Happy February, Groundhog Day and welcome to the first Saturday Meanderings of this month. February 2024…wow. Who remembers the year 2000 like it was yesterday? That was 24 years ago! As life continues to just fly on by, my attempt at slow living is truly failing. Here we are with another month starting and it’s time to chat about all good things this week for Saturday Meanderings.

Add Touches of Pink

This week, I am adding touches of pink to the house to celebrate the month of love. I treat myself to a new wreath for the front door from TwoInspireYou. I first found them initially on Etsy and they make wreaths of various widths. With a 4 foot wide front door, standard wreaths look a bit puny so it nice that they create wreaths up to 30 inches wide.

These are not inexpensive wreaths, but they are a very good quality and last a long time. I purchased an autumn wreath from them several years ago and it looks as good as the day I received it. Granted, you need to store them properly, but I find these wreaths a good, long term investment.

The pink peony wreath with greenery comes in a hot pink, paler pink or a white flower. For Valentine’s Day, I add a few yarn hearts to pick up the colors from the nearby lighter pink geraniums. A few pots of more pink geraniums are in the wicker basket on my blue beach cruiser.

Fireplace Garland

Do you remember the Valentine’s garland I made a few years ago? That’s up this week on both the dining room and breakfast room fireplace mantels.

What’s nice about this garland is that once you make it, you can use it year to year. Paper heart garland DIY here. Yarn heart garland DIY here. Each year I try and mix it up with something else-like this pearl button garland.

Why not find a fun or unusual container to hold your heart-shaped candies? This Cambridge Rose Point footed mayonnaise bowl with etched depression glass is from the 1920s. I never use it for mayonnaise so may as well use it here.

Are you putting up any decorative touches for Valentine’s Day?

More Progress

This week I am able to check off 3 items on the 2024 Small Project List~woohoo! Though I cannot take credit for this one, I am thrilled that our side green gate near the rose garden is finally painted. It looks so nice and fresh. A relatively easy project with a great impact! Though the picture doesn’t reflect that actual deep and rich blackish green of the door, it still looks good!

Valentine Cookie Decorating Class

The class is full and we will be creating gorgeous Valentine cookies today! I’m a little worried about the weather because the temperatures have dipped out of the pleasant 70s to the 50s. But we have heaters on the back terrace so hopefully everyone will be comfortable. Will take lots of pictures and share with you next week.

From the Internet

I just discovered Drew Michael Scott from Lone Fox Home on Instagram. Truth be told, I try not to spend any time on my phone unless I have to, but this young man is so incredibly talented I watch all his videos. He recently purchased a 1929 small Spanish style home and on a budget and with amazing creativity, he is transforming it into a one of a kind living space.

He finds bargains on Facebook Marketplace and has a great eye for detail. What I like is that he is true to his taste and not following the latest trends. Drew is an inspiration as his ideas and techniques are not typical, but very innovative. You can find him on Instagram @lonefoxhome (where you see him in action) or his website here (which sells his products).

My friend, Stacy from Bricks ‘n Blooms has written her FIRST book and it will be releasing on February 6th. Stacy is a phenomenal gardener and her flower beds are magazine worthy. Here’s what Amazon has to say about this book:

In this incredibly comprehensive and gorgeously photographed guide, master gardener Stacy Ling helps aspiring green thumbs achieve success with her easy-to-grow, easy-care, and low maintenance approach to growing beautiful flowers.   

I have preordered mine and you can see it here. Let’s help out a budding new author and get lots of books sold! Fabulous gift to a gardener!

Speaking of flowers and seeds, my sweet friend, Kim from Shiplap and Shells shares a recent post on the viability of seeds. If you are like me, I try and plant seeds that I find several years later and wonder why they didn’t grow? See Kim’s informative Flower Seed Viability Chart here.

Mary’s Must Haves

Lately, in the afternoon I am enjoying a hot cup of tea. However, I am unable to find this tea on the supermarket shelves. It is available online and I highly recommend it. Twining Earl Grey with Lavender is delicious. Of course I add a few things like honey, a small amount of vanilla extract before I steep the tea bag in hot water. Then I top it with some steamed oat milk (any milk with do). You can find this yummy tea here.

First Saturday Lime

Even though I have shared this before, I cannot say enough good things about this product. It is the ONLY thing that gets rid of those nasty worms that eat my geraniums. It was probably over a year ago I first applied it and didn’t see one worm for months. The package recommends you apply it monthly and First Saturday Lime is a healthy alternative to pesticides.

Plus this product does many things~ from increasing soil pH to turning hydrangeas pink. You can use it with horses, chickens and even as a whitewash. Pretty amazing and a 20 lb bag runs about $32.00. If you follow me on Instagram @lifeatbellaterra, I did a reel this week demonstrating how I use this product. You can find it here.

Perfect Hostess Gift

If you are looking for a Valentine gift or hostess gift for February, isn’t this an attractive cocktail shaker set? I own a few products from this company and so far the quality and performance has been great. This entire set is only $24.99 and includes a 24 oz. shaker with a built-in strainer, a double sided jigger and a muddler mixing spoon. See it here.

Help for my Knee

Decades ago, due to a bad skiing accident, I severed my ACL and significantly injured the other two ligaments in my left knee. Three surgeries and a full year recovery, I am happy to say I do not walk with a limp. However, lately my knee is slightly swollen and creating a bit of a fuss.

I am looking at this ice pack wrap as perhaps a solution to minimize the pain. Does anyone use a product like this? Coldest Knee Ice Pack Wrap can be used for both hot and cold therapy. This reusable compression is best for Meniscus Tear, Injury Recovery, Bursitis Pain Recovery, Sprains, Swelling and Rheumatoid Arthritis. It’s on my list of things to buy and you can find it here.

That’s a wrap! Have a beautiful weekend and whatever you do, stay warm and safe.

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. My blog may contain other affiliate links but not all links have affiliations. I truly love to share products that I have personally tried and highly recommend.

Can it possibly be mid-January already? I hope this year isn’t another one on fast-forward. All my efforts to slow time do not seem to be working. Happy Saturday to you and I hope this blog post finds you comfy and cozy. It is very cold here in Phoenix as we are not used to freezing morning temperatures very often. Let’s get started with Saturday Meanderings where we chat about all good things this week.

Christmas and Holiday Decorations

The goal was to have all the decorations put away last weekend. However, a bulk of those decorations go into the Christmas room in the basement (see that post here). Monday morning I went to put the last of the boxes away and the Christmas room was flooded. In addition to storage, there are two 80 gallon water heaters in one corner. One of the water heaters split and hence the flooding. We also have flood alarms in the basement and even though one was under water, did it alert us? NO!

By Wednesday, our plumber replaced the water heater (when did they become so expensive?). Clean up follows and we are now storing the balance of the boxes. There is always something that doesn’t go according to plan.

A Wildlife week

Since our big dog, Cooper passed away, we are experiencing more wildlife in the yard. I don’t know if it was due to Cooper marking his territory, but we are seeing more critters. A few cute ones~bunnies and a cat who strolls around like he/she owns the place. However, I believe this display of small animals is also attracting a very large coyote.

Cooper did a great job keeping coyotes out of the property, but they are back. I fear for the cat and bunny, but hoping they are very fast and good at hiding. Hard to believe we have coyotes, foxes, raccoons, bobcats, peccaries and various birds of prey in our relatively urban environment.

What’s in Bloom

In spite of the freezing temperatures, we still have things thriving and blooming. The ornamental cabbages planted in the fall look their best now, with their shades of purple and blue/green leaves. Lately I’ve been so drawn to the color purple, lavender and plum. Not sure what that is about but I checked online and it says it represents feeling a strong connection to spirituality. Hmm.

Even though lavender loves a warm climate, it is doing just fine in our cooler temperatures.

Along the same colors as the lavender flower and sage colored leaves, is our Texas sage.

In this new year, do you find yourself drawn to a specific color? In March 2018 I actually wrote a post on why we are drawn to color. It appears then, purple was the big attraction. How odd as it is not a color that is one of my favorites.

Soup Weather

It is the perfect time of year to make soup. This week I made chicken noodle soup from chicken bones and loosely referenced Half Baked Harvest’s recipe, Lemony Pesto Chicken Noodle Soup. Typically my stock consists of lots of bones/parts, onions, celery, carrots and seasoning. Once the stock has simmered for hours, I strain it and then add more chicken, vegetables, seasonings, noodles or rice or orzo.

Normally, I don’t add lemon juice, fennel or pesto, but I must say, adding these ingredients elevates my chicken soup. Probably the best chicken soup I’ve ever created. If anyone makes the Half Baked Harvest recipe please let me know how it goes.

You have heard me reference the Fast Metabolism Diet book. It has a Chicken and Barley soup recipe that is full of vegetables such as butternut squash, yellow summer squash, zucchini, broccoli and mushrooms. It is more of a stew vs. a soup because of the barley. I tend to season it more as I feel it’s on the bland side, but another great soup that sticks to your bones.

Artificial Intelligence

I am not sure how I feel about artificial intelligence, or AI. However, apparently the images below are created by AI. On one hand, I am amazed at what AI can do. On the other hand, like most things in life, there are those who will manipulate it. The long term impact is unknown but I see many jobs becoming obsolete as a result.

There is an AI tool that you can use for interior design. DecorAI is a comprehensive AI-powered interior design tool that helps users come up with new decorating ideas. Users can take a photo of their room and get up to five free design ideas. I haven’t tried this yet but here are some of their before and after photos.

Technology is certainly changing the world.

Mary’s Must Haves

Each night before bed, I heat up my microwaveable aromatherapy blanket and slip it in between my fitted and top sheet. Then I am off to wash my face, brush my teeth and get into my jammies. By the time I actually get into bed, my sheets are so nice and warm. Heavenly!

This blanket measures 44″ x 18″ and weighs 5 lbs. The lavender scent helps promote relaxation. You can even freeze the insert to help alleviate muscle soreness. The removable cover is washable and oh so soft! It comes in 5 different colors/fabrics. See it here.

With the cold weather, my cuticles seem to get so dry. Again, a nighttime ritual is applying cuticle oil to soften and repair damaged cuticles. This particular one has over 121,000 views on Amazon with a 4.7 star rating. Not only does the 2.5 oz oil come fragrance-free, but also has 12 other fragrances to choose. Currently it is 38% off. See it here.

There is something to be said for writing with a pretty pen. The Rifle Paper Company has such cheerful designs and I love this affordable set of gel pens in these happy colors. Whether you journal or just need a good-looking pen, here’s an affordable way to do so. Four Estee gel pens at $18.00~what a nice treat to yourself.

The link will take you to the home page of Rifle Paper and then click on the New Arrivals box. Scroll down about 8 rows and you will find it there.

For years, I have been using Oil of Oregano. Oregano oils have antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. These oils may also play a beneficial role in weight management and infection treatments. It’s a natural antibiotic and may improve gut health. The minute I feel a little off, I take it. When I travel or am surrounded by large crowds, I take it as a precautionary measure. This little gem is instrumental in keeping me healthy. Note: I do take it with food as it can upset an empty stomach.

Naturally always research products before you start taking them. Also make sure you are getting a high quality supplement. If you’re interested in taking oregano oil extract but currently taking prescription medications, make sure to consult your healthcare professional before adding it to your regimen.

That’s a wrap! Have a terrific weekend. Stay healthy and warm!

Happy Saturday and I hope you are all in a festive, joyful and holiday mood. I realize the holidays may be hard for some. Often I find myself singing happily along with a Christmas carol and sobbing with another. It is certainly a time of year where I think about those who I love, those I have lost and those less fortunate than us. Finding gems of holiday magic may require some work, but once you do, joy can overcome sadness. Welcome to another Saturday Meanderings where we chat about all good things this week. Hopefully this post will be informative, lift your spirits or help you spread the excitement of the holidays.

A Successful Event

Last Saturday we hosted an event with nearly 70 people attending. Held on the back terrace, it was a beautiful late afternoon. So nice to see old friends and make new ones. Remember last Saturday when I shared the “Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadstick” recipe? I make this for our event and it is an incredible success.

Here is the recipe again, however, some things to note. First, I think the manufacturer is making the pizza dough smaller. I use two rolls of pizza dough, but keep the same spinach/cream cheese filling (for one tree). There is plenty of filling for 2 trees.

At first, no one wanted to tear into it, but once they did, both trees went very quickly! I think you could make this recipe with various fillings. Looks complicated but is relatively easy. Just follow the instructions. I will definitely make this again. Yummy.

I also make this pretty dessert tray with store bought items~gingerbread cookies, European milk chocolate biscuit cookies (found in the cookie aisle at Safeway), Christmas tree and snowflake yogurt pretzels (just addicting), mini Belgian cream puffs (in the freezer section most grocery stores/big box at Costco) and the cute red/white mini licorice candy canes by High Valley Orchard (in plastic containers at Safeway). Add a sprig of greenery! So easy to throw together and bite-size pieces for all.

The Annual Christmas Tree Hunt

It is family tradition to get our fresh Christmas tree on or around my husband’s birthday, which is December 13th. Each and every year, we head to Whitfill Nursery and always find the freshest, most fragrant trees. We get a nice big one for the living room and a smaller one for the dining room.

The trees go into the pool for a day or two, primarily to clean and hydrate them. If you’ve ever had a spider’s web (and spider babies) in your Christmas tree, you know what I’m talking about. Eeew.

Another Great Hostess Gift

Once you inhale the fragrance of paper whites (narcissus) you can see why they are a favorite holiday flower. This plant has an average plastic container, but I pop it into a cute small basket, add some moss and a pretty blue velvet ribbon, and voilà, you have a hostess gift!

If you missed last week’s Saturday Meanderings, I share some hostess gift suggestions. The beeswax candles I order from Amazon arrive and they are perfect. These are all natural and organic, and you need to stand up the wick to light them. I gifted them to my friend, Janie with the electric candle lighter (charges with a USB port) and she loves it! See that post here.

It’s Panettone Week!

During the holidays I always take a homemade baked good to the man who has been cutting and styling my hair for over 30 years (Roscoe at Pucci Salon). My hair is in sorry shape as I haven’t gotten it done for months. Nothing like warm panettone out of the oven to motivate a good cut and style.

Never had panettone? Check out this Saturday Meanderings from last year goes into detail on this delicious Italian holiday bread.

December Sunsets

With the crisp, chilly mornings and evenings, our December sunsets are fabulous. Here is an unedited photo of the sky behind the hen house and garden.

Mother Nature puts on quite the show. Within minutes, the view changes. So stunning!

Note the Christmas lights in the garden. The temperature is in the mid-30s to low 40s in the morning. I generally put lights over the beds so when I cover them with frost cloth, some heat is retained to protect the plants. Our temperatures on our property are anywhere from 6-9 degrees cooler than the posted weather forecast. Freezing temperatures are on the horizon.

Fun with Food

I seem to be drawn to festive holiday food! This different approach to charcuterie looks fun to make, right? Not only can food arrangement be festive, but so can holiday cocktails. If you missed my Christmas cocktail post this week, there are several suggestions for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

This board is certainly seasonal. By just removing part of the rind on a round brie, you can make it look like Santa~so clever!

Mary’s Must Haves

Having fresh trees and greens in the houses fills each room with the most amazing forest scent. But if you have an artificial tree or greens, this is the next best thing:

Thymes Frasier Fir pine needle candles never disappoint. There are on the expensive side ($34.00 for 6.5 oz) but such a nice splurge for the holidays.

Though I haven’t tried this one personally, Yankee Candle has a 22 ounce Balsam and Cedar candle for $29.94.

My husband tucks the Scentsicles in our artificial garlands or wreaths to give them a White Winter Fir scent. These scented sticks are made of sustainable, biodegradable, recycled paper and make trees and greenery smell like fresh-cut for 30 days. See it here.

With lots of house guests, I am doing much more laundry, mostly sheets and towels. During the dry winter months, we have additional static cling and I am not a fan of dryer static. Even though dryer sheets help with static and add fragrance, I do not like the cost, waste and chemicals.

Instead, we use reusable wool dryer balls, 100% Premium New Zealand Wool – eco-friendly and all-natural. Ideal for those with sensitive skin, babies, toddlers, & pets. No fillers, chemicals, or synthetics. Dryer balls cut the drying time by up to 50% (savings in electrical costs). These sustainable (last up to 1,000 loads), biodegradable dryer balls are completely static-free.

Great stocking stuffer too!

I love these cordless table lights, Shanghai LED Desk Lamp Cordless Table Lights. At this past weekend event, I use them on the appetizer table. The light is so pleasant~not too bright but beautifully cast downward with pretty illumination. With two settings, you can adjust the ambience to your conditions.

Here is a photo where I use 3 of these lights on my Valentine dinner table. Since we are dining outside, I don’t have to worry about candles blowing out or dripping on the centerpiece.

The LED night lamp is battery-powered and charge with a USB port. It is equipped with a 5000 mAh rechargeable battery allowing up to 8 hours usage. Elegant and transportable, you can truly use them anywhere. Well worth the investment of $49.00 each. Plus they come in multiple colors (mine are gold). See it here.

This time of year my hands are SO dry. Often I will get little cracks, like paper cuts, due to the dryness. A few years ago, I did use a combination of Thayer toner with witch hazel, aloe vera and rose petal and then a good hand cream. With both products by my kitchen sink, it was easy to use them after hand washing. I just re-ordered the Thayer toner and did read great reviews about CeraVe therapeutic hand cream.

Note: the Thayer toner comes in a spray bottle too, which might make application easier. Will be getting both today in the mail and I’ll let you know how the hand cream works.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend! We are off with the family celebrating my husband’s birthday so I am hoping time permits me to share a holiday home tour with you next week. I’m still a bit behind in the holiday shopping but it will all come together. Are you ready for the holidays?

Welcome to Saturday Meanderings! So much of my week was devoted to a neighborhood issue~lots of research, creating a powerpoint presentation and sitting in a hearing for 5 hours. Naturally I’d rather be decorating for the holidays, but sometimes other responsibilities take precedent. We have a rather large event at the house today, so I’m buzzing around trying to get it all together. Nonetheless it’s the weekend and such a special and magical time of year.

Giving to Others

Especially around the holidays, I count my blessings for the fullness of my life. I realize that others may be struggling both financially, physically and emotionally. At our church, we have a woman who runs the prison ministry and this time of year creates an Angel tree. The names on the tree are the children, whose mothers are incarcerated, and unable to spend the holidays with their families.

Each year we “adopt” a few of the children, and fulfill their Christmas list. It is the season of giving and we do a small part to help out those in need. I hope everyone is able to provide some hope and joy to those less fortunate. Please share what kindnesses you do for others during the holiday.

Latest Salt Dough Ornaments

The other wooden cookie mold I ordered, finally arrives. This one is deeper than my pinecone cookie mold and I make the standard salt dough mixture (flour, salt, water).

As you know, last week I shared my pinecone salt dough cookies DIY. The baking of the pinecone ornaments took about an hour since the pinecones are much thinner. However, this thicker hen design takes quite a bit longer to cook (2-3 hours at 200 degrees), and I am not sure they are thoroughly baked.

This sweet design also makes much heavier ornaments. They are more propped on the tree than hung, however, I still think they look good. A good reminder is to see how deep the mold is and my next try will see if I can make them thinner?

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Concert

For 25 years, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra has taken music to a new level. The band only tours on an annual November-December extravaganza (104 shows) that the band prides in being “as over the top as we can make it. We have, two stages~with pyro, lights and lasers~on both sides of the area, as well as in the crowd and the best sound we can find. There are no second class seats at a Trans-Siberian Orchestra show. ” Their goal is to have people walk out of the concert speechless and still not believing what they have seen was possible.

Last Sunday we saw The 2023 Winter Tour, The Ghost of Christmas Eve. This concert is such a great way to start the holiday season! Their progressive rock band push the boundaries of traditional Christmas music. Who else has their female vocalist performing inside of a 24 foot snow globe?

Seats sell out quickly and this year they perform in Phoenix for only two shows. A great gift for someone who loves music, unbelievable pyro-technics, lighting and props. See more information about the Trans-Siberian Orchestra here.

Holiday Decorating

I am still not completely finished with our holiday decorating, but we are making progress. The very large wreath is up on the well tower.

My mother would alway put candles in the window at our home in Connecticut. Back then, they were electric and needed to be plugged in. I recall Scotch taping the plastic bases to the window sill. Now the candles are battery-operated and so much easier to use.

I bought ours years ago and love the fact that are on an automatic timer. Here is a similar product and I am surprised on how inexpensive they are today. A pack of 10 LED Flameless Candles is $39.99 here.

Each year my husband puts out artificial trees by the front door to create a forest feel. This year we add red poinsettias on the way up the steps for a bit of holiday color. Battery-operated candle pillars, in the lanterns, light the way. Costco has a good supply of poinsettias at a decent price.

This Weekend’s Event

Here are some nibble boards I will be preparing today for our event tonight. This is a super easy vegetable Christmas Tree display.

I will be making my Christmas Wreath charcuterie board (if you missed my post this week you can see it here).

Would love to have enough time to make something like this. Check out this Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks from It’s Always Autumn. It doesn’t look too difficult and visually impactful. See it here.

Of course, who wouldn’t love this Hot Chocolate Dessert board? We won’t be serving hot chocolate at our event, but I am definitely pinning this!

Mary’s Must Haves

This week I am focusing on hostess gifts because it IS that time of year. Instead of bringing a bottle of wine, why not the following:

This Rechargeable Electric Candle Lighter is eco-friendly, windproof, flameless, USB rechargeable and has a hidden safety lock making it family friendly. Now 23% off on Amazon and is available in multiple colors.

Pair your electric lighter with a set of 6 of these pretty natural beeswax tapered candles. Everyone can use candles during the holidays! The price is right too at $15.19. I ordered both the lighter and candles and they arrive tomorrow.

Isn’t this natural wood spoon and fork set gorgeous? How unique to use something this pretty to serve your guests? The larger ones can toss a salad and the smaller ones can serve nuts from a bowl. Now 52% off (!) from Amazon at $28.50. Delivery is quick too!

If you know someone who uses fresh herbs, this is the perfect hostess gift for a gardener or cook. I use fresh herbs from my garden frequently and find it a bit tedious to chop them and then have to clean the cutting board.

These herb scissors with 5 blades and a safety cover is the perfect solution for easily chopping or cutting fresh herbs. Picture a pretty small basket with a collection of fresh herbs tied with a festive ribbon and these scissors!

This may seem like a strange hostess gift, but in winter we have shorter daytime hours. This gift, Eufy plug-in Dusk to Dawn night lights, will be loved by your hostess (of course after they use them). As we get older, it’s helpful if we are not tripping over something in the middle of the night. You have seen me praise these before, but I love the low profile look of these lights. Their glare-free light is not bright or offensive.

I am seriously ordering yet another set (we already have one at home and one at the cabin) as I want to put them in the pool house and guest cottage. A set of 6 is $23.99. Amazon has a rating of 4.7 out of 10,071 reviews. Eufy night lights

That’s a wrap. Have a wonderful weekend! Do you have any fun plans?

If you like to doodle, then you will love this project! Gingerbread everything is a big holiday theme this year, and yes, the gingerbread bug did bite me too! See how easy it is to decorate this very inexpensive cardboard houses into your own personal gingerbread village.

Supplies

You will need:

• Paper mache or similar paper/cardboard house
• White Paint pens with different nibs
• Glitter
• Glue or Modge Dodge

I find these 6″ paper mache houses at Michaels. I paid $5.99 each and now they are discounted to $3.99 each (darn). Our local store is out of stock, but you can find these in a set of 3 at Hobby Lobby, or from Factory Direct Crafts. Amazon has numerous styles available too here.

Any white paint pen will do but the key is to find a set with different nib sizes. From Michaels, I find Craftsmart oil-based premium paint pens in 3 nib sizes, but for the life of me I cannot seem to find it online. Plus one of the pens did leak and made a bit of a mess.

I find this set on Amazon and I think it will do the trick.

For years I have had the same big jar of glitter from craft days with the children and I LOVE it~so sparkly and festive. I find something similar on Amazon and I believe it is a close substitute.

Modge Podge is perfect to use as a glue and base for your glitter. It comes in both matte and glossy finish. Either will work but I use matte for this project.

Drawing details on the House

Use your imagination and draw curlicues, hearts or whatever design you want on your plain brown house.

Notice that these two houses are similar yet different, but both have the decorative, ornate look of a gingerbread house.

Add details at the roofline too.

I use the wide nib on the marker to color the roof and trim white, to appear snow-like. Around the chimney I replicate snow dripping. Then it is time to add the glitter.

Adding the Glitter

Though I do not have a photo, paint the roof and base Modge Podge and sprinkle the glitter over the wet surface. Put down paper or a pan first or you will have glitter everywhere. Since this is very fine glitter, you will more than likely be a bit sparkly yourself after!

In an attempt to create “icicles” I use my glue gun and drip glue from the rafters. While warm, I cover them in glitter. Not sure it’s worth the effort but here is how it looks. Since it didn’t make a huge difference and the glue actually looks a tad yellow, I only made “icicles” on one of the houses. Effort vs. reward.

The Overall Gingerbread Village

In the center of my rather large kitchen island, I have a two tiered glass patisserie, which I decorate by season. Found at Ballard Design, the patisserie comes in either pewter or brass and is on sale (from $299 to $225). Not only does it break up the surface of my island, but it is perfect for entertaining and displaying desserts, appetizers, etc.

The ceramic gingerbread houses are a find at Michaels (I believe are now out of stock). I blend in my two inexpensive gingerbread houses and I like how it all goes together.

Adding 2 different shades of bottle brush trees provides a nice contrast to the neutral tone gingerbread houses.

I think the DIY paper mache houses blend in rather nicely with the ceramic ones. Wouldn’t this be a fun project with children?

I am not sure whether I can squeeze a battery powered tea light in that front door but I’d like to find a way to light the house from within.

Holiday decorating continues!

If you like this post, please share on Pinterest.

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. My blog may contain other affiliate links but not all links have affiliations. I truly love to share products that I have personally tried and highly recommend.