Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Christmas Preparations






Our home is bustling with Christmas preparations as I'm sure it is at your home as well.  I try to do as much as possible in advance of  the big day ahead.  Both of our children and our grandchildren come to stay for a few days beginning on Christmas Eve.   All of the beds in our home are made up to accommodate the big ones and little ones.  Along with the master bedroom we have a guest room upstairs and two bedrooms downstairs that will serve as home for our family.  Also the office will be turned into a little bedroom for the youngest grands.  Our home will literally be full to the brim.  It's all good and we are so thankful to share this special season with our family.



Long Night's Moon



There is food to buy and cookies to bake.  Cookie making has started as Samuel and I made a double batch of chocolate chip cookies yesterday.  We had to bake off two dozen to check to see if was of the finest quality!  The rest of the dough is resting in the fridge and will be baked next week.  This saves a lot of time for last minute preparations.  I also made sugar cookies with the younger grands, but they are at their home now along with the cookies.



Sadler Christmas Teapot



I've mentioned before that our daughter Noel was born on Christmas Day.  Years ago I asked her what kind of birthday cake would she like.  She said she wanted Peppermint Ice Cream Cake.  This is a cake that I first had when I was a little girl at my great aunt's home.  It all seemed so exotic to me at the time as I'd never had an ice cream cake.  It's quite simple to make and is very tasty and suits the holiday season.  I've been making this cake for Noel ever since she graduated from princess cakes, Miss Piggy cakes and such.


If you want to make it, now is the perfect time to find Peppermint Ice Cream.  Not all stores have it so you will have to probably visit a few groceries.  Even though I originally had it in the summer as a child, I've only seen the Peppermint Ice Cream around Christmas these past few years.  Of course you can make this cake with any of your favorite ice creams.

All you need is two ingredients!


Peppermint Ice Cream and Angel Food Cake


First tear an Angel Food cake into pieces.  It doesn't matter if they are uniform.






Place the torn angel food cake and the softened ice cream into your mixing bowl.  You can do this by hand, but I find it's easier in my stand mixer.





This is so easy, now after all of the ingredients are mixed,  spread the mixture into a greased pan.  I often use the plastic container the angel food cake came in.  I've also used a Christmas ice mold and also a bundt pan.  Then wrap your cake and place it in the freezer to harden. 





We always make a special time in the afternoon to recognize Noel's birthday.  We bring out this cake and presents wrapped in birthday wrap.  If you want to read ideas on how to celebrate a birthday that falls on Christmas , you can read what Noel wrote last year Here


After seeing many of all of your lovely decorations, I was inspired by Liz  to dress up our chandelier in the dining room.  I've always kept it plain, but I just adore what Liz has done.  I used some little angels to hang from our chandelier.  I have many angels and I thought this theme would look well in here.  I used an old swag that has seen better days and just doubled it.  I think I like it!





Here is a close up of one of the angels.  They were a gift from my sister-in-law years ago.




My sister gave me this angel a few years ago and she lights up the dining room when the lights are off.




And there were in the same country shepherds  abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them , Fear not: for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 







   

51 comments:

  1. Martha, It is so wonderful that your home will be filled to the brim with family, food and Christmas delights. I am sure you already know how very fortunate you are. Our family is so spread out and distant that we rarely have more than 5 people coming to call. Your dining area is gorgeous, have a marvelous time, I know you already are! (love that blown glass peanut in your banner)

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    1. Thank you, sweet Jeri. That little peanut ornament is a reminder of my state of Virginia. I'm sure you know we grow the best peanuts in the world. Merry Christmas to you, dear Jeri. ♥

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  2. Martha Ellen, that peppermint ice cream and angel food cake sure does look scrumptious. I didn't know your daughter was born on Christmas Day, how very special that is. That was nice of Samuel to join in and make some chocolate chip cookies. The angels hanging from the chandelier is a sweet idea, and I just love the angel that your sister gave you. How beautiful she is all lit up. You are going to have the best time with all your family around this Christmas. This is a wonderful post, Martha Ellen, and one of my favorites so far.

    ~Sheri

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    1. Sheri, you should give this cake a try--so easy and so good. Our grands love to bake with me in the kitchen. I think they really love to eat what we bake more! Merry Christmas to you, dear Sheri. ♥

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  3. Oh my, this looks divine. Your preparations are so perfect; I wish my four cats would let me decorate like that!

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    1. Thank you, Susan. I know you love your kitties and wouldn't trade them for decorations. Merry Christmas to you, dear friend! xoxo ♥

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  4. Oh yes, I do remember that post from last year about your daughter being born on Christmas. I guess I just forgot. Please wish her a Happy Birthday from Sheri, would you?

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  5. I didn't know that Noel was born on Christmas Day, though it certainly explains her lovely name. I must check what she had to say about a Christmas birthday.

    Oh my! I am glad that you were talked into decorating your chandelier. It looks fabulous. I thought I would keep mine simple, but that looks fabulous.

    You have a dear angel collection, too. Very pretty.

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    1. Vee, I've never decorated our chandelier, but I do like it a lot. Isn't it nice to meet so many talented blogging friends with great ideas?
      Merry Christmas, my friend. ♥

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  6. Oh my friend, everything is so beautiful.
    And the sentiments behind it are as well.
    Enjoy your preparations...I think they are as exciting as the day itself!
    I'm sitting in front of our tree now... Wishing time would slow a bit.
    Have a wonderful, cozy evening.
    And such a sweet treat for your daughter. : )

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    1. Billie Jo, I try very hard to enjoy every moment leading up to Christmas. I must admit to feeling a little tired this evening. But all is good. Merry Christmas, my friend! ♥

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  7. I can sense your excitement as I read your post! Christmas is such a special time, isn't it? I love that your family all comes to celebrate with you!

    Your chandelier is so pretty festooned for Christmas!! I want to do something with mine this year, but I ran out of my faux greenery and I have hesitated putting real greenery up too early. I even bought a strand of LED lights to tuck in.

    Merry Christmas to you as you make your preparations!

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    1. Cheryl, I'm looking forward to seeing your chandelier dressed for Christmas. I was happy that I could use my faux garland. Doubling it made it look fine. I was considering putting it in the trash a few days ago.
      Merry Christmas to you, my friend. ♥

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  8. I said this on my blog, but from one Christmas Baby to another Happy Birthday Early to your daughter! My mom makes me a cake too! Last year she made me a homemade pound cake with chocolate frosting! I loved reading your post about your Christmas preparations! I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas!

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    1. Thank you, Pilar! Your birthday cake sounds perfect--yummy! Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas to you! Enjoy all of the special moments. ♥

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  9. Oh, Martha Ellen ~ this is just beautiful, so beautiful that words don't seem to do it justice. I wish you could feel the warm fuzziness coming from my heart right now. Most of my food is ready, I plan ahead and freeze all my side dishes about a week in advance so the day itself is easy {I've made it this way since Daddy is no longer with us}
    Your photo of the Long Moon leaves me almost speechless. At first I thought you had shared a magical oil painting, but no, it is a photograph. That's a keeper! It sums up the time of year perfectly too, the cold, the dark nights, the moonlight. Just stunning. Congratulations!
    Sending Warmest Wishes for a Very Happy Christmas from Across the Pond~~~Deb xoxo

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    1. Thank you dear Deb. Even though I took the photo of the moon Monday evening before the perigee on Tuesday, I found it rising in all of its beauty. My lucky timing!
      It only makes sense to do as much as we can in advance preparations. It's all very exciting baking goodies and dishes we save for Christmas.
      Merry Christmas to you and your Mum, dear one! xoxo ♥

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  10. Having family as you are doing is one reason we don't downsize. We love having room for everyone when they come. I've often made ice cream, but never such as what you show here. It sounds wonderful and I want to try it! Enjoy these days!

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    1. Dotsie, I think you would enjoy this ice cream cake. It's so easy and tasty! For a birthday you have your cake and ice cream in one dish. Merry Christmas to you and your family! ♥

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  11. Oh Martha Ellen...your dining room is just so warm and lovely! I love hearing of the Christmas plans going on! It's going to be so fun...celebrating a birthday and Christmas all at once! Hugs!

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    1. Thank you, dear Betsy. We love this time of year. Merry Christmas to you and your family! ♥

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  12. So warm and wonderful... and overflowing with holiday Hygge, Martha Ellen! Anticipation is always part of the magic of the holidays. Noel's birthday cake sounds so yummy!! ♥ Please give her a birthday hug from me on her special day! What a joy to be surrounded by all of your favorite blessings at Christmas! Cherish every magical moment, dear one! ♡Dawn@Petals.Paper.SimpleThymes

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    1. Thank you sweet Dawn. Yes, holiday Hygge all around us! In all of the hustle and bustle it's important to drink in all of the blessings. I will pass along the birthday hug to Noel. I cant's wait to see her! Merry Christmas to you, my friend. ♥

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  13. What a lovely blog post!! It sounds like a wonderful time for all the family! Our twins were born on the 23rd, so our celebration begins then with everyone here overnight that night. Early on the 24th is when we will have our Santa arrival as one daughter will be working and the other, with the grandchildren, will need to head back home for our son-in-law, a United Methodist minister, to have Christmas Eve services. Our other daughter will leave on Christmas Day as she must report to work on Monday. We have a "full to the brim" house for a few hours. Grandchildren and family will arrive on the 21st! I love your cake idea and may copy it! Your angels are very special. Our twins - Carol and Joy! I do love the name Noel. Sending special hugs and blessings to you!

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    1. Nellie, your Christmas sounds wonderful with all of your family! I love the name of your twins--so appropriate for Christmas children. The peppermint cake is so easy and good. I do hope you will try it! Merry Christmas to you and your family, dear Nellie! xoxo ♥

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  14. Happy birthday to your lovely daughter.. and the peppermint ice cream cake sounds lovely...

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    1. Thank you so much, Krishna. I hope you will try the cake. Have a great evening! ♥

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  15. You moon photo is exceptionally beautiful, Martha Ellen. And the cake recipe looks yummy and simple to make--the best kind!

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    1. Thank you Cathy. Moon photos have eluded me, but Monday evening I was lucky to be at the right place at the right time. Merry Christmas! ♥

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  16. Oh I love the idea of this cake! I just said the other day that I wanted some peppermint candy ice cream! I'm glad you liked what I did with the chandelier- It's always nice to know if someone is inspired by something I've done. Dan has a cousin that both kids were born near Christmas. One is named Noel and the other Holly. I remember reading about how some people would chose to celebrate their child's birthday in the summer so they'd feel like they weren't cheated with the holiday. I'll have to read what your daughter wrote about it. I love the idea of your home being filled with family like that. I need to move south of where we live if I ever expect that to happen! Once the snow starts up here few people want to travel our way. We already have gotten 31" of snow and tonight we are expecting a bunch more! I need a vacation already!! :-)

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    1. Liz, I'm always inspired by your decorating. Wow, that is a lot of snow, my friend! It must be a winter wonderland around your home. I think you would really enjoy the peppermint ice cream cake. It's so easy and so tasty! Have a great weekend. ♥

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  17. Just popping in to say thank you for the lovely comment! I have followed your blog Via Google, just now! :) ♥

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  18. that cake sounds so good...I have a birthday close to Christmas (New Years Eve) and my mom always made it special...I love your pretty dining room

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    1. Well, Happy Early Birthday BJ! Have a wonderful Christmas! ♥

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  19. What a lovely cake. Your house is lovely and I especially love the angel. Many blessings to you during this holiday season.

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  20. Your home looks so pretty and festive. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
    Amalia
    xo

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  21. How lovely to see and read your post, your happiness shines through.
    Your dining room looks so lovely, and isn't it wonderful to celebrate a birthday and Christmas all at the same time!

    My good wishes to you and yours for a wonderful Christmas.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Jan, Isn't this the most wonderful time of year? Thank you for your sweet comments. Merry Christmas to you and your family! xo ♥

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  22. What a wonderful post! That is such a darling teapot, and it seems that you've managed through the years to keep your daughter's birthday special, separate from Christmas. I love it that you named her Noel! And that cake!!! I'm definitely making that. I might need to make two of them, and I can put them out on the porch to keep them frozen! Have a wonderful Christmas, Martha Ellen, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. xo

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    1. Thank you Judy! I know you would enjoy this cake. If you are having a crowd you can double the ingredients and have a full bundt cake. Grayden had an aunt that lived in Minnesota and when we visited, I was so surprised that she used her outside porch as another freezer. Just like you! Have a Merry Christmas! xo ♥

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  23. I hope you are enjoying this holiday week! I love seeing some of your angels and seeing that dessert you've shared. Merry Christmas!

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  24. Always so LOVELY Dearest Martha!!
    Sending lots of warm CHRISTmas Cheer and LOVE!!
    XXX OOO Linnie

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    1. You are so sweet dear Linnie! I wish you a warm and loving Christmas, my friend. Enjoy every moment. XOXO ♥

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  25. My dear Martha Ellen, thank you for all your sweet comments throughout the year. Merry Christmas to you and your family, and may the new year be a bright one for you. Your blog is a favorite of mine.....so real, so charming, so wonderful. :)

    ~Sheri

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    1. Thank you dear Sheri! It's been so lovely meeting you and your girls. I hope your Christmas is wonderful, dear one! xoxo ♥

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  26. Merry Christmas, dear friend. Your holidays looked like they were filled with joy! Love the recipe and I think a friend of mine will too, XOXO

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