Monday, December 6, 2010

Holiday Decorating Inspiration-Disney Style

We went to our favorite place over Thanksgiving. It may sound crazy to go away during that time but it is actually a good time for us to take a vacation.  One of the best things about being there over Thanksgiving, is that they are also decorated for the holidays.  It's fun to see how all of the resorts and parks decorate, Disney style.


Here's the tree at Disney's Polynesian Resort.

This 'tree' is actually built out of variegated spider plants and white lights (in Epcot).


Of course Magic Kingdom is always breathtaking.  I never get tired of seeing that castle and when it's all lit up for Christmas, it's even better!


We had dinner at The Animal Kingdom Lodge's Kidani Village restaurant called Sanaa and this is the reflection of the Lodge's tree.


This was new to me. A lot of the resorts place a festive red Santa chair near their tree for photo ops. (also at Kidani Village)


Some of the ornaments on the Kidani Village tree.




Even these bows have an African flair.


This is the tree at Animal Kingdom park at night.  It's covered in animals and looks very pretty during the day too.


The Grand Flo' (Disney's Grand Floridian Hotel and Spa) is always over the top with its decorations.


The tree is so huge it can hold these big bird cage ornaments.


They always have a life sized gingerbread house where someone works in there selling treats.


More of the gingerbread house.


Disney Hollywood Studios (but I still think of it as MGM) has the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights which is totally amazing! 


Millions of dancing lights, holiday music and sometimes snow!!  You can grab a cocktail, warm cider or cocoa and wander down the Streets of American ogling its brilliant splendor.


Here's another shot of the castle in Magic Kingdom on our last night, looking blue (like we felt!).


Do you go anywhere to get inspired for your holiday decorations or to put you in the Christmas spirit like we do? To see more of our Disney adventures, click here.





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Friday, December 3, 2010

{Entertaining} Harvest Cocktails


I know everyone is so focused on the other holidays right now so I'm a little late in this post. Since we were going for Thanksgiving and I knew when we got back, I'd be overwhelmed with Christmas decorating, shopping, baking, etc..we decided to host a pre-Thanksgiving get together.
(my chalkboard vases are still being used!)

The bar(I'm using the tablecloth from my daughter's rustic French birthday party).
These delicious pumpkin pie martinis

You'll find the recipe here.


I thought this was a cute way to serve guacamole. Rim an extra large margarita glass with coarse salt and fill it with guac!  I saw this idea in a Susan Branch cookbook. Love her!


Here is some of the food we served.
 
I bought most of the food to keep it easy. I don't know why only one candle is lit in this photo.


Fresh veggies..have you ever tried those mini bell peppers? Yum!
A cheese board.
Gooey baked brie with a cranberry topping.
The dessert buffet (and I got buffet lamps!)  I served chocolate fondue with all kinds of dippers.

Another plate of goodies from our guests.

It was an adults-only party and it was one of the most relaxed, fun get togethers we've ever thrown!
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Thursday, December 2, 2010

Lack of Posting...where I've been

We're back now and the blog should be up and running with holiday goodness soon.....
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Wednesday, December 1, 2010

{Getting Crafty} Long Lost Post-Alphabet Blocks

Way back in June I gave you this little teaser about an upcoming project. Some people thought we were were working on sugar cube igloos.
We were actually making alphabet blocks. I love the Ballard Design letter balls but 1)I don't think they are still available (I can't even find a photo)and B)they were very pricey and 3) I personally like alphabet blocks for writing out little messages or sentiments (plus they don't roll around).
I found the wooden cubes at the craft store and gave them a few coats of white craft paint.  The steady-handed teen painted letters onto them.
Ok..this is where we come to a grinding HALT!
They were quite time consuming...she ran out of free time...there the project sat and sat...

and sat...
Until...I rescued them and threw them in a bowl.
I'm vowing to finish them up with a Sharpie (I don't know where she gets her artistic talent but it's not from me!)
See how much fun they are!

And since I don't have much holiday decorating done yet...

Jenny Matlock






The Girl Creative
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