A Fun Theme Gift For Christmas !!

I know we are all in the middle of Thanksgiving day prep, but right around the corner is Christmas so I know our minds keep wandering into Fa-La-La land!! Or at least mine sure is.

I am always on the look for some fun and unusual gifts, and when I find something worth sharing I like to tell you all about it.

Several years ago I was on the hunt for something fun, and different to give to my son’s and daughter-in-laws as a couple gift.

I like to think of a theme for my gift giving. This particular year it was all about entertaining.  I thought it would be fun to give each couple a joint gift for their home and entertaining needs.

I decided to purchase some all white serving pieces for entertaining. I knew Crate and Barrel would have just the right pieces, they always  have a wonderful variety of serving pieces in white.

I chose various shapes and sizes of platters, and some small square hors d’oeuvres plates.  I ordered twelve of the small square plates, so if they had a party they would be set!

I also went to Pottery Barn, and ordered 12 cocktail napkins with a monogram .

The small square hors d’oeuvres plates, and the napkins were a big hit.

Too add a little extra surprise to this entertaining package I found a wonderful company called, Destination Dinners.

Source: destinationdinners.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

This company offers a wonderful array of prepackaged dinners from around the world. They are beautifully boxed in pretty red boxes. Inside you will find the recipe and all the specialty spices that you will need to cook an exotic tasty meal. All you have to purchase is the fresh ingredients. They tell you just how much meat and veggies, etc to buy.

Source: destinationdinners.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

They also have a variety of meals that will come with the serving dishes you might need for your meal. These are called Dinner Party kits.

Source: destinationdinners.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

In their Dinner gift kits you will get an extra added bonus gift such as a lovely vase,candlesticks or placemats…..

Source: destinationdinners.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

I love to find fun, and interesting gifts for my loved one’s. Plus it is fun to do a theme like this. It also seems to help give me a direction to go towards, and I so enjoy finding all the elements to add to the gift.

What kind of theme gifts have you given at Christmas?

We love to hear new ideas in blogland so please feel free to let us all know in the comments.

Now, I need to get off the computer and finish my Thanksgiving table!!!

“Enjoy the Process!” Of:

Planning a gift with a theme for your loved one’s!!

Kathysue

On another note: If you are a designer-type you have to read this great post over at Wendi's blog Classic Chic Home

"Confessions of a Serial Decorator!"

I think we can all relate to her blog post!!

Take a look and see if you fit the profile! 

Sometimes We Just Need A Treat!!

I had a fun day yesterday. It was a cold rainy day so I decided to stay in and do some puttzing around the house.

I cranked up the Christmas music, and I proceeded to sort all the gifts I have purchased, and started wrapping and humming♫♪♫♪!!

 

I had the best day ever. Of course I did get a bit melancholy because this is the first year one of my son’s won’t be here, but I tried to focus on the good time his family will have getting a big box from the Big Brown Truck!!! I know I just love when that guy pulls up in front of my house.

Since I stayed pretty busy I tried to  fit in a couple of breaks and have a treat!!

I am going to highly recommend this treat to YOU, all of my readers. It is also something I like to have on hand for Holiday drop-ins!!!

I have always kept a supply of Trader Joe’s almond mini biscotti and enjoyed it immensely, but this by far surpasses  the almond biscotti.

If you have not had this before you must try it……….

“NONNI’S GINGERBREAD PECAN BISCOTTI”

Source: images.google.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Another plus it is only 80 calories, pretty good for a sweet treat.

One of these biscotti, and your favorite cup of tea or coffee =Love in a cup!

Speaking of tea I have two teas that I love to drink in the winter……

PEETS WINTER SOLSTICE

Source: peets.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

This tea has a spice, vanilla, citrus flavor. There is something about the addition of the vanilla that just makes this a wonderful mellow cup of tea with just hints of spice and citrus.

Peet’s only carries it this time of year so you can bet your bottom dollar I will be buying several boxes to last all winter. 

It makes a wonderful hostess gift too. In fact that is how I got my first box. A dear friend brought it tied up in a beautiful coppery brown satin ribbon. Boy, was it pretty on that blue box.

The other tea that I have been drinking this winter is Stash’s………..

Lemon-Ginger Tea

Source: images.google.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

This tea has a strong ginger flavor so if you don’t like ginger you would not like this tea. I love ginger and lemon so it is a perfect mix for this girl. I squeeze a bit more lemon and a spoonful of honey and it is a perfect cup of tea.

So there you have it!!! This is what I treat myself with on a cold and rainy afternoon, with the fireplace lit, and Christmas music in the background.

Do you all have some fun little treats that you like to keep around for yourself and drop-in guest? Do share, we can always use more ideas in blogland!!

“Enjoy the Process” Of:

Whatever you are doing by adding a

biscotti and a cup of special tea!

Kathysue

What to Serve For Thanksgiving Dinner

This is our last weekend before Thanksgiving to  pull together our dinner menus. If you all are like me, you already have family favorites that are always served.

Obviously roasted turkey, dressing and mashed potatoes and gravy will always be on the table.

However I do like to add a new dish from time to time. I will usually add a new side dish, salad or dessert to my menu.

I thought I would share some of the contenders that I am trying to decide on for this years dinner.

I like to have a green vegetable and what I call a yellow/orange vegetable.

This recipe looked and sounded really good to me………

Vegetables and Salads:

(you can click on any of the links below each image to go to the recipe)

Source: myrecipes.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Balsamic root vegetable cooked in a crock pot with a sweet glaze and a sprinkle of cranberries. Easy to make and won’t take up any oven space!!

Source: parentables.howstuffworks.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

 Roasted brussel sprouts with cranberry- pistachio pesto. I love brussel sprouts roasted in the oven. They get a wonderful crispness and the flavor is so much better when they are roasted. I love the idea of the pesto on top, Yum!!

Source: kalynskitchen.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Roasted balsamic green beans and mushrooms. I am starting to see a trend here……. balsamic vinegar must be on my mind or at least in my taste buds!!

Source: oprah.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Giada de Laurentiis’s roasted carrot and parsnips salad, with arugula and candied walnuts. This would kill two birds with one stone. Vegetable and salad all in one!!

Source: myrecipes.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Orange ginger glazed carrots. I love ginger and these sound so yummy to me!!!

Source: thekitchn.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

We have all seen this stacked pair salad, so easy, but a beautiful presentation.

Now shall we move onto the fun stuff? Appetizers and desserts…..

Appetizers:

I always do a cheese platter, but I think these would make fun additions.

Source: alexandracooks.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Bruchetta, goat cheese, roasted grapes with rosemary.

Source: plainchicken.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Brie Bites. I think these would go really fast in my house!

Source: crazysweetlife.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Baked maple brie with pecans and cranberries. Boy oh boy, my mouth is starting to water, just writing about this stuff!!

Source: marthastewart.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Pear, goat cheese, walnut crostini.

My Mom will be making pies,but I like to offer a variety of desserts so I think I might do something simple. These looked interesting to me……….

Desserts:

Source: sprinklebakes.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Poached honey pears wrapped in puffed pastry.

While Mom is baking pies I might have her make me some of these to keep on hand in the freezer……..

Source: notmartha.org via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

I remember when she would take the left over pie crust and sprinkle cinnamon on it and roll it up and bake it. What a treat that was for us when we were kids. Did your Mom’s do that too?

Source: justbestrecipes.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Pumpkin pudding made in the crockpot!! I can just imagine how wonderful this would make the house smell!!! YUM!!

Source: scrambledhenfruit.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Caramel stuffed apple cider cookies.

Oh my!! On that note I need to stop. I think I gained ten pounds just thinking about all of this food. I am stuffed!!

What will you be serving your family for Thanksgiving dinner?

“Enjoy the Process!” Of:

Planning a special Holiday menu for your family and friends.

Kathysue