Deck the Halls with....lots of GARLAND!

Sure, holly is nice, but Garland is FUN! Not only will a little garland add an unexpected touch to your holiday decorations this year, but it can be reused throughout the year for birthdays, showers, and any other Shindig that you have planned. Here are a few of my favorites:

This Cream Ruffled Crepe Garland by The Gilded Bee is perfect for tree trimming, gift wrapping, and decorating this holiday season.



Whether you use this Retro Tissue Fringe from Bake it Pretty to rock your doorway, trim a table runner, or edge a cake stand, it is sure to add some Pa-Zazz to your Party!



This Red and White Peppermint Stick Yo Yo Garland by Back Yard Prims will add a touch of whimsy to your tree, mantel, or doorway.



15 feet of this Christmas Garland by Tina Magee Sews will add some Fa-la-la-la to your holiday season!


Happy Decorating!

I'm Back!

So sorry for the lack of post this past week. Between traveling, Thanksgiving, and ALL of the birthdays in our family, I have been busy. I am back now and look forward to sharing some great holiday ideas and parties with you in the coming weeks.

Happy Holidays!

Thanksgiving: Box it up!

One of my favorite fellow party girls, Lindi of Love the Day, is sharing a wonderful free Thanksgiving printable just in time for your day of feasting. These adorable Pie Boxes will help you clear out some of the leftovers. Simply download here, print, cut, tape, and package leftover pie slices for your guests to take home and enjoy later. Easy, super cute, and FREE. Doesn't get much better than that!





Love the Day also offers a matching Happy Harvest collection that can be purchased here. Thank you for sharing this, Lindi.

Walnut-Stuffed Slow-Cooked Apples

I was browsing around the web this afternoon looking for a new dessert recipe to bring to Thanksgiving dinner this year. Someone in our family always brings the traditional apple and pumpkin pies but as yummy as they look and smell, I am just not a big pie fan. Sorry! So, I always try to come up with an alternative dessert option to bring to the table. I came across this Walnut-Stuffed Slow Cooked Apples recipe from Cooking Light, one of my all-time favortie recipe sources.

Not only is this recipe a great low-fat option for your Thanksgiving feast (not that anyone will really be keeping track....it's Thanksgiving!) but they look amazing. Top them off with a little whipped cream, frozen yogurt, or ice cream and you're good to go!

Want to give it a try? Here's the recipe:

Walnut-Stuffed Slow Cooked Apples
Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1 apple and 1/4 cup cooking liquid)

Ingredients
1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
3 tablespoons dried currants
2 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
4 medium Granny Smith apples, cored
1 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup apple cider

Preparation
Combine first 3 ingredients in a small bowl; add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, stirring to combine. Peel top third of each apple; place apples in an electric slow cooker. Spoon walnut mixture into cavity of each apple.

Combine the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 cup brown sugar, and apple cider in a small bowl, stirring to combine. Pour over apples. Cover with lid; cook on LOW 2 3/4 hours. Remove the apples with a slotted spoon. Spoon 1/4 cup cooking liquid over each serving.

Fruit and Veggie Table

As much as I love a good dessert table (especially if chocolate is involved!), I have to admit that I often feel guilty serving my guests (especially children) a table full nutritionally void sugar concoctions, no matter how beautiful they look. Of course I know that a splurge here and there is part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle but with a background in dietetics and health promotion and a life-long love of healthy living, I just can't help myself. So, when I came across this Fruit and Veggie table by Esther Kim of My Bride Story I instantly fell in love.


Like myself and many other moms out there, Esther is conscious of what her son eats and wanted to present fruits & veggies in a fun and stylish way that would appeal to both parents and kids. With a menu of freshly cut fruits and veggies, salads, yogurt parfaits, and pumpkin latte shots, Esther did more than accomplish her goal. She has inspired so many others (including myself) to rise to the challenge and do the same. Way to go!








Isn't it beautiful! My mouth is watering and I wouldn't feel guilty serving or eating anything on this table for one second. Perfect! A fruit and veggie table would be a great addition to a holiday party or any Shindig for that matter. Even if it was paired alongside a traditional dessert table, your guests would have the option of enjoying beautiful FOOD that was presented in a beautiful manner. I hope that you are as inspired as I am. My mind is racing with healthy ideas... a healthy New Years Eve table may be in my future. Thank you, thank you, Esther!

Fab Find: Cupcake Carrier

This week's Fab Find is a tried and true Sheek Shindigs favorite. The Progressive Cupcake Carrier will make your life so much easier when you have to transport (or even just store) cupcakes for your next shindig. This tiered carrier can hold up to 24 cupcakes (or a layered round cake). It features cool little finger indents on each side of the individual cupcake holders to allow for easy cupake removal and it collapses to half its original height for easy storage.



I have used my Cupcake Carrier many, many times over the past year and can proudly say that I haven't had any cupcake casualties yet! This would make a great holiday gift for your favorite hostess, baker, or fellow mom (yep, great for transporting cupcakes to the classroom for birthday or holiday celebrations).



And don't forget about yourself. If you don't already have one, add it to your holiday wish list! For more details, check it out here.

The Paper Bag Turkey

Want a fun and unique centerpiece for the Thanksgiving "kids table" this year? One Charming Party has one for you: the paper bag turkey.

Isn't it cute! I know that my kids would think that this was super cool and they would love the surprise inside (popcorn!).

No culinary skills needed for this turkey creation. Just 1 large brown grocery bag, 2 small brown lunch bags, a glue gun, scissors, white paper, and some popcorn! You can find the complete DIY instructions from One Charming Party here. Have fun with this one!