Getting Crafty

I hope the results of my Christmas wrapping and crafting party inspire you to "think outside the gift box" this holiday. The girls were each so creative and unique in their individual themes and ideas--soft and feminine, elegant metallics, and rustic chic. Adding that extra element to your gifts, whether it is a sprig of greenery, a pretty pink ribbon or a handmade tag will be sure to bring a smile to its recipient. It's the personal, thoughtful touches that matter most this time of year, and are always the most memorable. Let your creativity shine!

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Plain tags, wrapping paper and ribbon from Creative Bag in Pickering. 

That's a Wrap!

This weekend, I hosted a Christmas crafting and wrapping party. I decided on a Sunday brunch, as I know most nights are quickly booked up this time of year. The menu was meant to be simple and easy for grazing--mimosas, mini raspberry muffins, sausage rolls, fruit salad, chocolate chip cookies, scones (made by my mom--so yummy!) and a yogurt bar (you may remember my homemade granola). The afternoon included wrapping presents (such a fun thing to do with friends, so you can see what everyone bought), and crafting Christmas tags. There was definitely a lot of laughs and reminiscing between my mom and sisters and our friends of more than 20 years (!!), the Panacci's--Andrea, Lindsay and Kelly. And lucky for us, Kelly (a professional crafter), graciously brought her scrapbooking supplies and skills. Such a fun day spent with the perfect company.

Stay tuned for pictures of the tags we crafted, and our wrapping ideas! 

The spread.

What's brunch without mimosas!

Bite-size muffins are easier to eat at a party.

Tea and coffee station.

I offered plain and Greek yogurt with granola and a strawberry compote.

The calm before the crafting storm.

Simple candle and greenery centre piece.

Here's a look at my Winter terrarium.

Sparkles and glue galore!

Christmas in the Coach House

As promised in my Charlie Brown Christmas Tree post, I have included snaps of my own version of the mini tree. This year, I decided to keep things pretty simple in the Coach House. I wanted the smaller tree to feel quirky and imperfect { note: this makes it much easier to decorate ;) }. So, I forge ribbon and filler, and mixed more rustic elements with hits of silver and sparkle. I left lots of breathing room between ornaments to create a more minimal look. But really at the end of the day, your Christmas decor is about making you feel warm and fuzzy. The best ornaments are the ones that make you smile, and fill you with happy memories. If ever there was a time to "let go and have fun with it," Christmas is it!