Monday Morning Wrap Up

Friends, we are here. It’s officially Christmas week. My hope is that we can all pump the brakes and slow down to enjoy it all. None of it needs to be perfect or live up to the movie version of Christmas. Laughter and being grateful go a very long way. We had big plans to go out tonight and decided to scrap them and make our gingerbread houses. Less is more over the next few days. Also sharing a few ideas that are very simple if you are opening your home this week.

QUIET MORNINGS

I love spending quiet mornings down in our basement. While I gave up coffee a few months back, every now and then I’ll pour a cup and just enjoy some quiet time in prayer before I start my day. Do you have a spot you love to enjoy before they craziness of the day?

HOSTING TIPS

I’ve hosted quite a bit this season and I want to encourage you to open your door as well. While it can be work, no doubt, it is the best way to create memories and bring so much joy to your home. I wanted to share a few of the simple things I did this year to make it feel festive. They are all very easy (that is my speed lately).

FUN ICE CUBES

These cute ice cubes were really fun. Although I wouldn’t use them in coup glasses like I did . . . a bit difficult to drink from. I would instead use them in a high ball glass.

To make them I used these trays and just added cranberry juice, a squeeze of fresh orange juice, fresh cranberries, an orange slice and rosemary. So easy to do. They pop right out of the tray when it’s time to serve drinks. Would be great in a glass of sparkling water, too. In fact, I plan to make these for our Christmas Eve celebration at home.

Tie a bow around your stemmed glass and you’re set!

VERY EASY DESSERT

Another crowd pleaser was this cookie wreath. I had seen them on Pinterest and decided it was time to tackle it. You can make your own cookie dough or use store bought. I cut my dough in half and rolled it each piece into a long cylinder. Place a glass dish in the center of your pizza pan and press the dough down to make the wreath. Bake as usual. Then add frosting and fresh fruit. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and add a few mint leaves.

FROSTING:

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/3 cup sugar (I use slightly less)
• 2 Tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp lemon juice

HOT COCOA BAR

For one of our gatherings I made hot cocoa and had it in a crockpot with fun toppings and to-go cups next to it. I framed this sign. Easy and very festive. (Just bummed I never snapped a photo).

HOT COCOA RECIPE (for a crowd)

• 12 cups of milk
• 2 packages of chocolate chips
• 1 container of chocolate ice cream (I use Trader Joe’s)
• 1 Tbsp vanilla
• cinnamon sticks

Simmer for 3-4 hours. I like to melt the ice cream prior to putting it in the crock pot.

FAVORITE APPETIZER

You can’t go wrong with a charcuterie tray. My tip is to use small little piles of things. You don’t need very much of any one thing.

The other dip recipe was passed to me from a friend and it’s incredible. Plus it’s beautiful and so festive.

BOURSIN CHRISTMAS DIP

• 3 packages of Boursin cheese (for a large dish like the one shown)
• 1 jar of fig jam
• crushed pistachios
• pomegranate seeds
• serve with crackers

*This one is a gem. It takes 5 minutes to create and you can do it ahead of time or right before guests walk in.

SCRUMPTIOUS COOKIE BARS

We baked these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars. I shared this recipe years ago and it’s still going strong.

PRO TIP: After making them in the dish, refrigerate for one hour prior to baking. That avoids goopy bars in the middle. So yummy.

Looking for a gluten free option? This chocolate cake is delicious.

CHRISTMAS MORNING

This is an oldie but goodie that we make every Christmas morning. I prep this egg casserole on the 24th and then assemble and pop in the oven when I wake up on the 25th. So easy and delicious. I serve it with fresh fruit and the kids love cinnamon rolls while we open gifts.

GAME NIGHT FUN

We hosted a game night and had a blast! My cheeks hurt from laughing. If you would like me to do a run down of the games we prepped, let me known in the comments below.

ANNUAL DATE NIGHT

Each Christmas, my husband and I go shopping downtown. We browse the shops and enjoy the holiday decor. It really is a magical place and I love slowing down to enjoy it.

And while I don’t drink much anymore, I can’t pass up an Espresso Martini on this Christmas date. It’s become a tradition that I look forward to every year. If you are ever visiting, Stable Reserve makes an incredible one.

JUST ORDERED

These best sellers are on sale. I just ordered a pair. They come in three colors. I love my plaid pants so much and Ryan often wears this brand as well.

OXFORD FOREVER

This sweet girl drove home from college and then packed her overnight bag for Ole Miss. She was pretty bummed when Notre Dame didn’t make the playoffs so she was excited to go cheer on Ole Miss in Oxford. It will always have a piece of her heart (and ours). And now she is back and the house is full again. The sound of the kids laughing, joking with one another, and having amazing conversations is the greatest gift. I just wish I could bottle it up.

LAST MINUTE IDEAS

I did scramble a bit this year and ordered a few last minute items. I shared them in this week’s Saturday Shopping. They will still arrive this week. It’s the boys I struggle with so hopefully these ideas help.

Now if you will excuse me, I have not wrapped one single gift and intend to do it all today! I like to set up a table in our basement, turn on the Christmas tree, a Hallmark movie, and get busy. Wishing you a really beautiful Christmas week with the family. And let’s remind each other it’s not about things being perfect . . .it’s always about our people and spending time together. Thank you for being here.