While shopping for the normal Target stuff -- floss, milk, lens solution -- I decided to check out their table linen selection for the first time this season.
You see, I'm on my way to becoming a tablescape junkie. I can't stop obsessing over table linens, napkin rings, centerpiece ideas, and more. I've recently been on the lookout for some new placemats for the holiday season -- something neutral/metallic, and above all else, pretty -- that will contribute to our holiday tablescape and flow well with our new Christmas color theme: Silver, Gold, Cream, and White. Unfortunately, I haven't had much linen luck at my normal go-to stores.
Anyway, I'm so glad I checked out Target's selection because I found exactly what I was looking for and all for just under $30!
Exhibit A: The $3.99 placemat. Unfortunately they only had five left...so I bought the remaining lot and am hoping they'll restock soon so I can get another 3.
Exhibit B: Napkin rings: 2/$4.99! It's the holidays -- every table needs a little sparkle :-) And at $2.50 a pop, you can't go wrong.
Now we're one step closer to a pretty, neutral/metallic, tablescape this holiday season!
P.S. Target: If you could please sell runners without the pointed, tasseled ends, I would be eternally grateful.
Ah, the holidays... family, friends, gifts, and cookies! Making cookies this time of year is always a labor of love. I've always made the classic chocolate chip and sugar cookies, but I love eating cookies of all shapes and sizes. Today I had a few delicious creations that were anything but your ordinary cookie cutters!
My friend Alysa made a yummy fried cookie called Krusczyki, which is a traditional Polish cookie. (Alysa, if you're reading this, did I get that right?)
Buckeyes might be a holiday favorite for many, but we never made them in my house. So these were a real treat... good thing I took a full serving home with me!
I adore these Chocolate Snowcaps... and not just because I made them. They are a chocolate lover's dream. I've seen recipes from all the greats (Betty and Martha) for these but this is the first time I've made them and I'm hooked.
Can you tell what tops this cookie? You'd never guess so I'll tell ya... BACON! These were by far the most interesting cookies of the day. I asked what to call them and all I got was, "Chocolate chip Bacon cookies." So I'll just coin them "the bacon-aters." Chocolate chips and white chocolate got a new twist with small bits of bacon mixed into the batter. And if I heard correctly, a maple glaze to top off these savory cookies. (You'd be surprised how yummy these are!)
A few other highlights were peanut brittle and mint iced brownies, classic peanut cookies with kissed pressed in the middle, and a chocolate chip cookie with cherry and pistachio. The best part about a cookie swap is leaving a with a box full of cookies... that you didn't have to spend all day making!
The only problem... I couldn't decide on a color scheme or fabric in time to get the construction started. So rather than have a skirtless tree for this year, I came up with a very inexpensive and quick alternative. Buffalo snow! It was only $5 for a large bag of the fluffy stuff, and it was easy to form around the base of the tree to mimic a snow fall (since we aren't lucky enough for a white Christmas around here!). Not bad eh? Have a look...
So there it is... the start of our very own Christmas tree traditions. Hopefully I'll have a few more decorating posts in the next few days, so stay tuned!
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