The Holidays are finally here! I've got so many recipes and tricks to pull out, and I'm so excited to be sharing them on this platform. It is currently November 12th, and my house is exploding with Christmas. I couldn't wait another second. My trees are up. I'm working on finalizing my decorations, and I've got the perfect playlist ringing through the house. I plan on putting out several posts between now and Christmas sharing as many recipes and home tips as I can. I wanted to kick off the festive season with some of my holiday essentials. So let's get festive!!
The holidays are all about spending time with the people you love most. It's pretty much the only time of the year where almost everyone is willing to set everything aside and just be in the present. As a realtor, I have a hard time setting down my phone. (I'm always worried a bomb is going to go off if I'm not available - usually not the case, thankfully) But this time of year, anytime I'm with my favorite people I really try to focus on being present with them.
It's also a dreamy time of the year for me because my planning and cooking senses go haywire. I want to cook for everyone and throw parties, and literally just have the best time all the time! Unfortunately, I have to reel it in a little (not much. I tend to get way too excited).
Whether you're with 2 or 20 of your favorites, you can celebrate and enjoy community together in the most festive ways! This post consist of a few ideas and tips for making your home a cozy wonderland, and also ideas for your annual parties! Here's a simple list of ways to kick off the holiday season.
Apple Cider
I am completely obsessed with apple cider. I absolutely love it. So much so, I'm currently drinking it everyday. I've discovered the best apple cider money can buy. I serve it every year during any holiday party, and I am always asked how it's made. The secret is good apple juice and a special cider spice. This cider is amazing warm or chilled. I've been keeping a carafe in the fridge to enjoy throughout the day.
Recipe
If you have a juicer, then this is the perfect time to bring it out. 6lbs of apples should get 2 liters. If you don't have one, then grab your favorite jar of 100% apple juice from the store.
Aspen Mulling Cider Spices - my secret weapon for every winter holiday party. Find it here.
Turn the stove onto medium heat.
Pour apple juice into a large pot on the stove, and once the juice is warm, 1 carton of Aspen Mulling Cider Mix. If you feel like you need more liquid, you can add a cup or two of water. You just don't want to dilute it too much.
Once well combined, turn heat down to low.
Optional: I like to toss in a few cinnamon sticks and orange slices for good measure.
Serve warm and enjoy.
Chilled Cider
Prepare Cider as noted above then cool on stove.
Once cool enough, pour all the contents of the pot into a large pitcher, add a few cinnamon sticks, orange slices, and a couple of rosemary sprigs.
Serve over ice.
Optional: run an orange slice over the rim of the glass then roll rim in cider mix for an extra festive touch.
Stove Top Simmer
I absolutely adore stove top simmers. They are wonderful throughout the year, but during the holidays they make your home smell so cozy and warm! There are so many different simmers out there. This one just happens to be my favorite.
Ingredients
-1 orange, sliced.
- 1 lemon, sliced.
- 4-5 cinnamon sticks
- 1/4 cup Williams Sonoma Mulling Spices - mix of cloves, cinnamon, allspice, and orange.
- Freshly grated nutmeg
- Several fresh sprigs of rosemary or pine clippings
- Optional: 1 vanilla bean or 1 tsp vanilla extract.
Fill a pot half way full of water, add all ingredients, and bring to gentle boil before simmering on low for hours.
Pro Tip: Heading to party? A stove top simmer kit is a wonderful hosting gift! Just replace fresh ingredients with dried and put into a cute jar or baggy.
Scents I Am Loving
This list will double as a scent gift guide! Scents are always a good idea. They are easy and everyone loves them!
Love this candle during the holidays. Perfect for the one who loves a crispy, clean scent.
This is also at the top of my list. So good.
Music
There is something so peaceful about having calm music ringing through my home. It's honestly pure bliss. Especially during the holidays, dreamy music brings everything to life. I love to play piano, light jazz or Christmas jazz, and even calming scores from favorite movies. You don't understand the magic of decorating your home for Christmas until you've done it while listening to scores from The Chronicles of Narnia.
I have several playlists I've put together specifically to play through the house during this time of year. But if you aren't sure where to start, there are wonderful playlists ready to go on Spotify. You can also find my Spotify account and listen to mine anytime!
These are just a few easy ways I like to spruce up my home for the holidays
Thank you for checking in.
xx Lauren
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