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Last Minute Offerings

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Nandina is a lovely choice for decorating this time of the year, and here it’s perch in a styrofoam ring atop a Williamsburg hurricane globe. No water is needed to keep this beauty alive for days, making it a colorful last minute addition to your Christmas decor! 

Choose to add the touch of a natural seasonal element or two—like pine cones or berries—perhaps a sprig of boxwood or holly–to any unexpected spot and enjoy the lively texture it brings to an everyday spot! 

The kitchen is the place include a bit of merriment—so go ahead, tuck a festive arrangement in an out-of-the-way corner, tie up a wreath with a bow in the window, and pull on your apron! Time’s running out, and you will not want to miss the chance to roast-up some Sweet and Hot Party Pecans—made with Jack Daniel’s Whiskey. 

Choose to add the touch of a natural seasonal element or two—like pine cones or berries—perhaps a sprig of boxwood or holly–to any unexpected spot and enjoy the lively texture it brings to an everyday spot! 

The kitchen is the place include a bit of merriment—so go ahead, tuck a festive arrangement in an out-of-the-way corner, tie up a wreath with a bow in the window, and pull on your apron! Time’s running out, and you will not want to miss the chance to roast-up some Sweet and Hot Party Pecans—made with Jack Daniel’s Whiskey. 

RECIPE: JACK’S SWEET AND HOT PARTY PECANS

  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter (don’t use a substitute)
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
  • 3 Tablespoons sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons Tabasco Sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 4 cups Pecans (about 1 lb.)

Combine the butter, sugar, whiskey, Tabasco Sauce, garlic powder and salt in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring to mix well. Boil for three minutes. Add the pecans and mix to completely coat.

Spread the pecans in a single layer in a shallow baking pan. Bake at 300 degrees for 30 minutes or until crisp, stirring occasionally. Col and store in an airtight container. (These will freeze nicely.)

I’ve definitely mentioned before that birds (and almost any kind) are a significant element in my decorating, whether it’s Christmas or not! Here a pair of white doves look beautiful when placed against a backdrop of silver and gold. With greenery added in, the corner becomes a great place to feature holiday spirit.

 . . . .and way up high above a cornice board is a cluster of fresh magnolia and Japanese cryptomeria. Of course, a satin bow in the accent color of the master bedroom ties a little sassiness in where normally only dust resides.

A centerpiece of glistening deer, magnolia, and white chrysanthemums in tiny vases makes a very cheerful presentation. It’s one that is easy to be made low enough to see across the table to the person on the other side, and that is a very good thing to consider.

When it comes right down to it, details are the most fun part of decorating. I love adding a bit of characteristically Christmas emphasis at every possible opportunity. A sparkling star and a satin bow tied beneath an accent lamp—little touches won’t take but a second to do at the last minute. They will make you smile with every glance!

Decorating for the holidays has been a fun experience to share with you. I hope it’s provided you with some new ideas, some helpful ones, and a recipe or two that will become a traditional favorite in your home. Blessing to you and yours as you celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ!

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