is your family favorite?

Thanksgiving is such a wonderful time to give thanks, reflect and enjoy family and friends. My family starts to arrive today.

Parisian Love

This is a sweet video.

Never underestimate the power of Google.

Dreamy Wedding Images

I attended a wedding last weekend. The reception was held outside under a transparent tent.

The lighting was breathtakingly romantic.

No one enjoyed dancing under the stars more than the grooms nieces. Only their shoes were idle.