Hostess Gift ~ It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in The Humble Bungalow

 

Festive Season is upon us and I am keeping things very simple.

Am wearing some sparkly vintage pins.

(Sherman pin ~ close up)

 Sherman brooches are a favourite of mine.

The newest one seen here is from our darling daughter. 

I popped it on a black boiled wool Eileen Fisher tunic sweater.

Some women avoid black but I gravitate to it for several reasons...

it is easy to wear,

it can be casual, or dressy.

It transitions well to evening...

My basic minimalist wardrobe relies heavily on black basics.

Accessories are the stars in a basic black ensemble.

I prefer pieces with a history...

Vintage jewellery is found in thrift shops, antique malls and online.

The thrill of the hunt excites me.

I found a new Finnish modernist votive holder at the thrift shop...

now I have a pair!

The silver baubles are from my childhood home.

Mom used to put them in a tall vase, I popped them in this silver trophy.

We don't have a lot of decorations...

a simple tree with white fairy lights

I found a pair of Josef Seibel boots 

to replace my tired "almost 8 year old" Chelsea Boots.

I will wear these with tights and skirts as well as my jeans.

A classic vintage handmade wreath made by a friend of my MIL.

Made with baubles, pine cones, rhinestone brooches.

I consider us custodians of this wreath...

it is a family "heirloom!"

Mixed Nuts are one of my go to Hostess Gifts.

Here's the recipe...

Mixed Nuts 

2 egg whites (at room temperature)

4 cups mixed unsalted nuts:

cashews, almonds, pecans, hazelnuts

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp cayenne pepper or hot paprika

1/2 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

Place egg whites in a large bowl and whisk until frothy.

Stir in nuts ~ mix to coat.

Combine in a small bowl: sugar, and spices

Pour over nut mixture.

Mix well.

Place on a parchment lined sheet pan spread out so they are in a single layer.

Bake 20-25 minutes 

stir halfway during the cooking time.

Cool then store in sealed jars.

Wrap in tissue paper add ribbon and a tag.

Ready for gift giving

BTW

They are delicious!!

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

It's a busy time of year, so remember to take some time to stop and breathe, 

sip a cuppa and rest.

Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

DIY ~ Festive Wreath and a couple of Hostess Gifts

 

I purchased a basic simple wreath from the floral department at the grocers.

The price was good but I felt like it needed something more.

The DIY spirit in me spurred me on to add something...

but what?

I mulled it over for a few days

 every time I went out and closed the door I knew I had to act.

I had made a bowl full of dried oranges...

to add to Christmas gifts.

I followed the directions that Annie Diamond

at Most Lovely Things had shared in the December issue of BHG.

Basic directions are to cut oranges into 1/4 inch slices 

place on a rack atop a cookie sheet.

Bake at 225 degrees for 3- 4 hours until dried.

I thought they might look good on the wreath.

I used florists wire and tied them onto the fir boughs 

tucking them carefully into the fronds.

I think it looks natural and dresses up and adds interest to the simple wreath.

The theme for this year's wrap is simple and natural.

The local Michaels store had a wide variety of choices for wrap.

I opted for plain and printed kraft paper with a simple twine and tags.

My current favourite scented candle...

Black Fig 

by

~ Sand and Fog ~

The Sand and Fog brand of candles use soy wax and essential oils.

I prefer a "woodsy"scent over "sweet."

The vintage wood box is my "new" recipe box.

I found it at a local consignment shop.

The new box prompted me to go through all my recipes...

what a job!

Mom's recipes as well as mine were organized into categories

some were rewritten, most of mom's recipes are for the holidays.

She was a plain cook but loved baking.

I've been baking quite a bit lately...

cakes mostly, to serve as dessert or an afternoon treat with tea.

Bath salts are a simple hostess gift.

This recipe is inexpensive, quick and easy to make.

(you can double or triple this recipe)

If you look at thrift shops you can find some pretty glass jars.

I like to add a pretty ribbon and a simple tag.

If you are gifting a spa "pampering" basket

think of including:

a soft towel

soap

body lotion

candle

bath salts

chocolate bar

hand lotion

Do you remember those expensive flavoured instant coffee beverages sold in the grocery stores?

I am not sure if they still sell them?

Years ago a friend gave me this recipe and she shared it with many friends.

We all made batch after batch of this drink...

It has stood the test of time and is still a tasty beverage.

Looks pretty in a simple clear glass jar.

Think of a canning jar or a decorative canister.

Make some for yourself while you are wrapping the gifts this season!

I'll be making some of mom's cookies and fruit loaves in a few weeks.

Hope to share some of the recipes here on the blog.

Have you started to get ready for the festive season?

Are you feeling creative?

Will you make some or all of the gifts that you give?

If you are in The US you might be getting ready for Thanksgiving.

Hope that you are able to join with friends and family this year.

Thank you for popping by the blog...

Commenting continues to be a challenge, 

I have reached out to Blogger

but it seems that there is little tech support available.

So far it hasn't stopped me from posting...

it is a fun hobby.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Quick Hostess Gift

Tis the Season

Comfort and Joy

such

a wonderful sentiment.

When I think of comfort I think of cozy.

Hot tea

warm blankets

candlelight

soup

cashmere sweaters

woolly scarves

cozy socks

and 

a soak in the tub with scented bath salts.

If you enjoy making gifts this recipe is quick and easy.

It may be something that you'll enjoy giving,

 perhaps you will keep one for yourself.

The cost of the ingredients are relatively inexpensive.

 You can double or triple the recipe depending on how many jars you have to fill.

I peruse the local thrift and charity shops for jars.

You can use any glass container

recycled or new.

 It must have a lid

to keep the essential oil scent from evaporating.

If you give a big batch in a large glass container 

it's nice to tie on a small scoop with some ribbon or thin twine.

You could also add a piece of fresh holly.

I made the bath salts with rose essential oil.

In the past I have used lavender with great success.

A gift for the Hostess.

Hope you are enjoying the Festive Season.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~