Posh Christmas Wrapping

A few last minute gift wrapping ideas...

{via loveyoumeanitblog.wordpress.com}

 

{via myhomeideas.com}

{via simplemom.net}




{via designlinesltd.com}


Happy Wrapping! xo, Alicia

Café Au Lait Pudding

I hope you'll join me in trying this recipe for the holidays.  It looks delicious, decadent, and elegant...let me know how it turns out for you!

Cafe Au Lait Pudding

Courtesy of acozykitchen.com

Per Adrianna of A Cozy Kitchen:

If you like things on the sweeter side, I’d advise upping the sugar to 1/2 cup.  If not, then stick with the 1/4 cup sugar.

2 cups whole milk
2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
1 teaspoon of Dutch processed cocoa powder
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoon sugar, divided
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, divided
Cinnamon for sprinkling

Do a little prep action by making your ice bath first. Grab two metal or glass bowls, one slightly smaller than the other. Fill the larger bowl with ice and a bit of water and place the smaller bowl inside it.

Whisk together milk, coffee granules, cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, cornstarch, 1/4 cup sugar (or 1/2 cup of sugar–your choice), and a small pinch of salt in a heavy medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, then boil 1 minute, whisking constantly.

Adrianna Note: Be sure to scrape the corners of the pot with your whisk to ensure all the cornstarch is properly combined.

Transfer the pudding to the smaller bowl in your ice bath so it can cool, stirring often, about 10 minutes. If there are lumps in the pudding, simply run it through a sieve or strainer. Then pour the pudding into cups or ramekins and chill for 20 minutes. Since I really despise any skin on my pudding, I placed a piece of Saran wrap on the surface to stop that from happening. If you’re a freak and love it, then by all means keep it uncovered.

While the pudding is chilling, beat cream with 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla and remaining 2 tablespoon sugar using an electric mixer just until soft peaks form. Spoon whipped cream onto puddings and dust cream lightly with cinnamon.

If you keep the pudding in the fridge overnight or even for a few hours, I’d take it out of the fridge 15 minutes before serving. I found the consistency was the best when it wasn’t super cold. Enjoy!

xo, Alicia

Winter White

Dreaming of some snow for the holidays, but until then, these winter white images from Pinterest will have to do...

xo, Alicia

Holiday Decor: From my home to yours

A soft focus glimpse of what's in progress for holiday decor at our home this year (this is an unusually sunny day for December in New York, so my apologies for the lighting)...

{Our dining room buffet with handmade paper chain and snowflakes..so easy yet pretty!}

{A close up of this paper project}

{Apoethcary jar filled with moss and silver christmas ornaments}

{Had a mishap with my manger but was able to save my figurines..my girandole stands in for the manger...a bit fancy I know, I know}

{Our front porch}

{Pointsettia adorned tree}

{Pine cone and holly berry accented garland}

{Close up view from down the street}

How is your holiday decorating coming along? xo, Alicia

Wish List: Anthropologie

A quick visit a few days ago to Anthropologie left me dreaming of these home items:

{Chantilly Spoon Rest $20}

{Farmers Market Basket Small Square $14...perfect for berries next summer!}

{Piecrust Dinner Plate in Cloud $20}

{Ladies in Waiting Dinner Plate $24}

{Tattered Lace Bowl $10}

{Fleur de Lys Cup & Saucer $10...j'adore the entire Fleur de Lys line at Anthro}

{Trussed Pot $32-38}

{Ruffled Sheet Set in Grey $128-168}

{Georgina Duvet Cover $328-398...I know my husband would never go for this!}

{Sculpted Mums Shower Curtain $128}

{Perpetual Blooms Towels in Light Grey $8-62}



xo, Alicia

Christmas Inspiration

Fabulous festive photos to start off the week...

{via Southern Living}

{via County Living}

{via Southern Living}

{via Southern Living..a great idea to use an apothecary jar for cookies!}

{photo}

{via Southern Living}

{via blondiensc.typepad.com}

{via freshome.com}

{via Elle Decor}

Happy Monday... xo, Alicia

Wavering on Wallpaper

Our smallest guest room is fairly bare bones right now with white paint, white floors, a shaggy white area rug, and a black iron bed.  While I'm loving the bright look of it, it needs a more pulled together look and a bit of visual interest.  I'm considering wallpaper, although many naysayers have warned against it.  However, it seems that wallpaper application and removal has never been easier than with the self-adhesive variety that is so popular today.  At any rate, these are some photos that have been inspiring me:

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{Love the tone on tone}
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{This would be a big leap for me, but I like the overall effect...not sure I could commit to anything like this}
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{J'adore this chinoiserie wallpaper..the mirror and chandelier aren't too shabby either!}
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Hope you're having a lovely day, Alicia