New & Notable Mentions #17

I have this week on New & Notable Mentions #17 a whole host of goodies that I hope will give you inspiration for Christmas.

I’m doing things a little differently this week. Adding a quote from the blogger about the post I chose to highlight. To get a little insight from their point of view about their creation..

And I’m going to also show more natural holiday settings where the focus is on greenery and the inspiration is simplicity. A bit more Scandinavian style.

Decorating:

Miss Mustard Seed has a hydrangea and homemade Christmas setting this year that’s quite lovely.

Miss Mustard Seed wrote on her blog: “This year I decided to use my living room mantel as a springboard to create what I’m called a “hydrangea & homemade” Christmas tree.”

Over at Style By Emily Henderson, she shows how a member of her staff decorated for her first traditional holiday.

Staff Member: “So when we were thinking of safe set locations for this year’s Target holiday shoot, I threw my “house hat” in the ring. I could kill two birds with one stone – Provide a safe shoot location, and have my home PROFESSIONALLY styled by professional stylists.”

My 100 Year Old Home shows Christmas decor in the dining room, along with a tablescape.

My 100 Year Old Home: “My theme this year for Christmas is Cranberries. I have been on the lookout for the perfect “cranberry red” items and when I saw these vases and ornaments. I knew I wanted to create a table with them.”

Simple Holiday Decorating:

Little House Of Four has a simple chippy mantel all dressed up in greenery.

Little House Of Four: “I don’t know about you, but I’m such a sucker for a simple and neutral Christmas mantel. Add in a little vintage decor, lots of texture and you have a beautiful and timeless combination.”

My Scandinavian Home shows a more minimalistic style of Christmas decorating by accenting natural elements.

My Scandinavian Home: “In Mari Magnusson’s home in Enköping, North West of Stockholm, candles light up her tables and sideboards and pine tree branches have been transformed into garlands, wreaths and simple yet pretty table displays.”

Eleanor Rose Home shows a dried orange garland. It has become a tradition for her to make one every year.

Eleanor Rose Home: “For the past couple of Christmas’s, one of the traditions I’ve started is creating a dried orange garland. It’s a simple and beautiful way to add Christmas cheer to our home, and the wonderful smell of citrus permeates our home.”

Crafts & DIYs:

Tator Tots & Jello has a very organized craft studio that is truly inspirational.

Tator Tots & Jello: “I’ve had so many questions about my Dream Box since I have had it the past four years. It is truly my favorite thing! I use it every single day. Before I had my Dream Box I had craft and office supplies spread throughout the house.”

Food:

The Country Cook made a casserole that’s a complete meal in one. She calls it Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole.

The Country Cook: “This is definitely one of those all-in-one meals that I really think your whole entire family will love. It is easily customizable to suit your family’s tastes!”

The Recipe Critic has a recipe for Creamy Parmesan Garlic Brussel Sprouts.

The Recipe Critic: “You are in luck. These are one of the creamiest, delicate and flavorful Brussel sprouts you will ever eat. There is so much flavor in the creamy sauce you will be impressed!”

Cafe Delites whipped up Drunken Chocolate Covered Strawberries. How decadent is this?

Cafe Delites: “A versatile how-to if you will, Drunken Chocolate Covered Strawberries can be made with whatever alcohol you like! Serve them at parties, gatherings, brunch, on Mother’s Day, birthdays OR for your special someone on Valentine’s Day.”

Books:

“The Lincoln Highway” by Amor Towles was published in October 2021.

Spanning just ten days and told from multiple points of view, Towles’s third novel will satisfy fans of his multi-layered literary styling while providing them an array of new and richly imagined settings, characters, and themes.

In June, 1954, eighteen-year-old Emmett Watson is driven home to Nebraska by the warden of the juvenile work farm where he has just served fifteen months for involuntary manslaughter. His mother is long gone, his father recently deceased, and the family farm has been foreclosed upon by the bank,

Emmett’s intention is to pick up his eight-year-old brother, Billy, and head to California where they can start their lives anew.

But when the warden drives away, Emmett discovers that two friends from the work farm have hidden themselves in the trunk of the warden’s car. Together, they have hatched an altogether different plan for Emmett’s future, one that will take them all on a fateful journey in the opposite direction—to the City of New York.

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“The Forgotten Child” by Genevieve Graham was published in 2020.

The Home for Unwanted Girls meets Orphan Train in this unforgettable novel about a young girl caught in a scheme to rid England’s streets of destitute children. And the lengths she will go to find her way home—based on the true story of the British Home Children.

At ninety-seven years old, Winnifred Ellis knows she doesn’t have much time left, and it is almost a relief to realize that once she is gone, the truth about her shameful past will die with her.

But when her great-grandson Jamie, the spitting image of her dear late husband, asks about his family tree, Winnifred can’t lie any longer. Even if it means breaking a promise she made so long ago.

“May your walls know joy, may every room hold laughter, and every window open to great possibility.” –Mary Anne Radmacher

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