Easy DIY Holiday Centerpiece : Pale Pink Amaryllis, Magnolia Leaf & Cedar Flower Arrangement

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAgVHOTJ1553kkyPaYWDP1wNnsC9CSiW8tlD8nNq4v4n-aaYdBGkQChJq4R9aK5BNk_0Agv3LP57jzJ5LEPyXUlNtIXvCcdh7ai0azPFSlunnbYKwDHtp8aJ0ZwoNltoob06PoCsGJmU/s1600/amaryllis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAgVHOTJ1553kkyPaYWDP1wNnsC9CSiW8tlD8nNq4v4n-aaYdBGkQChJq4R9aK5BNk_0Agv3LP57jzJ5LEPyXUlNtIXvCcdh7ai0azPFSlunnbYKwDHtp8aJ0ZwoNltoob06PoCsGJmU/s640/amaryllis.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F12%2Feasy-dyi-holiday-centerpiece-pale-pink.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-kEDT-SogWK4%2FUM9ALGMqOiI%2FAAAAAAAAO94%2FhrAvq-LWq30%2Fs640%2Famaryllis-steps.jpg&description=Easy%20DYI%20Holiday%20Centerpiece%20%3A%20Pale%20Pink%20Amaryllis%2C%20Magnolia%20Leaf%20%26%20Cedar%20Flower%20Arrangement%20%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F12%2Feasy-dyi-holiday-centerpiece-pale-pink.html"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br /><br />For Emma's party I wanted the create a very soft and feminine flower arrangement that would be fitting my soft and feminine little lady.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhKf545iFIqO8BmQW6jq9RKMcrJBU2OUZRBxnSNJDFWBtbBuSdOfiM8AJCMGk29WVeiS8aQmSis_jLfMlIJBioc9KLdb-LCbCFr_uWJyRYh7lIygjhlDu26k4zTfAgF7yPGL2TOfAVtI/s1600/IMG_8617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhKf545iFIqO8BmQW6jq9RKMcrJBU2OUZRBxnSNJDFWBtbBuSdOfiM8AJCMGk29WVeiS8aQmSis_jLfMlIJBioc9KLdb-LCbCFr_uWJyRYh7lIygjhlDu26k4zTfAgF7yPGL2TOfAVtI/s320/IMG_8617.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Just as I designed her invitation (<a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/12/emmas-1st-birthday-invitation-diy-extra.html" target="_blank">here's the post about the invitation</a>) to just have a glimpse of Christmas, I didn't want the arrangement to be overly "holiday," but I wanted it to be appropriate for the season.  I think it is important to always decorate seasonally - arrangements seem to "fit" better when the seasonality is considered... not to mention flowers that are in season are easier to find and of a higher quality.<br /><br />I selected these soft pink amaryllis along with magnolia leaf and cedar sprigs.  The arrangement came together very easily.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vuoK4kcERPxo-J6r2X_l-1ynPdeqPHFpKSgHLFNoVm_fZIQhyphenhyphenf95YjXpXwwzb-8godq934lLBUWQBF36j_tS6vG3o2Bp0DRIdFhhXNfscqPBxLonJHIjqomnyXe0XsVP0WxmZ_Py7E4/s1600/IMG_9191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vuoK4kcERPxo-J6r2X_l-1ynPdeqPHFpKSgHLFNoVm_fZIQhyphenhyphenf95YjXpXwwzb-8godq934lLBUWQBF36j_tS6vG3o2Bp0DRIdFhhXNfscqPBxLonJHIjqomnyXe0XsVP0WxmZ_Py7E4/s640/IMG_9191.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Here you can see the shiny green and velvety brown magnolia leafs - my favorite.  They are so easy to use and seem to "make" any arrangement I use them in. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxFll8TVzwTSl1uW1xfnwJRXirbv0u1KuxSaWr_xF_JUPt6TzJtcyHYuDjZnnl738XNt6ekMWiiNnVQUYKEIhJ10jTSuDwLWOB3ibjT5XnRDP-dGxHCxFseMDTef9NtAuDzq9h_Ebpls/s1600/IMG_9107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxFll8TVzwTSl1uW1xfnwJRXirbv0u1KuxSaWr_xF_JUPt6TzJtcyHYuDjZnnl738XNt6ekMWiiNnVQUYKEIhJ10jTSuDwLWOB3ibjT5XnRDP-dGxHCxFseMDTef9NtAuDzq9h_Ebpls/s640/IMG_9107.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Here is the arrangement on the night of the party with the cakes in the center of the table. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQGHuItesuezzNR8nF7dyiMsnDmu_z1araJGnRM-sOPvJsdI0U95fMHTxehpet9y9HNS7NAek8hqpnz8L457FahK-m_VbdJj8HWWfy1ZkAxt_-sR_V0ZE2zKkdW7VkqAYONNQMvfGMNQ/s1600/IMG_9108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQGHuItesuezzNR8nF7dyiMsnDmu_z1araJGnRM-sOPvJsdI0U95fMHTxehpet9y9HNS7NAek8hqpnz8L457FahK-m_VbdJj8HWWfy1ZkAxt_-sR_V0ZE2zKkdW7VkqAYONNQMvfGMNQ/s640/IMG_9108.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Here are the Easy DIY steps.  You can certainly use red amaryllis for a more traditional holiday centerpiece for Christmas.  I think you'll see how easy it is!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8eLOlOysYQbFrnG9FIwOSq9MbryyaityXPF8LRcWXd06k6av0zJmliteKrs620eA3q_mkOblM_E5DvmDXpKx4zZkLBrHW6kyQL5rZ0Sion5qxczMdgpb2cwOousYG83cFrgmreZnLkw/s1600/IMG_9202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8eLOlOysYQbFrnG9FIwOSq9MbryyaityXPF8LRcWXd06k6av0zJmliteKrs620eA3q_mkOblM_E5DvmDXpKx4zZkLBrHW6kyQL5rZ0Sion5qxczMdgpb2cwOousYG83cFrgmreZnLkw/s640/IMG_9202.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Start by placing the cedar sprigs in the vase that is filled with water.  Trim the stems before you put them in so they just drape over the sides.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHDgSns7RtvqLzc_jb8jOFwjyxdBRDarY6RhOTUrEb3yvsKqcdCsTXtNRcu19hCpH-ah05W7BZqABic1z-lsBmAHNhQkfX9YCcER7dgN9_MAu6r-JCt_f8E0C3ZYc-_42Oomc03Emi1k/s1600/IMG_9204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHDgSns7RtvqLzc_jb8jOFwjyxdBRDarY6RhOTUrEb3yvsKqcdCsTXtNRcu19hCpH-ah05W7BZqABic1z-lsBmAHNhQkfX9YCcER7dgN9_MAu6r-JCt_f8E0C3ZYc-_42Oomc03Emi1k/s640/IMG_9204.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Next, insert the amaryllis - I used three stalks that had 3 blooms each.   <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnujzvaJ8ioaYpLGZsdhqr5cSowoHEwVSqZJKLU56c3nbpbBIQE-7ifwbDuWldGrWq-_ZgvjfnpY2crZFXK93pztopGyH18KBArsR-lfzfmASnEWt5uUpH6FivCLlSUPjdiz0Wnev51Y/s1600/IMG_9188.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnujzvaJ8ioaYpLGZsdhqr5cSowoHEwVSqZJKLU56c3nbpbBIQE-7ifwbDuWldGrWq-_ZgvjfnpY2crZFXK93pztopGyH18KBArsR-lfzfmASnEWt5uUpH6FivCLlSUPjdiz0Wnev51Y/s640/IMG_9188.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />Finally, insert the magnolia leaves around the base of the flowers.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinF536w38Q0jLhS9m97uTXDxeip7OcEAt3BugyQMwlcEMn59dk0tOsJ5wm7wFvWikDQoU43M8r6fWXtzklhz42y2GvxdNFlsdPFSFNyrf26mfhEiaEf2HLfV2K4yFMiGxz-Jm-bUjfzXE/s1600/IMG_9211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinF536w38Q0jLhS9m97uTXDxeip7OcEAt3BugyQMwlcEMn59dk0tOsJ5wm7wFvWikDQoU43M8r6fWXtzklhz42y2GvxdNFlsdPFSFNyrf26mfhEiaEf2HLfV2K4yFMiGxz-Jm-bUjfzXE/s640/IMG_9211.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPoYT8aAcqHO1ZJd1n96V2NC5NHhxMEje7_oom9_hAHYbke3-0uevedY_Is_QQElSDZ5hUXHmlPMlW1TvJaw40nUUBmxfNwSUEr1GAMifeZd8kKMpg1KnVR6cH1ZHVVWEhRUXaUG_lnA/s1600/amaryllis-steps.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPoYT8aAcqHO1ZJd1n96V2NC5NHhxMEje7_oom9_hAHYbke3-0uevedY_Is_QQElSDZ5hUXHmlPMlW1TvJaw40nUUBmxfNwSUEr1GAMifeZd8kKMpg1KnVR6cH1ZHVVWEhRUXaUG_lnA/s640/amaryllis-steps.jpg" width="164" /></a>Here is the easy-to-pin step-by-step!<br /><br /><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F12%2Feasy-dyi-holiday-centerpiece-pale-pink.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-kEDT-SogWK4%2FUM9ALGMqOiI%2FAAAAAAAAO94%2FhrAvq-LWq30%2Fs640%2Famaryllis-steps.jpg&description=Easy%20DYI%20Holiday%20Centerpiece%20%3A%20Pale%20Pink%20Amaryllis%2C%20Magnolia%20Leaf%20%26%20Cedar%20Flower%20Arrangement%20%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F12%2Feasy-dyi-holiday-centerpiece-pale-pink.html"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br /><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

Easy DIY Holiday Centerpiece : Pale Pink Amaryllis, Magnolia Leaf & Cedar Flower Arrangement

For Emma's party I wanted the create a very soft and feminine flower arrangement that would be fitting my soft and feminine little lady...

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Christmas Cookies | Sugar Cookies

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ohz-9uEVf-4qFqFC_nVnEHKZI0df66ARRkZ9qowBurf8BxavRGzPDnodRDseSMWUOpxqedn6MaVvZrI-7MD0A5Yx1Jaa5RAYuyK6GPpL5VkG7RoY-RB0yUhF8e7Y2wCSvzHGaSJ3pEY/s1600/IMG_0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ohz-9uEVf-4qFqFC_nVnEHKZI0df66ARRkZ9qowBurf8BxavRGzPDnodRDseSMWUOpxqedn6MaVvZrI-7MD0A5Yx1Jaa5RAYuyK6GPpL5VkG7RoY-RB0yUhF8e7Y2wCSvzHGaSJ3pEY/s640/IMG_0078.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />As I'm preparing for my Holiday Christmas Cookie Brunch Workshop next week, I'd thought I'd share my tried and true, favorite recipe.  This is the same recipe my mom used when my sister and I were growing up, decorating sugar cookies for each and every holiday.  The dough is incredible to snack on!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHSanPlfXF7HRLw1KXKVDjmi9H1aDUYzZaBzw-iQXW05y5U-zGZssnk83AYZ_qdIXNTz04-_MlWZ9zCdmG4u_CrEFjVRUdHTdciMFCou9_7IEW3cZ7BVcsA6UHNj0gRmol2TqFvIn6dk/s1600/best-sugar-cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHSanPlfXF7HRLw1KXKVDjmi9H1aDUYzZaBzw-iQXW05y5U-zGZssnk83AYZ_qdIXNTz04-_MlWZ9zCdmG4u_CrEFjVRUdHTdciMFCou9_7IEW3cZ7BVcsA6UHNj0gRmol2TqFvIn6dk/s640/best-sugar-cookies.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><i>Jenny's </i><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Deluxe Sugar Cookies</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F12%2Fchristmas-cookies-sugar-cookies-from.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-6_opsFUx90c%2FUMEeYW5wxCI%2FAAAAAAAAOwg%2FBiRO0IOYqJs%2Fs640%2Fbest-sugar-cookies.jpg&description=The%20BEST%20Sugar%20Cookie%20Recipe...%20uses%20powdered%20sugar%21%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F12%2Fchristmas-cookies-sugar-cookies-from.html"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a> <span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Sugar Cookie Recipe</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span">2 sticks of butter<br />1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar<br />2 1/2 cups of flour<br />1 tsp of vanilla<br />1 tsp of cream of tarter<br />1 tsp of baking soda<br />1 egg<br /><br />In your Kitchen Aid fitted with the paddle attachment, whip together butter and powdered sugar.  Add Flour, vanilla, cream of tarter, soda, and egg.  On slow, stir together ingredients just until combined.  Turn the dough out onto a floured board and wrap it with plastic wrap.  Let the dough rest in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.  </span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FJl6jg_a2N4B8ehBklrrCiByREY1FnUz8r9b-Evbe0-Vp7yBVyH3dV217tXoLZFMNCAGNRXQhTG6WvsJn0hMFSVOaIBs2-BhvPQc8VAPm3FI178zBhZXtykxC9qGiQ1FylQqspvgjsMy/s1600/IMG_3602.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FJl6jg_a2N4B8ehBklrrCiByREY1FnUz8r9b-Evbe0-Vp7yBVyH3dV217tXoLZFMNCAGNRXQhTG6WvsJn0hMFSVOaIBs2-BhvPQc8VAPm3FI178zBhZXtykxC9qGiQ1FylQqspvgjsMy/s320/IMG_3602.JPG" width="320" /></span></span></span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Unwrap the dough and put it on a floured board.  Be sure to flour the rollin pin, as well. </span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITOh3xr8HS8mD4_sYM6R_Ik9t4vh_VNsYoIYf7WntnZRkqfUtoLqECpzopOLJ02S2Qe4WSF_w68ddHCbVz5zQ41xv5E7RCqtUJfjt1KpNDYS4P49muk9NTvrWYDOcxVo1Ab3TfmCbRwbY/s1600/IMG_3625.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITOh3xr8HS8mD4_sYM6R_Ik9t4vh_VNsYoIYf7WntnZRkqfUtoLqECpzopOLJ02S2Qe4WSF_w68ddHCbVz5zQ41xv5E7RCqtUJfjt1KpNDYS4P49muk9NTvrWYDOcxVo1Ab3TfmCbRwbY/s320/IMG_3625.JPG" width="320" /></span></span></span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">Roll out dough until 1/4 inch thick. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AqFgaYUERgcFbYECbqFXWjier46toFyu9gAcBE4974LCIkhPWIoOSar7MPcG_CWxCd6IqRn_PkO2bEExYLftegAHw6C6qKhe4yR60-68Aw4wGQnke0CnMgNOWSMUWM2zYARHLhfNJxMk/s1600/IMG_3638.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AqFgaYUERgcFbYECbqFXWjier46toFyu9gAcBE4974LCIkhPWIoOSar7MPcG_CWxCd6IqRn_PkO2bEExYLftegAHw6C6qKhe4yR60-68Aw4wGQnke0CnMgNOWSMUWM2zYARHLhfNJxMk/s320/IMG_3638.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">Cut shapes.   Place them on a parchment lined baking sheet.  </span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">Bake for 6-8 minutes at 350 degrees just until the edges begin to turn brown - baking time will depend on size and thickness of the cookie.  </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7Or8tH3S4V24vJ02qiD-HQiGnfPYPFRN1Kc7Jw6h5nuxZLXRw5VJqiyqkfJBMNqNu-0djYCxvBpsNF2pf9Ub0bsL60ZpNP_7zB04HzUKtq0SWJ41I8TLbhvoSalOt1cNz6cVs1FuiDji/s1600/IMG_3683.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7Or8tH3S4V24vJ02qiD-HQiGnfPYPFRN1Kc7Jw6h5nuxZLXRw5VJqiyqkfJBMNqNu-0djYCxvBpsNF2pf9Ub0bsL60ZpNP_7zB04HzUKtq0SWJ41I8TLbhvoSalOt1cNz6cVs1FuiDji/s320/IMG_3683.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">Utilize scraps of dough by making them into a ball and re-rolling them and cutting shapes. </span></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfWqAEzL9wCM9LGgr4pLsr4lKQWFfzlHGcGLDpKIiEOr5efnkYhrrTTTvhMDbuKcD1wMT0l_ehDKyeDCI0WBIzu2_DR3S97Aomf4-HjVpWLoOoIImiKnLf7oqeSVb3Kxk0n7A2tJU42A/s1600/IMG_0068.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfWqAEzL9wCM9LGgr4pLsr4lKQWFfzlHGcGLDpKIiEOr5efnkYhrrTTTvhMDbuKcD1wMT0l_ehDKyeDCI0WBIzu2_DR3S97Aomf4-HjVpWLoOoIImiKnLf7oqeSVb3Kxk0n7A2tJU42A/s640/IMG_0068.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Royal Icing</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 12px;">3 egg whites<br />4 cups of powdered sugar<br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 12px;">In the Kitchen Aid fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites until almost frothy.  Add in the powdered sugar and whisk on slow until smooth.  You may need to add more or less powdered sugar or water to achieve desired thickness.  For sugar cookies, you want the icing to be thin enough that it will fall back on itself and smooth itself out, but not too thin so it will run off of the cookie.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Good colors are so important to making professional looking sugar cookies.  Here are my tips :</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Red : When making red you need to use a lot of food coloring.  I also add orange to the red to make it less pink.  Add just a touch of green to the red to make it less electric.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Green : I add a little bit of yellow and orange to green to make it more of a natural green.  For christmas, I like to use two shades of green - light and dark. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Blue : I add a little bit of yellow and orange to blue to make it softer.  It is a more sophisticated looking blue. </span></span></div><br /><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

Christmas Cookies | Sugar Cookies

As I'm preparing for my Holiday Christmas Cookie Brunch Workshop next week, I'd thought I'd share my tried and true, favorite re...

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Packaging Baked Goods in Your Kitchen - Creative & Resourceful Ideas

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtP2watY5TvIUEVaNmguo84Mx82j7YheMyWM-lpWQGWZHxwlDjujbwFYFKwrk5aK8oGbRsFpbQFzTpY5PhjqlZZMEoxPb7If0MCzBgtlyMrIKbvLiiXp-5KNW6Qewm-RUSj5OCNybWSAV/s1600/IMG_5872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtP2watY5TvIUEVaNmguo84Mx82j7YheMyWM-lpWQGWZHxwlDjujbwFYFKwrk5aK8oGbRsFpbQFzTpY5PhjqlZZMEoxPb7If0MCzBgtlyMrIKbvLiiXp-5KNW6Qewm-RUSj5OCNybWSAV/s640/IMG_5872.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />When I owned a catering company, I learned that it, indeed, is “all about presentation,” as they say.  I’ll never understand how someone can spend so much time and effort into making a delicious and beautiful treat, then put it into a plastic tupperware box or put it on a paper plate wrapped in plastic wrap.  Drives me crazy... I realize that most people do not have all the time in the world to dream up how to package their cookies.  Yes, I know there are more important things.  Buuuut, it is so easy with just a little effort. <br /><br />Take a cue from you favorite retail boutiques, do they put your purchases in a plastic grocery stack?  No, they wrap your items lovingly in tissue sealed with a branded sticker and then into a color coordinated gift bag.  Packaging your kitchen goodies nicely might even make them taste better... if that is possible.<br /><br />Now, you can find all of this packaging supplies in my online store : <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies">Everyday Occasions</a> - enjoy! <br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;"> Kitchen Packaging Supplies</span></i><br />    <br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/packaging">Cellophane Bags (buy here)</a><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/packaging">2.5" circle labels</a><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/packaging">Small Rectangle Labels</a><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies">Parchment paper</a><br />Bakers twine<br />Scissors<br />Various Ribbons & Colorful Twine<br /><br />Here are some of the examples of how I have used these materials throughout the year :<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrN_hRBi33fdU6SNVHOcPruRDmRlp7Iq2ckLArSFS_Foyqgb71Yit0QKVG7CixtWLkVpYFyvhdenCceqrRE3PP9MJHY2Q91KbYumw9jkpt9GSda62IK2_Ykd78HE6e6g6-m7XcMt9p8BLJ/s1600/IMG_5525.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrN_hRBi33fdU6SNVHOcPruRDmRlp7Iq2ckLArSFS_Foyqgb71Yit0QKVG7CixtWLkVpYFyvhdenCceqrRE3PP9MJHY2Q91KbYumw9jkpt9GSda62IK2_Ykd78HE6e6g6-m7XcMt9p8BLJ/s640/IMG_5525.jpg" width="446" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/best-homemade-biscuits-so-so-simple.html" target="_blank"> The BEST Buttermilk Biscuits & Homemade Blackberry Preserves</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwe4UGbNQTu-P5bU1soZUWOT9hubDhdnzrSQlAtrasjsBhhbg8ZJLArHdbKR-ChIN6LHu65Lzn9gTLx1xpcpBNNmbTXe39oQpkAokCfH4JFs84A-KiTTC1ovafTJy2JtwwrocSLUbV_g3/s1600/IMG_1980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwe4UGbNQTu-P5bU1soZUWOT9hubDhdnzrSQlAtrasjsBhhbg8ZJLArHdbKR-ChIN6LHu65Lzn9gTLx1xpcpBNNmbTXe39oQpkAokCfH4JFs84A-KiTTC1ovafTJy2JtwwrocSLUbV_g3/s640/IMG_1980.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/01/valentines-day-sugar-cookies-heart.html" target="_blank">Valentine's Day Sugar Cookies in bags with twine tie </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamWpu0Usm-5Svx6Ns5EZHEgUzNkHRVwGG-WwvkaUkCTOFLL1urk-SXVOUvS9Juj3GtAYPaEJ3HuFf_iTL9kSkfuMKjWVuqD74H9vB7hf7_j1rt9RkI1W4cPDZhpwVB-EoubhCuSdzw7yK/s1600/IMG_1976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamWpu0Usm-5Svx6Ns5EZHEgUzNkHRVwGG-WwvkaUkCTOFLL1urk-SXVOUvS9Juj3GtAYPaEJ3HuFf_iTL9kSkfuMKjWVuqD74H9vB7hf7_j1rt9RkI1W4cPDZhpwVB-EoubhCuSdzw7yK/s640/IMG_1976.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/01/be-mine-free-printable-tags-for.html" target="_blank">Valentine's Day Sugar Cookies with Foldover Card  </a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Pp4OCylpCH6TxlYfhb-sT5He5sLbURFmNnJMH_-VU7z6wkJqsqcMwUsDl8SjRUFYxoqd3G_Qs8hHpYWQZ5ziQR5rgOjo12GU0VAPUK19QY9gNzZ1gG6byCw0PxJFxJxY0Qpa5k2FUWGA/s1600/IMG_5860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Pp4OCylpCH6TxlYfhb-sT5He5sLbURFmNnJMH_-VU7z6wkJqsqcMwUsDl8SjRUFYxoqd3G_Qs8hHpYWQZ5ziQR5rgOjo12GU0VAPUK19QY9gNzZ1gG6byCw0PxJFxJxY0Qpa5k2FUWGA/s640/IMG_5860.jpg" width="576" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/banana-nut-bread-with-whipped-honey.html" target="_blank">Banana Bread packaged in parchment tied with twine </a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSAYing8GoSiPungOTpZ_Sl84j9-RGWI8-K7Ak_RHJZotrYUr1xytF-6U8WOWhh_A2s4-u0aDAmQaQMzmILGW1QxV-Lw1hL6m7C53VsyRhJiRBoZlubEeFndxz3C3iMP4n2ENLhdW8kQh/s1600/IMG_5868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSAYing8GoSiPungOTpZ_Sl84j9-RGWI8-K7Ak_RHJZotrYUr1xytF-6U8WOWhh_A2s4-u0aDAmQaQMzmILGW1QxV-Lw1hL6m7C53VsyRhJiRBoZlubEeFndxz3C3iMP4n2ENLhdW8kQh/s640/IMG_5868.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">oohh... look what's inside!  (recipe <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/banana-nut-bread-with-whipped-honey.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmDmLCJlzqX03YsL03phR4sEN2w7CCTfUWA4IZpiEerMWQNybkYU4Iv-3X6Dx03ghfl8bf5V0nyT0O8bUqwk50KbqljH-jHWutZpr_eN9TCS_tmEkiYRL9-0wgNXrS32uyLPNTKt6w1X-/s1600/IMG_2022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmDmLCJlzqX03YsL03phR4sEN2w7CCTfUWA4IZpiEerMWQNybkYU4Iv-3X6Dx03ghfl8bf5V0nyT0O8bUqwk50KbqljH-jHWutZpr_eN9TCS_tmEkiYRL9-0wgNXrS32uyLPNTKt6w1X-/s640/IMG_2022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/06/black-what-cookies-for-lucky-magazine.html" target="_blank">Black and White Cookies with Large Circle Labels, Ribbon & Cello Bags </a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAr8MWArGC9Q7_8jx_HV8My__y8hFblcpkkT3ZSEH8kgkbLQPqbnb1wHepKRDFHh8uUvj4HWwszBUWdD-iRYiQ4zHjyAaKWVb6ThclQMDtoWYL8oPoX6o3ZnIptZVKqQvh_0FwIpyWv7a/s1600/IMG_2025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAr8MWArGC9Q7_8jx_HV8My__y8hFblcpkkT3ZSEH8kgkbLQPqbnb1wHepKRDFHh8uUvj4HWwszBUWdD-iRYiQ4zHjyAaKWVb6ThclQMDtoWYL8oPoX6o3ZnIptZVKqQvh_0FwIpyWv7a/s640/IMG_2025.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/06/black-what-cookies-for-lucky-magazine.html" target="_blank">Black and White Cookies with Large Circle Labels, Ribbon & Cello Bags  </a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwU2ju6k1XNM-QCHNe2u3VitzjTdfqSAQ-D_67ddla-B6zRDqBS767GhcPbuJkn_6w40UaRemXnafjhQ9N21_Xs6qclAE0aiZ_5Mdq3apT8qTx4OoVJkHqAGYmTTdmfkTG1ExRdbBPPUQ/s1600/IMG_8325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwU2ju6k1XNM-QCHNe2u3VitzjTdfqSAQ-D_67ddla-B6zRDqBS767GhcPbuJkn_6w40UaRemXnafjhQ9N21_Xs6qclAE0aiZ_5Mdq3apT8qTx4OoVJkHqAGYmTTdmfkTG1ExRdbBPPUQ/s640/IMG_8325.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/11/boxed-cookies-packaging-cookies.html" target="_blank">Mini Chocolate and Salted Caramel Sandwich Cookies in Cello Bags with Foldover Card  </a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3BhyphenhyphenViF6BhT4DYl9ZAwPmztPU7c0ploE5jZWV7nkW8ahiR04XrOsyry5zIDjwoyOH8WMJCgYJy7myJNJLiz8FMXVxxGSIxKcQV5qQJwM1skkG4ebYbTEHsDU6LA-fR1zOv1A6TndmmaM/s1600/IMG_8329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3BhyphenhyphenViF6BhT4DYl9ZAwPmztPU7c0ploE5jZWV7nkW8ahiR04XrOsyry5zIDjwoyOH8WMJCgYJy7myJNJLiz8FMXVxxGSIxKcQV5qQJwM1skkG4ebYbTEHsDU6LA-fR1zOv1A6TndmmaM/s640/IMG_8329.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/11/boxed-cookies-packaging-cookies.html" target="_blank">Mini Chocolate and Salted Caramel Sandwich Cookies in Cello Bags with Foldover Card</a> packaged in a mailer box with parchment paper, then tied with natural twine.</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7MaVly9WKGXKq1xS_Jjj3Sz6E_FYMGSZE1DaWcqI_qCpHyfov8GW8lb2SSVEQ_uaPuhpQxzYYjR30tT6r16w39G778uxIe9YHFreLRj70hDQiSNOwURdlj8WeC_o6rbH_oDq8QDujSOC/s1600/IMG_0076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7MaVly9WKGXKq1xS_Jjj3Sz6E_FYMGSZE1DaWcqI_qCpHyfov8GW8lb2SSVEQ_uaPuhpQxzYYjR30tT6r16w39G778uxIe9YHFreLRj70hDQiSNOwURdlj8WeC_o6rbH_oDq8QDujSOC/s640/IMG_0076.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-cookies-sugar-cookies-from.html" target="_blank">Holiday Sugar Cookies in cello bag, tied with twine and card </a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjongmnCRsN9owwgsPZEsLsQ13ek1kyW8kMDFl7bmHrdkqIGmxq8cBNBDHKvgFhCjvECRMS1W6SayUWUUw9Kboz-4oziXT4ROne4Gda0RQJdTQFw2uFkLX9oHu3trb9J86kYQPw31_Drfem/s1600/IMG_9474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjongmnCRsN9owwgsPZEsLsQ13ek1kyW8kMDFl7bmHrdkqIGmxq8cBNBDHKvgFhCjvECRMS1W6SayUWUUw9Kboz-4oziXT4ROne4Gda0RQJdTQFw2uFkLX9oHu3trb9J86kYQPw31_Drfem/s640/IMG_9474.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chocolate Brownie Cupcake... yum!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Packaging Baked Goods in Your Kitchen - Creative & Resourceful Ideas

When I owned a catering company, I learned that it, indeed, is “all about presentation,” as they say.  I’ll never understand how someone ca...

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