Mouse Clicks: A Christmas Poem

'Tis the week before Christmas, and with the click of a mouse

I find holiday inspiration for all through the house.

Recipes and gift ideas have been posted with care

Waiting for readers with whom to be shared.

My puppy is nestled all peaceful in his bed

While visions of season's eatings dance through my head.

I cozy up with hot chocolate and computer in my lap

Much too inspired for a long winter's nap.

I'll start at the beginning with hors d'oeuvres of all sorts--

Deviled eggs, bruschetta, and a cherry cheese torte.

Add wassail and eggnog, favorite holiday brews

And spirits will be bright, and good tidings will ensue.

We'll move on to entrees and the main courses,

And there's a multitude of options from a multitude of sources.

Pork medallions proudly center any festive spread

Complete with potatoes, greens, and home-made bread.

Let's not forget dessert, as in my mind it comes first

We have cupcakes, and cake pops with flavors that burst,

Chocolate candy cookies that couldn't be faster

Even for the novice domestic multi-tasker.

And then there's Christmas morn with the sweet aroma

Of rolls made by a pioneer woman from Oklahoma,

Served with a yummy sausage-and-egg bake

And blueberry scones that are so fun to make.

Now Baker, Homemaker, now Foodie on a mission,

On Cook, Entertainer, and all others in the kitchen,

From the top of this post, scroll down clicking links as you fall

Click away, click away, click away all!

After checking this list, and checking it twice,

I'm off to the kitchen to make something nice.

In closing I'll say, bidding you farewell tonight,

"Merry Christmas to all and to all a good bite!"

I love Christmas.  It's such a good food holiday.  These are recipes I've happened upon, and I thought I'd share-- my Christmas gift to you!  

Whatever you do, whatever you make, remember the reason for the season.

Blessings and Love,

Erin

 

Holiday Cheer(s): A Simple Sew Wine Bag

I love giving food gifts during the holidays, especially when they are as easy and inexpensive as this wine gift.  I used osnaburg fabric, which I am OBSESSED with right now, to make this wine bag.  It has the neutral vibe of the ever-so-popular burlap but is much easier to work with.  It provides the perfect palette for any style of embellishment--funky printed ribbons, embroidery, buttons, etc.  You could even paint it using stencils and fabric pens (ooh, I see 'Tis the Season and Peace, Joy, Love all over this gift bag).  I decided to go with a blend between "rustic" and "chic," leaving the top edge unfinished and adding gold embellishments.  Whatever style you choose, this gift is sure to make "spirits" bright!



All materials can be found at a local craft store.

Materials for Bag:

• Simple Sew Wine Bag Instructions--  Click here to download (Note:  Be sure pattern prints to scale.  In most printers, set scaling to none.)
• tape
• 1/4 yard osnaburg fabric
• matching thread
• fabric marking pen
• iron and board
• spray starch
• 24" of 3/4" gold ribbon

Materials for Gift Tag:

• small envelope
• scrapbook paper
• paper punch
• craft gem
• hole punch
• 6" craft twine

Optional Embellishment:

• gold pine cone
• hot glue gun

1. Select the wine you'd like to gift before making your wine bag.  The included pattern works well for the following standard wine bottles:  Bordeaux, Cabernet, Small Champagne, and Burgundy.  For more information on wine bottle dimensions, click here.  The pattern includes instructions for adjusting the width or length of the bag according to the size of the wine bottle.
2. Use the step-by-step instructions to make the Simple Sew Wine Bag and place wine inside.
3. Tie a bow around the neck of the bottle using the gold ribbon.  Note:  Your finished bag will look best if you follow the rule of thirds.  I.E., the portion of the bag above the tied ribbon should be approximately 1/3 of the project.
4. To make the tag, I used a paper punch to punch out the design from scrapbook.  I then embellished it with a craft gem in the center and glued the piece onto a small envelope to hold a personal note.  Hole punch the corner and insert a 6" piece of craft twine.
5. Tie the tag around the neck of the bottle, tucking the twine underneath the ribbon.
6. Use a hot glue gun to attach the pine cone to the center of the gold ribbon.

Voila!  A perfect gift for the holidays!  Wine is made for pairing, so my next post is about a complimentary gift to pair with this one.  Stay tuned!

Happy Gift Making!

Love,
Erin