Toasters

With 2011 in the review mirror and 2012 shining in the distance, it is time toast to all the happy moments, all the laughter, and all the lessons learned from this past year.  As all your dear friends huddle around the tv, the bar, or wherever you choose to bring in the New Year, there has to be an appropriate toasting drink.  After all– it is the first thing you will say and taste this new year and you don’t want to start off with regrets!  Here are some recipes to get your toasts going!  But remember, moderation is always number one.  Have a very Happy New Year!

• Champagne Cocktail
• Red Royale
• Bellini (this can be made with or without alcohol)
• Lady New Year (a punch that will serve a large crowd)
• Pomegranate Champagne Punch
• Beer Cocktails
• Pink Champagne Cupcakes (not a drink, I know, but still something a little fun

So drink up — Skål, Santé, Zum wohl, Salud, Salute, Gan bei, Egészségére, Cheers!

Festive Treats

Here are some last-minute cookie ideas that are what you would call “semi-homemade.”

• Salted Carmel Turtle Squares (The caramel will melt off at room temp, so make sure to cut, then refrigerate prior to serving.  Even though they were messy, people loved the play of the cookie bottom, the caramel top, and the salt on the top)
• Cake Batter Cookie Stacks (need I say more at how amazing these were?)
• Choco-Lumps of Coal (My coworkers loved these! The are made from coco-puffs for an extra surprise!)

Christmas Countdown!

With all the hectic, festive activities that will consume your time this year, it is nice to have a reminder why you are sweating over three dozen elf shaped cookies at 11 pm Christmas Eve.  This Santa’s Belt Countdown Pillow available at Kohls, can be your sanity check.  Move the numbered belt under the belt buckle to mark the days until Christmas.  Now you can merrily and comfortably decorate knowing your big deadline.

ps– Since I found it last week, they have sold out, however, this would be a great “go-to” gift next year for an unexpected guest!

Warm Welcomes

It is that time of year when the holiday parties are coming in droves.  Each weekend has (or will be) claimed from here until New Years.  If you are lucky enough to host your own, you want to make sure to welcome your guests right at the start!  Here are some fun, festive, and quirky front door mats that will certainly impress, if not begin, some chatter at your party.  Most listed are made from coir (coconut husks) and are environmentally considerate.

Fun & Festive

• Red Birds Holiday Door Mat US$50

 …festive doormat depicts red birds and white branches against a blue sky. Simple, silhouetted shapes make for a modern design, while sustainable and absorbent coir minimizes damage to both the environment and the doorstep.

• Branch Doormat US$50

…leftover birch twigs and branches that would otherwise be burned and slice them into cross-sections to expose their growth rings and beautiful, natural coloring. The disks are sanded smooth and mounted on a water-resistant backing. (INDOOR USE ONLY)

• Tree and Snowflakes US$12

…A peaceful forest of evergreens is dotted with white snowflakes on a natural background. This easy-care, durable doormat is a great way to welcome guests to your home.

 

• Reindeer Doormat US$20

…Crafted from coir, a sustainable material made from the husk of a coconut, this durable Reindeer Doormat is great for high-traffic entryways.

Quirky

• Beware of Dog US$20

…This natural coir doormat tells your guests to “beware of dog,” right down to the bite taken out of the corner. The 100% natural coir mat if fade resistant and vinyl-backed…

• Come In, Go Away US$38

…Give guests a laugh with this good-humored, mind-boggling doormat that reads differently depending on whether you are walking in or out of the house. Carefully designed letters read “Come In” from one angle and “Go Away” when flipped…