Free Holiday Tags Download & Winter Party

Hello, Friends! I know it's not even Thanksgiving yet. But, please forgive me for posting winter projects today. :) I feel like I always have to be one step ahead with my Etsy shop.

I designed these special holiday tags just for you! I figure if you take time to stop by my blog, you deserve a little freebie now and then. Print this file on white cardstock, cut, and attach to your holiday gifts. Enjoy!

The tags coordinate with the winter party I designed for my Etsy shop. I've been thinking about it for a long time and working on it all week. I'm so glad that it turned out how I imagined.

I thought it would be fun to have the welcome sign say, "Baby, it's cold outside." It's kind of fun and different. It works great for any winter occasion. But, wouldn't this sign be perfect for a baby shower?

I love the font on this banner! It's so pretty and elegant. I used shimmery silver ribbon to string my letters. I also added a little silver glitter glue around the oval. I chose the phrase "Winter Wishes" because it's versatile for a birthday party, baby shower, bridal shower, New Year's party...

It's seems like you can't have a party without cupcakes these days. Each cupcake topper is unique, just like every snowflake. :-)

For refreshments, s'mores are a great winter treat -- or anytime really :-). Roast your marshmallows by the fire, candlelight, or stovetop. I wrapped the chocolate covered graham crackers in strips of snowflake paper.

Is there a more perfect drink than hot cocoa for a winter party? I don't think so. Make it gourmet with fancy marshmallows, candy canes, and whip cream.

I decided just to wrap the favors in white tissue paper. Maybe it's a little cheesy. But, I thought having the tags say "Thank you snow much" was cute. I was super excited to find the pretty white ribbon with elegant silver accents at the dollar store.

I've noticed most printable party sets don't include the invitations. But mine do! I think it's cool to have everything you need, including thank you cards all together. So, go check out my shop and tell you're friends.

Special thanks to the Graphics Fairy for the pretty snowflake shapes! She has tons of free graphics. So, go check it out. :) I'm also linking up to Skip to My Lou's Made by You Monday.

Jack-o-Lantern Jars

This little project from Martha Stewart, found via Homemade by Jill, seems easy. They could be used for so many things.

Kid's Valentine's Party

This little table setting from Pottery Barn Kids makes me want to throw a Valentine's party. What a fun way to make the day extra special. Happy Valentine's Day!

Christmas Decor

A few ideas from Small Place Style for next year.

Candy Making

Merry Christmas!! What have I been doing lately? Candy making! These are some of the goodies I made this year. Want recipes?

My caramels actually turned out for the first time! Patience is key.

This is the easiest fudge on the planet...that I'm aware of.

My husband's favorite, peanut butter cups. He already wants me to make more!

Ruffled Tree Skirt

Is this not one of the prettiest tree skirts you have ever seen? There is a tutorial on Prudent Baby. I am already making a "to-do list" for next year. This is #1.

White Chocolate Popcorn

Do you need an simple and easy neighbor, friend, or co-worker gift? Give this yummy popcorn a try. I was featured on Or so she says... this summer making it. With the dried cranberries, pecans, cinnamon... december is the perfect time to make it.

For complete instructions, go here. Here are the ingredients:
4 oz. bag of chopped pecans
12 oz. bag of white chocolate chips
1 1/2 bags of microwave popcorn
a little cinnamon (sorry I didn't measure)
6 oz. bag of dried cranberries

All you need to do is make popcorn (I used the very lightly buttered bags), melt the chocolate, and mix the ingredients together. Done!

Don't forget those adorable envelope bags! So simple to make from any size envelope! They would work great for a little gift. Here are the simple directions from How About Orange.

Paper Snowflakes

I feel like making paper snowflakes lately. So, when I saw this lovely garland and gift topper idea from How About Orange I thought "wow". Jessica is one smart gal.

More Advents

I didn't get my advent done for this year. That's ok though because I keep finding more great ideas for next year.

from Pottery Barn found via Halleujahs by Holly

from Oh Happy Day

Celebrating Christmas

Tonight we celebrated by seeing a live nativity. It was a lot of fun! I was surprised by how mesmerized my 3-year-old was. He just sat quietly and watched. There were sheep, goats, a hay ride and hot-cocoa. They were taking donations but the whole thing was FREE! Isn't it amazing that people would do that and bless so many?

frames from Make It and Love It

So far we decorated, saw the Nutcracker, and made a paper-chain. What are you doing to celebrate? Yesterday I told my husband I wanted to go caroling. He told me that was "the dumbest idea you ever came up with". So apparently I need some "smart" suggestions (whatever that means).

Pretty Cookies

Aren't these the prettiest cookies ever? They are oreo cakesters with fondant wrapped around them and decorated beautifully. I have never used fondant before but these make me want to try. Any one used it before? Tips?

Thanksgiving Centerpieces

Hey there! I hope your Thanksgiving was nice and relaxing. Ours came complete with the perfect feast and an awesome grandma to watch our kids while we took a post-turkey nap.

from MADE

Over the past couple days I have been enjoying my blessings, especially the people who make life complete. I am sad to admit amidst all the grateful moments there came a tad bit of wishing for a home large enough to host Thanksgiving dinner.

from Design*Sponge

In the meantime I can always gather ideas right? I am loving these branch centerpieces. For some reason I have really been into bringing the outside in. What is your favorite Thanksgiving centerpiece today?

Cookie Mix Gift Idea

I'm starting to think about Christmas gifts. This would be a fun one for neighbors. Find the recipe and printable label at Skip to My Lou.

Thanksgiving Garland

Isn't Thanksgiving a great holiday? I am really excited this year and have been thinking of ways to show more gratitude.

I love this beautiful garland idea. Each leaf has written on it something Tiffany (from Simply Modern Mom) and her family are thankful for.

Poison Ivy

I hope you had a great halloween! We did...trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins, watching the Great Pumpkin, and a little party.

This awkward picture kind of explains why I haven't posted for a while. After going on vacation I was in a mad rush to make our halloween costumes.

I decided instead of making a dress for my poison ivy costume I was just going to make a skirt, a vine, and spray paint some boots green. (I know it's surprising I didn't want to walk around in a sleeveless swim suit). It turned out to be a bigger project than I thought. On the up-side I now have an outfit for St. Patty's day, the jolly green giant, or a leprechaun.

Our 1 year old was Robin. I made him a cape, mask and little vest with an "R" on it to go over his green sleeper. Our 3 year old got a store-bought batman costume. My husband was Joker. We bought him a purple thrift-store jacket, dyed some white pants purple...hair and make-up and done.

What did you dress-up as? Do you make your own costumes too?

Candy Corn Pennant Banner

I found this pennant banner on Tatertots and Jello the other day and thought "Seriously! Why has this never crossed my mind?" It makes perfect sense, pennant banners are so fun and popular right now and candy corns are the perfect shape for them. I love this idea. Go make one for me since I am away from my sewing machine and can't make one myself.

Halloween Banner

Would you like to make a this adorable halloween banner? You're in luck! Jeanie from The Paper Nut has posted a free download. What a fun way to celebrate!