Sweet Treats- easy on the eyes and the palette!

My associate designer Amanda is an awesome baker.  Her specialty seems to be brownies, but I have yet to have a subpar treat from her.

This morning she brought in sweet tins of the most delicious mint chocolate brownies. This got me to thinking about homemade gifts and how much they show you care. Especially as time gets more and more precious I realize the true meaning of these handmade offerings is much more than meets the eye. 

I came across a blog by a graphic designer who showed her creative side in her baked offerings. Take a look at the colorful creations that Kimcreativestar.com made for holiday gifts.  

photo from Kimcreativestar.com

And of course if you have any questions on how to pack and ship your treat boxes, just talk to Martha. packing holiday cookies.

Be creative and have fun baking- no one will be disappointed!

photo from marthastewart.com

Christmas Decorating- It's in the Details

Blog entry by Amanda WELCH

There are many things we can do to make our homes beautiful and welcoming to our guests during the Holidays.  From simple, beautiful touches to un-predeicatble placement of decorations, there are many changes we can make to create a festive atmosphere. 

One simple but beautiful decoration we love are these glass icicle ornaments.  They are hand made so each one is unique from the next.  They catch the light, and add an eye catching sparkle wherever they are used.  Of course we love to see ornaments on the Christmas tree, but you could get creative and find many other uses for them (see some examples below)

From oliveandcocoa.com

Another great way to make your home beautiful at the Holiday's is to place decorations in un-predicatable places.  Many people over-clutter their surfaces in their homes with Christmas decorations, creating a very busy look.  Think outside the box and spread your decorations around!  Decorate your hanging light fixtures, your banister, or hang decorations over the doorways.  Unusual placements create interest for your guests, and also create beautiful spaces without clutter. Those icicle ornaments we love: they would look great hanging in a chandelier or with some garland on a banister!  Any ornament that is particularly beautiful or special can be placed in a chandelier or on a banister, rather than getting lost in a Christmas tree.

Photos from Amanda's creative mother Judy

We hope you are all having a very happy Holiday season, and that these little tips will help you while you are making your home beautiful for the Holiday's!  Until next year....

Tasty and Pretty- Use Holiday Food to Decorate!

A table setting by Ambi Design

One of the things that I like to do in my own home is decorate with edibles.  During this time of the year where life is so centered around family and entertaining it just makes sense to highlight and feature the food that is so integral to the celebration.  Plus, the dual purpose nature of your displays make them a great way to stretch your household budget.
Some of the ideas I have used:
-Clear glass apothecary or spice jars of red and white peppermint disks help to spread the festive atmosphere to the kitchen.  You could use any other food that you enjoy that fits your holiday decor.
-Green and red pears and apples in various sizes look great on the family room coffee table in a wooden bowl and puts a healthy snack right at arms reach.
-Bowls of nuts or pretty ribbon candies are beautiful left out on end tables.  If they are going to be sitting for a long time look for a bowl with a glass lid.
-Instead of a formal centerpiece I have used tiered display stands to showcase pretty baked goods on the dining table.  It doesn't have to be a formal cake- decorative cookies or breads look great too.  If the baked goods lack color you can add an edible flower to the mix.
Have fun and be creative!  That fruitcake from your great aunt might make the perfect edible (if just a tad dry =) holiday centerpiece!

Added 12/5
Look at this Buddha Hand fruit that I saw at a client's house today-
so cool, and a perfect example of decorating with food!