DIY Frosty the Snowman Favor

I love how easy it is to make a kid's day. Both of my girls would squeal if they saw these little snowman favors next to their plate on Christmas day. My older one would definitely say, "Oh my gosh! These are fab-u-loooooous!" My little one would just shovel all the candy in her mouth, you know, because she's a mini-me.

I made this little guy for Day 16 of Confetti Pop's Craftsmas. Swing by to get the how-to for him and all of the other 2013 holiday projects.

images: Todd Hafermann

Sweet Cheat: Wintry Molds

I know you hope the words "mold" and "sweet" never come together, but this time it's a happy marriage. You know I love, love, love bundts, because the pans make churning out pretty, intricate desserts super simple. Remember this chevron bundt I made for Confetti Pop's Handmade Holiday?

These molded mousse houses are my new sweet cheat love affair. Imagine a little mousse village for a fun, after-dinner treat for the kids. Need something that lasts a little longer? Consider using chocolate.

There's a lull between now and the next holiday, but that's no excuse to stop the wintry, wonderful dessert crafts.

images via Torie Jayne

Winter Whimsy

Winter in Minnesota means skiing, sledding, broomball, and lots of snow. These hobbies and icy accents have a way of showing up in all kinds of events, and here are a few desserts that are Whimsical Winter done right.


Brooklyn Bride featured this glacial cake in the Week in Review. Somehow, the cake manages to showcase a plethora of winter symbolism without looking overly cutesy or cluttered.

Cakes 4 Fun created this jagged masterpiece using rice paper and edible glitter.

This Le Petit Atelier cookie is one of the most ornate gingerbread snowflakes I've ever seen. The swirls and silver beads make it an edible luxury.

Nothing says "Winter" like dogs in sweaters, right? Eleni's certainly thinks so.

I like the little dog cookies, but the sculptural, icy cake gets my vote. It's definitely a showstopper. Which one is your favorite winter-y design?

Today's the eighth day of the 10 Days of Craftsmas. I'll be back with the next DIY project of the series later today. See you then! 

Snowflake Confections

It snowed yesterday in Minneapolis. Only a few flakes that didn't stick, but it was snow all the same. I love winter (as long as I'm bundled up by a fire, sipping white chocolate cocoa, and reading a great book).

As a kid, I loved throwing on my bulky snowsuit to make snow angels and sled until my toes tingled. Now that I'm an errand-running, baby-schlepping adult, I find that snow is much funner from the cozy comfort of my living room. These days, I find that snow is best enjoyed in the confectionery form.

Snowflake cake (Craftastica), Cupcakes (Designer Cakes), Snowflake cookies (Kuidaore)

Dessert Table: Winter Wonderland

A winter-y dessert table is probably one of the easiest to create. Simply selecting different desserts and candies in white can create a snowy, shimmering display. For a truly luxurious look, mix in silver, gold, ice blue, or shimmery purple shades by using ribbons, tablecloths, or food labels. Avoid adding all these colors to the table, because you risk cluttering the effect of the white's crisp, sophistication.

Dessert table 1 & 2 (David Monn), Images 3 & 4 (Martha Stewart)

Dessert Table: Winter-y Pink and Gold

I love the idea of a pink and gold Christmas. It has a warm, cozy vibe that you just can't accomplish with a traditional white and silver palette. Fill gold favor boxes with light pink Jordan almonds, or let guests fill their own boxes at the end of your party. Did you notice the old-fashioned rock candy swizzle sticks posing as drink stirrers with the tea? Little details like that are simple, but unexpected.

Is anyone else using an untraditional palette for their holiday festivities?

Pink dessert table (Martha Stewart), Cupcakes (Brides.com), Tea cups (Wedding Things), Gold favor boxes (Priceless Weddings), Christmas tree (High Fashion Home)