Category Archives: Holidays

Holidays

We’re Thankful!

                   

We’re closing down the studio a little early today for the Thanksgiving holiday. We’ve got to get ready!  If you need some flower arranging or table setting tips check out last years helpful hostessing posts: here & here!

We’re grateful for our clients, our vendor partnerships, the builders and subcontractors that make our designs come to life, each other, and you our blog readers. We hope you have a delightful and relaxing family-filled weekend! Don’t forget to sign up for our Turkey Day Giveaway!!

Illustrated cards via Rifle Paper Co. (Buy up those Christmas cards, now!)

Favorite Technology/Media, Holidays

5 Great Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Co-Workers

The office is doing Secret Santa this year and you have no clue what to get your co-worker – Look no further we’ve got 5 great holiday gift ideas that we think you will love!

 

1. Behance Action Journal – Nothing inspires creativity more than a blank canvas and those action steps to achieve your goals. This action journal comes in three different colors for about 17.50 each.

 

2. Flowers in a Can – Who would have thought? A bouquet of flowers conveniently grows in this can just by adding a little bit of water and sunshine all for about $15.00.

 

3. Tervis Cup – Have a thirsty co-worker? These Tervis smart cups are AWESOME and come in many different sizes. Microwavable & dishwasher safe, customizable, keeps liquid cold or warm and 100% unbreakable all for about $15.00-$20.00.

 

4. Maraca Headphones – For the co-worker who needs a mid-day jam session. These headphones are sure to bring out anyone’s inner dj.

$15.00 on Gilt Groupe Black Friday Super Sale.

 

5. Twinings Tea – What a wonderful way to start the morning with a warm cup of tea infused with fruits, mint, and spices.

What ideas do you have for your co-worker gift exchange?

 

 

Designer Inspiration/Trends, Holidays

Is Cupid Ready?

Balloons by Younga Park

At Design Lines, we’re in love with hearts and any variety of reds including: pink, peaches, and raspberries.  We thought we’d put a few Valentine’s day ideas out there for you Ladies & Gents- as now is the time to send those love letters!

Purchase an assortment of cards to send to multiple valentines.

 

vday_asst_1 Rifle Paper Co.

Consider picking up this stamp & making your own.

 

Custom Stamp

 

Pick up some flowers a la Trader Joes and put together arrangements all around the house.

 

Trader Joes Flower Section Raleigh NC

 

Get a fabulous tray & serve breakfast in bed.

 

beautiful tray

 

A classic! Try making lovely envelopes from paper doilies.

 

a98580_0201_doilienew_martha stewart

 

Who wouldn’t want to receive this in the mail- gorgeous calligraphy!

 

Laurel Valentine Amelia Script

 

Skip the chocolates and go for cupcakes! We adore the cupcake shop in Raleigh.

 

cupcake shope raleigh caketakethecake.blog
 
 
 

 

images: 1. 20×200 2. Rifle Paper Co. 3. Staples 4. Martha Stewart Online5. Esty-Laurel Valentine 6. Cupcakes Take the Cake Blog

12 Days of Christmas, Entertaining, Holidays

12 Days of Christmas: Lauren’s Goat Cheese & Honey Stuffed Fig Muffins

While on summer vacation this year, Lauren made these goat cheese and honey stuffed fig muffins. YUMMY! They were an immediate hit with her husband.These muffins can be a great addition to any holiday brunch or appitizer spread. We hope you enjoy them.

Goat Cheese & Honey Fig Muffins

Goat Cheese & Honey Stuffed Fig Muffins

3/4 cup crumbled soft goat cheese
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
2 cups whole-wheat flour (I used half wheat/white)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 large egg white
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1 cup low-fat buttermilk
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/4 cups chopped dried figs
3 tablespoons turbinado sugar

Preheat oven to 425.

Combine goat cheese, honey, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, and and lemon juice until thoroughly mixed.

Combine dry ingredients in one bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, then add brown sugar and vanilla. Stir in buttermilk.

Add wet ingredients to dry. Don’t over mix. Fold in figs.

Fill each muffin tin halfway. Top with a teaspoon of the goat cheese mixture. Add more batter on top. Sprinkle with sugar.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

 

(Recipe: From EatingWell & Picture: HowSweetEats Blog)

12 Days of Christmas, Entertaining, Holidays

12 Days of Christmas: Brittany’s Sausage Bites

martha stewart wreath image

The past few weeks, these Sausage Bites have been a quick & easy go-to when agreeing to make a savory appetizer for holiday parties. People even believed I was from the South when these arrived! For the perfect soundtrack while waiting for these to cook- some classic tunes for you:

Alabama’s Christmas in Dixie

The Jackson Five’s I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

Elvis’ Blue Christmas

Bon Appetite!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound spicy ground pork sausage
  • 2 cups biscuit baking mix (you may also try Virgina’s Best Biscuit mix)
  • 1 pound sharp Cheddar cheese, finely shredded

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

In a large bowl, combine sausage, biscuit baking mix and cheese.  Mix well.  If it looks a little dry add a tbsp of water to the mix.  It also helps to have sausage at room temperature.

Form into walnut size balls and place on baking sheets.

Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and the center is done.

You may also prepare these and freeze them before baking.  Thaw and bake as recommended.  You may also add garlic powder/onion powder to taste to the dry mix. 

 

image: Martha Stewart