As a single mom of 2 growing boys, CEO of my own business, and a woman, just like many who are reading now too, I HAVE TO multitask or I would never get anything done. Therefore, when possible, I like to find kitchen tools that can work for several different purposes, recipes that live up to the multitasker moniker working for almost any time of the day or night, filling in buffet tables and weeknight dinner tables, and finally, foods that are so beautiful they serve a dual purpose of not only being edible but also serving as festive decor during the holidays.
When I started thinking about writing this blog, the first thing that came to mind were the delightful pomanders my mother would have me making as soon as the Christmas decorations came down from the attic. Even though we didn’t eat them, they’re made of edible ingredients that multitask as a bright, colorful, and aromatic feast for the senses. Whole cloves emit a warm, spicy smell and are a suitable pairing to citrus like oranges, limes, and lemons; their spiky shape is ideal for piercing rinds. These fragrant oranges and/or other colorful citrus fruits can keep little hands happily occupied for hours on end. Your house will smell amazing, look warm and inviting, and maybe even help children and adults alike to start to get into the holiday spirit! Edible Christmas Decorations has some great ideas for making these gorgeous decorations.
As evidenced by the above suggestion of using colorful fruits as multi-tasking decorations, air fresheners, or maybe even food, I love adding natural elements to my decor during the holiday season! For example, if you’re looking for a simple way to add an old-world, cozy, Scandinavian-inspired feel to your Christmas decorations this year, this easy, dried orange slice garland is just the thing. Dried orange garlands add a touch of vintage style and a fun pop of color. Like the pomanders, they also make your house smell like citrus and only cost a few dollars to make! DIY Dried Orange Slice Garland | Simple, Scandinavian Style Christmas Decor.
Online, there are heaps of great ideas for making decorations with everyday food items which are transformed through crafter’s creative minds! https://sprinklesomefun.com/soup-mix-ornaments/ gives instructions for how to make these delicious edible ornaments that make wonderful little gifts for anyone on your list. 41 Adorable Food Decorating Ideas For The Holidays also has great options. Maybe I’m just a big kid, but food just tastes better when it looks all cute and Christmas-like.😋 And the kids will be way more likely to eat something shaped like a snowman or reindeer.
Finally, these gingerbread mug huggers are the cutest thing I’ve ever seen! And I can think of dozens of ways to give these little houses as gifts. Mini Gingerbread House Mug Toppers - gluten free – In order to create a gingerbread recipe that works well for these mini houses you need one that will not only hold it’s shape, but remain firm enough to handle and not puff up too much during cooking. I found that most of the gingerbread cut out cookie recipes had too much molasses in them to work well for such small cookies, so I reduced the amount in half to make a much crunchier cookie.
Thanksgiving is over, and it seems like after that, Hanukkah and Christmas arrive more quickly than we thought possible. Nevertheless, it’s time to start thinking about all of the things we do such as decorating, shopping, wrapping, and cooking, and get as much done now, in advance, so that we can relax and actually enjoy the holiday festivities when the time comes. Happy holidays from all of us at Bellisari’s!
