Procrastinators Rejoice: Holiday Cards from Pinhole Press

Every year, I scramble to mail out holiday cards after juggling work, home, and everything else that consumes my day. Thankfully, this year the crew at Pinhole Press has invited me to try out their holiday cards. Even better, if you order your cards, and enter sweet tooth at checkout, you'll receive a 33% discount on your order (use code: sweettooth at checkout). And, you can still get them by Christmas. Crazy, right? 

I ordered those. Hello, candy striped back! I'm even saving myself a trip to the store, because it's -1000 degrees here, by ordering a personalized memory game as a gift for the kids. I added pics of the kids, their friends, our family, and of course some sweet desserts I made this year to the deck. The girls will love playing with their new memory game Christmas morning.

For procrastinators and perpetually busy people like me, Pinhole Press' general holiday cards are a godsend. Here are a few other designs that won't corner you into a Dec 25th deadline. 

Seriously, 33% off your order (use the code: sweettooth) is worth putting your procrastination on hold. Don't wait another minute. Go now!

my family pic by: Angela Rose Photography

This post was sponsored by Pinhole Press, but I genuinely love their clean, modern designs. If I didn't, I wouldn't share their products with you. Trust.

Gingerbread Village Table Runner

Photog Rebecca Hansen captured this edible winter wonderland for Snippet & Ink. Gingerbread houses sit atop a kraft paper runner that's sprinkled with powdered sugar "snow". This would make any kid happy to sit at the kiddie table if you made a smaller version to line their shorter table.

Already maxed out on time? Opt for graham crackers or pre-made gingerbread house kits to make your little village.

Cookies with Giant Flavor

The holiday issue of Sweet Paul Magazine hit the virtual newsstand last week, and the feature on cookie recipes is delicious. Not only are the pics of mini-admirers cute, but the recipes are drool-inducing. Be sure to check out the feature and the entire issue for lots of great holiday sweets.

Check out these amaretto dreams and coconut & cherry cookies.

 These caramel sauce cookies and marshmallow & hazelnut cookies look amazing.

Wouldn't you love to ice skate on a lake of caramel? What could be better?

images via Hector Sanchez for Sweet Paul Magazine

Bring on the Glitter!

For some reason, the holiday season always makes me think of glittery, shimmery prettiness. I know, I should probably think of berries and holly or turkeys and feathers, but that's just not me. So, this glittery cake by Sweetapolita caught my attention right away. So pretty.

Doesn't that little cake just scream icy, winter wonderland? The bigger cake looks like a News Party just waiting to happen.

image via Pinterest

Dessert Table: A Kate Spade Holiday

Yesterday, I shared this H&M-inspired favor idea that I created. As further evidence that dessert inspiration can come from anywhere, I bring you this Kate Spade-inspired dessert display by Styled Creative. The design team was blown away by a Kate Spade holiday window display, and enlisted photog Alison Conklin to capture these images for Style Me Pretty.

The chalk-drawn Christmas tree is a genius, inexpensive backdrop. Simply trace a tree onto kraft paper using an overhead projector. Gold, silver, and vibrant teal play nicely with blush pink to create a hip holiday vibe. Glitter-bedazzled forest friends add a whimsical touch.

This cake puts a glittery holiday spin on this art-y design I shared with you a few months ago.

I love, love, love Boston Terriers so I know I'd be tempted to give this cutey a cupcake of his own.

Next week, I've got another beautiful reader submission in store. As you gather with friends and family, be sure to take pics of your nephew gobbling up pie, the platter of cookies you made, or the cake your sister brought. I'd love to share them here, so email me at info {at} shaunayounge.com.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Dessert Meets Design: An H&M Holiday

Yesterday, I featured a reader's Guest Desserts submission. Laura invented this Brunette Torte for her pastry chef training final exam. If you haven't seen it, be sure to swing by and let Laura know what you think of her creation.


Now, on to today's first post. Perhaps you loved some of the great cookie recipes I featured in the Crafty Cookie Box tutorial for the 10 Days of Craftsmas, but you don't have time to stain and craft the box. Using H&M's holiday catalog as inspiration, I designed these fast favor presentation options using satin, lace, and tulle.

Here's H&M's holiday campaign:

I especially loved the lace peekaboo dress and the red headband on the model in the center image. The contrast of the black lace against her skin is really lovely. To recreate that in a favor, I dressed up a brown favor box in black lace and red satin ribbon (second row, far right).

 

You don't have to rely on boxes to contain your sweets. Simply create a ribbon-cinched tulle sack or a lace-wrapped cookie sleeve.

You really can find inspiration for your sweets anywhere. Next time you flip through your favorite magazine, think about reinterpreting an appealing ad into an unexpected dessert idea.

Later today, I'll be back with the fourth post in the Holiday Recipe Heaven series. If your holidays include an array of desserts, be sure to take a pic or two before everyone devours them. I'd love to share them as a Guest Desserts feature. Email me at info {at} shaunayounge.com.

H&M image: The Demoiselle

Holiday Recipe Heaven: Day 1 - What Katie Ate

With only five days until Christmas, you might not have time to gather all the necessary supplies for some of the 10 Days of Craftsmas projects, so this week I'm introducing Holiday Recipe Heaven! Each day this week, I'll feature another delicious, holiday dessert recipe that you can bring to the table as you gather with friends and family. 

The first post in this week's Holiday Recipe Heaven involves several sweet recipes. The latest issue of What Katie Ate premiered last Friday, and it's a Christmas-themed, delicious page-turner. All of the articles aren't dessert-related, but there are enough cookie recipes and chocolate truffles to make any sugar addict happy.

Although the 490+ page magazine can be a little bit daunting to tackle in one sitting, it's worth it for the pictures alone. Check it out (click on the second picture here to see the mag) and let me know which cookie you like best. I think the macadamia cranberry cookie sounds yummy.

Tomorrow, I'll be back with another delicious holiday recipe that you can whip up this week.

Week In Review & Holiday Recipe Heaven!

Last week was filled with lots of double, and sometimes triple, posts. For the past two weeks, I've shared different DIY projects and recipes with you as part of the 10 Days of Craftsmas. Hopefully, you liked a few of them enough to try them yourself. In all the hustle and bustle, you may have missed some really great features, so here's a list of last week's highlights.

In case you missed it, be sure to check out:

All 10 of the 10 Days of Craftsmas recipes and tutorials
Many of you asked for this evergreen tree licorice favor tutorial
A fellow reader shared three of her family's favorite treats
This DIY mix n match cupcake bar

I'll be back later today to kick off the Holiday Recipe Heaven series, so be sure to come back!

Happy Birthday, Baby! & A Holiday Table Challenge

You might recognize one of these images from my recent Star Tribune interview, but today I'm going to share this entire winter-y design with you. I recently designed this dessert table for my little donut's birthday.

In the midst of planning the design, Kelly of The Party Dress invited me and several other bloggers to participate in her Holiday Table Challenge. Needless to say, I thought this unconventional color palette would be a fitting addition to her holiday themed table posts.

10 Days of Craftsmas!: Day 3 - Felt Ribbon Wreath

If you've seen this picture frame collage or this vase of pheasant feathers I created for some of my dessert tables, then you know that I like to incorporate decor elements into my designs. For the third day of the 10 Days of Craftsmas, I designed this Felt Ribbon Wreath with Maddy Hague of Somewhere Splendid. While the sweets should take center stage, decor items like today's wreath add a finishing touch that pulls the whole look together. Want to see the step-by-step tutorial? Read on!

SYDT in Star Tribune!

I was recently interviewed by the Star Tribune about desserts and holiday color trends. I'm so thrilled to share the article with you, that I couldn't wait until tomorrow to post. So, here is my interview with the Star Tribune (upper right column).

Can't read that blurry article? Check out the much more legible version here. You can also get a better look at photog Emily Steffen's pic of the table. I'll be sharing more images from that dessert table with you in the coming weeks so stay tuned.

If you're interested in some other holiday decor ideas, check out the gorgeous mantle decor featured on the center of the page here.

Free Donuts!: National Doughnut Day

Today is National Doughnut Day. I know, another random food-related holiday, but not this time. The holiday celebrates the men of WWII and also aims to raise funds for the Salvation Army. During the war, volunteers would fry donuts in soldiers', or doughboys, helmets to offer them a little home cooking.

In observance, many doughnut shops will offer one free doughnut for each custom. Krispie Kreme and Dunkin' Donuts are participating so check out locations in your area. After strategically mapping your day to hit as many doughnut shops as possible in an effort to secure a free dozen, be sure to also donate to your Salvation Army.

Image (Martha Stewart)

Reese's Fills the Gap

Feeling the holiday slump after Easter? Already dreading the let down after Mother's Day? Don't worry, Reese's is here to give you a new holiday. Join Lauren Conrad and Reese's to petition for an official "I Love Reese's Day."

I realize this may seem like a completely frivolous holiday with absolutely no meaning or purpose, but honestly, what else did you have planned for your May 18th? Sign the petition here.

Image 1 (People.com), Image 2 (I Love Reese's Day)

Dessert Table: Red, White, and Mmmm

I immediately fell in love with this peppermint-themed event. Everything has been thought of, everything. The linens, the peppermint truffles, and the striped translucent favor bags can only be topped by the waiter serving peppermint martinis.

This is so lovely, and even better, it's attainable. Drape a white cloth over a table or console and use a red runner (or any red fabric) down the center of the table. You don't have to try to accomplish the large bow, simply having that shock of color will create a jaw-dropping effect. I used this technique for an event. Check out the pics here.

Although hiring a waiter might not be feasible, you can arrange the glasses on sliver trays. Put one tray on each end of the dessert buffet. Pour the drinks right before guests arrive and leave a recipe card for guest to refill for themselves as the night continues.

Place your tree or an attention-grabbing menorah in one corner to draw people into the room, and enjoy your handiwork.

Images (Brides.com)

Contest: Sugar Shacks

It's that time of year, so get out your graham crackers, frosting, and gum drops. Martha has a collection of different gingerbread houses, that range from unconventional black and white to classic candy cane fun. My attempts have been lackluster in years past. Here's hoping to a better outcome for the '09 model.
I'd love to see your gingerbread houses. Send your images to info {at} shaunayounge {dot} com and I'll post them! The best gingerbread house's creator will get a $10 JC Penney gift card! Become a follower to get the latest updates on the contest and see the winning house.

*All submissions must be received by Nov 20. Winner will be announced Nov 23.*

Holiday Dessert Table

I came across this Pottery Barn tablescape photo today, and it reminded me of a dessert table I designed for a garden-themed reception. There are similar elements in both. Both tables incorporate greenery. Mine features topiary trees, while Pottery Barn has pine branches. Both utilize tree stumps and pieces as perches. I used them for desserts, PB uses them as landing zones for cardinals. My table features Spring's inhabitants (butterflies, ladybugs, and flower candies), while PB features Winter's inhabitants (birds, deer, and pinecones).

My point? If you have a small table, you can recreate both these scenes using small accessory changes to create an entirely new tablescape that matches the season. For the winter table, use the trees stumps as bases for snowflake gingerbread cookies and a meringue cake. Swap the boxwood topiaries with pinecone topiaries. Small stockings make great favor bags for guests. You can make them from felt, which you can find as inexpensively as $2.50/yd, or buy them for as little as $1 each.

See more images from my garden-themed dessert table here.

Peppermint meringue cake (Bon Appetit), Snowflake cookie (Martha Stewart), Pinecone topiary
(Country Living), Pinecone stocking (Martha Stewart)