Photo courtesy of Advocacy Lots of us have taken steps to reduce our impact on the earth, and if not, we know just the New Year’s resolution for you! It’s time to celebrate a new beginning, and is you’re throwing a party, why not start acting early by making it a green one! Find alternative for paper. Before the party, ditch paper invitations and send out evites, while encouraging friends to carpool or use public [...]

Whether you’re decorating for a New Year’s bash or whipping together some gifts to bring to a party, these silver champagne cozies will be welcome at every dining table! They look glamorous and help you avoid drips and slips until you’re ready to pop the cork at midnight! They remind us of wine bottles wrapped in simple napkins at fine restaurants, with a bit more pizzazz. Photo and instructions courtesy of BHG Materials 1 silver [...]

Photo courtesy of Eat Me Daily Hotchocspoons from the Chocolate Company in Europe have come up with a brilliant gift idea to get your hot chocolate fix, stat! These wooden spoons hold 50 grams of solidified chocolate that just needs to be submerged and stirred in hot liquid. They come in over 50 varieties, including ones that include a shot whisky or amaretto, strawberry and pink peppercorn, a white chocolate, and even a seaweed flavor [...]

Photo and instructions courtesy of Andrea’s Recipes Ingredients gingerbread men dough for 10 stars or 2 recipes for 20 stars icing in yellow, green and white sprinkles and candy to decorate Directions Prepare one or two batches of gingerbread dough and cut and bake 20 star cookies, 2 of each size, according to the recipe. Allow the cookies to cool completely. (TIP: Make a day or two ahead to spread the project out a bit [...]

Image and directions courtesy of Resurrection Fern Somehow, felt makes everything a bit more cozy this time of year! Maybe it’s the softness, the bright colors, or the way wool can be shaped into everything! Resurrection Fern features some breathtaking examples of festive felt, such as felted wreaths and stones. Materials wool fleece stones or wreath forms from your craft shop Directions Take a large bowl or fill the sink with hot soapy water. Take [...]

Fans of Elfster on Facebook will stay up to date with the latest news and keep in touch with other fans! Also, did you know that a simple application on Facebook will let you plan everything you need for your Secret Santa, without leaving your social network? Most of us who use Facebook are already connected with our closest family and friends this way, so it’s only logical that we make this feature possible with [...]

These beautiful square wreaths add just a bit more spunk and personality to your door! They also offer traditional shapes, but the simplicity and surprise of these balance each other perfectly, and ring in the season with a twist! Image courtesy of Gardens Austin . . . Traditional mistletoe is such a hassle, and can’t follow you around wherever you mingle, like this adorable hair clip! You’ll always be standing under the mistletoe with this [...]

Photo and recipe courtesy of She Simmers One can never have enough last-minute gift ideas, and these French herb blends are a classy, inexpensive, and useful gift for any cook! When packaged in a charming jar with a bit of ribbon and a card, it truly becomes greater than the sum of its parts. Known as herbes de provence, this quintessential blend is delicious on all kinds of roasted meats and vegetables. The best way [...]

Photo and instructions courtesy of Twig and Thistle This is one of those never-fail decoration projects that make any room look cheerier, but we somehow never get around to making it, or shell out lots of money buying it at the store. Now, thanks to Twig and Thistle, you have a tutorial for this rather simple craft that will turn out perfect garlands every time. For anyone who can’t resist picking up those pine cones [...]

Photo and instructions courtesy of Go Go Abigail If you’re like me and have a soft spot for all things miniature, these glittered reindeer in a box is the answer to your DIY dreams! We’ve seen them sold at stores for almost $20, but now you can make a mini wonderland for less than $10 and a quick trip to the arts and crafts store! Materials toy reindeer tacky glue silver glitter dried moss wooden [...]