I've only recently learned that egg nog is a polarizing subject. I didn't realize people hated it, but apparently they do. However, those that like egg nog - like myself - love it. And we really love it! I've long been one of the people who squeals when she sees the first cartons of the … Continue reading Homemade Egg Nog
Christmas
Mainstay Christmas Home Tour 2021
It's our favorite post of the year - our annual Christmas home tour - and we're so glad you're joining us! Dining Room I stick with traditional reds, greens, and silvers in the dining room, accented by lots of lighted garland and red berries. I love the twinkle of silvers and mercury glass, as well … Continue reading Mainstay Christmas Home Tour 2021
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
Do you have special holiday dishes? A collection that brings you extra joy when you set your Christmas table? My Christmas tablescape is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season! My collection only started three years ago. For years, I'd admired Williams Sonoma's 'Twas the Night Before Christmas collection from afar. But for … Continue reading ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
Drying Oranges for Christmas Décor
Oranges have been a holiday tradition for over a century. Mid-19th century legend says they represent the golden dowries that Saint Nicholas left for maidens. At the time, oranges were viewed as an exotic luxury, reserved for special occasions like Christmas. This idea had a resurgence during the Great Depression, when oranges were put in … Continue reading Drying Oranges for Christmas Décor
Christmas Décor Must Haves
Everyone knows you must have items like a ladder, hammer, and extension cords to properly install Christmas decorations. But you can make fluffing your garland and hanging your stockings even easier with these little bonus secrets to save you loads of time and effort! Command Strips Let's be honest; these temporary wall-hanging strips, hooks, and … Continue reading Christmas Décor Must Haves
Spiced Molasses Crackle Cookies
Molasses is a classic holiday flavor, but traditional gingerbread can be hard and dry. That's where these chewy molasses cookies come in! They are characterized by a chewy interior, surrounded by a crunchy exterior covered in delicious sparkling sugar. The trick is to let them cool on a sheet of wax paper to keep the … Continue reading Spiced Molasses Crackle Cookies
Coffee Pecan Thumbprint Cookies
Today's Christmas cookie recipe originated with a dear friend who has been making them for her friends and family for decades. She has always known these are my very favorite, so she was gracious enough to share her recipe with me. However, in my anticipation, I was too impatient to chill the dough before baking. … Continue reading Coffee Pecan Thumbprint Cookies
Chocolate Mint Crinkle Cookies
Today's Christmas cookie recipe is Chocolate Mint Crinkle Cookies, perfect for fans of grasshopper cookies or Thin Mint cookies. These little gems taste like little brownie bites with a delicate hint of mint, and while they look stunning, they taste even better! They're perfect for the holidays, or pretty much any other day, since the … Continue reading Chocolate Mint Crinkle Cookies
Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Blondies
This week, we're focusing on Christmas cookies and sweet treats, and we're starting off with one of the best! I probably should've labeled this post Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars, because that's precisely what they are. However, at their heart, these are just orange-flavored blondies, festively dressed with cranberries and white chocolate chips, smothered in … Continue reading Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Blondies
Sour Cream Pumpkin Pie with Egg Nog Whipped Cream
Happy day before Thanksgiving, a day in which many people are baking up a storm! For my final Thanksgiving prep post, I've saved the best for last: our favorite pumpkin pie recipe. It's a little more complicated than our Classic Pumpkin Pie, but the extra effort is well rewarded! We start with Iron Chef Alex … Continue reading Sour Cream Pumpkin Pie with Egg Nog Whipped Cream
Mainstay Kitchen & Home 