‘Tis the last Friday Faves of the season because next week I’ll be prancing and dancing my way through all of the holiday jingles with my family.
In This Post
As of today, Smudge is out of school and it’s time to celebrate and chill. My sister and fam arrive the day after Christmas and oh what joy we will have! I hope you’ll all be living it up with your family or loved ones too. Pay attention to it. It goes too fast and too soon becomes merely a memory.
On a side note, thank you to so many of you who sent condolences and warm wishes on the loss of our sweet 13-year-old chow/shepherd “puppy”, Chewy.
He was the light of our life and loved by all, especially Smudge and her gaggle of pals (taken just 2 days before he passed). It just isn’t the same around here without him underfoot, waiting for just one morsel of food to fall to the floor. We’ve lost 2 of our dogs in just one year and it’s not been easy for this family of dog lovers. Our chihuahua Pippa is still under the covers keeping me warm at night. Whether I want her to or not. I’ll take it.
This week’s Friday Faves has a happy holiday vibe. We may not have snow, but I do have presents in links for you to see!
THIS is FREAKING AMAZING, and I haven’t been a Star Wars fan since 4th grade! Wait til you see minute 1:35! Some people are so talented.
There’s still time! Best cocktails, hostess gifts and what to wear in this guide for How to throw a holiday party.
25 fresh holiday seasonal decor ideas from whimsical tablesettings to gift wrap and even a Christmas piñata!
I love this holiday themed—and gorgeous—flavored water station, drinkable for all ages.
This sequin party dress. Utterly perfect.
and…
From luxurious to lounge-esque, what to wear on Christmas day.
High-stylers, look here.
Low-key, keep it comfy.
I shared my printable recipe card here, but in case you missed it, download and share it with your favorite holiday recipe. **It’s an editable PDF (the recipe above IS NOT ON THE CARD so you can even e-mail it with your own recipe as a gift to a friend. To download the editable 3 X 5 recipe card above, click here.
Last minute gifts from the kitchen:
I’ll bring the ice cream : Whiskey Caramel
Draw me a tub : 3 Ingredient Peppermint Scrub
Good on, well, everything : Easy 3-ingredient Chocolate Sauce
10 best Christmas movies streaming on Netflix. Can you believe I’ve never seen Love Actually?
The holiday tipping checklist and how much is just enough.
Celebrities, they’re just like us! How 25 celebrities decorated the tree this year. Okay, Beyonce always outdoes…
I shared this list of random acts of kindness a few weeks ago and Smudge has been putting it into action! This weekend: Candy cane bombing!
7 simple ways to make guests feel extra welcome in your holiday home.
What I’m giving myself for Christmas: I’ve been searching high and low for a unique tray for my living room table. THIS is the one!
Take a look, no, a closer look. It’s a horse head squirrel feeder! It’s all I want for Christmas. Make. My. Day.
And these kicks, for myself, natch. White or black?
I don’t know about you, but I’m almost, ALMOST, done with my holiday shopping. That is, until I hit the local boutiques to #shopsmall with my mama today and then who knows what will find it’s way under the tree. Some of my favorite local shopping spots in Salt Lake City that really make me feel the holiday spirit are:
Apt. 202 Boutique : A tailored mix of modern meets traditional with clothing of a more clean, chic look. I never leave without coveting something. Owner Ashley Rothwell and her staff pride themselves in helping customers curate their own unique style and do double duty as personal stylists as well. Don’t miss: Her selection of simple, modern jewelry is affordable and totally on trend and her husband’s MC Hair Salon sits conveniently in the back of the store. 955 E. 900 South, Salt Lake City
Katie Waltman Jewelry : Perhaps winning the award for tiniest boutique in Salt Lake City, owner/designer Katie Waltman proves that big things come in small packages at her specialty store in the 9th and 9th area. Known for her handmade jewelry designs that are carried in multiple boutiques and stores in Utah and online, Katie’s simple designs are a favorite online and off. Don’t miss: Katie’s now expanded to carrying women’s clothing to complete the look. 962 E. 900 South, Salt Lake City
Maison Confiserie et Boutique : For anyone searching for the perfect appetizer dishes for a hostess gift, perfectly designed letterpress cards and personalized stamps for your hipster co-worker or that manly flask for the boyfriend, owner Beckie Winston acquires unique gifts not found elsewhere in the city, making Maison a secret city gem. Don’t miss: One wall of the store is stocked with an entire wall of vintage candy (I Instagrammed it here), and they keep the sweetness flowing by making cotton candy in-store, or on-site for your special occasion. 1291 S. 1100 East, Salt Lake City
19 gingerbread houses that are more Instagrammable than the one you live in.
What a genious way to give a gift card!
And because he will always be in our heart, 15 of the cutest, meanest, and most hilarious letters ever written to Santa Claus.
And, for all you procrastinators out there, It’s not too late! 200+ gifts you can still get by Christmas eve.
Blog biz links: Forget it! Take the week off, it’s Christmas!
I’ll Be Home for Christmas Holiday Dinner
Still not sure what meal to make your special holiday dinner? Fill Santa’s plate—and his cup—with these recipes I discovered on the www this week and you’re sure to be put on the far-from-naughty, yes YOU’RE NICE! list.
Apple Hot Toddy
Use bourbon or rye for cider all glammed up by a steaming fire. From Chez Us, recipe here.
Winter Green Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Savory, sweet and plenty of crunch. From Reluctant Entertainer, recipe here.
Potato Latkes with Creamy Horseradish Sauce
Zippy, crunchy and totally worth the calories. From The Lemon Bowl, recipe here.
Bourbon Fig and Gorgonzola Stuffed Pork Loin
A Christmas main dish befitting a king or any of the wise (wo)men too. From How Sweet It Is, recipe here.
Gingerbread Tiramisu
A no-bake dessert with just 7 ingredients is sure to bring joy to the world. From Cook Republic, recipe here.
And that my friends, wraps up 2014’s Friday Faves. Have a FABULOUS holiday friends, and cook LOTS of good stuff.
XO, Heidi
As always, thank you for reading and for supporting companies I partner with, which allows me to create more unique content and recipes for you. All opinions are always my own.
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Denise
Thanks for the Hot Toddy love! Hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday, Heidi!
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl
This post…all of it just makes me so happy!! And cozy. And ready to cuddle and party by the fire. Merry Christmas my sweet friend…enjoy the season!! xoxo
Emily @ Life on Food
Oh that tiramisu looks so amazing!
Ali | Gimme Some Oven
Aw, I hadn’t heard about Chewy. Goodness, what a year for your family. Big hugs to you all. And that picture is the SWEETEST.
Amazing list, per usual. I want that sequin dress!!!
Millie | Add A Little
These all look incredible! Gingerbread tiramisu sounds like heaven!
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life
I’m so sorry about Chewy…losing a beloved pet is always so hard. He was so handsome…that is a beautiful picture. Thinking of you.
I do love your Friday Faves…it was fun to read and now I can’t stop thinking about that salad!
[email protected]
So sorry about Chewy. I love this entire post! That Star Wars video is awesome!
Sandy @ ReluctantEntertainer
I always say it. LOVE your Friday Faves! Clicked on all the links … such a great recap of what’s new and happening on the internet. :) Yummy recipes, menu, and I’m so bummed about Chewy. Loved that pup! Merry Christmas, Heidi! xo