Merry Christmas!

I can't believe Christmas is here! It is my favorite holiday by far!!!

I hope your Christmas is bright and exceptionally sweet.

And I hope the gifts you receive are filled with love and joy.

As for our Christmas, I made this sweet dessert to share, along with lots of presents!

Holiday Dinner: Setting the Table

Every year, I host my family for the holidays. I love setting up the table to help add to the Christmas cheer. Last year I used mini stockings to hold the silverware with a simple napkin folded underneath.  And, of course, I had red chargers and Christmas plates too!  

Source: Crate & Barrel

Then, my centerpiece was a vase filled with cranberries and candles.

Source: Simplified Bee

The year before that, I wrapped up my napkins in Jingle Bells and set my plates on gold chargers.

Source: Jinglebell Junction

And my centerpiece was awesome! I filled a vase with little bells - it was so cute!

Source: Mad in Crafts

And this year, as you know, my home is decked out in purple and gold. I have a poinsetta from a friend, Thank You!, on top of a gold platter, surrounded by gold garland and purple candles. I haven't decided yet on how I'll do my napkins, but here are a few great ideas for those of you entertaining at home.

Holly Napkin Holders, Source: Martha

Tree shaped napkin rings, Source: Martha

Ornament Napkin Ring, Source: BHG

Another great idea would be to slip your napkins into a cookie cutter. And then place a cookie on top of each plate with the person's name attached.

Source: Amazon

Source: Country Living

Now that would be sweet!

It's a Nice Day for a (red and) White Wedding

If this doesn't inspire you to have a Christmas wedding, I don't know what does.

Source: Flickr

Red and White is such a beautiful and simple combination, whether it's Christmastime, Valentine's Day or the peak of Summer. Oooh - Christmas Wedding in July!!!

Here are a few ideas on how to make your Christmastime Wedding memorable and sweet.

I adore these simple bridesmaid dresses.

Source: The Knot

This manzanita tree makes me swoon. Crystals adorned on the branches would make it even sweeter.

Source: Lotushaus

These branches are even more romantic.

Source: Scent Boutique

And of course Martha knows how to set the table!

Source: Martha Stewart

I love the look of lush petals lining the aisle, whether it is indoors or out.

Source: Events by Nadia

This inspiration board is perfect!

Source: Rebecca Calagna

Hope your Christmas wedding is sweet!

Vintage Christmas Decor

I love Christmas more than any other holiday! I love how it continuously brings families together year after year to celebrate traditions, old and new.  Speaking of old, I absolutely love the look of a vintage Christmas. Decorations were simple, passed down from generation to generation, and the colors were magnificent!

I love these different looks, from pinks to whites, to blues and greens.

Source: Digs Digs

My favorite look from above is the vintage pink Christmas. It's so romantic! Don't these vintage cards make you want to watch It's a Wonderful Life? I bet if that movie was done in color they would've had pinks and blues throughout their home!

Source: Pink of Perfection

And when you decorate with pink there are so many possibilities! The sweetness of pink comes through whether you pair it with reds, silvers, blues or greens.  I love the combinations!

Source: Flickr

This tree is amazing! Reds, golds and pink make such a gorgeous Christmas display.

Source: Country Living

And my favorite pink Christmas is just incredibly sweet. It's a Sugar Kissed Christmas from Two Crazy Crafters complete with vintage Santas and Elves, and their very own Sugar Kissed Tree.

Source: Two Crazy Crafters

Holiday Colors: Purple, Plum & Gold

Every year, I can't wait until I can put up my tree and decorate the house. Christmas is my favorite time of year, so much, that I contemplated a December or January wedding for myself... but I knew an outdoor wedding in 5 degree weather would not work...

This year, I decided to do something different when decorating my home for the holidays. Instead of traditional red and green, or even silver and gold, I found some beautiful plum and purple ornaments for my tree and some gorgeous decorations for my home.

Source: Martha Stewart at Kmart

I love these home decor photos of gorgeous purples and golds used throughout the home for the holidays. It makes me want to paint my walls a rich shade of purple and buy a gold tree!

Source: Ideal Home

Source: Daily Mail

Of course, as I was decorating my home, I couldn't help but think how beautiful this color scheme could be for a winter wedding! I have visions of sugarplums dancing in my head! 

Check out this beautiful inspiration board!

Source: Utah Bride

You can even stick with traditional Christmas plants and have purple poinsetta.

Source: Beekenkamp

Purples and Golds can be used at any time of year, but I think the color really stands out during the holidays.

More holiday color ideas will be coming soon!

Another Treat to Consider

The holidays have been crazy - but I have lots of great ideas coming!

But, first, one more post about sweets, because, of course, I love them!!!

Macaroons are all the rage right now and make a perfect treat or guest favor. I love that you can make them in any color or flavor combination to perfectly match your style.

Source: Flicker

Wedding Treats

Candy, Cakes and Cupcakes. Now these are not the only options for your wedding day dessert! Think outside the box and give your guests a sweet treat to talk about. 

Everybody loves cookies! Put together a homemade cookie buffet featuring yours and your hubby to be's favorites, along with some traditional family cookie recipes.

Cookie Buffet, Source: Martha

A chocolate fountain is lots of fun for guests, both young and old.

Chocolate Fountain, Source: Sephra

A popcorn display is a fun dessert that everyone can enjoy. Be sure to gather up lots of different flavors!

Popcorn Buffet, Source: Weddingbee

With an outdoor wedding a smore's station would be a big hit! Be sure to include some customized options for your guests including chocolate graham crackers, mint chocolate, strawberry marshmallows, peanut butter and jam.

S'mores Station, Source: Julie+Todd

Nothing is more american than apple pie! Or even cherry, blueberry, or raspberry pie!

Yum, Pie!, Source: Brides

And you can't have pie without ice cream! A variety of toppings will ensure your ice cream buffet is a success at your wedding reception!

Ice cream and toppings galore, Source: Eat Drink Chic

I'm getting hungry!!

Wedding Sweets

Traditionally, cakes are the dessert of choice at most weddings. But more and more brides are opting to indulge more in their sweet tooths and set up a candy buffet display. This is a great option to consider if you're not a cake lover, or if you want something more low key. It can also serve as a favor for your guests. But be sure to include take home bags so they can enjoy their sweets on the go.  Here are just a few of my favorite candy bar buffets!

You can never go wrong with pink!, Source: Wedding Addict

More Pink! With pops of green and orange, Source: Sweet & Saucy

Blue candy is just as sweet, Source: The Knot

While candy alone makes a delicious treat, I love when the cake gets in on the action and there is a grand dessert table with pops of color!

Yellow and Orange goodness, Source: Sweet & Saucy

A beautiful display with a fun backdrop, Source: Sweet & Saucy

And speaking of backdrops, I adore this feather boa backdrop, Source: Sweet & Saucy

Green is one of my favorite colors, Source: Amy Atlas

Simple, Chic, White and Lovely!, Source: Amy Atlas

And this is just sweet, Source: Cocoa & Fig