Bring the bold look to your windows by hanging more ornaments from ribbons.

 

                      

 

For a modern tablescape, place a runner of blue tulle (inexpensively purchased at the fabric store) down the center of your table. Next, set a glass punch bowl on a metallic blue wreath (only $2 at Target!!) and fill with more ornaments. Flank the bowl with 2 mini trees, drape some ribbon and sprinkle with more ornaments. You've got a table worth talking about in only five minutes!

 

                 

Red is always the Color of the Month for December. The power of red is distinctive throughout the world. Did you know that in India brides wear red gowns instead of white? In China it is the color of luck and happiness, while here in the Western World it is the color of love and passion. It is a traditional color for holiday decorating, but looks great in the home year-round, too. The dining room below is chic and sophisticated with rich gray walls and dramatic red upholstery.

 

                      

The living room below should inspire those of you with color courage. Not for the faint of heart, this is a daring and dramatic use of color.

 

      

 

I always tell you that if you aren't adventurous enough to paint your walls a bold color, you can accessorize with it for an equally attractive look. The key to this look is balancing the red accents evenly throughout the room.

 

                 

The rustic mantle below was crafted from pinecones gathered on a brisk late autumn walk.  In the Carolinas we are blessed with an abundance of pine trees, and the ground below them is littered with pinecones. Enlist your family to gather bags of pinecones to bring home for one of a kind displays. String some together to form the garland, place some in pots and urns as topiaries, and fill baskets and bowls with the extras for a pretty tabletop display.  

 

                       

 

For an organic centerpiece, fill a bowl or basket with fruits, nuts, pinecones, and greenery. Finish off by sticking some tapers among it for an inviting display.

                  

                   

 

My birth certificate may show I was born in New Jersey, but I have thoroughly embraced all things Southern. Manors and Manners, Beaches and Mountains, Wheeping Willows and Magnolias, Hospitality and Hope, Grits and Gravy,  the south has it all. One southern classic is the Pecan Pie. I have a great recipe that improves upon the tradition with the addition of chocolate, because everything is better with chocolate, right? It is very simple to make, and a great gift when visiting friends or relatives.

 

Chocolate Chunk Pecan Pie

 

1 refrigerated or frozen pie crust, baked as directed on package

1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped

4 T unsalted butter

2 eggs

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup dark corn syrup

1/4 cup heavy cream

3/4 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp salt

1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans

6 ounces quality bittersweet chocolate (Lindt or Ghiradelli)

 

1. Place butter and unsweetened chocolate in a microwave safe cup and microwave until chocolate is melted (check every 30 seconds). Allow to cool.

2. In a large bow, beat eggs until light and fluffy. Beat in sugar and corn syrup until well blended. Beat in cream, vanilla, and salt, then the cooled chocolate-butter mixture. Fold in nuts and chocolate chunks.

3. Pour filling into the cooled piecrust and place on baking sheet. Bake in the center of a preheated 350 degree oven 45 minutes, or until center still wiggles very slightly (it will set completely as it cools; do not overbake or filling will be dry).

Most people say there are only two things guaranteed in life: death and taxes. Well I would like to submit to you a third guarantee: No matter how bad your life is, there is always someone worse off than you. I believe that it is more important to give than to receive. Additionally, it has been my personal experience that when I give generously, whether it be of time or money, the rewards I get are exponentially greater than anything I might have given. In this spirit, I am going to share with you each month opportunities available for us all to give back, for we are all greatly blessed, even in these times of struggle.

  

How many of us live in warm homes with forgotten coats and blankets stashed away in the closets? I know I am guilty. The Charlotte Observer has launched a coat and blanket drive to benefit the clients of Crisis Assistance Ministry.  There are thousands of families that can't afford a new coat for themselves or their children and are shivering themselves to sleep. Please take some time out of this busy holiday season and go through your closets. You can drop your extra coats and blankets at any Mecklenburg County library, Queen City Audio, Video, & Appliance Store or the Charlotte Observer's lobby now through December 23rd. Give the gift of warmth to someone less fortunate. For more information about the many services of Crisis Assistance Ministry you can go to their website crisisassistance.org or contact Kris Van Riper at 704-371-3001, ext 126. 

 

Angels and Sparrows Soup Kitchen