Saturday, December 20, 2014

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS...CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR PART 2





I am still in the candle making groove, and always looking for ideas for Mason jars.  This time I used a layer of rock salt, or ice cream salt which you can find at your grocery store.  Another layer of fresh cranberries and a tea light candle.  Thanks, Jody, from Rooted In Thyme, for the rock salt idea.


You saw a few peeks of the stockings I had going on this year.  I wanted to include my kid's partners, I love them all.  The stockings were made by Southouse Designs.  Their handiwork is incredible.  These are not massed produced stockings and I chose different fabric, trim and buttons for each one.  They are all lined so beautifully.  The little cedar rounds were an idea from KariAnne at Thistlewood Farm.  I had The Husband drill the holes, and attached them to the stockings with twine.  Everyone loves them!  When the kids were little, I would fill their stockings with donuts, juice boxes and oranges...that was breakfast Christmas morning!















Shred 2 cups of cooked turkey or chicken.  Set aside.  In a large saucepan saute 2 cloves of garlic and 1 small onion, finely chopped, in 2 T of butter.  When onions are softened, about two minutes, add 1 1/2 cups of frozen peas and carrots, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes.  Sprinkle in 1/3 cup of flour, gently stirring for about a minute.  Add 1 cup of chicken broth, 3/4 c milk or heavy cream (I used half milk, half cream) slowly, whisking as you go along.  As it thickens add 1 T each dried thyme and tarragon and salt and pepper to taste.  Add your cooked turkey or chicken and let simmer 2 minutes.  Remove from heat and cover.  Gently roll out 1 sheet of puff pastry, extending about an inch on all sides.  Slice the sheet in four pieces.  Spray 4 ramekins, I used these soup bowls, with oil.  Ladle in the hot chicken/veggie mixture.  Top with puff pastry, pressing sides down around the edges of the ramekin.  Brush lightly with a beaten egg.  In a preheated oven at 375 degrees, bake for 30-35 minutes, watching so tops don't brown too much.  Serves 4.

I think the spices I used were absolutely on the money.  The proportions of flour to liquid made for a very rich creamy sauce.  You can make the filling ahead of time, I'm sure, and put it all together in about 5 minutes (heat up the filling a bit first).  Keep this on file for an after Christmas treat. :)









I have wrapping to do and baking and that is very calming and happy to me, a really relaxing and indulgent activity during the last few days before Christmas.  I went to the mall on Friday and finished everything up.  My son, Jeff, expressed surprise that I wasn't shopping online.  Although I have a lot in the past I told him that in the past few years I've found that I have the Christmas spirit a lot more if I actually get out there.  I know, it goes against our grain...the commercialism, the crowds, the people who turn into Grinches.  For myself, I just can't give up on the human race.  We need to get out there, smile at others, spread some cheer.  I know, I'm being Pollyanish again, but I have done the online shopping quite a bit and Christmas shopping seemed to turn into a desk job with a To Do list for buying gifts.  Sorry, I love the music, the bright colors everywhere, the inspiration I get seeing items I can touch, and the  feeling of  that light bulb going off when I know a gift is perfect for someone.     And really, the store people are very sweet and helpful.  On Friday I was in a shop and I was weighted down with bags in both hands.  A salesgirl actually insisted on taking my bags while I searched for some candles for my girls.  In another store, I couldn't reach a shirt hung up high along a wall.  I looked around frantically, spotted a teenage boy (very tall) and asked if he could help me.  He smiled and blushed a little and came over to help me.  It's a warm feeling when we do for others (or they do for us), and share the joy of the holidays, put the frustrations behind.  Anyway, that's my little message today. :)

I'll be back after Christmas with some pictures of our family celebrations, some of the pretty tablescapes I'm sure I'll see, and a little bit about the brunch (with a recipe or two) I'm having here with The Husband and our huge family of ten.  Life is good.

Merry Christmas and love to all of you, my dear friends.

Jane xx

39 comments:

It's me said...

Wowwww your home look amazing...filled with Christmas spirit.....owww your sweet dog is so cute...love from me Ria...x!

Julie Marie said...

Merry Christmas dear Jane... love all of your pretty decorations, and I hope the pups feel better soon... I have caught a darn flu bug somewhere so have been laying low too... hope your holidays are the best ever!... much love, xoxo... Julie Marie

Rita C at Panoply said...

Merry Christmas, Jane! I love that you took the spirit of Christmas literally and shopped the real way. Those are the best memories I have of Christmas, when I was younger. I took my girls for a shopping spree one day last week, but otherwise did my shopping online - agree, it's not the same thing. I feel sorry for the retail workers when the stores are left in such a mess from careless shoppers.
Love your latest finds - lol, wouldn't even have noticed the toaster or banana had you not pointed them out!
I'll be running my own marathon - in the kitchen - the next few days, leading up to hosting around 25 (last count) of my family on Christmas Eve. "See you after the holiday, and enjoy your time with family!
XO
Rita

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I agree, Jane, I felt good being out in some stores this year and I have to say the crowds on the days/times I went were not bad. This year I think I split my shopping between online and in-store. One morning I took off work and went to the outlet. It was great! I got some gifts, there was practically nobody there, and, even though it was cold, the sun was out.

Love your Charlie Brown Christmas tree! Such a cute one for the kitchen. The greens look great, too. I am always thrilled with how something as simple as adding greens to some container gives a festive look.

Anonymous said...

everything looks super amazing, I hope the pups feel better soon, have the best Christmas!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Everything looks so pretty and the pot pies and brie both sound fabulous. Merry Christmas to you and your family. God Bless.

Betsy Brock said...

Love all your festive details! You're going to have such fun with that wagon all year long! The possibilities are endless!

I know what you mean about the wrapping and baking a few days before. It is relaxing and fun when you aren't stressed and rushed and you know the shopping is done. I'm going to enjoy that the next couple of days, too!

Hope the pups feel better!

Theresa said...

Merry Christmas to you dear Jane:) I love that wagon and I can certainly see why you purchased it! Enjoy each moment and tell the Pups I hope they feel better! Sending HUGS your way!

Kit said...

Oh how I loved this part ~ smile at others, spread some cheer~ So true! I like the human factor too. I will go out and spread some cheer at Target tomorrow. :) I love all your decor and touches. So funny, before I saw your first pic, I have a tree all year round in my dining room. Yesterday I added a small glass heart to it. Perfect! Merry Christmas! Kit

Primitive Stars said...

Morning Jane, yes, down to the wire. I love the Christmas decorating, the scale is wonderful as is the sweet tree, love them. Enjoy the holidays my friend, Blessings Francine.

Marigene said...

Love your little kitchen tree, Jane.
Layla looks like a little burrito wrapped in the blanket! Hope her a Milo are feeling better each day.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Sonia said...

So many beautiful details. You always have such pretty little touches in your home. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year with your family!
Miss Bloomers

Terri Steffes said...

Loved your tour. Those stockings are gorgeous. I loved the pic of the dog in the blanket. Sorry to hear that the dog was sick! I am a sucker for pot pies. Love everything about them. Yours sound delish.

podso said...

It all looks lovely and you look "ready." I love the wagon! And the poor puppies, how cute all bundled up trying to get well. You all have a wonderful Christmas together.

Beth said...

Everything looks beautiful, Jane. I love that little wagon and your gorgeous tree! Have a blessed Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

Barbara F. said...

Everything looks beautiful, Jane. I hope your doggies are feeling better. I am back to posting. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

Merry Christmas my friend! Love the wagon, and I hope your sweet pooches feel better soon. :(

xxx

Anonymous said...

Pot pies are a favorite of mine in winter and I will try your recipe for sure. Mine recipe is an all day affair to make and fill up the freezer! Merry Christmas!
Ginene

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Jane your house tour was very enjoyable. How precious the Milo and Layla ornament is! I love the old wooden wagon and Charlie Brown trees are always the best. Wishing you and your hubby and family a very Merry Christmas.
Sending love,
Vera

Sarah said...

Merry Christmas, Jane. Looks like your family will celebrate in style in your beautifully decorated home. Hope the pups are better soon. All the best, my friend. ~ Sarah

Jenny S. said...

Merry Christmas from my home to yours. Enjoy the coming days with your family. Look forward to hearing about it all whenever the hustle and bustle is over. Stay safe.

farmhouse-story said...

the stockings are adorable, jane, and i love the name tags you made for them:) the vintage wagon was a fabulous find! love the scales and cute charlie brown tree, too! thanks for sharing the yummy recipe. have a merry, merry christmas!

Traci said...

The candle is so pretty! That's so creative. I love all of your Christmas decor. The pot pie looks really good! I can't tell you the last time I had a pot pie!

Linda said...

Everything looks all Christmasy and warm and cozy!! I am about to wrap presents while Louis Dean bakes cinnamon rools. He will bake DOZENS of them!!!

Merry Christmas!

Kathleen Grace said...

Your home looks beautiful Jane! Nothing bats fresh greens, and that old wood wagon! Be still my heart, I'm wrestling with some wicked envy right now. You are going to have so much fun filling that for the seasons. I have to admit, I did ALL my shopping online this year. It's been a very busy season and I am still working on some home made gifts for Thursday so I need to get back to that, but I do usually love the decorations and festive atmosphere of the stores. If I shop the stores though I have to do it early in the season. Wishing you and the family a very Merry Christmas!

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

Loved this post! The cedar rounds are perfect for the stockings. Love that idea. My hubby would love those homemade pot pies! Hope your pups start feeling better soon! Do they have kennel cough? A friend of mine takes her dog to a kennel when they're on vacation and they always have to prove he's had the kennel cough vaccine before they let him in. Apparently it's pretty contagious, and can last for up to 3 weeks, but it's not very harmful to them. Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year!

bj said...

Merry Christmas,Blondie...:)

Melanie said...

Love the stockings, the ribbon on the tree (vs garland), that gorgeous wagon, the scale, and the Charlie Brown tree - I think it's darling! Those cedar-round name tags on the stocking really add to them...where did you find the cedar rounds themselves? Also, what is the name of the woman's FB page that sells the vintage items? I'm so sorry to hear your dogs are still coughing. I hope they'll be OK. Food...those pot pies look amazing. I will be making those for sure! And the baked brie sounds delicious, as well. I forgot to tell you - I made your tetrazzini recipe from a few weeks ago and I did all the tweaks, too (and added a couple of my own - of which I can't remember now, of course! ha ha)...it was really good. Glad you enjoyed shopping in stores this year and that it was pleasant. With being an introvert, I prefer to do as much shopping as I can online. But you already knew that. ;-) I know I owe you an email...forgive me for being so late...it's been a crazy week and weekend. I plan on catching up tomorrow.

Carla from The River said...

I love how you write. You are so sweet in the way to describe your shopping trip. Good for you for spreading cheer!

Love all of your ideas and photos.
Thank you.

Merry Christmas
Carla

Bluebird49 said...

Yep-we're with the kids and grandkids and everything is done, and we're ready! The house looks beautiful, and the recipes sound so good. Glad it's all done, aren't you!!
trudyxxx

Elaine said...

Very pretty details of your Christmas décor I would have wrestled you for that wagon too! You have a little festival of trees going on there. I do the same. All my trees are small so it is not too overwhelming.

I sure hope your pups get better soon. Your sick dog is still adorable! And he has such a nice throw to snuggle into.

Have a wonderful Christmas. I still have shopping and wrapping to do. Wish me luck!!

Susie said...

Blondie, Your poor dogs. I hate for animals to be sick...cause it's hard to tend to them. I love all your decorations. That wagon will pay for it's self with all the times you will decorate with it. Love the stockings and the tags...you are a crafty clever girl. I want to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year. xoxo,Susie

Penny said...

Merry Christmas Jane! Enjoy your family. From our house to yours.

Unknown said...

Love the scale. Your tree looks great. I hope you and your family enjoy the Christmas season.

cathy@my1929charmer said...

I want that wagon, really I do! Everything looks really nice and filled with the Christmas spirit.Hope your paw family feels better soon. Wishing you a happy Christmas!

Val said...

Beautiful, Jane, all of it. I love the idea of your kids' long-ago Christmas breakfasts in their stockings. That is so clever and sweet. ♥ Merry Christmas!!

Lori said...

Hope you had the most wonderful Christmas with all your family and that your fur babies feel better soon xo

Gypsy Heart said...

Beautiful ~ everywhere! Thanks for sharing the pot pie and brie recipes. Sounds so good! I like to bake brie with fresh cranberries too.

Glad you enjoyed being out and about shopping!

xo
Pat
P.S. I so hope the dogs are well!

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