Christmas Donuts

Breakfast, Christmas, Holidays, Recipes

Saturday
Dec / 10 / 2022
Comments 4
       
close up for christmas donuts on a platter.

With bright colors and festive designs, these Christmas donuts are a delicious and fun way to add a little sweetness to your Christmas breakfast or brunch. 

eight christmas donuts on a plate.

A Sweet Treat for Christmas Breakfast or Brunch

Let’s make some Christmas donuts! 

I was recently putting together a list of unique holiday party ideas and I thought a donut decorating party could be fun! Everyone could gather in their PJs and decorate donuts over coffee, cocoa, or cocktails. Put on a Christmas movie or Christmas music in the background, and it’s a party. 

I didn’t want to mention this idea without having a recipe to accompany it, so I created this Christmas donut recipe along with two delicious donut glazes. 

christmas donuts on a plate and platter.
christmas donuts on a platter.

Why I Love this Recipe: 

To make this recipe easy and approachable, we’re skipping the fried donut variety and we’re going with cake donuts. Don’t worry, they are equally as delicious and maybe a bit healthier. (This may be wishful thinking, but it’s Christmas, after all!) 

They are the perfect Christmas breakfast or brunch treat. Don’t you think?

As you can see, I had SO MUCH FUN decorating these donuts. Some got a plaid pattern, and others were turned into wreaths, to some I added a “string of lights” with mini M&Ms, and for others, I took the easy route and added sprinkles. 

close up of christmas donuts on a platter.

No matter how you decorate and serve them, these Christmas donuts make for a fun and merry holiday treat. I know you’re going to love them. 

Let me walk you through the recipe here and then I’ll share a few tips and tricks to ensure that this recipe is a success! 

christmas donuts on a platter.

How Do You Make Christmas Donuts at Home?

We are ready to bake! I’m going to walk you through the steps here to make these Christmas donuts. There’s also a printable recipe card with an ingredient list at the end of this post. 

  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. 
  2. Spray a donut baking pan with baking spray. Set aside. 
  3. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. 
  4. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat the eggs and sugar together until smooth.
  5. Add in the melted butter and the vanilla and almond extracts. Mix to combine. 
  6. Add half the flour mixture and begin to mix. Then add in the milk and mix a bit more. Finally, add the remaining flour mixture and mix just until smooth. 
  7. Add the batter to a pastry bag and pipe it into the prepared pan. 
piping donut batter into a donut pan.
  1. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
  2. Let the donuts cool for five minutes in the pan, then remove them to finish cooling. 
  3. Mix up the white and chocolate glazes. Add the ingredients for each into separate bowls and whisk to combine. Add food coloring to the white glaze if desired. 
  4. Dip each donut into the desired glaze. Allow the excess glaze to drip off, then place the donuts on a cooling rack to let the glaze set. If using sprinkles, add them now before the glaze sets. 
adding colored glaze to baked donuts..
adding decorative glaze to donuts.
  1. Leftover glaze can be used to decorate your donuts. If needed, mix in a touch more confectioners’ sugar to thicken the glaze to make decorating easier. Add the thickened glaze to a piping bag, then decorate the donuts. 
  2. Allow the decorative glaze to set, then enjoy the donuts or pack and store to enjoy later. 

And that’s it, you’re ready to enjoy! 

christmas donut with a bite out of it.

How to Store:

You can keep these donuts at room temperature in an air-tight container and out of direct sunlight for about five to six days. 

You can also freeze these donuts for up to three months. I recommend an airtight container. If you plan to layer, use pieces of wax paper between the layers. 

close up for christmas donuts on a platter.

Variations:

You may love these Christmas donuts as they are, but you can also make them your own. Here are a few ideas to mix up this recipe. 

  • Try a different design. Make your Christmas donuts into a Santa, snowman, or reindeer. Use different sprinkles, candies, or glaze colors. 
  • Add flavors. Use different extracts to flavor your donuts and/or glazes.
  • Create a filled donut. Use a different baking pan to create a donut that you can fill with frosting, jam, custard, etc. 
  • Try a different cake base. Instead of vanilla do chocolate, red velvet, gingerbread, etc. 
christmas donuts on a platter with a table.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Here are a couple of other questions you may have about this recipe: 

Can you make fried Christmas donuts?

Of course! I don’t have a recipe for fried donuts, so you’ll have to search elsewhere, but you can certainly make a fried Christmas donut. Use my glaze recipe and design ideas to decorate. 

Do I need a donut pan?

Yes. The recipe requires a donut pan to give you that classic ring shape. I recommend THIS donut pan. (This is different then the pans you’ll see in this post as I would not recommend them.)

colorful christmas donuts on a platter.

Make it a Christmas Donut Party!

As I mentioned above, I’m always looking for unique ways to celebrate with friends and family during the holiday season. Why not host a Christmas Donut Decorating Party!? Bake up a bunch of donuts and invite folks to decorate them. 

Have a variety of colorful glazes and sprinkles on hand and let your guests create their own festive donuts. Looking for more Christmas party ideas? Check out this post HERE. 

christmas donuts on a platter.

Happy Holiday Baking! 

And that’s a wrap on these fun and festive Christmas donuts. I think they would be the perfect sweet for your breakfast table this holiday season.

Enjoy!  

Like this sweet Christmas treat and want more?

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my process. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest! 

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

colorful christmas donuts on a platter.

Christmas Donuts

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: breakfast, brunch, christmas, donut, holiday
Servings: 12
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Decorating 27 mins
Total Time 1 hr 2 mins
close up for christmas donuts on a platter.
With bright colors and festive designs, these Christmas donuts are a delicious and fun way to add a little sweetness to your Christmas breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

White Glaze:
Chocolate Glaze:

Instructions

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Spray the donut baking pan with baking spray. Set aside.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat the eggs and sugar together until smooth.
  • Add in the melted butter and the vanilla and almond extracts. Mix to combine.
  • Add half the flour mixture and begin to mix. Then add in the milk and mix a bit more. Finally, add the remaining flour mixture and mix just until smooth.
  • Add the batter to a pastry bag and pipe it into the prepared pan. (Alternatively, you can spoon the batter into the pan.)
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes.
  • Let the donuts cool for five minutes in the pan, then remove them to finish cooling.
  • While the donuts cool, mix up the white and chocolate glazes. Add the ingredients for each glaze into separate bowls and whisk to combine. Add food coloring to the white glaze if desired.
  • Once the donuts are cool, dip the donuts into the desired glaze. Allow the excess glaze to drip off, then place the donuts on a cooling rack to let the glaze set. If using sprinkles, add them now before the glaze sets.
  • Leftover glaze can be used to decorate your donuts. If needed, mix in a touch more confectioners’ sugar to thicken the glaze in order to make decorating easier. Add the thickened glaze to a piping bag, then decorate the donuts.
  • Allow the decorative glaze to set, then enjoy the donuts or pack and store to enjoy later.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 498kcal • Carbohydrates: 82g • Protein: 5g • Fat: 17g • Saturated Fat: 11g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g • Monounsaturated Fat: 5g • Trans Fat: 1g • Cholesterol: 71mg • Sodium: 423mg • Potassium: 113mg • Fiber: 1g • Sugar: 61g • Vitamin A: 555IU • Calcium: 48mg • Iron: 2mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

This Christmas donut recipe is adapted from Nordicware Baking, The First Year Blog, and Krispy Kreme.

With bright colors and festive designs, these Christmas donuts are a delicious and fun way to add a little sweetness to your Christmas breakfast or brunch.  A Sweet Treat for Christmas Breakfast or Brunch Let’s make some Christmas donuts!  I was recently putting together a list of unique holiday party ideas and I thought a […]




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25+ Handmade Gifts: Ideas for Christmas or Any Occasion

Holidays

Friday
Dec / 9 / 2022
Comments 9
       
A Collection of my favorite Handmade Gift Ideas #gifts #homemade #handmade #holiday #christmas #gifting #gift

Do you prefer to make your gifts for family and friends? Are you still looking for something unique to give someone on your holiday list? If so, this post is for you. It’s brimming with ideas for handmade gifts from Inspired by Charm.

Handmade Gift Ideas pin

I’ve gathered more than 25 handmade gift ideas. They range from decor to food and drink to what I call feel-good items. Although these handmade gifts are perfect for Christmas, many of them would be appropriate and appreciated at any time of the year.

What are the best DIYs to give?

I love to receive anything handmade, but some of the best DIY gifts include:

  • Something with function like a candle, bath bomb, sugar scrub, etc.
  • Something delicious like hot cocoa mix, pancake mix, cookies, candy, etc.
  • Something beautiful like a wreath, tote bags, seasonal decor, etc.
  • Something artistic like painting, sculpture, serve ware, etc.

Hopefully that got your creative brain working a bit. Below are a few of my favorite ideas. Each included a full tutorial on how to make them. Just click on through the the post and get crafting!

Handmade gifts to decorate the home

1. Cookie cutter wreath

I made this DIY wreath several years ago and still love it today. I probably wouldn’t be considered a minimalist, but I adore the simplicity of this wreath. You can customize it for any season or event by using different colored ribbons and different cookie cutters.

This is a handmade gift you will enjoy designing, crafting, and giving!

cookie cutter wreath

2. Wood bead garland

Garlands are a wonderful finishing touch when decorating for the winter holidays or any special occasion. This wood garland is easy to paint and put together with a sturdy string or leather cord. I love it so much that I’ve made several versions. What bead shapes and paint colors will you use?

DIY Oversized Wood Bead Garland on a mantel

3. Colorful wood trees

I’m crazy about these trees, and I predict the people who receive this handmade gift from you will be as well. Paint the trees various shades of green or whatever colors will complement the recipient’s décor. These would look gorgeous on a mantel or shelf or nestled among miniature houses and ribbon in a table centerpiece.

DIY Colorful Wood Christmas Tree Decorations on a white shelf

4. Vintage-inspired Christmas gift bags

Looking for a unique way to give a holiday gift? Let me help! I’m teaching you how to make these festive Christmas gift bags. Made with vintage holiday graphics, these are a beautiful way to wrap up small gifts, or they could be used as decor.

These gift bags are so easy to make! I’ve even shared a free download of the vintage graphics!

Vintage-Inspired Christmas Gift Bags used as Christmas decor

5. DIY embroidery hoop Christmas ornaments

Use old plaid shirts and embroidery hoops to craft these DIY Christmas ornaments. This is an easy and budget-friendly craft with stunning results.

I used some of my old shirts (along with thrift store finds) to craft these ornaments. However, you could use a piece of clothing or fabric from a family member that may have passed away to make this gift extra special.

Embellish these any way you’d like. Use them as a gift topper or gift card holder. Get creative!

DIY Embroidery Hoop Christmas Ornaments on pine with lights and felt garland.

6. Clay Christmas ornaments

I absolutely adore how well these clay ornaments turn out. They look so smooth and professional, and I’m sure most people won’t be able to tell it’s even handmade. The trick is to use oven-baked clay and stamp-style cookie cutters.

They’re super festive, and it’s simple to make a ton to gift in batches or to accompany larger gifts.

diy clay christmas ornament hanging on a tree

7. Paper star garland

This paper star garland is a perfect option for those who want a budget-friendly gift. It’s unique and slightly rustic, made out of old books and shiny gold paper. It would look good in all kinds of decor and can be used to decorate a tree, garland, mantle, and more.

DIY Paper Star Garland on tree

Ideas for edible handmade gifts

8. Homemade pancake mix

This has been my go-to pancake mix for years, but I only recently got around to posting it on the blog. For a practical and pretty gift, mix up the dry ingredients and put a jar of the mix in a basket along with my homemade pancakes recipe, a bottle of pure maple syrup, and a whisk.

For holiday appeal, add a bright bow, a couple of candy canes, and a cheery tea towel or two.

stack of pancakes on plate made from homemade pancake mix

9. Hot cocoa mix

It’s that time of year…for handmade gifts and hand and heart-warming drinks. Why not combine the two by tucking a container of this homemade hot cocoa mix in a gift box with a fun Christmas mug, peppermint candies, and marshmallows?

The mix is so easy to make, and there are even white chocolate and spiced chocolate versions to try.

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix in a jar

10. DIY bottle brush drink stirrers

Want something to include with your hot cocoa mix? Why not make some festive holiday drink stirrers? Add the perfect festive touch to any holiday beverage with these bottle brush tree stirrers. You only need a few supplies and a little time to craft these unique and whimsical drink accessories.

DIY Bottle Brush Drink Stirrers with tree tops

11. Red pepper jelly

Did you know that you can make classic red pepper jelly rather than buy it at the store? It’s quite simple to do, plus you decide on the level of heat. I should warn you, though, you will probably get requests for this handmade gift every year. It’s that good!

Red Pepper Jelly as a handmade gifts idea

12. Holiday cookie tray

Like many folks, you probably bake a lot during the holidays. Share some of the goodness (and calories!) with family and friends by putting together trays of favorite cookies and confections.

Here are a few of mine: Cream Wafer Cookies, Three-Ingredient Fudge, and Sweater Weather Sugar Cookies. (Lots more cookie recipes are linked in this post.)

Peppermint Kiss Christmas Cookies on a tray

13. Apple pie moonshine

This handmade gift is as dangerous as it is delicious! Made from 190-proof grain alcohol, apple cider, apple juice, and seasonal spices, this drink is best enjoyed in moderation. To reinforce this, you might present a small bottle of it with a couple of cute shot glasses and a friendly reminder about drinking responsibly.

handmade gifts of Homemade Apple Pie Moonshine in a mason jar

More inspiring handmade gifts

14. Cookie/gift card bags

These gift bags are an alternative to the pricey ones that are commercially available. Don’t worry, no sewing is required. Just iron the free printable transfer on ready-made cotton bags that can be purchased online.

The bags are also a clever way to package other handmade gifts or even gift cards.

DIY Christmas Cookies Bags under a tree

15. Clear glass ornament gift

I like to make these for stocking stuffers or as accompaniments to year-end cash presents for the wonderful people whose services I rely on. I fill clear glass ornaments with something I think each person will like.

Examples: sprinkles for baking, bath salts, loose-leaf tea, lottery tickets, hot cocoa mix with mini marshmallows, or colorful small candies.

clear glass ornament filled with hot cocoa mix and mini marshmallows

16. Terrarium

A terrarium is a beautiful handmade gift that allows you to bring the natural world inside. Once you choose a glass jar and gather the supplies, it won’t take long to set up the terrarium. Your family and friends will love tending their little indoor gardens. A green thumb is optional.

terrarium as a handmade gift idea

17. DIY beeswax candles

This is a handmade gift that can be completed in an evening. Even though candle-making sounds difficult, it’s not. For me, the most challenging part is selecting the vessel and ensuring I have all the necessary supplies. As for the scents, I went with lavender and sandalwood.

Handmade Beeswax Candle gifts for Christmas

18. Bath bombs

Yes, you can make bath bombs. Stay with traditional holiday colors, or go with the recipient’s favorite hues. The fragrance is also up to you. I prefer essential oils that relax and re-energize.

You might pair several bath bombs with a couple of the DIY beeswax candles for an extra special handmade gift.

DIY Bath Bombs

19. Peppermint Sugar Scrub

Want something to pair with the bath bombs? Then, let me introduce you to this DIY peppermint sugar scrub for exfoliating and moisturizing your skin. This sugar scrub also makes a thoughtful, easy, and budget-friendly gift idea for any occasion. 

peppermint sugar scrub in small jars.

20. Decorative taper candles

These decorative taper candles are quite easy to make for those hesitant to DIY, but they turn out beautifully. What I like about them is that you can customize them any way you like, making them match different colors, holidays, celebrations, and unique tastes and personalities.

Pair them up in twos and tie them together with some decorative twine for a pretty gift.

lit taper candles on a table

21. Homemade fire starters

These homemade fire starters are an ideal handmade gift idea for those with a fireplace or woodburning stove or the seasoned camper on your list. Topped off with foraged botanicals and natural elements, they look so stunning you almost don’t want to burn them!

homemade fire starters in a wood bowl.

22. Clay cactus garden

If you have a plant lover on your Christmas list, they will love receiving this clay cactus garden. Oven-baked clay is quite simple to use, and you can create all kinds of different succulents, cacti, plants, and flowers that are unique to the person you’re making them for.

handmade clay cactus sculptures as a gifts

Handmade candy gifts

Give the gift of candy. I have three delicious candy recipes that, when put together (or even on their own), would make a delicious and beautiful gift idea. I will link to them below. Try one or all three for a tasty gift idea.

23. Crock pot candy

Made with chocolate and roasted peanuts, this crockpot candy is a super simple recipe to make for a last-minute Christmas gift. You can toss everything into a crockpot and then let the appliance do its magic. Serve them in some festive baking cups, and they’re ready to gift.

Easy Crock-Pot Candy Recipe

24. Salted turtle candies

This homemade take on the classic contains all the core ingredients: pecans, caramel, and chocolate. Turtles are one of those Christmas candies perfect for gifting because, pretty well, everyone adores the treat. Wrap these up in some cello bags and ribbon, and they’ll be a beautiful gift.

four Salted Turtle Candies on a plate.

25. Pistachio cranberry white chocolate candy

This pistachio white chocolate treat only requires four ingredients that you can quickly run to the store and get. Like the crockpot candy, you can add white chocolate, dried cranberries, and pistachios together and serve them in some baking cups for easy gifting.

Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Candy on a plate.

Printable Gift Tags

Now that you have your gift idea in mind, don’t forget to add some beautiful wrapping! Keep the personalization going with these FREE printable gift tags.

26. Christmas gift tags

These North Pole Express Delivery Service tags are so much fun. They are another free download from IBC and are available in blue and red. Seeing one on a package from you is sure to bring a smile to your dear one’s face!

north pole express delivery service gift tag

27. Plaid gift tags

I’ve been mad about plaid wrapping paper for a while now, and it is my pleasure to offer free printables such as these on Inspired by Charm. As one of the gift tags says, “Plaid Tidings of Joy” (from me to you). Which of your handmade gifts will you top with a plaid tag?

plaid Chritmas gift tags

28. Abstract art gift tags

Add a unique and festive touch to your gift wrapping with these abstract holiday gift tags. Not only are they fun and easy to make, but they add a personal, homemade touch to any gift. Get the kids involved and have fun creating with paints, markers, crayons, and more!

Abstract Holiday Gift Tags

29. Christmas bottle hang tags

If you’re giving someone wine or spirits this season, may I suggest adding one of these clever and festive tags? The printable can be downloaded from IBC for free. As with all of my tags, I recommend printing on cardstock.

Christmas Bottle Hang Tags on liquor bottles

That’s a wrap on these handmade gifts!

I hope these ideas for handmade gifts inspire you to make life a little merrier for others at Christmas and throughout the year. And don’t worry, there will be more. I will continue to add my handmade gift ideas to this list as I create them.

Happy DIYing and giving!

Love these handmade gifts and want more?

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my process. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest! 

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

Do you prefer to make your gifts for family and friends? Are you still looking for something unique to give someone on your holiday list? If so, this post is for you. It’s brimming with ideas for handmade gifts from Inspired by Charm. I’ve gathered more than 25 handmade gift ideas. They range from decor […]




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DIY Clay Mushroom Ornaments

Christmas, Christmas Tree, DIY, Holidays

Thursday
Dec / 8 / 2022
Comments 5
       
DIY Clay Mushroom Ornament on a Christmas tree.

Transform air dry clay, paint, and glitter into these festive DIY clay mushroom ornaments. Mushrooms have become a popular Christmas tree ornament. Now you can make your own to trim your tree in a unique and personal way. 

DIY Clay Mushroom Ornament on a Christmas tree.

Mushroom Ornaments for Christmas

You might know that I have a thing for mushrooms at Christmas. I’ve decorated my tree with them, I’ve turned them into cookies, and next week I’ll be making meringue mushrooms to decorate a yule log. 

In this post, I’m teaching you how to make your own mushroom ornaments from clay. This might be my new favorite DIY. 

collection of mushroom ornaments on a table.
DIY Clay Mushroom Ornament on a Christmas tree.

I’m using these ornaments on my living room Christmas tree along with my DIY paper chain that I made from leftover wallpaper and my DIY rustic anise wreaths. I’ll be sharing the full tree soon. Stay tuned!

Why I love this project:

I have been wanting to make these mushrooms for a couple of years. Since I’m focusing on a handmade holiday this Christmas, I knew this was the time to get to work and make it happen. I’m loving the results. Here’s why: 

  • These mushroom ornaments are easy to make. 
  • Their imperfect look makes this a project that anyone can tackle.
  • You can customize the color, shape, and size to match your decor. 
  • They add a touch of whimsy, sparkle, and color to your holiday decor. 
  • They double as a sweet gift idea or present topper.

While mushroom ornaments are quite trendy at the moment, they have been used in Christmas decorating for quite some time. 

Looking for more handmade Christmas decor? Try these:

DIY Clay Mushroom Ornament on a Christmas tree.

What is the Meaning of a Mushroom Ornament? 

Mushroom ornaments mean good fortune or good luck. Finding a mushroom in the woods is always a special thing (just like finding a dollar bill somewhere).

Not only are mushrooms fun and whimsical, but hanging a mushroom ornament on your Christmas tree shows honor to nature and hope for a good future in the new year. 

handmade mushroom ornaments on a table.
DIY Clay Mushroom Ornament on a Christmas tree.

Why Mushrooms at Christmas?

Well, not only are some mushrooms found at the base of pine trees but it’s said that mushrooms are a favorite food of reindeer. 

I bet you didn’t expect to get a history lesson with today’s DIY! You learn something new every day. 

Ready to make some mushroom ornaments for your Christmas tree? Let me walk you through the materials and tutorial. 

DIY Clay Mushroom Ornament on a Christmas tree.
DIY Clay Mushroom Ornament on a Christmas tree.

Materials

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • air dry clay – I used THIS clay from Das. It’s very easy to work with.
  • small eye hooks – You can find the ones I used HERE. I opted for gold, but you can use whatever color you’d like. 
  • circle cookie cutters – You might not need THESE, but I found them helpful in getting a nice circular shape.
  • hot glue gun and glue sticks – Any will do. I used THIS hot glue gun and THESE hot glue sticks.
  • acrylic paint – You can use whatever colors you’d like. I went for shades of green, blue, and teal to match my tree.
  • tacky glue – Aleene’s is the best!
  • German glass glitter – The sparkle of German glass glitter is unbeatable and my personal favorite. I used THIS and THIS. 
  • clear glitter – I love the frosted sparkle look THIS glitter added. It’s clear, so you can see your paint color through it. 
  • fake snow – A bit of fake snow adds texture and frostiness. I used THIS.
  • ornament hooks – THESE are my personal favorite. I use them to hang all of my ornaments. 

With that, we are ready to start crafting! 

DIY Clay Mushroom Ornament on a Christmas tree.

How to Make Mushroom Ornaments:

Below, I’m going to give you a detailed process of how I made these ornaments along with some of my tips and tricks. I’ve also provided a more condensed version of the procedure as a printable card at the end of this post. 

  1. Begin by gathering mushroom inspiration. You can use my mushroom ornaments as a reference, google pictures of mushrooms and/or mushroom ornaments, or just use your imagination. Find the shapes you like best.
  2. Use your hands to mold the clay into mushroom caps and stems. 

    Cap: Form the shape organically or use a circle cookie cutter to get a round shape. I found it helpful to roll some clay into a ball first and then form the cap from the ball.  When forming, be sure to leave a large indent (like a real mushroom) on the underside of the cap. The caps can be rounded, pointy, flat, big, small, rough, or smooth. 

    Stem: Use both of your hands to roll a piece of clay into a snake shape. From there make the shape a bit more organic and stemlike. Stems that are a bit thicker at the bottom look great, but your stems can get narrow too. Keep them a bit imperfect to look more natural. Recreate your favorite shapes from the reference(s) you’re using.
making diy clay mushroom ornaments.
making diy clay mushroom ornaments.
  1. When forming your shapes, you can use a bit of water to smooth out your clay as you work. 
  2. Once finished, place an eye hook into the top center of your cap.
  3. Set your shaped pieces on a piece of wax or parchment paper and allow them to dry completely. For thicker pieces, this can take a few days. 
making diy clay mushroom ornaments.
  1. Once fully dry, use hot glue to attach the stem to the cap. 
  2. Paint your clay mushroom. 
making diy clay mushroom ornaments.
making diy clay mushroom ornaments.
  1. I used a color palette of blue, green, white, and brown. For a more natural look, I recommend mixing your colors together a bit. I didn’t use any color directly out of the bottle. I added a bit of brown to all of my colors, a bit of green to the blue, a bit of blue to the green, etc. This will also help to make your mushrooms work together as a set. Add layers of colors and keep it a bit imperfect for a natural look. 
  2. Allow to dry. 
  3. Use tacky glue to add fake snow and glitter to your mushroom caps. Again, do this in layers. Keep it imperfect and a bit messy. 
glitter and German glass glitter.
  1. I also addedd a bit of snow and some glitter near the base of the stem. Once it was added, I went back in and applied a bit more brown paint to make it look like a mix of snow and dirt. 
  2. Allow the glue to dry completely. 
  3. Use an ornament hook to hang the mushroom on your tree. 

And that’s it! 

You’ve now added a bit of personality, cheer, and good fortune to your Christmas tree. How fun is that!? 

DIY Clay Mushroom Ornament on a Christmas tree.

Final Tip: 

In a way, these mushroom ornaments are like mini artworks. I did my best to try and explain my process and I hope that it is helpful. 

With that being said, I encourage you to try your own method(s) until you create something you love. (Don’t worry if you fail at it once or twice.) It took me several attempts to end up with my ornaments. Remember to have fun with it! That’s what a handmade holiday is all about! 

DIY Clay Mushroom Ornament on a Christmas tree.
DIY Clay Mushroom Ornament on a Christmas tree.

Happy Christmas Crafting! 

I hope you’ll give these mushroom ornaments a try. If you have any questions about my process or instructions, please let me know in the comments section below. I’ll do my best to answer and clarify. 

Happy sculpting! 

DIY Clay Mushroom Ornament on a Christmas tree.

Enjoy this Christmas DIY? Want More?

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my process. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest! 

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

DIY Clay Mushroom Ornaments for Christmas on a tree.

DIY Clay Mushroom Ornaments

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Skill: Handmade Gift, Home Decor Craft
Craft Time 1 hour 30 minutes
DIY Clay Mushroom Ornament on a Christmas tree.
Transform air dry clay, paint, and glitter into these festive DIY clay mushroom ornaments. Mushrooms have become a popular Christmas tree ornament. Now you can make your own to trim your tree in a unique and personal way.

Materials

Instructions

  • Use your hands to mold the clay into mushroom caps and stems.
  • Cap: Form the shape organically or use a circle cookie cutter to get a round shape. When forming, be sure to leave an indent on the underside of the cap.
  • Once finished, place an eye hook into the top center of your cap.
  • Stem: Use both of your hands to roll a piece of clay into a snake shape. From there make the shape a bit more organic and stemlike.
  • Use water to smooth out your clay as you work.
  • Set your shaped pieces on a piece of wax or parchment paper and allow them to dry completely. For thicker pieces, this can take a few days.
  • Once fully dry, use hot glue to attach the stem to the cap.
  • Paint your clay mushroom. I recommend a color for the cap and white and brown for the stem.
  • Allow to dry.
  • Use tacky glue to add fake snow and glitter to your mushroom caps and at the base of the stem. Keep it imperfect and a bit messy.
  • Allow the glue to dry completely.
  • Use an ornament hook to hang the mushroom on your tree.

Notes

This printable project card will act as a very basic guide for the project. I highly recommend reading the blog post where I have written many tips and tricks to bring your mushroom ornaments to life.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

Transform air dry clay, paint, and glitter into these festive DIY clay mushroom ornaments. Mushrooms have become a popular Christmas tree ornament. Now you can make your own to trim your tree in a unique and personal way.  Mushroom Ornaments for Christmas You might know that I have a thing for mushrooms at Christmas. I’ve […]




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Seafood Lasagna

Recipes

Wednesday
Dec / 7 / 2022
Comments 2
       
seafood lasagna on plate with bread.

Layers of noodles, rich creamy sauce, cheese, scallops, shrimp, and white fish make up this flavor-packed Seafood Lasagna. This dish feels like a celebration. It will quickly become a new family favorite! 

seafood lasagna on a plate with bread.

My Favorite Seafood Lasagna:

Let’s make seafood lasagna! I got this recipe from my dad’s wife who has been making it for years. It’s a family favorite that we typically have around Christmastime. I thought I would share the recipe with you in hopes that it might become a favorite with your family too. 

Truth be told, I’m not the biggest fan of seafood dishes. I do love shellfish and some sushi but you’d never catch me cooking or ordering fish. With that being said, this seafood lasagna is one of my favorite things and I could probably eat the whole pan. Coming from a non-seafood lover, that speaks volumes. 

seafood lasagna in casserole pan.
seafood lasagna on plate with bread and wine.

Why I Love this Recipe: 

There are many reasons to love this recipe. 

  • It feels like a celebration. For some reason, this seafood lasagna always seems special and fancy to me. Maybe it’s because my family enjoys it around the holidays every year. 
  • The flavor is outstanding. This dish is layered with rich and decadent flavors. 
  • It’s customizable. Use whatever seafood you like best! 

The only negatives about this recipe are that it can be a bit pricey, so keep that in mind before you plan to make it. Also, this recipe takes a bit of time and a little skill as you’re making a béchamel sauce. If this sauce is new to you, give yourself some extra time and plan to prepare it when you don’t have any added pressure. 

seafood lasagna on plate with bread.

Sound good? Before we get into the recipe, I also wanted to mention that I’m delighted to be back with my Tastes of the Season blogger friends. This is our final recipe for the 2022 season. (You can catch up HERE if you missed any.) To wrap up our season, we’re all sharing a family-favorite recipe. I will link to all the other bloggers at the end of this post. Be sure to check them out. 

What Kind of Seafood Goes into Seafood Lasagna?

For this recipe I use the following seafood:

  • scallops
  • shrimp
  • flounder

As I mentioned above, I’m not the biggest seafood fan, so if I was making this just for me, I would remove the flounder and stick with just scallops and shrimp. 

Feel free to make this seafood lasagna your own. Here are some other fish you could use in this dish:

  • lobster
  • crab
  • salmon
  • cod
  • clams
  • tilapia
seafood lasagna in casserole pan.
seafood lasagna on plate with bread.

How to Make Seafood Lasagna:

I’m going to give you a quick rundown of how to make this seafood lasagna. For the full recipe and ingredient list, please refer to the printable recipe card at the end of this post. 

  1. Begin by preparing your béchamel sauce.
  2. Precook your seafood with butter, onion, and garlic.
  3. Create a sauce with the cooking juices, sliced mushrooms, your prepared béchamel sauce, tomatoes, cream, red pepper flakes, and spices.
sauce for seafood lasagna in pan.
layering seafood lasagna in casserole dish.
  1. Layer the seafood, lasagna noodles, sauce, and cheeses in a buttered 9×13 casserole dish.
  2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  3. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Serve and enjoy! 

seafood lasagna on plate with bread and fork.

Recipe Tips:

You can assemble the lasagna in advance and bake it at a later time; just cover it with foil and refrigerate. You will need to increase the baking time (about 10-15 additional minutes) if you’re baking it straight out of the refrigerator. 

Depending on the size of your shrimp and scallops, I recommend cutting them into bite-sized pieces if necessary. 

What to serve with this recipe:

Here are a few recipes that would compliment this seafood lasagna wonderfully.

seafood lasagna on plate with bread and wine.

Get Into the Kitchen!

And that’s a wrap on this amazing Seafood Lasagna. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and enjoy it as much as we do. 

Enjoy!

seafood lasagna on plate with bread.

Season of Home Family Favorites:

Want more favorite holiday dishes? Be sure to check out what my blogger friends have prepared below. 

Tastes of the Season Family Favorites

Delicious Spiced Nuts by Ella Claire & Co. | Candied Sweet Potatoes by Zevy Joy | The Best Christmas Jello Salad by Handmade Farmhouse

Tastes of the Season Family Favorites

Seafood Lasagna by Inspired by Charm | Vegetarian Spaghetti Squash Baked Lasagne by French Country Cottage

Enjoy this recipe and want more?

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my process. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest! 

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

Seafood Lasagna

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: lasagna, scallops, seafood, shrimp
Servings: 12
Prep Time 13 mins
Cook Time 50 mins
Total Time 1 hr 3 mins
seafood lasagna on a plate with bread.
Layers of noodles, rich creamy sauce, cheese, scallops, shrimp, and white fish make up this flavor-packed Seafood Lasagna. This dish feels like a celebration. It will quickly become a new family favorite!

Ingredients

Béchamel Sauce:
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • salt and freshly ground pepper
Lasagna:
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
  • 1 garlic clove - minced
  • 3/4 lb boneless flounder fillets - cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 pound raw shrimp* - peeled and deveined
  • 1 pound scallops*
  • salt and freshly ground pepper
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 2 cups thinly sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup crushed canned tomatoes
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon dried basil
  • 9 lasagna noodles - cooked according to package directions
  • 1 cup grated swiss cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese.

Instructions

  • Begin by preparing your béchamel sauce.
  • Add the butter to a medium saucepan and melt. Then, while stirring with a whisk, add in the flour. Whisk until blended. Slowly add the milk while whisking. Add salt and pepper to taste. Lower the heat and stir until thick and smooth: about five to seven minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add in the onions and garlic and cook for about one minute. Then, add in the shrimp, scallops, and flounder. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • When the shrimp begins to turn pink, add the wine. Cook just until the wine comes to a boil, then turn off the heat.
  • Transfer the seafood to a bowl using a slotted spoon leaving any liquid in the skillet.
  • Bring the leftover liquid to a simmer, then add in the sliced mushrooms and cook for about five minutes.
  • Add in the béchamel sauce and stir to combine.
  • Add tomatoes, then simmer for about five to six minutes.
  • Add in the cream, red pepper flakes, parsley, oregano, basil, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
  • Finally, to the sauce, pour in any liquid that may have accumulated in the bowl of your reserved seafood. Stir to combine and then remove from the heat.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Butter the bottom and sides of a 9×13 casserole dish.
  • Spoon a layer of sauce over the bottom, then add about one-third of the seafood mixture. Cover with more sauce, then layer with three cooked lasagna strips.
  • Add another layer of seafood, then top with a thin layer of sauce. Sprinkle with one-fourth cup swiss cheese and one-fourth cup parmesan cheese. Cover with three more lasagna noodles.
  • Scatter the remaining seafood on top, then add another light layer of sauce. Cover with the remaining three lasagna noodles. Then spoon the remaining sauce over the top.
  • Sprinkle the top with the remaining swiss and parmesan cheeses.
  • Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Notes

*If you’re shrimp and scallops are large, cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Once fully assembled, you can refrigerate the seafood lasagna until you’re ready to bake it. If refrigerated, you will need to adjust the baking time by an additional 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 348kcal • Carbohydrates: 24g • Protein: 24g • Fat: 16g • Saturated Fat: 10g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g • Monounsaturated Fat: 4g • Trans Fat: 0.2g • Cholesterol: 114mg • Sodium: 513mg • Potassium: 479mg • Fiber: 1g • Sugar: 4g • Vitamin A: 739IU • Vitamin C: 4mg • Calcium: 234mg • Iron: 1mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

Layers of noodles, rich creamy sauce, cheese, scallops, shrimp, and white fish make up this flavor-packed Seafood Lasagna. This dish feels like a celebration. It will quickly become a new family favorite!  My Favorite Seafood Lasagna: Let’s make seafood lasagna! I got this recipe from my dad’s wife who has been making it for years. […]




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Cranberry Rye Holiday Cocktail

Christmas, Drinks, Holidays, Recipes

Tuesday
Dec / 6 / 2022
Comments 4
       
Cranberry Rye Holiday Cocktails in glasses.

We’re using rye whiskey to craft a Cranberry Rye Holiday Cocktail. Flavored with cranberry, lemon, and maple syrup, this is a delicious and beautiful cocktail to celebrate the season. 

Cranberry Rye Holiday Cocktail in rocks glasses.

Holiday Cocktail Time! 

I thought it was time for a new holiday cocktail recipe! In this post, I’m adding this Cranberry Rye Holiday Cocktail to my assortment of merriment. If you’re curious about my holiday cocktail assortment and/or looking for more unique Christmas cocktail recipes, I’m on it. I have all of my favorites listed HERE. Enjoy! 

I love this holiday cocktail because it’s all of my favorite things: sweet, balanced, fruity, and really easy to sip. Ingredients like cranberry juice, citrus, and maple syrup make this a great cocktail for fall, winter, and holiday entertaining. For instance, it would be lovely for Thanksgiving/Friendsgiving. In the end, it works for any season or celebration. 

Want more cranberry-inspired cocktail recipes? Try these:

Cranberry Rye Holiday Cocktail in a rocks glass.

What’s the Difference Between Rye Whiskey and Bourbon?

You might know I’m a bourbon fan (check out my favorite bourbon drink recipes HERE), but I wanted to try something different this time around, so I used rye whiskey in this cranberry rye holiday cocktail. 

Are you wondering what the difference is between rye whiskey and bourbon? 

Rye whiskey is mostly made from rye grain. This applies to American rye whiskey which must be made of at least 51% rye mash or Canadian whiskey. Consequently, rye whiskey is typically spicier and more aggressive in flavor than bourbon. 

Bourbon is a specific type of American whiskey which must be made of at least 51% corn and aged in oak barrels. All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. Bourbon is typically more sweet and mellow (which is why I think I like it so much). There are flavor notes of vanilla, oak, and caramel in it.

You learn something new every day, right? 

Cranberry Rye Holiday Cocktail in a rocks glass.

Your lesson for today is complete. Let’s move on to making this Cranberry Rye Cocktail.

Ingredients:

Time to gather up the ingredients for this tasty libation! 

  • rye whiskey – Use your favorite. Bourbon would also work here.
  • fresh lemon juice – Always go with freshly squeezed.
  • cranberry juice– One hundred percent juice or cranberry juice cocktail work interchangeably here. The cranberry juice cocktail will add a touch more sweetness.
  • pure maple syrup – I like a little sweetness with my whiskey drinks. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking. (The best maple syrup if from Finding Home Farms.)
  • Angostura bitters – Bitters always seem to balance out the flavors. You can use traditional or orange here.
  • seltzer water / club soda – This is totally optional. I tried the drink with and without and I liked it both ways.
  • fresh cranberries and/or orange wedge – Every drink needs a garnish. Cranberries and/or an orange wedge are great options here.

Glassware and Garnish

I am OBSESSED with this glassware. You can shop these fabulous rocks glasses HERE.

You can find the gold cocktail picks I used HERE.

Cranberry Rye Holiday Cocktail in rocks glasses.

Recipe Instructions:

This recipe is pretty simple; even so, I’ll walk you through the steps here. There is a printable recipe card with a full ingredient list and instructions at the end of this post. 

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add the rye whiskey, lemon juice, cranberry juice, maple syrup, and a dash of bitters. 
  3. Shake vigorously. 
  4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. 
pouring Cranberry Rye Holiday Cocktail into glass with ice.
  1. Top with seltzer. (Optional) 
  2. Garnish with fresh cranberries and/or an orange wedge.

Serve, sip, and enjoy! 

Cranberry Rye Holiday Cocktail in a glass.

Cheers! 

And there you have it! Another recipe to add to your holiday cocktail-making list. 

I hope you’ll give this Cranberry Rye Holiday Cocktail recipe a try! May it keep you warm this holiday and winter season.

Enjoy! 

Cranberry Rye Holiday Cocktail in rocks glasses.

Love this recipe and want more?

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my process. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest! 

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

Cranberry Rye Holiday Cocktail in rocks glasses.

Cranberry Rye Holiday Cocktail

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: christmas, holiday, whiskey
Servings: 1
Prep Time 5 mins
Total Time 5 mins
Cranberry Rye Holiday Cocktail in rocks glasses.
We’re using rye whiskey to craft a Cranberry Rye Holiday Cocktail. Flavored with cranberry, lemon, and maple syrup, this is a delicious and beautiful cocktail to celebrate the season.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 ounces rye whiskey
  • .75 ounce fresh lemon juice
  • 1.5 ounces cranberry juice
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
  • splash of seltzer - optional
  • fresh cranberries and/or orange wedge to garnish

Instructions

  • In a cocktail shaker filled with ice add the rye whiskey, lemon juice, cranberry juice, maple syrup, and a dash of bitters.
  • Shake vigorously.
  • Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
  • Top with seltzer.
  • Garnish with fresh cranberries and/or an orange wedge.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 149kcal • Carbohydrates: 11g • Protein: 0.2g • Fat: 0.1g • Saturated Fat: 0.01g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g • Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g • Sodium: 2mg • Potassium: 71mg • Fiber: 0.1g • Sugar: 10g • Vitamin A: 20IU • Vitamin C: 12mg • Calcium: 12mg • Iron: 0.2mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

We’re using rye whiskey to craft a Cranberry Rye Holiday Cocktail. Flavored with cranberry, lemon, and maple syrup, this is a delicious and beautiful cocktail to celebrate the season.  Holiday Cocktail Time!  I thought it was time for a new holiday cocktail recipe! In this post, I’m adding this Cranberry Rye Holiday Cocktail to my […]




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Join the conversation.






Salted Chocolate Turtle Candy

Christmas, Cookies, Holidays, Recipes

Monday
Dec / 5 / 2022
Comments 9
       
four Salted Turtle Candies on a plate.

Homemade chocolate turtle candy is simple to make, and it tastes just like the real thing. Make this Christmas classic at home with this easy recipe! They’re perfect for entertaining or gifting.

Salted Turtle Candy pinterest image

Classic Christmas cookies

You know I like mixing things up here on IBC, but I’m a big fan of the classics when it comes to Christmas cookies. Last year I shared my absolute favorite recipe for cream wafer cookies. As I may have told you, if they were the only cookies I had for the holidays, I’d probably be okay with that.

Even though I like the classics, I still enjoy getting creative and try to make a few new Christmas Cookie recipes every year. And while these salted chocolate turtles technically aren’t cookies, they’re one of my “something news” for this year.

Salted Turtle Candy on a white plate

Traditional chocolate turtles

If you’ve never had a chocolate turtle, then you don’t know what you’re missing! Turtles are a combination of pecans and caramel dipped in chocolate. When you buy them, they are shaped like a small turtle.

These treats are very popular around Christmas and have become a go-to quick gift and stocking stuffer. It’s one of those treats where it’s easy to buy a box and gobble it down all to yourself before you get the chance to gift it.

Want more homemade candy to gift?

easy Salted Turtle Candies recipe

Homemade chocolate turtle candy

While these homemade turtle candies aren’t in the traditional shape of a turtle, they taste just as good!

What I love about this recipe is that you get all the flavors of turtle candy without all the work. Sprinkled with a little flaked salt, the flavor combination is on point.

You can easily make these as a treat for yourself, to serve at a party, or to wrap up and gift as a homemade gift.

caramels and pecans on tray for turtle candy
melted caramel over pecans for turtle candy

Turtle candy ingredients

Here’s all you need to make your own turtle candy at home.

  • Pecans: For this recipe, you’ll need pecan halves. This is what traditional turtles are made of, and they make the candy nice and soft compared to other nuts.
  • Wrapped Caramels: This recipe is super easy because you can use pre-wrapped caramels. I opted to use the standard square candy caramels for this chocolate turtles recipe. However, if I made these again, I would use the Lancaster soft caramels* because I prefer a softer caramel.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate: I prefer the sweetness level of semi-sweet chocolate. However, you can easily use milk chocolate or dark chocolate if you prefer.
  • Vegetable Shortening: I add shortening to my melted chocolate. It makes the chocolate smoother and easier to manage.
  • Sea Salt: Salted caramel is a delicious combination! But don’t worry, if salt on a cookie seems odd to your family, sprinkles work just as nicely and add a pop of color.

*The only thing to note here is that if you use the Lancaster caramels, you may need double the number since they are smaller.

a spoon of melted chocolate over pecans and caramel for turtle candy
Salted Turtle Candies with sprinkles

How to make turtle candy

Here’s a quick picture of how to make your turtle candy. For exact measurements and more detailed instructions, I’ve provided a recipe card at the end of this post.

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Put three pecan halves on the parchment paper in a Y-shape. Repeat until the whole cookie sheet is filled.
  3. Use your fingers to flatten a caramel over the center of the pecan Ys.
  4. Bake for around 5-6 minutes or until the caramel has just melted.
  5. Remove from the oven and let the caramels cool completely.
  6. While the pecans cool, place chocolate and vegetable shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is nice and melted.
  7. Dollop chocolate on top of each caramel. Let the chocolate stand for 2 minutes before sprinkling it with sea salt. Let cool completely before storing.
Salted Turtle Candies with colorful sprinkles
Salted Turtle Candies with colorful sprinkles

And that’s it. Homemade turtles don’t get much easier than that!

That’s a wrap on homemade turtle candy!

Not only are these delicious “cookies,” but they will add visual impact to your cookie tray. Mixing different shapes, sizes, flavors, and textures when presenting your cookies is always great.

I’d love to know what your favorite Christmas cookie is. What new cookie recipes have you tried that have become a yearly must-make for you?

easy homemade Salted Turtle Candy recipe

Want more Christmas desserts? You’ll love these:

Salted Turtle Candy with sprinkles

Enjoy this candy recipe and want more?

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter) for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

Chocolate Turtle Candy

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: candies, candy, chocolate turtles, christmas, holiday, salted chocolate turtles
Servings: 25 pieces
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 6 mins
Total Time 26 mins
Learn how to make your own Chocolate Turtle Candy with this easy and delicious recipe.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups pecan halves - 75 total halves
  • 25 wrapped caramels - unwrapped
  • 12 ounces semisweet chocolate - or milk chocolate or dark chocolate
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening - (Crisco)
  • Flake sea salt and / or sprinkles

Instructions

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Then line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
  • Place three pecan halves in a Y-shape on the parchment paper-lined cookie sheets. Repeat with the remaining pecans.
  • Then, with your fingers, flatten each caramel and place one in the center of each pecan Bake for 5-6 minutes until the caramel is just melted. Remove from the oven and allow the caramels to cool on the pan.
  • In the meantime, add the chocolate and vegetable shortening to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until the chocolate is melted.
  • Spoon the chocolate on top of the caramel. Let the chocolate stand for about 2 minutes, then sprinkle with sea salt flakes or sprinkles. Allow the chocolate to set completely. Pack and store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 194kcal • Carbohydrates: 16g • Protein: 2g • Fat: 14g • Saturated Fat: 4g • Cholesterol: 2mg • Sodium: 26mg • Potassium: 139mg • Fiber: 2g • Sugar: 12g • Vitamin A: 17IU • Vitamin C: 1mg • Calcium: 29mg • Iron: 1mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

Love this recipe and want more?

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.

Connect with Michael! Instagram // Facebook // Pinterest // Twitter

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

 

Homemade chocolate turtle candy is simple to make, and it tastes just like the real thing. Make this Christmas classic at home with this easy recipe! They’re perfect for entertaining or gifting. Classic Christmas cookies You know I like mixing things up here on IBC, but I’m a big fan of the classics when it […]




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Join the conversation.






20+ Simple but Festive Christmas Snacks for Entertaining

Appetizers, Christmas, Holidays, Recipes

Monday
Dec / 5 / 2022
Comments 0
       
The Best Christmas Snacks

These simple yet festive Christmas snacks will make entertaining a little less stressful this year. You can easily make these delicious bites for your holiday party or dinner without adding too much to your hosting plate while still serving some fabulously festive food.

The Best Christmas Snacks

Simple yet festive Christmas snacks

I love hosting Christmas parties and get-togethers at Bayberry House. I’m always one for entertaining! But, while I love it, I won’t disagree that hosting can be a lot of work. Between decorating and cooking, a lot goes into creating the perfect event.

Snacks are also an integral part of any party. You need snacks regardless of party size or activities! Since I’m already juggling so much when I’m entertaining, I want my snacks to be as simple as possible while still being an experience for the tastebuds.

These Christmas snacks hit all the checkmarks in the festive and flavor departments. You’re sure to find something to serve the next time you have friends and family over!

What snacks can I bring to a Christmas Party?

If you are traveling to a Christmas party and bringing a snack to share, I have a few suggestions. Make sure you choose something that is easily transportable—this is not the time to make anything that’s fussy or complicated!

I’m a big fan of bringing delicious dips. They are easy to carry and always a hit. Plus, you can make them a few days ahead of time too! Here are my favorite easy, delicious dip recipes.

If you are looking for something a little different, the tortilla roll ups or pizza bread from above work great. The nuts and pretzels travel well too.

Sweet and Savory Christmas Snacks

Onto the snacks!

These snacks have a festive twist, whether in their taste or presentation. There is something perfect for every holiday party or dinner on this list.

1. White Chocolate Puff Corn

You only need three ingredients (and some sprinkles) to whip up this salty meets sweet White Chocolate Puff Corn. It’s a delicious and easy-to-make snack that’s perfect for Christmas entertaining and holiday gifting. If I had to describe it in two words: addictively delicious!

2. Tree Shaped Christmas Cheese Board

Having a spread of cheese, meats, and crackers is a must-have Christmas snack. Why no take it to the next level with a creative presentation.

This tree-shaped Christmas cheese board is an easy and festive appetizer recipe that will impress your guests and be the centerpiece of your holiday table. 

Christmas Cheese Board shared like a tree on a table.

3. Pepperoni Bread

If you ask me, pizza is a great treat any time of the year. While not traditionally a Christmas food, I think this pizza-inspired pepperoni bread fits right in for the cozy season!

At any of my family get-togethers, this is always one of the snacks served. Even better, it only requires a few ingredients and takes minimal time. It will be gone seconds after you put it down!

plate of sliced pepperoni stuffed pizza bread

4. Turkey Bacon Cranberry Roll-Ups

This roll-up takes two Christmas classics, turkey and cranberry, and spins them on its head into a yummy snack form. It’s packed full of flavor and is quite easy to make. It contains deli turkey, crisp bacon, tart cranberries, cream cheese, and green onions for a simple yet flavorful pinwheel.

You could even use leftover turkey to make these after the holidays are over!

turkey cranberry festive Christmas snacks roll ups

5. Cheese-Filled Pull-Apart Rolls

You can never go wrong with bread and cheese. It’s always sure to satisfy any guests or to enjoy as a Christmas snack for the family. It comes together quickly with thawed frozen bread dough and your favorite cheese. Dip it in some marina, and then you have a warm and delicious finger food!

For my recipe, I shaped my rolls into a tree to make them extra festive and special for the season.

herb dusted homemade pull apart bread recipe

6. Christmas Tree Cheese Ball

If you want a snack to wow the crowd, you must try this Christmas tree cheeseball. It’s the epitome of the festive season in edible form! The cheeseball is made of cream cheese, cheddar, green onions, and pimientos. Then, you can decorate it with edible ornaments like tomatoes, almonds, and peppers.

You can easily prepare this Christmas snack in advance, so all you have to do is bring it out and add some crackers for serving.

a cheeseball shaped and decorated like a Christmas tree for festive holiday snacks

7. Bourbon Balls

It’s no secret that I have a love for bourbon. Rather than enjoy the liquor in a cocktail, I made these bourbon balls. These balls are practically candy, made of crushed vanilla wafers, bourbon, pecans, butter, and sugar. Even better, they require no baking!

They’re so addicting you’ll want to pop them in your mouth before you can plate and serve them for entertaining.

homemade bourbon ball Christmas snacks

8. Seasoned and Roasted Cashews

When making Christmas snacks for a party or dinner, I want to make sure I have some easy snacking food that people can just grab while they socialize. These roasted cashews are perfect for just that! They have a hint of heat thanks to some cayenne pepper.

You can serve them alone, but I like to pair them with a cheeseboard (or perhaps the aforementioned Christmas tree cheeseball!).

roasted nuts in a bowl

9. Olive Holiday Wreath

If you haven’t noticed already, I love serving my food in a fun and festive shape. So when I wanted to make an easy appetizer with olives, I knew I could shape them into a beautiful wreath. Rosemary sprigs, cherry tomatoes, and mini mozzarella balls complete the wreath. Add some seasoning, and you have a quick yet gorgeous Christmas snack to serve.

olives tomatoes and herbs shaped into a Christmas wreath form

10. Tortilla Roll-ups With Salsa

No matter the time of year, roll-ups make their way into my snack arsenal. Stacked into a Christmas tree shape, I make these roll-ups with spinach tortillas to make it all look extra jolly. On the inside, the mixture of peppers, olives, and chilis gives a nice pop of color.

Give the tree some ornaments and a star, then add a side of salsa for dipping for a delicious Christmas snack.

spinach tortilla roll ups stacked to look like a Christmas tree

Here’s another sweet Christmas snack for you! I have to stop myself from popping these cookie cups in my mouth while making them because they’re so small, adorable, and yummy.

Christmas baking can quickly become a stressful event, so I’m always trying to share simple yet beautiful and tasty cookie recipes for you. These cookie cups fit the bill perfectly.

red and green sprinkled sugar cookie cups

12. Cinnamon Pecans and Walnuts

Sweet cinnamon and roasted nuts are one of the most heavenly scents you can find around Christmas time. Luckily, they’re easy to make and even easier to devour. I eat them alone for snacking or as a nice topper for a cheese board or salad.

If you want to be extra clever, you can make these just before you have guests over. Your whole house will smell festive and inviting!

cinnamon coated nuts

13. Creamy 3-Ingredient Fudge

Yes, you read that right! This fudge recipe only requires a whopping three ingredients. It may be one of the easiest Christmas snacks you’ll ever find! And while it’s simple to make, this 3-ingredient fudge doesn’t lack flavor one bit. It’s so so creamy and filled with plenty of chocolate.

You can then dress it up with an easy decoration, as I did with these Christmas light bulbs designed for sugar cakes.

decorated chocolate squares from easy fudge recipe

14. Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Candy

I made a batch of these and literally ate the entire thing. These are that good and beyond easy to make.

You only need four ingredients to craft this delicious Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Candy. Crunchy, fruity, salty, and sweet, this combination of ingredients makes an irresistible candy that’s lovely for the holiday season as well as delicious any time of the year. 

close up of Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Candy on plate.

15. Spicy Ranch Pretzels

You can easily serve a bowl of these spicy ranch pretzels at a holiday gathering alongside some other tasty Christmas snacks. These pretzels are another quick and easy snack to make ahead of time.

I like to make a huge batch and then keep them handy for when I feel like snacking, or have unexpected visitors pop by. These are also great to bag up as an easy and inexpensive homemade gift!

spicy ranch Christmas snacks recipe

16. Red Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese

In the many years of making jams and jellies, my favorite has always been my red pepper jelly. It’s an excellent sweet yet spicy jelly that tastes best (in my opinion) when paired with cheese. You can make some jelly ahead of time to be ready for snacking.

With the jelly, you then spread it over a block of cheese such as brie or cream cheese. Serve it with some crackers, and you’ll find yourself munching away.

red pepper jelly recipe for the holidays

17. Christmas Charcuterie Cups

Okay, this snack might take you a bit longer to assemble, but it’s totally worth it!

If you want to wow your guests this holiday season, then you need to make these Christmas Charcuterie Cups. A winner in both presentation and flavor, these are individual festive charcuterie boards served in a cup. It’s snack perfection!

jarcuterie for christmas in paper cups.

18. Cherry Walnut Snowball Cookies

Classic snowball cookies get a flavor upgrade with cherries and walnuts. These Cherry Walnut Snowball Cookies will make the perfect addition to your Christmas cookie platter and holiday dessert table.

Cherry Walnut Snowball Cookies on a plate.

19. Parmesan Truffle Popcorn

Looking to level up your snacking? Then you need to try this Parmesan Truffle Popcorn. It’s an easy and decadent way to elevate a classic snack into a gourmet treat!

Parmesan Truffle Popcorn in a bowl

20. Parmesan Ranch Snack Mix

Move over check mix, this might be my favorite savory snack mix. Shake up your snack mix game with this Parmesan Ranch Snack Mix. It’s made with sweet potato chips, cheese crackers, mixed nuts, and much more to create an irresistible combination of flavors. You won’t be able to stop at just one handful.

21. Marinated Mozzarella

As I mentioned above, cheese is a must-have snack. Why not make your cheese memorable by marinating it?

From boring to bold, mozzarella gets a flavor upgrade with fresh herbs and spices. This Marinated Mozzarella is easy to make and adds a flavorful touch to any appetizer spread, cheese board, or charcuterie.

Delicious Marinated Mozzarella Recipe #marinated #mozzarella #recipe #cheese #charcuterie #snack #herbs

What to serve with Christmas snacks:

Whether you’re hosting a party or are settling in for a cozy night of Christmas movies, you can’t forget to have a drink in hand! Here are some Christmas-themed cocktails you can serve alongside your snacks:

Want a non-alcohol based option? Serve up a batch of homemade hot cocoa of this festive Non-Alcoholic Sangria.

That’s a wrap on Christmas snacks!

These are some of my go-to Christmas snacks, and I promise they will satisfy all kinds of munchies you may have during the holiday season. They’re all easy and perfect for entertaining or simply for yourself to eat while you enjoy the festive spirit!

Enjoy these festive recipes? Want more?

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter) for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

These simple yet festive Christmas snacks will make entertaining a little less stressful this year. You can easily make these delicious bites for your holiday party or dinner without adding too much to your hosting plate while still serving some fabulously festive food. Simple yet festive Christmas snacks I love hosting Christmas parties and get-togethers […]




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Frosted Almond Sugar Cookies

Christmas, Cookies, Holidays, Recipes

Sunday
Dec / 4 / 2022
Comments 1
       
tree shaped Frosted Almond Sugar Cookies on a plate,

Classic cut-out sugar cookies get a flavor boost when almonds are added to create frosted Almond Sugar Cookies. The flavor is familiar but elevated, comforting, and delicious. I decorated mine to look like Christmas trees, but feel free to make any cookie shape(s) you desire. 

pine tree shaped frosted almond sugar cookies.

Let’s Make Almond Sugar Cookies:

Over the years I’ve shared many cut-out cookie recipes on the blog. We’ve covered gingerbread, orange almond, cotton candy frosted, ugly sweater, peppermint, and more! 

This holiday season I wanted to try a new dough flavor so I experimented with almonds. The result was delicious which makes me so excited to share these Christmas tree almond sugar cookies with you. 

pine tree shaped frosted almond sugar cookies.

If you want even more Christmas cookies, I have SO MANY here on Inspired by Charm for you to choose from. To make them easy to find, I put together an entire blog post with all my favorites. You can find that HERE. 

How to Frost Sugar Cookies:

I have a slight obsession with Christmas magazines. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been seeing a frosting technique where dots of frosting are added in a row onto a cookie. The dots get spread out and then another row of dots is added and the pattern repeats. I LOVE the look! 

I loved it so much that I had to give it a try. What do you think?

pine tree shaped frosted almond sugar cookies.

In my opinion, this method works especially well for things like Christmas trees because the spread-out little frosting dots look like the fluffy branches of a pine tree. Love that! 

I went pretty minimal with my Christmas tree cookie “decorations,” but I’m thinking it might be fun to add more colorful sprinkles to give the look of ornaments and lights. 

pine tree shaped frosted almond sugar cookies.

What are these almond sugar cookies made of?:

The base of these almond sugar cookies is pretty standard with the addition of toasted almonds and lemon zest. These two added ingredients really amp up the flavor. So, here’s what you’ll need:

Cookie Ingredients:

  • toasted slivered almonds
  • all-purpose flour
  • unsalted butter
  • sugar
  • egg
  • vanilla
  • kosher salt
  • lemon zest

I used my standard sugar cookie frosting recipe. It’s a combination of butter and shortening which I really love. To bring in the almond flavor from the cookies, I added a touch of almond extract to the frosting to marry the two beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need for the frosting: 

Frosting Ingredients:

  • vegetable shortening
  • unsalted butter
  • confectioners’ sugar
  • vanilla extract
  • almond extract
  • milk
  • food coloring

In addition to the standard baking equipment, you’ll need some piping bags and a round tip like THESE. I also used some green sprinkles and white sprinkles.

pine tree shaped frosted almond sugar cookies on a plate.

Recipe Instructions: 

I’m going to quickly walk you through the steps of making these Christmas tree almond sugar cookies. For a more detailed explanation along with a full ingredient list, please reference the printable recipe card below.

  1. In a food processor, pulse the toasted almond until finely ground. 
  2. In a large bowl whisk together the ground almonds, flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
dry cookie ingredients in a bowl.
  1. Cream together the butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, and lemon zest. 
  2. Add half of the dry ingredients. Begin mixing to incorporate. 
  3. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined. 
  4. Refrigerate the dough for at least three hours or overnight.
  5. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
  6. Roll out about half of the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness.
  7. Cut out the dough using a tree-shaped cookie cutter. 
cookie cutters and rolled out dough.
  1. Bake 8-10 minutes on an ungreased cookie sheet.
  2. Transfer the cookies to a cutting board or your countertop to cool completely.
  3. Repeat with remaining dough.
almond sugar cookie on a baking tray.
  1. Cream together the vegetable shortening and butter. 
  2. Slowly add the confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time. 
  3. Mix in the vanilla and almond extract. 
  4. Add milk as needed for a smoother consistency. 
  5. Divide the frosting into smaller bowls and add gel food coloring to achieve the desired colors.
  6. Place the frosting in a piping bag with a round tip.
  7. To create this frosting design, pipe dots of frosting along the bottom of the tree. 
piping frosting on a tree shaped cookie.
frosting a tree shaped cookie.
  1. Using a butter knife, press into the dot near the middle. Press and pull to spread the dot up the cookie. 
  2. Repeat by piping another row of dots above the previous one and then spread the new row like before. 
piped frosting on a cookie.
  1. Continue until you reach the top of your tree.
  2. Add sprinkles to decorate.

Allow the frosting to set before packing and storing the cookies in an airtight container.

And that’s a wrap.

pine tree shaped frosted almond sugar cookies on a cooling rack.

As with any frosted sugar cookie, these do take time and patience. I really enjoy the process. In fact, I was making these very cookies with my mom and I told her I could frost cookies all day long. It doesn’t matter if I’m using traditional frosting like this or piped royal icing; I just love frosting cookies! 

I highly suggest you plan on making the cookies when you have ample time. There’s nothing worse or more stressful than trying to rush through the process. 

pine tree shaped frosted almond sugar cookies on a plate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Before you depart, let me answer a few questions you may have. 

Can you freeze these almond sugar cookies?

Yep! You certainly can. I froze my frosted ones and will defrost them when I need them for Christmas. Pack the cookies in a freezer-friendly airtight container. I packed one row, put them in the freezer for a bit, and then packed the next row. This will ensure my frosting doesn’t get smushed as I layer the cookies.

Can I use a different color of food coloring?
Of course! Make them whatever color you want. I personally recommend THIS gel food coloring. It works so well and THIS pack comes with every color you need. 

I’m nervous about the piping technique, can you help?
Practice! There’s always a cookie that gets too well done or loses a limb. Use that cookie to practice your technique. Repeat the process until you feel comfortable and confident. 

pine tree shaped frosted almond sugar cookies on a plate.

Happy Christmas Cookie Baking! 

If you’re looking for a new cut-out holiday cookie to try, I certainly hope you’ll consider these Frosted Almond Sugar Cookies. I know I can’t wait to add them to my holiday cookie tray. I bet it will be the same for you.

Enjoy and Merry Christmas! 

pine tree shaped frosted almond sugar cookies on a plate.

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my process. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest! 

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

pine tree shaped frosted almond sugar cookies.

Pine Tree Almond Sugar Cookie

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: almond, christmas, frosting, holiday, sugar cookie
Servings: 36
Prep Time 3 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Frosting Time 1 hr
Total Time 1 hr 13 mins
Classic cut-out sugar cookies get a flavor boost when almonds are added to create Almond Sugar Cookies. The flavor is familiar but elevated, comforting, and delicious. I decorated mine to look like Christmas trees, but feel free to make any cookie shape(s) you desire.

Ingredients

Cookies:
Frosting*:

Instructions

  • Begin by preparing the cookie dough. In a food processor, pulse the toasted almond until finely ground.
  • In a large bowl whisk together the ground almonds, flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, and lemon zest.
  • Once combined, add half of the dry ingredients. Begin mixing to incorporate. Then add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  • Refrigerate the dough for at least three hours or overnight.
  • After your dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out about half of the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness, depending on your preference. Cut out the dough using a tree-shaped cookie cutter.
  • Transfer each cut-out to an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the first sign of browning appears on the surface of the cookies. Remove from the oven and transfer the cookies to a cutting board or your countertop to cool completely.
  • Repeat the process with the second half of the dough. Any dough scraps can be reformed into a ball and re-rolled.
  • While the cookies cool, prepare your frosting. With a mixer, cream together the vegetable shortening and butter. Slowly add the confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time. Mix in the vanilla and almond extract. Add milk as needed for a smoother consistency. Divide the frosting into smaller bowls and add gel food coloring to achieve the desired colors.
  • Place the frosting in a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
  • To create the frosting design, pipe dots of frosting along the bottom of the tree. Using a butter knife, press into the dot near the middle. Press and pull to spread the dot up the cookie. Repeat by piping another row of dots above the previous one and then spread the new row like before. Continue until you reach the top of your tree. (Reference photos in the blog post for a better example of this technique.)
  • Allow the frosting to set before packing and storing the cookies in an airtight container.

Notes

*It is likely that you’ll have some extra frosting. For me, this isn’t a bad thing as there’s always a cookie that needs decorating. If you want to avoid any excess, you may want to cut this recipe in half.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 192kcal • Carbohydrates: 24g • Protein: 2g • Fat: 10g • Saturated Fat: 5g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g • Monounsaturated Fat: 4g • Trans Fat: 1g • Cholesterol: 21mg • Sodium: 36mg • Potassium: 30mg • Fiber: 0.5g • Sugar: 17g • Vitamin A: 197IU • Vitamin C: 0.04mg • Calcium: 11mg • Iron: 0.5mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

Classic cut-out sugar cookies get a flavor boost when almonds are added to create frosted Almond Sugar Cookies. The flavor is familiar but elevated, comforting, and delicious. I decorated mine to look like Christmas trees, but feel free to make any cookie shape(s) you desire.  Let’s Make Almond Sugar Cookies: Over the years I’ve shared […]




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Unique and Memorable Christmas Party Ideas and Hosting Tips

Christmas, Entertaining, Holidays

Saturday
Dec / 3 / 2022
Comments 5
       
Poinsettia Pomegranate Martini #holiday #cocktail #martini #recipe #PomegranateMartini #Pomegranate #gin #Christmas

From making my own signature festive cocktail to setting the perfect mood, I’m here to share all my Christmas party ideas and tips to step up your entertaining. Make this year’s holiday party the one to remember with this perfectly jolly inspiration!

Christmas Party Ideas

I thought it might be helpful to share some unique and memorable Christmas party ideas and tips to help you create a welcoming and festive holiday home.

It’s no secret that the holidays are my favorite time of year. The second I hear the word fall, I’m already dreaming of what my Christmas tree will look like and shopping around for new inspiration.

miniature Christmas party tree decoration in a mixing bowl

One of my other loves of the season is entertaining. I’ll take any excuse to bring my friends and family together, have some drinks, and get all cozy and festive.

Over the years, I’ve mastered the art of Christmas parties. I have accumulated quite a few tips and ideas, and I wanted to share them with you for this year and beyond. Whether it’s a small get-together with close friends or a large open house for all, these Christmas party ideas will apply no matter how you celebrate the season.

hand holding christmas jarcuterie.

30 Christmas Party Ideas and Themes:

Looking for party ideas and themes for your next holiday gathering? Try one of these:

  1. Secret Santa Party
  2. Christmas Cookie Swap
  3. Christmas Pajama and Movie Party
  4. DIY Ornament Party
  5. Ugly Sweater Party
  6. Gift Wrapping Party
  7. Christmas Donut Party
  8. Christmas Cocktail Party
  9. Christmas Karaoke Party
  10. Hot Cocoa Party
  11. Christmas Charcuterie Party
  12. DIY Gift Tag Party
  13. Gingerbread Cookie / Gingerbread House Party
  14. Favorite Things Party
  15. Reindeer Games Party
  16. Christmas Breakfast / Brunch Party
  17. Handmade Holiday Party
  18. Paint and Sip Party
  19. Homemade Christmas Gift Party
  20. Murder Mystery Holiday Party
  21. High Tea Christmas Party
  22. Christmas Movie Marathon
  23. Ginch-mas Party
  24. Holiday Appetizer Party
  25. Christmas Card Party
  26. Brunch-mas Party
  27. Wreath Making Party
  28. Beers and Cheers Party
  29. Favorite Thing Christmas Party
  30. Christmas Lights Tour

That’s quite the list! I hope one, two, or more of those themes inspired an idea in you! There are so many I want to host.

Vintage Modern Christmas Table Decor

Unique and memorable Christmas party ideas

Alright, now that we have some party theme covered, let’s get into some of the finer details.

Let me walk you through some of my best tips and ideas for Christmas parties. I’ve added in a few photos from my current Christmas decor and a few photos from some Christmases past.

1. Create a signature cocktail or drink.

I think I include this tip on every entertaining list as it is one of my favorites. Recently, I also just created a new holiday cocktail (my amazing Poinsettia Pomegranate Martini), so it was fresh on my mind.

I like this idea because it’s a fun way to create something unique and memorable. As you know, I’ve created and shared dozens and dozens of unique and classic cocktail recipes here on Inspired by Charm.

My favorite thing is to take a classic recipe and make it unique just by changing out a few ingredients. If you’re looking for some more recipe ideas, I have an entire post dedicated to my best Christmas cocktail recipes – all in one place! It even includes a non-alcoholic sangria which everyone can enjoy. If you need a little inspiration that is a great place to start.

signature Christmas party cocktails on a kitchen island
poinsettia pomegranate martini

Another fun idea, once you have chosen your drink recipe, is to print out a few copies of the recipe for guests to take home with them. It’s a great way to share a little piece of your festivities with your guests. I have some FREE recipe card printables if you need them.

Not a fan of cocktails? Try a hot cocoa bar! You can go big or small. Here in my kitchen, I just use a small area to set up this beautiful and functional hot cocoa bar. And if you need one, here’s a homemade hot cocoa mix recipe that I love!

create a hot cocoa bar for fun Christmas party ideas
hot chocolate bar with jars full of cocoa and toppings

2. Plan your Christmas decor.

I’m very much a planner when it comes to my Christmas decorating. Before I’ve even brought out the Christmas décor, I already know what I’m going for that year.

In some regards, I have a theme every year that echoes throughout my house or individual room. This helps to create a coordinated and very styled look for my decorating. The result is always a highly aesthetic and ultra-festive display that looks amazing for a Christmas party and photos.

decorated foyer with christmas tree in the background.

I’ve recently shared all the information behind how I plan my Christmas home decor, so take a look at the post for some tips on getting your home ready for Christmas.

I know some people very much like to do the same thing every year, and that’s okay too! Even small touches like coordinated place settings, gift wrap, ornaments, appetizers, and gift tags can make the party more cohesive.

3. Incorporate vintage finds.

I don’t know about you, but I love getting wrapped up in the nostalgia and tradition of the holiday season. While I love antique shopping all year long, I especially love it for Christmas. I’ll take vintage plates, vintage glassware, and vintage decor over new any day.

If you love vintage Christmas like I do, I have an entire blog post dedicated to this topic. You can see all of my favorite vintage Christmas decor plus get tips and tricks for styling it. Find that post HERE.

Last year I set this fun table setting inspired by a set of glassware I picked up at one of my favorite antique stores.

Vintage Modern Christmas Table Decor ideas to dress up your home for the holidays! #diningroom #decor #tablesetting #tablescape #table #decorating #christmas #holiday #modern #vintage
Vintage Modern Christmas Table Decor ideas to dress up your home for the holidays! #diningroom #decor #tablesetting #tablescape #table #decorating #christmas #holiday #modern #vintage

Other vintage finds can influence your holiday entertaining adventures, too. Here are a few examples!

  1. Use vintage ornaments as place cards for your holiday table setting. You can write a guest’s name directly on the ball or add a festive gift tag to the ornament. (These vintage-inspired tags, which I shared as a free download last year, would be perfect.)
vintage gift tags for wrapping Christmas presents
  1. Pick up a vintage punch bowl set. I just scored this set on eBay. While this bowl and cups are traditionally for a classic Tom and Jerry cocktail, you could use them to serve any holiday punch.
tom and jerry vintage Christmas dishes
  1. Don’t have enough glassware? Shop local thrift stores for glasses. They are so inexpensive, and you can find some beautiful vintage designs.

I’ve found that guests are always intrigued by my vintage decorations too. I can’t tell you how many people have told me, “My mom had those growing up,” or “I remember having these as a kid.” I love moments like this.

For me, this is what the holidays are all about.

thrifted deer figurines on a mantle

4. Have a well-stocked pantry.

I recently shared a look into my butler’s pantry for Christmas. I think having a well-stocked cupboard or pantry during the holidays is important. When you’re ready to entertain or whip up your favorite holiday recipe, there’s nothing worse than realizing you’re missing a key element or ingredient.

open shelving in butler's pantry with wood and white dishes and Santa mugs

I’m a list maker, so I plan ahead with a big list of all my holiday essentials. I like to stock up in advance on longer-lasting items like flour, sugar, sprinkles, butter, etc.

I also stock up on things like soda, seltzer water, oranges, lemons, fresh herbs, cranberries, etc. Not only are these useful ingredients to have on hand when cooking for the holidays, but they also make great garnishes for your dishes or beverages.

It’s also helpful to plan your menus ahead. This way, you can make one trip to the grocery store instead of several.

I have the perfect list for you if you’re planning ahead and looking for some festive and tasty holiday appetizers: the ultimate Christmas appetizer recipes. I also recommend check out these gingerbread recipes. They are some of my holiday favorites.

Christmas Tree Cheese Ball

5. Make a custom music playlist.

I don’t know about you, but I can get pretty picky with my holiday music. When entertaining, music can really make or break the mood. Are you feeling classic Christmas with the crooning Michael Buble? Or do you want to go back to the 90s with Mariah Carey’s iconic Merry Christmas?

While there are so many music streaming platforms that have their own Christmas playlists, I always find myself skipping every other song. There’s a lot of not-so-great Christmas music out there!

My solution was to make my own Christmas music playlist that I know I can play at any party and get the festive mood perfectly right. I encourage you to make your own for your Christmas party, as it truly makes a difference in the ambiance. You can even use mine as a starting point for creating your own.

6. Make your own gifts.

Gifts mean so much more when they come from the heart. If gift-giving is a part of your Christmas party, encourage everyone to bring something they made themselves. This works well for secret Santa or white elephant gift exchanges!

Vintage-Inspired Christmas Gift Bags #craft #christmas #holiday #giftbags #gift #printable #transfer #giftideas #vintage #vintagechristmas

This way, every gift will have a special story behind it and avoid adding to the clutter that can be Christmas gifts. Plus, it’s often kinder on the wallet too! It minimizes the stress of the holidays, which always helps to make the Christmas party more enjoyable.

And just because it’s homemade doesn’t mean it has to be simple or unattractive. Here are some of my go-to handmade gift ideas you can get some inspiration from.

7. Remember you can do anything, but not everything.

Last but not least, and possibly the most important Christmas party idea I could share with you, is that you can’t do it all! Trust me; I’ve tried.

Because of the abundance of “perfectly” styled tables, charcuteries, bar carts, and homes on social media, it’s easy to feel like we must do it all, and we must do it perfectly. But, of course, this couldn’t be any further from the truth.

Do what you can. Do what you love. Do what works for you. Do your best and forget the rest.

Often times these beautifully styled photos you see on social media and Pinterest are just that: beautifully styled photos. They are meant to delight and inspire rather than to be used as a means for comparison or to make you feel less than.

corner of a decorated home for Christmas

That’s a wrap on Christmas party tips & ideas!

And that’s a wrap, friends. I hope the things I shared here were helpful and encouraging. I also hope you enjoyed a little peek into my holiday home and are excited for more to come!

I have so much more to share this holiday season, so stay tuned for my holiday decor, seasonal recipes, and festive cheer.

The ultimate Christmas idea and recipe resource list:

Looking for more Christmas inspiration? This list is for you!

Love these festive ideas and want more?

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter) for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.

Have you tried any of these ideas? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR picture with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using ideas from IBC.

looking through the door of a kitchen at Christmas party cocktails on a red tray sitting on a wood island

From making my own signature festive cocktail to setting the perfect mood, I’m here to share all my Christmas party ideas and tips to step up your entertaining. Make this year’s holiday party the one to remember with this perfectly jolly inspiration! I thought it might be helpful to share some unique and memorable Christmas […]




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Join the conversation.






Handmade Holiday Christmas Tree

Christmas, Christmas Tree, Handmade Holiday, Holidays, Interiors

Friday
Dec / 2 / 2022
Comments 30
       
Handmade Holiday Christmas Tree

Inspired by handmade ornaments, colorful lights, and hand-strung popcorn garland, my family room Christmas tree celebrates the holiday season with personality and fun! 

christmas tree with colored lights in living room.
presents under a christmas tree in red colors.

A Handmade Holiday

‘Tis the season for trimming the tree. As you might know, I typically design and decorate two (sometimes three) new trees every year. Coming up with new and unique motifs is a joy for me. (Check out some of my trees from Christmases past HERE.) 

With a focus on a handmade holiday this year, I sharpened my scissors and heated up my glue gun to craft something meaningful and special for this tree (and my second tree AND…. the rest of my holiday decor too). 

This post isn’t full of links for you to buy a whole new set of Christmas tree decorations. In fact, the only product link I’m sharing is to my actual Christmas tree which you can find HERE. This is one of my favorite artificial Christmas trees and I always get lots of questions about it.

This year I opted to use only ornaments that I already had and ornaments that I made with my own two hands.  While I have many great tree designs from Christmases past, I’m loving this one for it’s meaningful homemade touches.

close up of hot cocoa christmas tree ornament and popcorn garland.

The Same But Different

This phrase has come up a lot in my head the past several months as I planned for and implemented my Christmas decor. Recently, as I’ve mentioned in a few previous posts, I’ve wanted to embrace the decor that I have (instead of going out and spending hundreds and hundreds of dollars on a new decor) AND take time to focus on handmade. I’m happy to report that I’ve been doing just that and it has made all the difference. 

So, if you’ve been here before, this tree may look the same, but… it’s also a bit different. 

decorated foyer with christmas tree in the background.
popcorn garland strung on a decorated christmas tree.

This tree is unique from all of my other trees because it incorporates several handmade elements and uses those big vintage-inspired colored lights.

Yes. Yes. I know I’m way off in regards to all the trendy Christmas tree decor, but I honestly couldn’t be happier with the way this design came together. It’s a one-of-a-kind reflection of me and it’s my intentions coming to life. I stuck to my plan and made it happen! 

I’m going to show you more of my Christmas tree and walk you through some of my tips and ideas for making a tree uniquely you. 

Let’s get into it. 

close up of decorated Christmas tree.
decorated christmas tree with popcorn garland and red ornaments.

Christmas Tree Decoration Tips:

1. Start with Ribbon

If you’re new here, I want to mention that I always like to start my tree decorating with ribbon. You may have never done this before, but I highly recommend it. It’s a wonderful way to tie the tree together, it adds movement, and fills in the gaps.

If you’re curious about my method, you can check out this post HERE that discusses my tips and tricks for adding ribbon to a tree. This is a ribbon I’ve had in my collection for at least 8+ years. I can hardly believe that it finally got put on a tree! 

2. Pick a Color Scheme

I always like to start with some sort of theme. Typically color leads my way, but sometimes the theme will be inspired by a dress Adele wore or feelings of nostalgia. Since moving to this home, I’ve always done a red theme in this room (maybe someday I’ll break from this pattern), so I went with the red theme again but with a twist. 

christmas tree with colored lights in living room.
christmas tree with colored lights and ornaments.

3. Sprinkle in Your Personality

With anything I do or decorate, I always like to do things a bit differently and/or with an element of unexpectedness. (There’s way too much of the same thing everywhere these days.) While I’m typically a white lights person, I threw caution to the wind and opted for big vintage-inspired colored lights. 

As you may have noticed from my photos, the best part about this decision is that I actually have lighting options since I used a pre-lit tree and added colored lights to it. Now I have the option to do white, colored, or both. I find myself using the colored lights the most, but having both on is pretty spectacular too! 

christmas tree with red decorations and popcorn garland.
christmas tree with colored lights in living room.

In fact, I loved the colored lights so much that I even added them to my mantel garland to bring it all together. (My mantel is decorated similarly to how I did it last year with my collection of vintage Putz houses. You can see more of it HERE.) 

I also incorporated some of my favorite glass ornaments which include mini thermoses and red trucks. They make me smile.

glas red truck ornament.

4. Add Something Handmade 

As I mentioned above, I knew going into this tree design that I wanted my handmade elements to shine. I tend to like a heavily decorated tree, but I pulled back this year (though to some I’m sure this is still heavily decorated) to give a little space for the things that I made. I’ve found such joy in slowing down and making things this year that I really wanted those handmade elements to take center stage. Here’s what I made: 

diy clay christmas tree ornament on a tree.
  1. DIY Clay Cookie Cutter Ornaments – These were SO easy to make and really fun too. The results look so professional. I used oven bake clay in white. You could use any color that you like or even paint the ornaments! 

Find the tutorial HERE.

close up of embroidery hoop ornaments.
  1. Handmade Embroidery Hoop Ornaments – I wanted this project to be budget-friendly, so I used old plaid shirts that no longer wear and a couple of thrifted finds to craft these fun embroidery hoop ornaments. They may be my favorite. You can make these extra special by making them with old baby clothes or something that belonged to a family member that has passed away. 

Find the tutorial HERE. 

popcorn garland hung on christmas tree.
  1. Hand-Strung Popcorn Garland – I had the idea to make a popcorn garland but almost didn’t do it because I thought it would be too difficult and tedious. Boy, was I wrong! This project was really easy and didn’t take nearly as long as I expected. Plus, it gave me an excuse to slow down and sit and watch a movie. 

In fact, I loved the results so much that I strung even more popcorn to use on my staircase banister garland. Highly recommend. 

Find the tutorial HERE. 

decorated foyer with christmas tree in the background.

Put all of those elements together and you have my Handmade Holiday Christmas Tree! 

I hope you love it as much as I do! 

christmas tree with colored lights in living room.
christmas presents under a christmas tree.

Time to Trim The Tree

And that’s a wrap on one of my Christmas trees. (I’ll be sharing the second one soon. I’m just finishing up a few details. Stay tuned.) 

I hope this post has given you a few ideas to try with your tree decorating OR the inspiration to break the “rules” and create a Christmas tree in your own unique way. 

As far as I’m concerned there’s no such thing as an ugly Christmas tree. I love them all. 

If you need a little more inspiration, I’ve got it! Check out this post HERE for 26+ of my unique Christmas designs that I’ve created over the past 12 years. 

Merry Christmas! 

christmas tree with red decorations and popcorn garland.
large pinecone in christmas tree.

Want more Christmas decorating ideas?

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my process. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest! 

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

Inspired by handmade ornaments, colorful lights, and hand-strung popcorn garland, my family room Christmas tree celebrates the holiday season with personality and fun!  A Handmade Holiday ‘Tis the season for trimming the tree. As you might know, I typically design and decorate two (sometimes three) new trees every year. Coming up with new and unique […]




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White Chocolate Puff Corn

Christmas, Holidays, Recipes

Wednesday
Nov / 30 / 2022
Comments 13
       
White Chocolate Puff Corn with sprinkles in a bowl.

You only need three ingredients (and some sprinkles) to whip up this salty meets sweet White Chocolate Puff Corn. It’s a delicious and easy-to-make snack that’s perfect for Christmas entertaining and holiday gifting.

White Chocolate Puff Corn in a bowl.

Let’s Make White Chocolate Puff Corn

In the fall I made and shared a really delicious sweet and salty autumn snack mix. You all seemed to love it!  I was talking to my mom about this and explaining that I wanted to come up with something for Christmas. She quickly responded, “What about that white chocolate puff corn that Kathy makes?” (Kathy is a friend of hers.) 

I immediately knew what she was talking about because my dad’s wife makes the same thing and I literally can’t stop eating it when I’m at their house for Christmas. 

White Chocolate Puff Corn with sprinkles in a bowl.

The idea behind this recipe is beyond simple. Buttery puff corn gets coated in white chocolate. That’s it. Oh, and you can throw on some sprinkles if you want some added color. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: 

  • Addictively Delicious – You honestly can’t just have one bite. You’ll be going back for more and more. 
  • Incredibly Easy – All you need to do is stir. This recipe might take you about 10 minutes to make. 
  • Customizable – While I made mine for Christmas, you could make this any time of the year. All you have to do is change the color of the sprinkles to match the holiday or event you are celebrating!
close up of White Chocolate Puff Corn with sprinkles.

Before we get into the recipe details, I want to mention that I’m once again joined by my Tastes of the Season blogger friends. We are all sharing a delicious holiday treat to help add a little sweetness to your Christmas festive. Check the end of the post for all the recipes!

With that being said, you still might be wondering … 

What is Puff Corn?

I like to think of puff corn as a cheese curl that meets popcorn. The flavor is more on the side of popcorn, but the texture is more like a puffy corn snack that almost melts in your mouth. Does that make sense? 

I’ve seen puff corn in various flavors including original, butter, cheddar, and white cheddar. 

The one you want for this recipe is the butter flavored. (You could do the original flavor, but it’s not nearly as good.) 

White Chocolate Puff Corn with sprinkles in a bowl.

Where to Buy Puff Corn?

I found mine at a local grocery store. I used Chester’s brand, but there are several companies that make puff corn. There’s even a Walmart Great Value version. 

You can find puff corn HERE on Amazon but it’s three times the price. I recommend trying to find it locally. 

White Chocolate Puff Corn with sprinkles in a bowl.

While you’re out shopping you can pick up the other ingredients you’ll need as well.

Ingredients:

Here’s what you’ll need to make this White Chocolate Puff Corn: 

  • puff corn – We already covered this above.
  • white baking chocolate – You want to make sure you use white chocolate with cocoa butter. Avoid white chocolate chips. I personally like THESE white chocolate baking wafers.
  • almond bark – This is a vanilla-flavored candy coating. I like the almond bark sold at Walmart or ALDI.
  • sprinkles – Totally optional, but highly recommended. Feel free to use whatever kind you like. I prefer these “jimmies” as they are softer and something like nonpareils.

With your ingredients on hand, you are ready to assemble.

White Chocolate Puff Corn with sprinkles in a bowl.

How to Make: 

I’ll walk you through the steps here. You can also find them in the printable recipe card at the end of this post. 

  1. Prepare your work surface by spreading out two pieces of waxed paper. 
  2. Add your puff corn to a large bowl. Set aside.
  3. In a microwave-safe bowl, add the almond bark and white chocolate.
  4. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring in between until melted. 
  5. Pour the melted chocolate over the puff corn in two batches stirring in between. 
adding white chocolate to puff corn.
  1. Dump this mix onto your wax paper-lined surface spreading it into an even layer. 
  2. If desired, add sprinkles.
White Chocolate Puff Corn with sprinkles on wax paper.
  1. Allow the white chocolate to completely set, then pack and store in an airtight container. 

It’s honestly that easy. 

hand grabbing White Chocolate Puff Corn with sprinkles.

I think the hardest part is waiting for the chocolate to set before you dive in face first. Ha! 

(And if you do dive in face first, I promise not to tell a soul. It’s our secret.) 

Start Snacking! 

And with that, I’ve now armed you with another delicious snack to help you celebrate the season.

Whether you serve this White Chocolate Puff Corn at your Christmas party or mix it up to give as handmade gifts, everyone is going to LOVE it … and you will too! 

Enjoy! 

White Chocolate Puff Corn with sprinkles in a bowl.

Tastes of the Seasons Christmas Treats:

Ready for more festive goodies? Be sure to visit my blogger friends below. Don’t their recipes look wonderful?  They are perfect for the holidays! I’m confident you’ll find more deliciousness to try.

Tastes of the Season Christmas Treats

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix by Ella Claire & Co. | Easy Butter Mints by Handmade Farmhouse | White Chocolate Puff Corn by Inspired by Charm 

Tastes of the Season Christmas Treats

Favorite Easy Christmas Cookies by French Country Cottage | Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Stirrer by Zevy Joy

Love this festive recipe and want more?

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my process. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest! 

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

White Chocolate Puff Corn with sprinkles in a bowl.

White Chocolate Puff Corn

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: christmas, holiday, puff corn, puffcorn, snack, white chocolate
Servings: 10
Prep Time 10 mins
Setting Time 20 mins
Total Time 30 mins
White Chocolate Puff Corn in a bowl.
You only need three ingredients (and some sprinkles) to whip up this salty meets sweet White Chocolate Puff Corn. It’s a delicious and easy-to-make snack that’s perfect for Christmas entertaining and holiday gifting.

Ingredients

  • 6.5 ounces (2 bags total) puff corn - Chester's, butter flavor
  • 8 ounces almond bark
  • 10 ounces white chocolate
  • sprinkles - optional

Instructions

  • Prepare your work surface by spreading out two pieces of waxed paper.
  • Add your puff corn to a large bowl. Set aside.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl, add the almond bark and white chocolate. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring in between until melted.
  • Pour the melted chocolate over the puff corn in two batches stirring in between. Continue stirring until the puff corn is completely coated.
  • Dump this mix onto your wax paper-lined surface spreading it into an even layer. If desired, add sprinkles.
  • Allow the white chocolate to completely set, then pack and store in an airtight container.

Notes

This recipe is extremely forgiving. If you want more white chocolate or almond bark, feel free to add it. If you want less, you can do that too. If you can’t find almond bark (usually available at Walmart or ALDI), then just use white chocolate.
When you’re purchasing white chocolate, look for some with cocoa butter. It melts so much nicer. I really like THESE white chocolate melting wafers and/or these white chocolate bars. Avoid white chocolate chips as they tend to seize up when melting.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 354kcal • Carbohydrates: 47g • Protein: 4g • Fat: 16g • Saturated Fat: 12g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g • Monounsaturated Fat: 3g • Cholesterol: 6mg • Sodium: 34mg • Potassium: 142mg • Fiber: 3g • Sugar: 33g • Vitamin A: 45IU • Vitamin C: 0.1mg • Calcium: 58mg • Iron: 1mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

You only need three ingredients (and some sprinkles) to whip up this salty meets sweet White Chocolate Puff Corn. It’s a delicious and easy-to-make snack that’s perfect for Christmas entertaining and holiday gifting. Let’s Make White Chocolate Puff Corn In the fall I made and shared a really delicious sweet and salty autumn snack mix. […]




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Rustic Star Anise Christmas Wreath

Christmas, DIY, Interiors, Wreaths

Tuesday
Nov / 29 / 2022
Comments 9
       
Rustic Star Anise Christmas Wreath

All you need is some brown wire, star anise, and a couple of tools to craft this rustic star anise Christmas wreath. Use these wreaths to deck your halls, decorate a garland, or trim your tree. This is an easy DIY with beautiful results. 

star anise wreath on christmas garland

Rustic Christmas Wreath with Star Anise

I was inspired to make these little rustic Christmas wreaths as I saw something similar in a magazine a few years back. They’ve been on my mind ever since. With my focus being a handmade holiday this year, I knew this was the perfect time to put this wreath together. 

I originally thought I would just make one or two of these wreaths as decor, but I loved them so much that I decided to make more and use them as ornaments for my Christmas tree. Because they looked so good on my tree, I made even more wreaths to use on my mantel decor! They are such a fun natural touch that I suppose I just wanted to use these wreaths in every possible way. 

star anise wreath on christmas tree.
close up of mantel garland with diy paper chain and anise star wreath.

Where to Hang

Many of you LOVED how these looked on my mantel (which you can see HERE if you missed it), so I’m super excited to be able to bring you this really easy craft. And if you love crafting, you’ll also love the paper chain I made for my mantel decor. You’ll see it in this post. It’s made from leftover wallpaper! I love it! 

star anise wreath on christmas tree.

My Christmas tree still needs a few finishing touches so I haven’t shared that yet. (Stay tuned as it will be coming soon.) Nonetheless, I did include a few pictures of how these wreaths look on my tree. 

With that, let’s get into the tutorial.

I’ll walk you through the supply list first, including links to all the things I used, and then I’ll share the tutorial. 

anise wreath on garland.

Supplies:

Before we start making these rustic Christmas wreaths, let’s gather up some supplies. 

anise wreath making supplies.
  • brown wire – You can find the wire I used HERE. It’s easy to work with. 
  • wire cutters – Any will do. If you need a pair, try THESE.
  • star anise – I bought THIS big bag. No matter where you buy them, you’re going to get broken pieces. Maybe if you had a local spot to buy them, you might be able to pick the best bunch. 
  • hot glue gun – I recommend THIS one. 
  • hot glue sticks – I like THESE glue sticks. 
  • ribbon – All of the ribbons I used were from JOANN.

Ready to craft these star anise wreaths? Let’s get to it. 

anise wreath on cabinet knob.

How to Make this Rustic Christmas Wreath:

I’ll walk you through the full tutorial here including any tips and tricks. There is an abbreviated tutorial and supply list on a printable card at the end of this post. 

  1. Begin by forming your wire into a ring. The size of the ring can be whatever you’d like. Most of mine were four or eight inches in diameter. I did do some larger ones too. 
  2. Continue to wrap the wire (without cutting) in circles until you go around about three times. (For the large rings I did four.)  Keep the wire loose and natural. None of the rings should look exactly the same. 
  3. Use your wire cutters to cut the wire when you’re finished wrapping. 
  4. Take a minute to work with your wreath shape and adjust the rings until it looks pleasing to you. To get it to lay flat, set the wreath on your work surface and press down with your hand. 
  5. Next, select a few star anise. I tried to find whole ones, but use what you love. 
gluing star anise to wreath.
  1. Use your hot glue gun to glue the star anise to your wire wreath in a random pattern. There is no right or wrong here. I kept it very organic. I wanted it to look like Mother Nature could have made it herself. Glue some anise to your inner rings, and some to your outer rings; also, glue some close together, and some far apart. 
  2. Additionally, I like to make sure there is a star anise on either end of the wire. This will give a more finished look and help to hold the wreath together. 
  3. Hold the star anise in place until the glue begins to harden. 
  4. Once all of your star anise are in place, turn the wreath over and add a bit of glue to the back of any of the star anise that feel loose or not secure. 
star anise wreaths.
  1. Allow the glue to harden,and then add a piece of ribbon (if you’d like) to hang. 
  2. On my mantel garland, I opted for no ribbon but used ribbon to hang as ornaments on my tree. 

And with that your rustic star anise Christmas wreaths are complete! 

Aren’t they sweet? 

large diy anise wreath on mantel.
anise wreath hanging on copper pan.

As you can see, I had fun taking photos of these all around my house. I think this wreath would also make a beautiful topper for a gift. 

Project Variations: 

Here are some other things you may want to try:

  • Use a different colored wire like gold or copper.
  • Add additional elements like cinnamon sticks, bits of pine, small pinecones, etc.
  • Try different colors of ribbon or add a bow. 

Let this tutorial be a jumping-off point to create something YOU love!

star anise wreath on mantel garland.

Hang Your Wreath and Enjoy!

As always, I hope you enjoyed learning how to make this rustic star anise Christmas wreath. I had a blast making them and I hope you do too! These are a fun, easy, and inexpensive way to deck your halls in a handmade way! 

Happy crafting! 

star anise wreath on christmas tree.

Enjoy this festive project and want more? 

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my process. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest! 

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

Rustic Star Anise Christmas Wreath

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Home Decor Craft
Cuisine: American
Keyword: christmas, holiday, wreath
Servings: 1
anise wreath on cabinet knob.
All you need is some brown wire, star anise, and a couple of tools to craft this rustic star anise Christmas wreath. Use these wreaths to deck your halls, decorate a garland, or trim your tree. This is an easy DIY with beautiful results.

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Begin by forming your wire into a ring. The size of the ring can be whatever you’d like.
  • Continue to wrap the wire (without cutting) in circles until you go around about 3 times. Keep the wire loose and natural looking.
  • Use your wire cutters to cut the wire when you’re finished wrapping.
  • Take a minute to work with your wreath shape and adjust it until it looks pleasing to you.
  • Select a few star anise to add to your wreath.
  • Use your hot glue gun to glue the star anise to your wire wreath in a random design. Make sure to cover the two ends of your wire with star anise as well.
  • Hold the star anise in place until the glue begins to harden.
  • Once all of your star anise are in place, turn the wreath over and add a bit of glue to the back of any of the star anise that feel loose or not secure.
  • Allow the glue to harden, and then add a piece of ribbon (if you’d like) to hang.

Notes

The exact supplies I used are linked in the blog post.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

All you need is some brown wire, star anise, and a couple of tools to craft this rustic star anise Christmas wreath. Use these wreaths to deck your halls, decorate a garland, or trim your tree. This is an easy DIY with beautiful results.  Rustic Christmas Wreath with Star Anise I was inspired to make […]




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Winter Brussels Sprouts Salad

Christmas, Recipes, Salads

Monday
Nov / 28 / 2022
Comments 5
       
Winter Brussels Sprouts Salad on a platter.

Shaved Brussels sprouts are tossed with pomegranate seeds, pecans, pears, parmesan cheese, and a light dressing to create this Winter Brussels Sprouts Salad. This is a healthy, easy-to-make side that pairs beautifully with any holiday or winter meal. 

Winter Brussels Sprouts Salad on a platter.

Winter Brussels Sprout Salad

I’m not sure I should call this a “winter” Brussels sprouts salad because it isn’t necessarily winter-specific. However, with the addition of pomegranate seeds, maple syrup, pears, and pecans it felt wintery to me. (Of course, feel free to make it any time of the year!) 

Winter Brussels Sprouts Salad on a plate.

Over the past few seasons, I’ve been working to add more green salad recipes to the blog. It’s something I felt was lacking, so it feels good to make some progress. If you missed any of them, here are some of my latest salad additions:

I also have an entire post dedicated to my favorite salad recipes which include greens salads, pasta salads, and even dessert salads. You can find that post HERE. 

Winter Brussels Sprouts Salad on a platter.

Since I’ve covered most of the seasons, I wanted to do something that was healthy and fresh as well as flavorful and hearty for the winter months. That led me to this Winter Brussels Sprouts Salad. I couldn’t be more pleased with how it came together. The combination of flavors is so good!

You could serve this as a side dish to any meal or top it with your favorite protein and serve it as a main course. It will be a winner either way. 

If you still need more convincing to try this salad, know that before this recipe was published, my Mom made it for one of her friends and it was a big hit. 

Winter Brussels Sprouts Salad on a platter.

Curious to give it a try? Let me walk you through the recipe. 

How to Make Brussels Sprouts Salad:

In addition to the steps that follow, I’ve provided a detailed ingredient list and instructions in the printable recipe card below.

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper. 
  2. Add the shaved Brussels sprouts to a large bowl. 
brussels spouts in a bowl.
  1. Drizzle with about ½ cup of the dressing and toss to combine. Let rest for about 30 minutes.
  2. Add the pecans, pear slices, shaved parmesan, and pomegranate seeds. 
pomegranate seeds on Brussels sprouts.
  1. Toss to combine. 
  2. Drizzle with the remaining dressing before serving. 

And with that, your winter Brussels sprout salad is ready to be enjoyed! 

There’s freshness, crunch, fruit, and hints of sweetness and saltiness. It’s a winning combination. 

Winter Brussels Sprouts Salad on a platter.
Winter Brussels Sprouts Salad on a plate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can this be made in advance?

I wouldn’t recommend it. This salad is best served the day of. Though, you can slice the Brussels sprouts and gather up the rest of the ingredients in advance to save you some time when preparing it.

Should I buy whole or shaved Brussels sprouts?

You can buy pre-shaved Brussels sprouts. However, I find them to never be as good as freshly cut. While it does take extra time, I recommend buying whole and slicing them yourself.

If I don’t like one of the ingredients, can I make a substitution?

Of course! Unfortunately, I don’t have the capacity to try every possible variation of this recipe. If there’s something you don’t like or something you think might be “better”, then give it a try.

  • Use walnuts instead of pecans.
  • Try apples instead of pears.
  • Substitute goat cheese for the parmesan.
  • Add dried cranberries instead of pomegranate seeds.

You get the idea!

Winter Brussels Sprouts Salad on a platter.

Toss and enjoy!

I hope you are able to find an occasion to whip up this winter-inspired Brussels sprouts salad. Make it for the holidays, make it for a random weeknight dinner, or make it to serve at lunch with friends. 

No matter how, when, or where, I hope you enjoy it! 

Winter Brussels Sprouts Salad on platter.

 Enjoy this winter salad and want more? 

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my process. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest! 

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

Winter Brussels Sprouts Salad served on plates.

Winter Brussels Sprouts Salad

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Appetizer, Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: brussels sprouts, christmas, holiday, salad, shaved brussels sprouts
Servings: 8
Prep Time 10 mins
Resting Time 30 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Winter Brussels Sprouts Salad on a platter.
Shaved Brussels sprouts are tossed with pomegranate seeds, pecans, pears, parmesan cheese, and a light dressing to create this Winter Brussels Sprouts Salad. This is a healthy, easy-to-make side that pairs beautifully with any holiday or winter meal. 

Ingredients

  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup champagne vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 ½ lbs brussels sprouts - thinly shaved
  • 1 cup chopped pecans - toasted
  • 1 Anjou pear - thinly slice
  • ½ cup shaved parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the shaved Brussels sprouts to a large bowl.
  • Drizzle with about ½ cup of the dressing and toss to combine. Let rest for about 30 minutes.
  • Add the pecans, pear slices, shaved parmesan, and pomegranate seeds. Toss to combine.
  • Drizzle with the remaining dressing before serving.

Notes

This salad is best served the day of.
You can buy pre-shaved Brussels sprouts. However, I find them to never be as good as freshly cut. While it does take extra time, I recommend buying whole and slicing them yourself.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 307kcal • Carbohydrates: 17g • Protein: 6g • Fat: 26g • Saturated Fat: 4g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g • Monounsaturated Fat: 16g • Cholesterol: 5mg • Sodium: 727mg • Potassium: 461mg • Fiber: 6g • Sugar: 8g • Vitamin A: 710IU • Vitamin C: 74mg • Calcium: 109mg • Iron: 2mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

Shaved Brussels sprouts are tossed with pomegranate seeds, pecans, pears, parmesan cheese, and a light dressing to create this Winter Brussels Sprouts Salad. This is a healthy, easy-to-make side that pairs beautifully with any holiday or winter meal.  Winter Brussels Sprout Salad I’m not sure I should call this a “winter” Brussels sprouts salad because […]




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Christmas Charcuterie Cups

Appetizers, Recipes

Sunday
Nov / 27 / 2022
Comments 5
       
jarcuterie for christmas in paper cups.

If you want to wow your guests this holiday season with a spectacular appetizer, then you need to make these Christmas Charcuterie Cups. A winner in both presentation and flavor, these are individual festive charcuterie boards served in a cup.

jarcuterie for christmas in paper cup.

Charcuterie Cups for Christmas

This past spring I created and shared a blog post all about jarcuteries. You all loved it so much that I knew I had to do it again for Christmas (my favorite time of year)! 

While the general idea behind these handheld charcuterie boards is the same as before, I wanted to adapt them to the upcoming holidays. One thing I did was switch up my container. Instead of using a small mason jar, I’m using these fun paper cups. I also swapped out a few of the ingredients for more seasonal goodies. (I’ll share more about that below.) 

If you’re hosting a gathering for the holiday season, I highly recommend you give these Christmas charcuterie cups a try. I promise that you’ll get a “wow” or two from the crowd. 

jarcuteries for christmas in paper cups.

What’s a Charcuterie Cup?

Charcuterie Cups (also know as jarcuteries) are single-serving charcuteries assembled in small jars, glasses, or cups. They typically contain things like cured meats, cheeses, olives, fruits, berries, nuts, and crackers arranged in a pleasing way. 

hand holding christmas jarcuterie.
jarcuterie for christmas in paper cups.

Charcuterie cups are a beautiful gourmet appetizer idea that can be served at potlucks, celebrations, or even small get-togethers at home. They can be made with a variety of ingredients so you can customize them to suit your party and menu. 

I tailored mine to Christmas by adding in a few seasonal elements like sugared cranberries and cheese slices cut into festive shapes. I even found some mini gold forks that I just had to use. 

single serving jarcuterie styled for Christmas.

What to Put in Charcuterie cups:

You’ll most likely want to stick to things you’d find on a charcuterie or grazing board, but in the end, you could do whatever you’d like. Since it’s the holiday season, think about seasonal flavors such as cranberry, figs, citrus, etc. If you’re looking for a little more guidance, here are some of the things I included with some additional suggestions as well. 

  • Cheeses: Use what you love. I find harder cheeses a bit easier to manage, but you could certainly make anything work. I used cheddar, pepper jack, and mini mozzarella balls. I love the mini mozzarella balls on the fork. 

Want to make it extra festive? Use small cookie cutters like THESE to cut festive shapes from cheese slices. I used a star and a snowflake, but any holiday shape would work. 

  • Meats: Charcuterie literally translated means “the products of a fancy pork butcher,” so including cured meats is a must. Prosciutto, salami, pepperoni, soppressata, capicola, etc. are some of my favorites. I like to skewer these on a toothpick or decorative wood pick. 
  • Berries and Fruits: Berries and fruits add freshening sweetness. Try blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, grapes, apples, and/or pear slices. With these Christmas jarcuteries I added my sugared cranberries for the perfect festive touch. 
  • Veggies: I didn’t use any here, but sugar snap peas, carrots, radishes, etc. would be lovely. You can even use pickled vegetables like carrots, onions, gherkins, etc. 
  • Nuts: Pistachios, walnuts, almonds, pecans, etc. 
  • Dried Fruit: Raisins, Craisins, figs, apricots, etc. 
  • Olives: Kalamata, stuffed olives, etc. (I recommend using pitted olives.) 
  • Crackers/Bread:  Tall and thin works best. I really love La Panzanella crackers. The tall thin crusty breadstick-style crackers work great too. 
  • Fresh Herbs (to garnish): A sprig of fresh herbs makes any dish look gourmet. Rosemary, thyme, or sage is perfect here. I especially like rosemary for Christmas. 
eight christmas jarcuterie on a plate.

Other Christmas Charcuterie cup Ideas:

If you’re looking to break the jarcuterie rules and really want to switch things up, try one of these unique ideas:

  • Christmas Cookie – Fill with a selection of homemade Christmas cookies. 
  • Christmas Breakfast – Fill with breakfast favorites like fruit, mini pancakes, bacon, etc.
  • Candy – Fill with your favorite holiday sweets and candies. 
  • Berries and Chocolates – Fill with fresh berries and assorted chocolates. 
single jarcuterie appetizer for christmas.

Picks and Vessels:

Here are some of my favorite toothpick and containers to make your Charcuterie cups shine!

Toothpicks:

Toothpicks are great for skewering items to give them height, thus allowing them to “spill” out of your jars. They also make things look fancier! There are so many beautiful toothpicks, forks, and skewers to choose from. Since you are working with small containers, you’ll want to get many of your items up and out while still being contained within the cup. 

Here are a few of my favorites for the holidays:

Vessels:

You can use a small jar, paper cup, or even a rocks glass to assemble your charcuterie cups. Use what you have or buy something special. Here are a few of my favorites.

Tip: If you enjoy Oui yogurt, it comes in the cutest little glass jar that would be perfect for a jarcuterie. 

making jarcuterie with gold fork.

How To:

Here’s a quick rundown of how to assemble charcuterie cups. A detailed recipe with an ingredient list is available as a printable recipe card at the end of this post. 

  1. Begin by filling your containers (I used THESE paper cups) with smaller items like nuts and grapes. 
  2. Tuck in your crackers toward the back of the container. 
assembling jarcuterie with crackers and meats.
  1. Using the toothpicks, skewer a few of your ingredients such as cheeses, meats, olives, etc. 
  2. Place the toothpick-skewered items into your container. Vary heights and colors to create interest. 
assembling jarcuterie with crackers and meats.
  1. Fill in with extra ingredients to hold things in place.
  2. Garnish with a sprig of fresh herb and cheese slices cut from mini Christmas cookie cutters. 

And you’re ready to serve.

eight christmas jarcuterie on a plate.

Are these not the most fabulous Christmas appetizer you’ve ever seen? I think they are pretty darn special. I may even like them more than my original version. 

Happy Holiday Entertaining! 

I hope you’ve enjoyed this festive holiday recipe. 

Want more Christmas snacks? You’ve got it! I have a full post of all my favorites that you can find HERE. 

Enjoy! 

jarcuterie for christmas in paper cups.

Love this holiday appetizer and want more? 

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my process. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest! 

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

jarcuterie for christmas in paper cup.

Christmas Charcuterie Cups

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: appetizer, beer cheese dip, charcuterie, cheese board, jarcuterie
Servings: 8
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 2 mins
Total Time 17 mins
jarcuterie for christmas in paper cup.
If you want to wow your guests this holiday season with a spectacular appetizer, then you need to make these Christmas Charcuterie Cups. A winner in both presentation and flavor, these are individual festive charcuterie boards served in a cup.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces assorted cheeses
  • 24 slices/pieces cured meats
  • 1 cup mixed berries
  • 1/2 cup grapes
  • 1/2 cup sugared cranberries**
  • 1/2 cup olives
  • 1 cup nuts
  • 16 long thin crackers
  • 8 pieces fresh herbs
Recipe Tools:
  • various toothpicks
  • mini Christmas cookie cutters

Instructions

  • Begin by filling your containers with smaller items like nuts and grapes.
  • Tuck in your crackers toward the back of the container.
  • Using the toothpicks, skewer a few of your ingredients such as cheeses, meats, olives, berries, etc. Use a mini gold fork to present a piece of cheese or other specialty item.
  • Place the toothpick-skewered items into your container. Vary heights and colors to create interest.
  • Fill in with extra ingredients to hold things in place.
  • Garnish with a sprig of fresh herb and cheese slices cut from mini Christmas cookie cutters.

Notes

*Please note that I’m somewhat generalizing with the amounts listed above. You may need a little more or a little less depending on the size of your containers. I always err on the side of having more than enough. (I’m never one to complain about having extra cheeses and meats on hand.)
**You can find my sugared cranberries recipe HERE.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 561kcal • Carbohydrates: 25g • Protein: 23g • Fat: 42g • Saturated Fat: 15g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g • Monounsaturated Fat: 17g • Trans Fat: 0.2g • Cholesterol: 71mg • Sodium: 1401mg • Potassium: 342mg • Fiber: 3g • Sugar: 5g • Vitamin A: 565IU • Vitamin C: 3mg • Calcium: 359mg • Iron: 2mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

If you want to wow your guests this holiday season with a spectacular appetizer, then you need to make these Christmas Charcuterie Cups. A winner in both presentation and flavor, these are individual festive charcuterie boards served in a cup. Charcuterie Cups for Christmas This past spring I created and shared a blog post all […]




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Popcorn Garland

DIY, Holidays

Saturday
Nov / 26 / 2022
Comments 7
       
popcorn garland on pine with ornament.

We are stirring up some Christmas nostalgia today. I’m teaching you how to make classic popcorn garland. This easy and inexpensive Christmas craft is a classic and beautiful way to decorate your tree and home for the holidays. 

popcorn garland on pine garland on banister.

DIY Popcorn Garland

Yes, my friend, we’re making popcorn garland today! 

This project happened totally by accident. As part of the Christmas tree design planning for my family room, I wanted to focus on homemade ornaments. In fact, I have already shared a few of these with you such as my embroidery hoop ornaments and my clay Christmas ornaments.

During my brainstorming, I was also thinking about what garland I would use. Without a second thought, my mind went straight to the classic popcorn garland. Knowing that it would fit perfectly with my handmade holiday theme, I started making it immediately! 

popcorn garland hung on christmas tree.
christmas tree with colored lights in living room.

I made this garland a couple of weeks ago with my mom. Once we turned on a movie (you need to watch both Enola Holmes movies on Netflix if you haven’t – SO GOOD!), the two of us got to work! Within about four hours we had strung over 30 feet of popcorn garland that was ready for hanging. 

Speaking of garlands, we also made a paper chain garland out of some leftover wallpaper. The results are STUNNING! Check it out HERE.

I couldn’t be more pleased with the results. In fact, I loved the garland so much that I decided to use it as part of my staircase garland as well. Can I just string it everywhere?

entryway decorate for christmas with popcorn garland on staircase banister.

If you want a closer look at my handmade holiday inspired Christmas tree which includes several handmade elements, click HERE. It’s such a fun tree. I even decided to use those big vintage-inspired colored lights.

Love Christmas trees as much as me? Check out some of my favorite Christmas Trees HERE.

christmas tree with colored lights in living room.

Making popcorn garland is easier and quicker than you think. Working on it reminded me of how much I’m enjoying the process of creating a handmade holiday. I’d choose to string popcorn garland over scrolling on social media any day. (Speaking of social media, I broke down and joined TikTok. I know. I know. If you want to follow along you can find me HERE.) 

Are you ready to learn how to make a festive popcorn garland for Christmas? Before I get into the details, here are a few questions you may have. 

popcorn garland on pine garland on banister.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is making popcorn garland hard?

I don’t think so. The only thing I would caution you about is the sharp needle. I did jab myself a few times during the process. It wasn’t the worst thing, but it may be an issue if you’re working with small children. 

Does it take a long time to make?

Surprisingly not. I thought it was going to take forever but while watching two Christmas movies (about four hours), my Mom and I had completed a length of more than 30 feet. It’s not as time-consuming as you might think. 

threading popcorn onto need and thread.

How long does it last?

I can’t offer you an answer from experience, but when I shared that I was making a popcorn garland on Instagram, many of you said that you had done the same and that the popcorn garland lasted for years. 

Does it require a coating or shellac?

I’ve seen where others have sprayed the garland with a clear coat, but I’m leaving mine natural and will wait to see what happens. I honestly don’t want to deal with the mess of spraying it, and too, if my cats decide to get inquisitive, I would hate for them to eat something toxic. 

Can I use bagged popcorn?

I wouldn’t. As I mention below, for the best results you want air-popped popcorn with no butter, oil, or flavor. Most bagged popcorns have butter or oil. 

Okay, pour yourself a cup of cocoa or a festive cocktail, and let’s get crafting! 

popcorn garland strung on a decorated christmas tree.

Materials:

You only need a few things to put this popcorn garland together. Let me walk you through the list. 

  • popcorn kernels and popcorn air popper – This is important. For a popcorn garland, you want to use air-popped popcorn with no butter, no oil, and no flavorings. The easiest way to do this is to buy plain kernels and use an air popper. I initially tried the stovetop air pop method; I wouldn’t recommend it. It took way too long and didn’t yield as fluffy of popcorn as an air popper would. 
  • needle – You can find the needles I used HERE. I used size 18 (or the 2-inch needles linked here). You want a large needle but not too large.
  • thread or fishing line – For my popcorn garland I used a heavy-duty white thread (something similar to an upholstery thread or an outdoor thread). Just remember, you’ll want something that’s heavy-duty. A thin fishing line would also work. 
close up of decorated Christmas tree.

How to Make Popcorn Garland:

You can follow along with my instructions here. I also share them, along with a materials list, in a printable card at the end of this post. 

  1. Begin by popping your popcorn a day or two in advance. Pop according to your air popper directions. Allow your popcorn to sit in a container with no lid. Stale popcorn works best for this project. 
air popper popping popcorn.
  1. Next, thread your needle. You’ll want to double up your thread, so measure a piece twice as long as your final garland. It’s easier working with a smaller length such as four to five feet. If you’re making a five foot garland, you should measure out 10 feet of thread. 
  2. Take your length of thread and pull it halfway through the needle so you will have two segments of the same length on each side. Tie a knot at the end. 
  3. Start adding popcorn. Insert the needle near the center of the popcorn, press it through, and slide the popcorn to the end of your string. Continue this process until your string is full of popcorn. 
threading popcorn onto a needle and thread.
  1. Tie a knot at the end of your string. 
  2. Hang on your tree or garland and enjoy!

A few Crafting Notes:

  • As you work, you’ll find the sweet spot for inserting your needle making the process go a bit quicker. 
  • Some popcorn will break during the process. I recommend working over a bowl or plastic container to cut down on the crumbs. 
  • Make the process enjoyable. Turn on Christmas music, make some hot cocoa / festive cocktail, or watch a movie and you’ll be done in no time. 
popcorn garland on pine garland on banister.

How to Store:

Store your popcorn garlands in a large resealable plastic bag in a temperature-neutral location. 

Stored properly, your garland should last for several years of use. 

Happy Handmade Holiday:

If you’ve never made a popcorn garland before, I can’t recommend it enough. The process is almost therapeutic and the results speak for themselves. (Want more homemade Christmas decor? Check out this post HERE for my best ideas!)

popcorn garland hung on christmas tree.

I love a vintage Christmas feel and this will certainly create that with little expense and minimal effort. Speaking of … on this tree I used my handmade embroidery hoop ornaments and handmade clay ornaments! I love them here.

Happy crafting my friend! Enjoy. 

popcorn garland on pine with ornament.

Love this festive project and want more? 

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my process. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest! 

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

popcorn garland on pine garland on banister.

How to Make a Popcorn Garland

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Home Decor Craft
Cuisine: American
Keyword: christmas, garland, handmande, holiday
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 2 hrs
Total Time 2 hrs 15 mins
We going old school today. I’m teaching you how to make classic popcorn garland. This easy and inexpensive Christmas craft is a classic and beautiful way to decorate your tree and home for the holidays.

Ingredients

  • popcorn kernels
  • popcorn air popper
  • needle - (I used a 14)
  • thread or fishing line
  • scissors

Instructions

  • Begin by popping your popcorn a day or two in advance. Pop according to your air popper directions. Allow your popcorn to sit in a container with no lid. Stale popcorn works best for this project.
  • Next, thread your needle. You’ll want to double up your thread, so measure a piece twice as long as your final garland. It’s easier working with a smaller length, about four to five feet. If you’re making a five foot garland, you should measure out 10 feet of thread.
  • Take your thread and pull it halfway through the needle so you will have two segments of the same length on each side. Tie a knot at the end.
  • Start adding popcorn. Insert the needle near the center of the popcorn, press it through, and slide the popcorn to the end of your string. Continue this process until your string is full of popcorn.
  • Tie a knot at the end of your string.

Notes

As you work, you’ll find the sweet spot for inserting your needle making the process go a bit quicker.
Some popcorn will break during the process. I recommend working over a bowl or plastic container to cut down on the crumbs.
I recommend working with a smaller length of thread. Remember that you can always attach two to three lengths together to make a longer finished garland.
Make the process enjoyable. Turn on Christmas music and you’ll be done in no time.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

We are stirring up some Christmas nostalgia today. I’m teaching you how to make classic popcorn garland. This easy and inexpensive Christmas craft is a classic and beautiful way to decorate your tree and home for the holidays.  DIY Popcorn Garland Yes, my friend, we’re making popcorn garland today!  This project happened totally by accident. […]




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Naughty but Nice Christmas Cocktail

Recipes

Friday
Nov / 25 / 2022
Comments 6
       
Naughty but Nice Christmas Cocktail #christmas #holiday #cocktail #easy #recipe #cranberry #drink #ChristmasCocktail

It’s time to shake up another new holiday cocktail recipe. Today we’re making this Naughty but Nice Christmas Cocktail. It’s a delicious and festive mix of flavors almost anyone will love.

naughty but nice christmas cocktail

Naughty but nice christmas cocktail

Yes, my friends, I’m back with another Christmas cocktail recipe. You know how much I love trying out and mixing up new cocktails, especially for the holiday season.

In fact, I have an entire blog post dedicated to my favorite Christmas cocktails. There are over 20 recipes, and they cover everything from punches to mulled wine to martinis and so much more. You can check that out here.

I’m thrilled to be adding this Naughty but Nice Christmas Cocktail to that list today. I wanted to create a holiday cocktail recipe that would work with a few different types of alcohol. I know that everyone has different preferences, so it’s nice to have a drink recipe that suits as many people as possible.

Pink cocktail with cranberries

As you might know, I’ve been a big fan of whiskey and bourbon lately, so that’s what I used. I also tested this drink recipe with vodka, and it was equally as delicious. In fact, with the vodka, it kind of reminded me of a Moscow mule, but it was more seasonal and festive!

No matter how you make this Christmas cocktail, it ends up being a delicious combination of flavors that taste and look perfectly seasonal. You’ll be feeling naughty but nice. It’s the perfect combo!

Let’s go over what you’ll need to try this recipe.

Close up of a cocktail with Christmas tree drink stirrers

Ingredients:

  • Rye Whiskey, Bourbon, or Vodka: I love this Christmas cocktail since it works with a few different staples. If entertaining, you can keep all three on hand, and the guest can choose which one to enjoy in their cocktail.
  • Orange Juice: Orange Juice is well known for being paired with vodka, but it also works well with bourbon and rye whiskey. It adds some fruity sweetness.
  • Ginger Syrup: Some spicy sweetness gives this cocktail recipe some kick, which makes it a popular choice for those who love Moscow mules. If you’re looking for ginger syrup, you can typically find it at the liquor store. However, I purchased mine on Amazon. Either of these options is great: Pratt Standard or Liber & Co.
  • Cranberry Juice: Cranberry juice works so well for Christmas drinks, providing some festive and tart flavor.
  • Club Soda: There’s a lot of flavor coming in already, so a club soda works well to add some fizz and a small touch of flavor.
  • Ice: This cocktail is made in a cocktail shaker, and the ice will instantly cool down the ingredients to the perfect temperature.
  • Orange Slices and Fresh Cranberries: Top off the cocktail with an easy and colorful garnish. Get even fancy with these sugared cranberries!

For the glassware, I serve mine in these French wine glasses. However, you can also serve them in a stemless wine glass or other nice glassware you have on hand.

Close up of the naughty but nice christmas cocktail
cocktail made for Christmas

How to make a naughty but nice Christmas cocktail:

It’s not hard to whip up this Christmas cocktail once you have the ingredients. For more detailed instructions and measurements, I’ve left those down in the recipe card at the end of this post.

  1. Add your liquor of choice, orange juice, ginger syrup, and cranberry juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  2. Shake well to combine.
  3. Divide evenly between two glasses and add extra ice if needed. Top with club soda. Garnish with an orange wedge and fresh cranberries.
Pouring a cocktail into a glass
cranberry and orange cocktail at christmas

DIY cocktail stirrers

I also used these fun DIY Bottle Brush Tree Cocktail Stirrers. Aren’t they fun? Who doesn’t love a handmade holiday craft? They make the cocktail a little more festive, and all you have to do is pop one in before serving. I have a full DIY tutorial here on IBC so that you can make some for your own holiday entertaining endeavors.

Not only are these stir sticks adorable in a cocktail, but you can tuck them into a hot chocolate or add some good cheer to your morning coffee or tea. You can find the tutorial HERE for all of the details.

DIY christmas tree cocktail stirrers next to cocktails

How can I make my cocktail non-alcoholic?

Want a non-alcoholic version of this Christmas cocktail? Simply omit the alcohol. The orange juice, ginger syrup, cranberry juice, and club soda will create a deliciously Christmasy mocktail.

Also, be sure to check out my non-alcoholic Christmas sangria. It’s one of my favorites!

non-alcoholic christmas cocktail

That’s a wrap on the naughty but nice Christmas cocktail!!

The flavor of this drink is quite fruity, but it retains a lot of that Christmas cheer thanks to tart cranberry juice and spicy ginger syrup.

All of the ingredients are super easy to source, and you can quickly serve these while entertaining a crowd. It’s one of those easy crowd-pleasers!

This is one of the simplest and easiest-to-please Christmas cocktail recipes out there. It doesn’t contain anything you couldn’t already find at your local liquor or grocery store! I hope you enjoyed this Naughty but Nice Christmas Cocktail and will give it a try this holiday season.

Enjoy!

Looking for more Christmas cocktails? Try these:

2 cocktails with gold shaker in the backgroud

Love this festive cocktail and want more?

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my process. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest!

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

Naughty but Nice Christmas Cocktail

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: christmas, cocktail, holiday
Servings: 2 cocktails
Prep Time 5 mins
Total Time 5 mins
Naughty but Nice Christmas Cocktail #christmas #holiday #cocktail #easy #recipe #cranberry #drink #ChristmasCocktail
It’s time to shake up another new holiday cocktail recipe. Today we’re making this Naughty but Nice Christmas Cocktail. It’s a delicious and festive mix of flavors almost anyone will love.

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces rye whiskey, bourbon, or vodka
  • 2 ounces orange juice
  • 2 ounces ginger syrup
  • 4 ounces cranberry juice
  • 4 ounces club soda
  • ice
  • orange slices and fresh cranberries to garnish

Instructions

  • To a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add your liquor choice, orange juice, ginger syrup, and cranberry juice.
  • Shake well to combine.
  • Divide evenly between two glasses and add extra ice if needed. Top with club soda. Garnish with an orange wedge and fresh cranberries.

Video

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 246kcal • Carbohydrates: 31g • Protein: 1g • Fat: 1g • Saturated Fat: 1g • Sodium: 30mg • Potassium: 118mg • Sugar: 30g • Vitamin A: 82IU • Vitamin C: 19mg • Iron: 1mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

It’s time to shake up another new holiday cocktail recipe. Today we’re making this Naughty but Nice Christmas Cocktail. It’s a delicious and festive mix of flavors almost anyone will love. Naughty but nice christmas cocktail Yes, my friends, I’m back with another Christmas cocktail recipe. You know how much I love trying out and […]




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Gingerbread Swiss Cake Roll

Recipes

Thursday
Nov / 24 / 2022
Comments 5
       
Gingerbread Swiss Cake Roll on a platter.

Whether you call it a swiss roll, cake roll, or yule log, this Gingerbread Swiss Cake Roll needs to be a must-make dessert this Christmas. Perfectly spiced and filled with ginger cream cheese frosting, there’s so much to love about this festive holiday dessert! 

Gingerbread Swiss Cake Roll on a platter and plate.

Gingerbread Swiss Cake Roll

I think I have a thing with rolled desserts. I’ve made several here on the blog and today I’m adding another to the list with this Gingerbread Swiss Cake Roll. This past fall I was thinking about my favorite pumpkin roll recipe and wondered if I could do something similar for the upcoming holiday season. 

Well, that’s exactly what I did. I baked up a thin, light, and perfectly spiced gingerbread cake and then rolled it around ginger cream cheese icing. I could not be more pleased with the results. 

Gingerbread Swiss Cake Roll on a platter.
Gingerbread Swiss Cake Roll on plates.

I struggled with whether I wanted this to be a swiss cake roll or a yule log, so I decided to sort of combine the two and decorate it with homemade gingerbread cookie mushrooms. (Mushroom decorations are traditional for a yule log.)  

I LOVE how they turned out. I suppose I inspired myself by the orange almond mushroom cookies I made a couple of Christmases ago. 

Want more rolled cake recipes? Try these:

Gingerbread Swiss Cake Roll slice on a plate.

Why you’ll love this recipe: 

Well, you know I love this recipe, and here’s why I think you will too. 

  • It’s relatively quick and easy to make. I have a hunch people think rolled cakes like this one are difficult, but once you get the hang of it, they’re pretty simple. The most important thing, which I explain below, is to roll up your cake shortly after it comes out of the oven. This will prevent cracking. 
  • The flavor is on point. If you like gingerbread, you’ll love this cake. I decided to fill it with the same cream cheese icing I used for my pumpkin roll with the addition of crystallized ginger pieces. So good! 
  • It’s wonderfully festive. This gingerbread swiss cake roll can be served all winter long. No need to just save it for the holidays. 

Intrigued to give it a try? Let’s do it! 

Gingerbread Swiss Cake Roll on a platter.

How to Make a Gingerbread Swiss Cake Roll:

I’ll walk you through the steps here. I’ve also provided a detailed ingredient list and instructions in the printable recipe card below. 

  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. 
  2. Line the bottom of a greased 13x18X1 baking pan with parchment paper. 
  3. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, baking soda, and salt. 
  4. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks on high until thickened: about 3 minutes.  
  5. Beat in the molasses and melted butter.
  6. In a different bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
whipped eggs whites with beaters.
  1. Gradually add the sugar to the egg whites, 1 tablespoon at a time. Beat on high after each addition until the sugar is dissolved. 
  2. Continue to beat to form glossy peaks. 
  3. Fold this into the egg mixture. Then fold in the flour mixture. 
making gingerbread cake batter in a bowl.
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Smooth and level with a spatula. 
  2. Bake for 9-12 minutes.
  3. Allow the cake to cool for about 5-8 minutes. 
  4. Turn it out onto a tea towel sprinkled lightly with confectioners’ sugar. 
sprinkling confectiners' sugar on a gingerbread swiss cake roll.
  1. Remove the parchment paper. Sprinkle the cake lightly with confectioners’ sugar. 
  2. Gently roll the cake inside the towel starting with the short side. Allow the rolled cake to cool completely.
rolling a gingerbread cake in a tea bowl.
  1. Prepare the filling by beating together the filling ingredients.
  2. Once the cake is cooled, unroll it, and spread it with an even layer of cream cheese filling.
adding filling to swiss cake roll.
  1. Roll the cake up and place it onto a platter.
  2. Sprinkle the roll with confectioners’ sugar and garnish with gingerbread cookies or a decoration of your choice. 

That’s it! I know that seems like a lot of steps, but it’s pretty straightforward. The resulting gingerbread swiss cake roll will be the star of any holiday table. 

Gingerbread Swiss Cake Roll on a platter.

Want some other tips and ideas for decorating? You’ve got it! 

How to Decorate

I think everyone has their favorite ways to decorate a swiss cake roll or yule log. Here are some suggested ways you can make this cake a show-stopper. 

  • Confectioners’ Sugar – If cake decorating isn’t your forte, then this option is for you. A light sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar is a classic decoration. Just add confectioners’ sugar to a fine mesh sieve and give a shake over your swiss cake roll. 
  • White Chocolate Shards – Melt some white chocolate and spread it thinly onto wax paper. Then break it into thin long pieces and use them to add “bark” to your roll. 
  • Meringue Mushrooms – If you’re looking to get bonus points and want this to look more like a yule log, bake up some of these meringue mushrooms. 
  • Gingerbread Cookies – Since this cake is gingerbread, I opted for some gingerbread cookies. To keep it unique, I used mushroom cookie cutters (you can find them HERE). If you want to do the same, you can find my gingerbread cookie recipe HERE. 
Gingerbread Swiss Cake Roll on a platter.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I prevent my cake from cracking when rolling?

Follow the directions I’ve shared above (and in the printable recipe card below). The most important thing is to roll up the cake while it’s still warm to prevent cracking. 

Can a swiss cake roll be frozen?

You bet it can! I wrap mine in plastic and place it in an airtight freezer container. It can be stored for up to one month. I recommend adding the decoration after defrosting. 

Can I use a different filling?

Of course. Use what you love. You could make buttercream icing and toss in some dried cranberries or do something lighter like homemade whipped cream. Make it your own. 

Gingerbread Swiss Cake Roll on a platter.

It’s time to bake! 

And with that, I think you’re ready to tackle this gingerbread swiss cake roll recipe. I know you’re going to love it! 

Enjoy and happy holiday baking! 

Gingerbread Swiss Cake Roll slice on a plate.

Love this recipe and want more?

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my process. There’s even more inspiration on Facebookand Pinterest! 

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

Gingerbread Swiss Cake Roll on a platter.

Gingerbread Swiss Cake Roll

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: alcohol, cake, christmas, gingerbread, swiss roll, yule log
Servings: 10
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 12 mins
cooling time 30 mins
Gingerbread Swiss Cake Roll on a platter.
Whether you call it a swiss roll, cake roll, or yule log, this Gingerbread Swiss Cake Roll needs to be a must-make dessert this Christmas. Perfectly spiced and filled with ginger cream cheese frosting, there’s so much to love about this festive holiday dessert!

Ingredients

Cake:
Filling:

Instructions

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Line the bottom of a greased 13x18X1 baking pan (half-sheet pan) with parchment paper.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks on high until thickened: about 3 minutes. Then beat in the molasses and melted butter.
  • In a separate bowl (with clean beaters), beat the egg whites on medium until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time. Beat on high after each addition until the sugar is dissolved. Continue to beat to form glossy peaks. Fold these whipped egg whites into the egg mixture. Then, also fold in the flour mixture.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Smooth and level with a spatula.
  • Bake for 9-12 minutes.
  • Allow the cake to cool for about 5-8 minutes. Then turn it out onto a tea towel sprinkled lightly with confectioners’ sugar. Remove the parchment paper. Sprinkle the cake lightly with confectioners’ sugar. Gently roll the cake inside the towel starting with the short side. Allow the rolled cake to cool completely.
  • In the meantime, prepare the filling by beating together the cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, crystalized ginger, kosher salt, and confectioners’ sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy.
  • Once the cake is cooled, unroll it, and spread it with an even layer of cream cheese filling. Then, roll the cake up (this time without the tea towel). Place the roll onto a platter, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Before serving, sprinkle the roll with confectioners’ sugar and garnish with gingerbread cookies or any decoration of your choice.
  • To serve, use a sharp knife to cut the roll into even slices. Any leftovers should be refrigerated.

Notes

You can find my gingerbread cookie and royal icing recipes HERE.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 347kcal • Carbohydrates: 50g • Protein: 4g • Fat: 15g • Saturated Fat: 9g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g • Monounsaturated Fat: 4g • Trans Fat: 0.2g • Cholesterol: 87mg • Sodium: 309mg • Potassium: 314mg • Fiber: 0.5g • Sugar: 39g • Vitamin A: 553IU • Vitamin C: 0.01mg • Calcium: 71mg • Iron: 2mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

Whether you call it a swiss roll, cake roll, or yule log, this Gingerbread Swiss Cake Roll needs to be a must-make dessert this Christmas. Perfectly spiced and filled with ginger cream cheese frosting, there’s so much to love about this festive holiday dessert!  Gingerbread Swiss Cake Roll I think I have a thing with […]




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How to Create a Cozy Christmas Aesthetic

Interiors

Wednesday
Nov / 23 / 2022
Comments 6
       
How to Create Cozy Christmas Decor - Decorating Ideas #cozy #christmas #holiday #decor #ideas #decorating #festive

Let’s create a cozy Christmas aesthetic for your home. These are my tips, tricks, and ideas for creating a warm and welcoming holiday home this Christmas season.

How to Create Cozy Christmas Decor - Decorating Ideas #cozy #christmas #holiday #decor #ideas #decorating #festive

When it comes to Christmas, I always go full out. To me, Christmas is a time not only for glamour and sparkle but for warm nights huddling up next to the fireplace. If you’re looking to get that cozy Christmas aesthetic, then you’ve come to the right place!

Not only will this list of Christmas ideas make your home get that cozy Christmas aesthetic, but you’ll also feel cozy on the inside too. So, roll up your sleeves and start decorating because we’re getting snug this season.

You also might be asking…

What’s My Christmas Aesthetic?

While we’re covering cozy Christmas in this post, here are just a few themes you might consider for your Christmas and holiday decorating. You can create a personal Christmas aesthetic around any one (or a combination of) these ideas. If you’re curious about diving deeper into some of these aesthetics, I’ve linked a few that I’ve experimented with in the past.

You can style your look around any one of these ideas. And, you can make any of these ideas cozy too!

Christmas lights dining room.

Tips for Achieving a Cozy Christmas Aesthetic

This is one of my all-time favorite aesthetics for holiday decorating. But, before I get into some ideas on what I’ve done to get that cozy Christmas feel, here are a few golden rules you will want to follow.

Change the Lighting

Without a doubt, the fastest way to get that cozy vibe is by changing up your lighting. Put in warmer light bulbs in your living room, light some candles on the fireplace mantel, and plugin that Christmas tree! You want warm lighting at low levels to encourage relaxation.

Winter Wonderland Christmas Mantel #christmas #mantel #decor #idea #holiday #winterwonderland #decorating #garland

Swap Out Fabrics

Take any of the blankets in the room and swap them out for something heavier. When you’re snuggled up on the sofa, you will want something thick and soft to keep you warm on cold nights. And hey, if they’re flannel or plaid…all the better!

The same can be said for pillows, which are fairly inexpensive and easy to swap. If you feel extra ambitious you can even cozy-fy your space by adding festive curtains.

Red and Cozy Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas #christmastree #christmas #holiday #tree #cozy #treedecorations #decorations

Take Time for Yourself

Getting cozy is all about slowing down and settling in. The holiday season can get quite stressful at times, so make sure you take time for yourself. Grab a cup of cocoa or your favorite festive cocktail and nestle into a good book or you favorite holiday movie. A cozy Christmas is much more than aesthetic, it’s about living it too!

Best Ideas on How to Get a Cozy Christmas Aesthetic

Now, let’s dive into how to get your home to feel as cozy as possible this season. Here are my personal favorite things to layer into Bayberry House during the holiday season.

1. Decorate With String Lights

The twinkle of Christmas lights throughout the house makes it instantly feel festive and warm. Beyond the tree, light up your house as much as possible with extra string lights.

Evening at Bayberry House: Christmas 2018 #christmas #holiday #decor #decorations #night #evening #hometour

I like to use mine in garlands, wrapping them across the fireplace mantle or along the banister. It’s a simple way to make the whole house feel well decorated.

You can see how I made my space cozy and festive through lighting in this Christmas home tour.

2. Light Up the Candles

Once I settle in for the night, I always light up some candles. Candlelit dinners, conversations, and Christmas movies feel that much more magical. Add candlesticks on top of your mantle or as a centerpiece for your coffee or dining table.

Christmas Nights at Bayberry House #christmas #decor #christmaslights #lights #holiday #decorating #ideas #home #hometour
Christmas Nights at Bayberry House #christmas #decor #christmaslights #lights #holiday #decorating #ideas #home #hometour

Fairy lights are another great way to add warmth. These light strands are battery operated so no need to worry about plugs.

Check out my special nighttime Christmas tour here for inspiration!

3. Highlight the Fireplace

If you already have a fireplace, your house is destined to feel cozy! Whether it’s burning real wood or just there for show, you can dress up the mantel easily with a few key Christmas items. Hang wooden beads, place a miniature woodland atop, make your own paper garland, or use natural elements as your inspiration.

Winter Wonderland Christmas Mantel #christmas #mantel #decor #idea #holiday #winterwonderland #decorating #garland
Putz House Christmas Mantel #vintage #putz #putzhouse #mantel #chrsitmas #decor #decorations #fireplace

Mantels are one of my favorite things to decor so I go all out as you can see here. You can find more of my mantel decorating ideas HERE.

4. Bake Cookies

For those hosting a holiday party, Christmas cookies are a must-have. I have made so many cookies over the years, from classics such as whipped shortbread to fun milk and cookie shots. Here are over 25+ of my favorite Christmas cookies of all time!

Peppermint Sugar Cookies #sugarcookies #christmas #recipe #peppermint #holiday #christmas
Almond and Hazelnut Biscotti #homemade #biscotti #almond #hazelnut #coffee #dessert #recipe

All of them look as amazing as they taste, ready to be on display for your guests and Santa. As an added bonus, the aroma will add to your aesthetic personally.

5. Make Hot Cocoa

You’re going to need a drink to accompany your delicious cookies. What better option than a cup of hot cocoa? (You need my go-to recipe here. It doubles a a great gift too!)

The BEST recipe for delicious Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix #hotcocoa #hotchocolate #cocoa #recipe #holiday #christmas
The BEST recipe for delicious Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix #hotcocoa #hotchocolate #cocoa #recipe #holiday #christmas

Picture just how cozy you’ll feel curled up under a throw while you sip your cup of hot cocoa under the Christmas lights? It looks like something straight out of a Hallmark movie!

6. Decorate a Tree (or Two!)

No cozy Christmas would be complete without the show-stopping tree. Over the years, I’ve made plenty of different kinds of Christmas trees. They can be uniquely you while also having that cozy Christmas aesthetic.

Ideas for Cozy Lodge Christmas Tree Decorations #christmastree #decor #holiday #decorations #christmas #tree #ideas

Add one to your living room, entrance, guest bedroom, dining room, or wherever you need a boost of cheer.

7. Make Gingerbread Decor

You can do so much more than just eat gingerbread. I’ve used gingerbread to make ornaments, a whole village, a wreath, and even a cake (here’s how!).

Creative DIY Gingerbread Decor Ideas #christmas #gingerbread #holiday #decor #diy #cookies #gingerbreadcookie #decorating Creative DIY Gingerbread Decor Ideas #christmas #gingerbread #holiday #decor #diy #cookies #gingerbreadcookie #decorating #village
Creative DIY Gingerbread Decor Ideas #christmas #gingerbread #holiday #decor #diy #cookies #gingerbreadcookie #decorating Creative DIY Gingerbread Decor Ideas #christmas #gingerbread #holiday #decor #diy #cookies #gingerbreadcookie #decorating #village
Creative DIY Gingerbread Decor Ideas #christmas #gingerbread #holiday #decor #diy #cookies #gingerbreadcookie #decorating Creative DIY Gingerbread Decor Ideas #christmas #gingerbread #holiday #decor #diy #cookies #gingerbreadcookie #decorating #mughugger

It has such a nice rustic and sweet appearance that works well throughout the home. And you can even eat the leftovers!

8. Enjoy a Christmas Cocktail

If you need something a bit stronger than hot cocoa, you can get festive with a cute yet boozy Christmas cocktail.

Cranberry Manhattan Holiday Cocktail Recipe #christmas #cranberry #Manhattan #holiday #cocktail #recipe #whiskey #rye
Very Merry Ornamentini #christmas #holiday #cocktail #recipe #ornamentini #cranberry

Bourbon has a signature sweet flavor that works well for seasonal cocktails. And if bourbon isn’t your thing, try one of these must-try cocktail recipes featuring everything from martinis to punch.

9. Add a Nostalgic Feel

When everything is new and sparkly, it’s harder to get those cozy feelings. Adding a bit (or a ton) of vintage Christmas pieces to your decorating may give you that boost of yuletide joy.

Styling a Staircase Christmas Garland #christmas #garland #holiday #decor #decorating #banister# #vintage #vintagechristmas
Winter Wonderland Christmas Mantel #christmas #mantel #decor #idea #holiday #winterwonderland #decorating #garland
Red and Cozy Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas #christmastree #christmas #holiday #tree #cozy #treedecorations #decorations

From ornaments passed down to you to classic tin packages, try incorporating some vintage holiday pieces throughout your home during the season.

10. Christmas Ribbon Cabinet

This may be one of my favorite hidden gems in my house. In my family room, I placed a vintage wood cabinet that I found while antiquing. Come the holiday season, I fill it with all of my ribbons. Not only is it gorgeous, but it’s convenient when it comes to gift wrapping!

My Christmas Ribbon Cabinet #christmas #ribbon #wrapping #decor #decorations #holiday #christmasribbon
My Christmas Ribbon Cabinet #christmas #ribbon #wrapping #decor #decorations #holiday #christmasribbon

Does anything say “cozy” like an entire cabinet full of ribbon? I don’t think so.

11. Turn Up the Tunes

Part of getting the cozy Christmas aesthetic is by pleasing all the senses. When things look festive, you’ve enjoyed a holiday drink, and you’re under a comfy blanket, it’s time to please the years by playing some very merry music.

My Ultimate Christmas Music Playlist #christmas #music #playlist #songs #holiday #tunes

Listen to my ultimate Christmas music playlist or my classic, country, contemporary, and folksy playlist. There’s something for everyone!

12. Make a Paper Star Garland

If you feel like getting crafty, this paper star garland is an easy afternoon project.

I love how inexpensive and simple it is to make, while also looking elegant and rustic at the same time. Hang it on your tree or along the banister.

DIY Paper Star Garland #garland #christmas #holiday #diy #bookpage #stars #gold #handmade

If you’re looking for even more handmade Christmas decor you’re in luck because I have an entire blog post dedicated to all of my favorite holiday home decor crafts. You can find that HERE.

Some of my favorite projects include:

diy paper chain on christmas garland.

13. Make Handmade Gifts

Speaking of getting crafty, there’s nothing I love more than immersing myself into an art or craft project around Christmas especially when I can share that project with friends and family.

Abstract Holiday Gift Tags #christmas #gifttags #tags #DIY #handmade #abstract #art #painting #holiday #giftwrapping #wrapping

One of my favorite projects were these abstract art gift tags that I made. You won’t believe how easy they are and it’s a whole lot of fun. PLUS, you give to give a little mini artwork with every gift. I love that!

And if you like making your holiday gifts (so do I!) then I have a wonderful list of some of my favorite handmade holiday gifts HERE.

Abstract Holiday Gift Tags

14. Add Stockings

Without stockings being hung by the fire with care, can we really have a cozy Christmas?

Living Room Christmas Mantel Decor #livingroom #mantel #christmas #fireplace #holiday #decor #bookshelf #bookcase #garland
Antique Wood Stockings for a Christmas Fireplace Mantel #DIY #wood #stocking #fireplace #mantel #decor

These wooden stockings are a fun take on the classic version. While you can’t fill them with goodies from Santa, these vintage sock forms are sophisticated and unique. Hang them from your mantle and embrace the natural wood.

I have an entire tote full of stockings I’ve collected over the years. It’s always such a joy to tuck them around my home during the holiday season.

WANT MORE? CHECK OUT ALL THESE CHRISTMAS IDEAS:

popcorn garland on pine with ornament.

That’s a Wrap On the Cozy Christmas Aesthetic!

Are you feeling snug and cozy yet?

Once you start decorating, the comfy and warm feelings come naturally. Let me know what ideas you loved the most. Remember to make them your own and to have fun with it.

Whether is cozy, classic, modern, or country I hope you have fun discovering the Christmas aesthetic that works best for you and your home.

Want more holiday home decor ideas? 

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my process. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest! 

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

Let’s create a cozy Christmas aesthetic for your home. These are my tips, tricks, and ideas for creating a warm and welcoming holiday home this Christmas season. When it comes to Christmas, I always go full out. To me, Christmas is a time not only for glamour and sparkle but for warm nights huddling up […]




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Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Candy

Recipes

Tuesday
Nov / 22 / 2022
Comments 8
       
Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Candy on a plate.

You only need four ingredients to craft this delicious Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Candy. Crunchy, fruity, salty, and sweet, this combination of ingredients makes an irresistible candy that’s lovely for the holiday season as well as delicious any time of the year. 

Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Candy on a plate.

Easy White Chocolate Candy

I always like to add a few quick, easy, and delicious recipes to my holiday baking lineup. As much as I like fancy decorative cookies, I don’t have the luxury of time to make such intricate items. If you too are sometimes pressed for time, I definitely recommend this pistachio cranberry white chocolate candy.

It is a festive recipe that you can whip together in about 30 minutes. Love that! 

close up of Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Candy on plate.

Why I love this recipe: 

  • Easy, easy, easy. If you can stir, you can make this recipe. Other than melting chocolate, this is a no-bake treat that requires zero baking skills. 
  • Wonderful flavor combination. There’s crunch, fruitiness, and a touch of sweetness and salt. This makes for a delightful bite-sized candy. 
  • A unique addition. I love a little variety in my holiday dessert and cookie displays so these make a great addition. 
  • Healthier.  While I’m not going to label these as “healthy,” they are a “healthier option” if you are craving something sweet. 

It’s also worth mentioning that even though I’m making this candy for the holidays, you could certainly make and serve it any time of the year.

Want more homemade candy?

While it has a totally different flavor profile, this candy recipe reminded me of my Crock-Pot candy which is equally delicious. I highly recommend you give that one a try too. You can find that recipe HERE. 

Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Candy on a plate.

Ingredients: 

As mentioned above, the ingredient list for this recipe is extra simple. You only need four ingredients! 

  • white baking chocolate – You want to make sure you use white chocolate with cocoa butter. Avoid white chocolate chips. I personally like THESE white chocolate baking wafers.
  • almond bark – This is a vanilla-flavored candy coating. I like the almond bark at Walmart or ALDI.
  • roasted salted pistachio nuts – I like the shelled pistachios from Wonderful Pistachio.
  • dried cranberries – Any dried cranberries will do. (You could even use dried cherries!)

You’ll also want some mini paper baking cups. You can find these at Walmart, Michaels, Jo-Ann, etc. You can find the exact ones I used HERE.

If you want to make this pistachio cranberry white chocolate candy without the paper cups, you can do that too.

Just line your surface with a piece of wax paper and place spoonfuls of the mix directly onto the paper. Once hardened, the mix/candies will hold together just fine.

Looking for more easy Christmas treats? Try these:

Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Candy on a plate.

How to Make Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Candy

Even though these are super easy to make, I’ll walk you through the steps here. I’ve also provided a printable recipe card at the end of this post.

  1. Line your work surface with small paper baking cups. Set aside.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, add the white chocolate and vanilla candy coating. 
  3. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
making Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Candy.
  1. Add the pistachios and cranberries to the white chocolate. Stir to evenly coat
  2. Use a small cookie scoop to drop the mix into the baking cups. Let stand until completely set.
making Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Candy.
making Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Candy.

And with that, you’re ready to pack and store your completed candies in an airtight container. It’s that simple!

I have to tell you this candy is just so good! I made these in advance of Christmas and had to immediately pack them up and put them in the freezer to avoid eating the entire batch. 

close up of Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Candy on a plate.

Recipe variations:

I love this recipe as is, but if you want to try something different, here are a few options:

  • Try milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate.
  • Not a fan of pistachios? Try a different nut. Use walnuts, pecans, peanuts, etc.
  • Any dried fruit will work. You could do dried cherries, dried apricots, raisins, etc. 
  • Add in something extra like coconut, granola, etc. 
  • Make the candies extra festive by adding colorful sprinkles to the top. 
Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Candy on a plate.

You’re Ready to Make Some Candy

And with that, I think you should be ready to tackle this recipe for pistachio cranberry white chocolate candy. 

I hope this recipe adds a little merriment to your holiday season. 

Enjoy! 

close up of Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Candy on a plate.

Love this recipe and want more?

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my process. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest!

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Candy

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: christmas, holiday
Servings: 25
Prep Time 20 mins
Total Time 20 mins
close up of Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Candy on plate.
You only need four ingredients to craft this delicious Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Candy. Crunchy, fruity, salty, and sweet, this combination of ingredients makes an irresistible candy that’s lovely for the holiday season as well as delicious any time of the year.

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces white baking chocolate - with cocoa butter
  • 4 ounces vanilla-flavored candy coating - chopped (almond bark)
  • 1 cup roasted - salted pistachio nuts
  • 1 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

  • Line your work surface with small paper baking cups.* Set aside.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl, add the white chocolate and vanilla candy coating. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
  • Add the pistachios and cranberries to the white chocolate. Stir to coat.
  • Use two teaspoons, one to scoop up the mix and the other to scrape the mix off into the baking cups. Let stand until completely set.
  • Pack and store in an airtight container.

Notes

*You can also make these without paper cups. Just line your surface with a piece of wax paper. Place spoonfuls of the mix directly onto the paper. Once hardened, the mix/candies will hold together.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 87kcal • Carbohydrates: 9g • Protein: 3g • Fat: 5g • Saturated Fat: 4g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g • Monounsaturated Fat: 1g • Cholesterol: 6mg • Sodium: 8mg • Potassium: 94mg • Fiber: 1g • Sugar: 7g • Vitamin C: 0.01mg • Calcium: 8mg • Iron: 1mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

You only need four ingredients to craft this delicious Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Candy. Crunchy, fruity, salty, and sweet, this combination of ingredients makes an irresistible candy that’s lovely for the holiday season as well as delicious any time of the year.  Easy White Chocolate Candy I always like to add a few quick, easy, […]




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Christmas Paper Chain Made with Wallpaper

DIY

Monday
Nov / 21 / 2022
Comments 6
       
diy paper chain on christmas garland.

Deck your halls, mantel, and tree with this beautiful homemade paper chain. We are taking a kindergarten craft and turning it into chic holiday decor using leftover wallpaper and colored craft paper. 

diy christmas paper chain on garland.

Chic Paper Chain for Christmas

So… I had the idea of using leftover wallpaper and turning it into a stunning Christmas garland. I was going to use the paper chain method we learned when we were children, give it an upgraded chic look, and hope for the best.

Well, I did just that and the results were so much better than I could have ever imagined. 

Check out my leftover wallpaper turned fabulous paper chain Christmas garland.

close up of mantel garland with diy paper chain and anise star wreath.
close up of paper chain garland.
christmas mantel decor with garland.
decorated christmas tree in front of bookcase.

I have to tell you, this might be the all-time favorite of the many Christmas crafts I’ve done through the years. 

I had originally thought I would make one small chain of the garland, but as you can see here I feel in love and ended up making enough to wrap around my entire tree and drape some across my mantel.

paper chain on Christmas garland.

Making A Paper Chain

Anyway, my mom was here a couple of weeks ago and I mentioned my idea of taking the leftover wallpaper that I used in my guest bedroom (the room where she sleeps) and using it to create a paper chain garland for my tree. 

I wanted a subtle nature theme for my Christmas tree (you can see more of my Christmas tree HERE.) and this wallpaper has lots of nature in it. I had thought about this idea a few weeks before, but sort of brushed it off thinking it wasn’t going to work or look good. Well, she was fully on board so we thought we’d give it a try.

Once we started working, I knew in an instant that it was going to be fabulous. I kept running up to my tree and mantel to see how it would look. 

paper chain garland decorated for Christmas.

Double Sided Paper Chain

Did you notice something else about this festive paper chain?

double sided paper chain diy for christmas.

While the wallpaper was perfect on its own and it picked up some of the colors I planned for my decor, I wanted to add a bit more color to the paper chain. I accomplished this by backing the wallpaper with two colors of craft paper: blue and green. Then, when assembling the paper chain I would alternate the interior color of the rings to give it a more elevated look. 

Doing this was a game changer and really made this homemade Christmas garland shine. 

Handmade Holiday

Not only did my mom and I have a great time making this paper chain, but the results are also one-of-a-kind and completely customized to my home and decor. I love it.

As you know, I’ve been embracing a handmade holiday this year and it has made all the difference. Creating my own decor rather than running to the store to buy something just might be my new favorite thing. I highly recommend it. 

Want more handmade decor? Check out these:

Christmas paper chain made with wallpaper.

If you want to give this project a try (which I definitely think you should), I’ve shared the process below. It is easy to do and produces beautiful, fabulous results. 

Materials:

Here is what you’ll need to make a paper chain.

  • leftover wallpaper – As I mentioned above, I used the leftover wallpaper from my guest bedroom.
  • colored craft paper – I found mine at JOANN. Michaels also has a great selection. 
  • glue stick – I like THIS kind.
  • paper cutter (or rotary cutter, clear ruler, and cutting mat) – I opted for the rotary cutter, clear ruler, and cutting mat. (I bought THIS set.) For whatever reason, it didn’t occur to me to use a paper cutter until halfway through. If you opt for the paper cutter (like THIS one) you may need an extra blade or two as this is thick paper. 
  • hot glue gun – Any will work.
  • hot glue sticks – I use THESE. 
DIY Paper Chain from Wallpaper.

How to Make a Paper Chain:

I will walk you through the steps below. I’ve also provided a printable instruction card at the end of this post. 

  1. Begin by gluing your colored paper to the back of your wallpaper. Use a glue stick to apply glue to the back of the colored paper and then place it onto the back of the wallpaper. (Top the glued sheets with a few books to keep the two pieces together while drying.) 
wallpaper with colored paper.
  1. Next, you want to cut strips out of your paper. My strips were roughly 8.5 inches long by 1 inch wide. You can do this using a paper cutter like THIS one. Another option would be to use a rotary cutter, clear ruler, and cutting mat like THIS one.*
cutting paper strip.
paper strips for paper chain.
  1. With your strips cut, you’re ready to assemble. Apply hot glue to the end of one strip on the wallpaper side. Use the tip of the glue gun to spread out the glue to cover about 1/2 inch. Bend the paper over, with the wallpaper on the outside, to create a ring by attaching the two ends together where you placed the hot glue. Hold for a few seconds to let the glue set. 
making a paper chain.
  1. Next, add a second ring by threading a new strip of paper through the center of the previous loop. Again, add hot glue to the end of the new strip, then bend the paper and attach the ends together to create another ring. The loops will sit perpendicular to each other creating the look of a chain. (As you can see, I used two different colored craft papers for my backing paper. As I created my loops I worked in alternating colors.)
  2. Continue repeating this process until your paper chain is the desired length. 

That’s it! Hang and enjoy your handiwork. 

Want to see more? You can get a full tour of my Christmas mantel along with all the details HERE.

paper chain garland on Christmas tree.
close up of christmas tree with handmade decor.
decorate christmas tree in living room.

Happy Christmas Crafting! 

I so hope you enjoyed this paper chain craft as much as I did. The entire process and end results have me grinning from ear to ear. If you can’t tell, I’m a little obsessed.

Now get out your glue gun and whip up some festive holiday crafts to decorate your home for the season.

Happy Holidays! 

paper chain for christmas hanging on a garland.

Love this Christmas DIY and Want More?

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my process. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest!

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

paper chain hung on mantel.

DIY Paper Chain

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Skill: Home Decor Craft
Craft Time 1 hour
close up of paper chain garland.
Deck your halls, mantel, and tree with this beautiful homemade paper chain. We are taking a kindergarten craft and turning it into chic holiday decor using leftover wallpaper and colored craft paper.

Materials

  • leftover wallpaper
  • colored craft paper
  • glue stick
  • paper cutter or rotary cutter, clear ruler, and cutting mat
  • hot glue gun
  • hot glue sticks

Instructions

  • Begin by gluing your colored paper to the back of your wallpaper. Use a glue stick to apply glue to the back of the colored paper and then place it onto the back of the wallpaper. (Top the glued sheets with a few books to keep the two pieces together while drying.)
  • Next, you’ll want to cut strips out of your paper. My strips were roughly 8.5 inches long by 1 inch wide. You can do this using a paper cutter like THIS one. Another option would be to use a rotary cutter, clear ruler, and cutting mat like THIS one.*
  • With your strips cut, you’re ready to assemble. Apply hot glue to the end of one strip on the wallpaper side. Use the tip of the glue gun to spread out the glue to cover about 1/2 inch. Bend the paper over, with the wallpaper on the outside, to create a ring by attaching the two ends together where you placed the hot glue. Hold for a few seconds to let the glue set.
  • Next, add a second ring by threading a new strip of paper through the center of the previous loop. Again, add hot glue to the end of the new strip, then bend the paper and attach the ends together to create another ring. The loops will sit perpendicular to each other creating the look of a chain.
  • (As you can see I used two different colored craft papers for my backing paper. As I created my loops I worked in alternating colors.)
  • Continue repeating this process until your paper chain is the desired length.
  • That’s it! Hang and enjoy your handiwork.

Notes

*I opted for the rotary cutter, clear ruler, and cutting mat. For whatever reason, it didn’t occur to me to use a paper cutter until I was halfway through the project. If you opt to use a paper cutter, you may need an extra blade or two as this is thick paper.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

Deck your halls, mantel, and tree with this beautiful homemade paper chain. We are taking a kindergarten craft and turning it into chic holiday decor using leftover wallpaper and colored craft paper.  Chic Paper Chain for Christmas So… I had the idea of using leftover wallpaper and turning it into a stunning Christmas garland. I […]




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Tasty But Unique Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Recipes

Monday
Nov / 21 / 2022
Comments 0
       
picture of two of The BEST Thanksgiving Side Dishes.

Looking for something new to accompany your Thanksgiving feast? This collection of fabulous Thanksgiving side dishes is full of delicious recipes that are certain to be a winner around your holiday table.

The BEST Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate gratitude and to be surrounded by friends and family. But I can’t deny how excited I get about Thanksgiving dinner! Change things up this season while still celebrating fall-inspired flavors with these unique Thanksgiving side dishes.

Let’s be honest; the side dishes are what make Thanksgiving dinner so tasty. No one comes just for the turkey! They want the sweet casseroles, crunchy side salads, and the cozy flavors of fall alongside their white or dark meat.

Celebrating Friendsgiving? Try THESE Friendsgiving recipes everyone will be talking about!

Looking for more thanksgiving accompaniments? Try These:

Tasty and underused Thanksgiving side dishes

Like yours, my family has plenty of Thanksgiving and holiday staples that you’ll find at every family dinner. But we also like to mix things up a bit! I’m always trying out new recipes that are loosely inspired by the season and bringing them to the dinner table.

I wanted to share a few of those with you today – all family and Thanksgiving approved. Celebrate the holiday with some of these Thanksgiving side dishes you may not have thought of in the first place!

Onto the recipes!

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Apples

We all know how popular roasted Brussels sprouts are around thanksgiving, but they can easily be upgraded with just a few extras. I add Honeycrisp apples, dried cranberries, and pecans in this recipe.

You get a little bit of crunch, sweetness, and tartness, and you just might be able to convince a picky eater that Brussels sprouts can absolutely be delicious.

platter of roasted Brussels sprouts for Thanksgiving side dishes

2. Shaved Brussel Sprouts Salad

How about tossing Brussels sprouts in a salad? This is my version of an ideal salad, paired with Honeycrisp apples, pine nuts, dried currants, and pecorino Romano cheese. You get tart sweetness, crunch, salt, creaminess, and a hint of earthy delight.

Thanksgiving often has tons of heavy food, so I like to add in a light and crisp seasonal salad to mix things up.

Winter Brussels Sprouts Salad on a plate.

3. Mashed Butternut Squash 

Now, I don’t want to play favorites, but this is one of those Thanksgiving side dishes that is up there for sure, thanks to my love of butternut squash. The flavor is bold and delicious and adds sweetness to what’s otherwise a typically hearty meal.

It’s quite simple to whip up and can easily feed a crowd. So if you want to switch up the sweet potato casserole, try this mashed butternut squash instead!

mashed butternut squash Thanksgiving side dish in a bowl

4. Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin

My mom brought this delightfully cheesy cauliflower Thanksgiving side dish into my life. The pan is scraped 100% clean every time it’s served. It has three different kinds of cheese: Monterey Jack, parmesan, and goat cheese.

Cauliflower softens up and takes on the cheesy flavor for a sneaky dish, complete with a vegetable serving.

cauliflower gratin Thanksgiving side dishes

5. Roasted Honeynut Squash

My love for squash continues with this roasted honeynut squash. A cross between butternut squash and buttercup squash, honeynut squash has a much sweeter and nuttier flavor than the two. You can also eat the skin if you want to give that a try!

This recipe is nice and simple, roasting the squash with butter, sugar, and spices.

drizzling maple syrup on roasted honeynut squash

6. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese With Bacon

Pumpkins can do more than decorate the dining table and be dished up in a pie. While pumpkin mac and cheese might sound odd, I promise you the fusion of flavors is tasty! It blends into the creamy cheese and savory bacon taste, making the dish feel a little cozier and fall inspired.

When you’re ready, bake the dish for a delightfully warm and easy side dish.

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese with Bacon

7. Roasted Carrots With Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese

This year, jazz things up a bit by upscaling your roasted carrots. The carrots are first oven roasted with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for a sweet, seasonal seasoning. Then, pecans add a nice crunch to the soft carrots, while goat cheese adds a creamy, lightly sour flavor to offshoot the sweetness.

It doesn’t take much more work than your typical roasted carrots, but it tastes that much better.

Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese - fall Thanksgiving side dishes

8. Baked Delicata Rings

Delicata is a type of squash that also has edible skin. This makes it super simple to slice the delicata into rings, toss it with a breading, then place it in the oven. With the breading, you get a delicious sweet and salty combo.

With the rings, I also included my recipe for creamy herb dip. Together, you can also serve this as a tasty appetizer for your guests while you’ve busy cooking up a storm.

baked delicata squash rings on a plate

9. Broccolini Salad

This broccolini salad is super versatile and can work with any type of thanksgiving meal you’re preparing, whether that’s going for the classics or a modern Friendsgiving.

Add some crispiness to the meal with broccolini, kale, spinach, red onion, pumpkin seeds, and golden raisins, plus a maple syrup and vinegar dressing. Yum!

broccolini salad for fresh Thanksgiving side dishes

10. Radicchio and Blue Cheese Bread Salad

While technically a side dish, this radicchio and blue cheese bread salad has plenty of bold flavors to steal away the show from the turkey. The toasted baguette, radicchio, pancetta, blue cheese, and red leaf lettuce make the meal feel slightly fancy, but it’s quite simple.

If you want a unique salad recipe, this one won’t disappoint.

blue cheese and radicchio bread salad in a white bowl

11. Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

Celebrate some of the best flavors of fall with this delicious pasta salad. While pasta salad may seem like a summer meal, this one is most definitely fall-focused. It has roasted sweet potatoes, dried cranberries, pine nuts, goat cheese, and broccoli alongside some colorful Cellentai pasta (the hollow centers hold lots of sauce!).

fall inspired pasta salad with sweet potatoes and dried cranberries

12. Waldorf Salad

Waldorf salad is another popular staple of my family’s Thanksgiving side dishes. Now, I’m passing along our family recipe to you! It contains apples, grapes, celery, walnuts, and marshmallows, all smothered with a mayonnaise-based dressing.

While it might sound strange if you’ve never had a Waldorf salad before, the combination really is a scrumptious one.

Waldorf salad in a bowl next to whole red apples

13. Orange Pineapple Dream Salad

You can serve orange pineapple dream salad alongside other Thanksgiving side dishes or as a dessert—I’ll leave that one up to you! I’m not quite sure why this one is called a salad, but I won’t mess around with tradition.

Similar to ambrosia, this recipe has fewer fruits and fillings. Made with cream cheese, milk, dream whip, and some gelatin, it reminds me of a cloud infused with pineapple and mandarins.

orange pineapple Thanksgiving side or dessert

14. Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl

Every time someone visits me in the fall, chances are I’ll have some pumpkin bread ready to serve. It’s a quick and easy dessert to make ahead of time, enhanced with a cream cheese swirl inside the bread. Yes, it really is as delicious as it sounds!

When the bellies are stuffed from the meal and the sleepy turkey brain sets in, there’s always room still for pumpkin bread.

baked pumpkin bread sliced showing cream cheese swirl inside

What to serve with Thanksgiving side dishes

What is Thanksgiving dinner without a few libations? Here are some of my favorite cocktail recipes you can also serve alongside Thanksgiving dinner.

That’s a wrap of Thanksgiving side dishes

And those are my unexpected, yet dearly special to me, thanksgiving recipes! There’s bound to be a recipe or two from this list that will inspire you this Thanksgiving and hopefully offer a little variety to the holiday. Happy cooking!

Enjoy this recipe ideas and want more? 

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my process. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest!

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

Looking for something new to accompany your Thanksgiving feast? This collection of fabulous Thanksgiving side dishes is full of delicious recipes that are certain to be a winner around your holiday table. Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate gratitude and to be surrounded by friends and family. But I can’t deny how excited I get […]




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Handmade-Inspired Christmas Mantel Decor

Christmas, Holidays, Interiors

Sunday
Nov / 20 / 2022
Comments 19
       
christmas mantel decor and garland.

Inspired by a handmade paper chain, vintage elements, and decor from Christmases past, I’m sharing my living room Christmas mantel decor along with tips and tricks for recreating the look. 

christmas with garland and decorative trees.

Handmade Christmas Mantel Decor

I’m so excited to invite you back into my living room to share my latest Christmas mantel decor. 

I suppose this post kicks off my 2022 Christmas decorations. While I’ve already shared a couple of handmade Christmas ornament posts (embroidery hoop ornaments and clay ornaments), this is the first look at a completed area. 

Planning my Christmas Decor

The overall theme for my Christmas decor this year is “the same, but different with a touch of handmade”. Therefore, my mantel may look a bit similar to years past. 

(You can read more about how I plan my Christmas decor HERE.)

Since decorating for Christmas (and the season in general) has been feeling a bit heavy and stressful for me the past few years, I wanted to try a different approach in order to alleviate the stress and heaviness. In reality, that means buying less, making more, and focusing on what’s important to me. While I still have some tweaking to do, it’s been working well. 

close up of christmas mantel decor with garland and stockings.

One of my favorite changes is that I’ve decided to make some of the items used in my decorating this year. I’ve crafted three different ornaments, two garlands, and mini wreaths, and I have more planned. I haven’t shared all of these yet so stay tuned for lots more to come. If you don’t want to miss a thing, be sure to join the IBC Mailing List HERE. It’s the best way to stay updated.

As I was saying, my mantel may look similar to years past.  My motto being… “There’s no need to fix what isn’t broken.” I have always loved my holiday mantel decor so I kept much of it the same, while still making some changes. Throughout the process, I can tell you that I didn’t feel a tinge of guilt about it. 

If you’d like to compare, you can see how this mantel looks similar HERE and HERE. Can you spot the differences? 

Michael Wurm Jr of Inspired by Charm in mirror.

I thought it would be best to walk you through my Christmas mantel decor piece by piece. This will give me a chance to share my styling tips and tricks. Sound good?  I want you to be inspired and empowered!

If I miss anything, please leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to address it. 

Finally, I’m joined again today by my Seasons of Home blogger friends. We’ve teamed up to share a variety of Christmas mantel decor ideas. I’ll be sure to link everyone at end of this post. If you need a little more inspiration, it’s a great place to start. 

christmas mantel decor with garland.
christmas mantel decor and garland.

The Garland:

I always get asked where I got my evergreen garland. I wish I had an easy answer for you. The base of the garland is faux Fraser fir from HERE. It’s not as full as I’d like, so I tucked in two different types of evergreen picks to give it volume and add interest. I bought these picks years ago at a local shop so I don’t have a source for them. 

close up of Christmas mantel garland.

To the foundational garland, I added THIS ball ornament garland. Last year I used the full strand, but this year I cut it up and wired on additional ornaments of different colors. I wanted the extra colors to complement some of the tones in the other elements. 

I also tucked in a few of THESE pinecones for a more natural look. 

christmas mantel decor with fireplace and candles.
christmas mantel garland with ornaments.

To hang the garland, I used THESE command hooks. I attached them to the top of my mantel and wrapped floral wire around the little hook. (I attach the hooks a day in advance to give them time to fully stick.)  I then used the floral wire to attach the base (Fraser fir) garland to the mantel and built things up from there. I’ve been doing this for a few years now and have never had any issues. (If your garland is especially heavy, you may what to use two hooks on each side so things are extra secure.)

 

fireplace mantel decorated for christmas with garland.

As I said, I wish I had an easy answer about the garland for you. I think the reason the look is so effective is that it’s so collected. It makes all the difference. 

With all of that in place, I added some handmade elements. 

christmas decorating bookcase and mantel.

A Handmade Holiday

As I mentioned above, I’ve been captivated by the idea of creating a handmade holiday this year. I’m making ornaments, DIY garland, and I just bought a kit to make pot holders. I’m telling you, it has been THE BEST decision ever. Highly recommended. 

With this idea in mind, I wanted to craft a couple of things to use on my Christmas mantel. As you’ve probably already noticed, I came up with this paper chain garland and these rustic star anise Christmas wreaths. 

Let me tell you a little more about each. 

christmas mantel garland and bookcase.

Paper Chain Garland:

You can find the full tutorial for this paper chain HERE. I get into a lot more detail, including a full tutorial so you can recreate this easy Christmas decor yourself.

I had the idea to create a paper chain using wallpaper that I had left over from my guest bedroom. I was a little hesitant about it at first, but as soon as the loops started to come together I knew I had something special on my hands. 

close up of paper chain for Christmas.
close up of mantel garland with diy paper chain and anise star wreath.

My mom and I worked on this together. I made the strips, and she glued them. We made enough paper chain to put on my mantel garland and to wrap my tree. (I’ll be sharing my tree just as soon as it’s finished, so stay tuned for that too.) 

fireplace and christmas mantel with garland and mirror.

Needless to say, I’m beyond obsessed with the results. I know it’s a simple craft which most of us learned in kindergarten, but with a few simple and chic changes it has become a one-of-a-kind and totally festive decoration. 

Anise Wreaths: 

I also crafted some of these rustic anise wreaths. I had seen something similar in a magazine a few years back and saved the idea in my brain for just the right time. Well, this year was the right time. 

They are super simple to make and I love the character they add. You can find the full tutorial for these as well including a list of materials that I used HERE.

DIY Star Anise Wreath for Christmas on garland.
close up of mantel garland with diy paper chain and anise star wreath.

I made the wreaths in a variety of sizes to use here on my mantel and also on my Christmas tree as ornaments. Additionally, you can use them as a standalone decoration or even as something special to top a present. 

A Vintage Touch: 

close up of christmas mantel decor.

As with most of my Christmas decor, a vintage element is a must. Here, my plastic deer collection made a comeback as the center display of my Christmas mantel decor. 

collection of vintage plastic deer on mantel.

This collection started with a set of three deer from my grandparents. The collection has grown over the years because I pick up additional ones for my collection when I see them on my antique adventures. 

These plastic deer may be one of my favorite antique collections of all time. 

Winter Wonderland Christmas Mantel #christmas #mantel #decor #idea #holiday #winterwonderland #decorating #garland

Additional Sources:

I will wrap up with a few other elements I need to mention.

  • Arch Mirror – You can find it HERE. It’s such a great value.
  • Wood Trees – The set I used can be found HERE. 
  • Stockings – I’ve collected these over the years. I don’t have specific sources.
stocking on christmas mantel.
close up of decorative trees on mantel.
gold modern Santa on mantel hearth.

Built-in Cabinetry and Fireplace

Finally, I wanted to mention that I had this mantel and surrounding bookcases installed a few years ago. If you’d like more information or want to read about the process, you can find all the details HERE. My fireplace is a gas log insert that I had installed around the same time. I love how realistic it looks and that it’s virtually zero maintenance. You can learn more about that HERE. 

It’s Time to Decorate!

And that’s a wrap on this year’s Christmas mantel decor. 

I hope that I’ve inspired you to embrace the decor that you have and love. There’s no need to buy new every year unless that’s what brings you true joy …then do that. 

christmas decor on mantel and bookcase.
christmas mantel and fireplace decor with garland.

I also hope that you’ll consider crafting some of your Christmas decor this year. I have a great list of handmade home decor which you can find HERE. I’ll also be sharing more throughout the rest of the season, so stay tuned for those fun projects. 

Seasons of Home Mantel Decor

Before clicking away, be sure to visit my blogger friends to check out their festive holiday mantels. These ladies are SO talented. I know you’ll gain some inspiration and/or helpful Christmas decorating tips! 

Seasons of Home Christmas Mantel Decor

Wreaths and Ribbon Christmas Mantel by Ella Claire & Co. | Organic Looking Christmas Mantel by Zevy Joy | French Country Christmas Mantel by French Country Cottage 

Seasons of Home Christmas Mantel Decor

Handmade-Inspired Mantel Decor by Inspired by Charm | How to create a layered Christmas Mantel by Craftberry Bush | Bronze and Gold Christmas Mantel by Handmade Farmhouse

I have a blog post dedicated to many of the Christmas mantels I’ve decorated over the years. If you want a little more inspiration from yours truly, you can find that HERE. 

Thank you for joining me again. Happy holiday decorating! 

mantel decor for christmas with fireplace surround.

Want more Christmas Decorating Ideas?

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my process. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest!

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

christmas mantel decor with fireplace and candles.

Inspired by a handmade paper chain, vintage elements, and decor from Christmases past, I’m sharing my living room Christmas mantel decor along with tips and tricks for recreating the look.  Handmade Christmas Mantel Decor I’m so excited to invite you back into my living room to share my latest Christmas mantel decor.  I suppose this […]




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Join the conversation.






Homemade Pancake Mix

Recipes

Saturday
Nov / 19 / 2022
Comments 35
       
Learn how to make this easy and delicious Homemade Pancake Mix. #homemade #pancake #mix #breakfast #recipe #pancakes

Making pancakes from scratch doesn’t have to be complicated or take a long time. Make the process easy and delicious with this homemade pancake mix. Whip up a batch of this dry mix every couple of months, and you’ll be ready to make pancakes whenever your heart desires.

homemade pancake mix pinterest image

Bed and Breakfast Approved Pancake Mix

I’ll be honest. I have a special affinity for breakfast. It’s probably my favorite meal to make! You may remember I owned and operated a Bed and Breakfast in St. Marys from 2008 to 2013.)

Like many other people, one of my go-to’s for breakfast is pancakes, yes, even on the weekdays! I have been intending to share this homemade pancake mix recipe with you for YEARS. I’m not sure what’s taken me so long.

When I ran the B&B, pancakes were on the breakfast rotation. Having a homemade dry pancake mix to use made those mornings just a little bit easier, and this is the exact recipe I used. So, I guess you could say it’s been Bed & Breakfast tested and approved!

The best thing about making and storing homemade pancake mix is that you know exactly what’s inside of it. You don’t have to worry about any extra additives or chemicals that other boxed mixes sneak in.

Plus, you can make it as sweet or as fluffy as you like.

Looking for more B&B inspired breakfast recipes? Try these:

close up of homemade pancakes from dry mix

Frequently Asked Questions about Homemade Pancake Mix

Before we get to the pancake mix recipe, here are some questions people often ask about it. If you don’t see your question in this list, please leave it in the comments.

Is it cheaper to make or buy pancake mix?

How much it costs to make or buy pancake mix depends on the quality of the ingredients you buy.

It’s easy to find boxed pancake mix on sale for just a few dollars. So, if you use organic flour and organic sugar, your homemade pancake mix will cost you more. However, if you buy flour, sugar, baking soda, and baking powder in bulk, the cost per pancake is cheaper than a boxed mix.

It’s really tough to compare.

Is pancake mix just flour?

No, pancake mix is not just flour. It contains some kind of sweetener, salt, and ingredients that help make the pancakes fluffy and helps them rise while they cook.

maple syrup being poured from a bottle

What type of flour is best for pancakes?

The best type of flour to use in pancakes is all-purpose flour. This is fantastic news because it is the easiest kind to find (and has the cheapest price tag).

You can also make these pancakes gluten-free. Just use a 1:1 replacement gluten-free flour.

What is the purpose of milk in pancakes?

Milk adds a rich flavor to your pancakes, but it has other purposes too. It helps to dissolve the flour and bring other ingredients together. Honestly, you don’t have to use dairy milk. Use your favorite type – even almond or oat milk.

Remember to use unsweetened milk when you make pancakes with this recipe because I added sugar to the homemade pancake mix. If you use sweetened almond or oat milk, it will make the pancakes taste extra sweet.

large mason jar style canister of dry pancake mixture

Homemade Pancake Mix

Now onto the good stuff…pancakes!

What I love about this pancake mix recipe is that you can whip up a big batch, and then you only need to combine it with your wet ingredients whenever the craving for pancakes strikes.

Then, once the batter is prepared, you can customize it any way you like. Toss in blueberries, add chocolate chips, stir in peanut butter… the possibilities are almost endless.

Ingredients

If you’ve never made pancake mix, you might be surprised to learn that you probably already have all the ingredients. My homemade pancake mix is made with pantry staples and can be put together in minutes.

dry homemade pancake mix in a container

To make this dry pancake mix, you will need:

  • All-Purpose Flour: This really is the best kind of flour to use in pancakes. You don’t need any special variety.
  • Sugar: use regular white granulated sugar.
  • Baking Powder: Use both baking powder and baking soda to make the fluffiest pancakes.
  • Baking Soda: This creates the perfect chemical reaction for fluffy pancakes.
  • Salt: Just use enough to enhance the other ingredients.
stack of 8 round pancakes on a white plate

How to Make Homemade Pancake Mix:

Just grab a big jar, toss in these ingredients, whisk to combine, and your pancake mix is ready! (You will find the full ingredient list and amounts in the printable recipe card below.)

That’s it. Really. It really is that easy to make your own homemade pancake mix.

Storing Homemade Pancake Mix

This mixture can be stored in an airtight container on your counter or in a cabinet for up to three months.

small stack of pancakes with toppings

How to Make Pancakes from Pancake Mix:

Once the dry mix is prepared, you’ll need to add a few wet ingredients to make a batter for pancakes. For this, you will need:

  • buttermilk
  • milk
  • egg
  • butter
  • vanilla extract

The exact amounts are listed below in the recipe card. Other than the buttermilk, it’s likely you have most of these items in your refrigerator or pantry.

(Side note: You can make buttermilk at home. Just add 1 tablespoon white vinegar OR 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Stir to combine.)

To make the batter, whisk together all the wet ingredients and then add to the prepared homemade pancake mix. It’s that simple. Your pancake batter is ready to go.

batter being whisked in a mixing bowl

When I make pancakes, I like to use a cast iron griddle on my stovetop. (This is the one I have.) However, an electric griddle or even a nonstick pan works equally well.

pancakes on a griddle made with homemade pancake mix
making pancakes on a stovetop griddle

I add a little butter to the griddle and then remove any excess with a paper towel. Once the griddle is hot, it’s time to make the pancakes.

Tip: After pouring the batter on the hot griddle, I let the pancake cook for 4-5 minutes before flipping it. I know it’s time to flip the pancake when I see lots of bubbles on the surface.

How to Serve Pancakes:

This pancake mix will give you delicious, fluffy pancakes. To finish them off, I highly recommend a pat of butter and a generous amount of pure maple syrup. (Avoid the “maple-flavored” syrup you find at the grocery store and opt for the real thing.)

The BEST maple syrup is from Fining Home Farms. More on that below.

pat of butter and maple syrup atop pancakes made with homemade mix

Voila! Your homemade pancakes are ready to be enjoyed!

plate of syrup coated pancakes

Pancake Recipe Variations:

We all love a classic pancake recipe, but it’s fun to switch it up from time to time. I’ve used this homemade pancake mix in different ways over the years. You can add in things like:

  • blueberries,
  • chocolate chips,
  • peanut butter chips,
  • nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds),
  • bananas,
  • and the list goes on.

Here are two variations that I’ve photographed and shared here on the blog.

Funfetti Pancakes

Colorful sprinkles and frosting create an epic breakfast treat for a birthday, celebration, or just because. These Funfetti Pancakes will put a smile on anyone’s face.

Funfetti Pancakes on a plate with a fork.

Mini Pancakes

Take your breakfast and brunch to the next level with these adorable and delicious mini pancakes! I stacked my pancakes five high, secured them with a toothpick, and topped them with fresh berries and pure maple syrup for the ultimate presentation and flavor.

maple syrup on pancakes

Homemade Pancake Mix Gift Idea

This homemade pancake mix recipe also makes an excellent holiday gift. Make a batch of the mix and pair it with high-quality pure maple syrup. And if you’re looking for more handmade gift ideas, I have them. Check out the full collection of gifts you can make HERE.

As you probably know, my favorite is Finding Home Farms. It’s the only maple syrup I buy. I keep an ample supply of it on hand so I don’t run out. Yes, it’s that good!

Be sure to check out their holiday collection. The bottle designs are stunning! It makes such a beautiful gift idea especially paired with some homemade pancake mix.

Finding Home Farms organic maple syrup
holiday gift basket with homemade pancake mix and bottle of maple syrup

That’s a wrap on homemade pancake mix!

There you have it – the best mix to make the most fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth, yummy pancakes ever. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try. Enjoy!

stack of pancakes on a plate

Enjoy this and want more from IBC?

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my process. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest!

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

Homemade Pancake Mix

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: breakfast, pancake mix, pancakes
Servings: 10 pancakes
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Learn how to make this easy and delicious Homemade Pancake Mix. #homemade #pancake #mix #breakfast #recipe #pancakes #gift #handmade
One of my go-to’s for breakfast is pancakes. And today I’m sharing my Homemade Pancake Mix recipe with you. Just whip up a batch of this dry mix every couple of months, and you’ll be ready to make pancakes whenever your heart desires.

Ingredients

Dry Mix:
Wet Mix:

Instructions

  • To prepare the pancake mix, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to a large jar or container. Use a whisk to thoroughly combine all the ingredients. This pancake mix can be stored for up to three months.
  • To prepare the pancake batter, add the buttermilk, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract to a medium bowl. Whisk together to combine. Add 1 cup of the prepared dry mix. Stir until just combined. Let the mixture sit for1-2 minutes before cooking.
  • Set your griddle on medium-low heat. Brush with butter. Allow the butter to melt. (Optional: Remove any excess butter with a paper towel.)
  • Pour 1/4 cup* of the batter onto the hot buttered griddle. Cook the pancake until bubbles form on the top and the bottom is golden. (This will take bout 4-5 minutes.) Flip the pancakes and cook about 2 more minutes until golden.
  • Serve with butter and pure maple syrup.
  • This recipe will make 10 pancakes with dry mix left over.

Video

Notes

*1/4 cup of batter makes a 3-inch pancake. You can create a larger or smaller pancake by adjusting the amount of batter you use.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 218kcal • Carbohydrates: 42g • Protein: 6g • Fat: 3g • Saturated Fat: 1g • Cholesterol: 22mg • Sodium: 656mg • Potassium: 85mg • Fiber: 1g • Sugar: 8g • Vitamin A: 98IU • Calcium: 131mg • Iron: 2mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

Making pancakes from scratch doesn’t have to be complicated or take a long time. Make the process easy and delicious with this homemade pancake mix. Whip up a batch of this dry mix every couple of months, and you’ll be ready to make pancakes whenever your heart desires. Bed and Breakfast Approved Pancake Mix I’ll […]




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Gingerbread White Russian

Recipes

Friday
Nov / 18 / 2022
Comments 5
       
Gingerbread White Russian in rocks glasses.


Kahlua, vanilla vodka, cream, and a rich gingerbread syrup come together to create this festive Gingerbread White Russian. Garnished with a mini gingerbread man, this sweet and creamy cocktail will quickly become a new favorite. 

Gingerbread White Russian with gingerbread man garnish.

Gingerbread White Russian

I have a fun and decadent new Christmas cocktail to share with you today: a Gingerbread White Russian! I wanted to make this cocktail last year, but the season went by too quickly and I just didn’t get around to it.

This year I made it a priority so that I could create, photograph, and share it with you in time for the holidays! 

gingerbread White Russian in rocks glass.

You may know I’m a big fan of White Russians.  It is especially wonderful when I am able to create different and unique flavorful variations of the traditional White Russian. I have experimented with a few. In the past, I’ve made the following:

I’m excited to be adding a Gingerbread White Russian to this tasty list! 

Craving more gingerbread-inspired recipes? (I am too!) I have over a dozen gingerbread recipes I know you’re going to love. You can find them all HERE.

Gingerbread White Russians in glasses.

What is a White Russian Cocktail?

In case you’ve never tasted a White Russian, it’s similar to a Kahlua and Cream (essentially just Kahlua and half and half) plus vodka. The resulting cocktail is creamy and rich with hints of cocoa and coffee. It’s almost like dessert in a glass. Personally, I’m a big fan.

What’s in a White Russian?

The standard list of ingredients for a classic White Russian is as follows:

  • coffee liqueur (I prefer Kahlua)
  • vodka
  • half and half (or cream)

For this Gingerbread White Russian, I made these changes:

  • I used vanilla vodka in place of standard vodka for added flavor. 
  • I added homemade gingerbread syrup to give it that classic gingerbread flavor. (I will teach you how to make this below and in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.)
  • A mini gingerbread man cookie acts as a garnish. 

And can we talk about that adorable gingerbread man cookie? I’m IN LOVE. 

Gingerbread White Russian in rocks glasses.

I made it using this gingerbread cookie recipe. The small gingerbread man cookie cutter was part of a set I purchased several years ago. I can’t find the exact set, but you can find a similar set HERE and HERE.

Know that you don’t need to make a whole batch of gingerbread cookies to garnish just one or several Gingerbread White Russians. Instead, your garnish could be a cinnamon stick, a store-bought gingerbread cookie, a gingersnap cookie, etc. Be creative! 

Want more holiday cocktail recipe ideas? Know that I have an entire post dedicated to my favorite Christmas cocktails. There’s something for everyone. You can find all of my favorite holiday cocktail recipes HERE.

I think we are ready to shake one up! 

Gingerbread White Russian in rocks glasses.

How to Make: 

Following are the steps to make this Gingerbread White Russian. I’ve also provided a printable recipe card at the end of this post. 

  1. Begin by making your gingerbread syrup. 
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat add the water, golden syrup, molasses, ginger root, and cinnamon sticks.
  3. Bring to a boil and let bubble for about seven to eight minutes. 
  4. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Allow to cool completely. 
  5. Prepare the cocktail by filling a cocktail shaker with ice. 
making Gingerbread White Russians.
making Gingerbread White Russians.
  1. Add in the vanilla vodka, Kahlua, half and half, and gingerbread syrup. 
  2. Shake vigorously.
making Gingerbread White Russians.
  1. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
  2. Garnish with a gingerbread cookie. 
Gingerbread White Russian with gingerbread man garnish.

Voila!

All that’s left to do is serve, sip, and enjoy! I really think you’re going to love this cocktail.

As you can see, my mini gingerbread man sure does (so much so that he decided to go for a swim in it)! Ha. 

Gingerbread White Russian with gingerbread man garnish.

Cheers to the Season! 

If you’re looking for a sweet and luxurious cocktail treat to serve this holiday season, I highly recommend this Gingerbread White Russian. 

Want more holiday and Christmas inspiration? You’ve got it! Join the Inspired by Charm mailing list HERE so you won’t miss anything I’m sharing all season long. From decor to recipes, I guarantee lots of festive inspiration.

Enjoy! 

Gingerbread White Russian with gingerbread man garnish.

Love this recipe and want more?

Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my process. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest!

Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

Gingerbread White Russians in glasses.

Gingerbread White Russian

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: christmas, cocktail, gingerbread, holiday, white russian
Servings: 1
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 15 mins
Gingerbread White Russian with gingerbread man garnish.
Kahlua, vanilla vodka, cream, and a rich gingerbread syrup come together to create this festive Gingerbread White Russian. Garnished with a mini gingerbread man, this sweet and creamy cocktail will quickly become a new favorite.

Ingredients

Gingerbread Syrup:
Cocktail:
  • 1.5 ounces vanilla vodka
  • 1 ounce Kahlua
  • 2 ounces half and half
  • 1.5 ounces gingerbread syrup

Instructions

  • Begin by making your gingerbread syrup.
  • In a small saucepan over medium heat add the water, golden syrup, molasses, ginger root, and cinnamon sticks.
  • Bring to a boil and let bubble for about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Allow to cool completely. Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
  • Prepare the cocktail by filling a cocktail shaker with ice. Add in the vodka, Kahlua, half and half, and gingerbread syrup. Shake vigorously.
  • Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
  • Garnish with a gingerbread man.

Notes

*Golden syrup is a sweetener that’s popular in England. I was able to easily buy some HERE. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever tasted before. It’s quite good!
I made the mini gingerbread man cookie to garnish this cocktail using this gingerbread cookie recipe. The small gingerbread man cookie cutter was part of a set I purchased several years ago. I can’t find the exact set, but you can find a similar set HERE and HERE.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 426kcal • Carbohydrates: 54g • Protein: 2g • Fat: 7g • Saturated Fat: 4g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g • Monounsaturated Fat: 2g • Cholesterol: 20mg • Sodium: 61mg • Potassium: 432mg • Fiber: 4g • Sugar: 47g • Vitamin A: 221IU • Vitamin C: 1mg • Calcium: 182mg • Iron: 2mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

Kahlua, vanilla vodka, cream, and a rich gingerbread syrup come together to create this festive Gingerbread White Russian. Garnished with a mini gingerbread man, this sweet and creamy cocktail will quickly become a new favorite.  Gingerbread White Russian I have a fun and decadent new Christmas cocktail to share with you today: a Gingerbread White Russian! I […]




THIS POST HAS 5 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.






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