Holiday Hosting!

I LOVE me some good holiday parties, if you are hosting here are some fun ideas from some lovely bloggers that I have rounded up for you!

Cookie swap party + hot cocoa bar from Merrick's Art:

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See how to make these fun stars HERE

Add a unique treat:

Love this idea from Just-Between-Friends 

Caramel PEARS so unique to Christmas and it looks pretty:)

Recipe HERE

Decor, you don't have to go way over board (unless you want to of course) here are some simple  ways to add a little flair to your party: 

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I love the rustic simplicity of this decor, add greenery, frames (with just hand written parts to a christmas song), and labels to food simple yet perfect!

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Cloth napkins made pretty! Cinnamon stick, pine, and twine! Beautiful. 

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Great idea for center pieces: Holly, glass container, and tea lights! 

Name Tags: 

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Get Some Christmas Aroma in the AIR!

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Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
• 3 tangerines, halved
• 3 whole cinnamon sticks
  
  
• 2 star anise (optional) gives a strong black licorice smell.
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 1 inch piece fresh ginger
• 1 vanilla bean + 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 small branch fresh pine
• 1 cup apple cider, pomegranate or cranberry juice
• water


Instructions

Combine all the ingredients in a medium size sauce pot. Fill the pot with water until it reaches 3/4 the way full. Place the pot on the stove and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, adding more water as needed. I let mine simmer for close to 4 hours and then let it cool over night and simmer again the next day. Just be sure to keep adding more water.

For more wonderful recipes check out: Half Baked Harvest