Festive packaging for kitchen gifts

I'm sure it's pretty clear by now how much I enjoy making and giving gifts from the kitchen.  I love wrapping them festively, also.  For me, this has always been one of the most fun aspects of giving kitchen gifts, especially at Christmas.  It's fun to devise packaging out of what I have on hand, but it's also fun to watch those after-Christmas sales for specialty items that will make our kitchen gifts even more special.

To be honest, many of my favorite wrapping items come from the Dollar Tree, so they are inexpensive enough to start with. They have some great plastic jars, tubs, and canisters, along with tins, with fun and festive motifs.

Oh, and cookie bags to put plates of cookies in may also be found at the Dollar Tree.  For most of my cookie trays to neighbors or friends, I will put the cookies on a foam plate and tuck it into a gallon size plastic bag.  The assortment of cookies is so pretty that no embellishment (other than possibly a ribbon and/or a sprig of evergreen) is needed.  

The bags from Dollar Tree are usually printed with a small design like holly or snowflakes, and the packages of three also include a bit of ribbon and a gift tag, if you choose to use them.  I often do.

But I also give out two special cookie plates each year to folks who enjoy a particular cookie.  For them, I like to find a special plate to include with the cookies as part of the gift.  These cookies -- Eggnog Log Cookies for one person, and Sacher Torte Cookies for the other -- are still pretty, but not colorful, one being cream-colored and the other chocolate.  I usually look for plates at after-Christmas sales the year before.  The Gooseberry Patch plate was found at one of their great  online sales.  The clear tree-shaped plate looks like glass, but is plastic and I found it at our supermarket after Christmas a couple of years ago.

The Dollar Tree always has festive jars or canisters that are perfect for hot chocolate or other drink mixes, or for jar mixes for cookies, etc.

Pretty printed plastic snack bags are great for things like Chex Mix or flavored pretzels.

Mugs like the one above are perfect for mug cake mixes.  I got that one at our local supermarket after Christmas one year.  The gift bag below holds a mug cake mix and accompanying marshmallows.

The pretty tin below came from Jo-Ann Fabrics, I think.  Love it.  Smaller square tins like this are perfect for packaging fudge.

Speaking of tins -- I shared this tip last year on my Christmas blog, but it bears repeating: Any tin you buy to use for gifting or storing your kitchen gifts, whether you buy it at a thrift store, yard sale, or regular store, needs to be washed and thoroughly dried before packaging anything in it.  Wash it like any dish, but to dry it place both tin and cover in the oven and set the oven temp at 290º or so.  Less than 300º, anyway.  When the oven reaches temperature, turn it off.  Leave the tin, or tins, there until the oven cools down.  It is now ready to use.  (If the tin seems to have rust spots or other discolorations, line it with waxed paper before adding your baked goods.)

I love giving small loaves of quick breads or fruitcake for Christmas! These make nice gifts for family, friends, or neighbors, and are a nice little thing to have on hand when someone drops by at holiday time and you’d like to give them a small remembrance. They also work exceeding well in care packages to send to faraway family and friends, because they are sturdy and keep well.

I have a way of packaging these little loaves that is so much fun for me. First, of course, when they are cool I wrap them in plastic wrap and then in foil. I almost always bake these ahead and freeze them, so I want to be sure they are well wrapped.

Next, I wrap them in something else -- either plain brown kraft paper, or -- my favorite -- a cut-apart paper bag. A country shop in our area uses bags which are brown with black print and which look just like an old-time newspaper. I always make some purchases at this shop around Christmas time, and I always save the bags. Regular newspaper might look neat, too.

Then I tie something around the loaf, just as you would tie ribbon around a gift package. I might use red ribbon, or colored raffia, or jute. I stick on a label indicating the contents of the package -- “Chocolate Banana Bread” or “Eggnog Fruit Bread” or whatever. And then, under the bow, I’ll often tuck something decorative, like a sprig of fir, or some silk holly, or I’ll glue on a couple of tiny pine cones.

(And of course, if your tastes run more to the sparkly and elegant, you can wrap your loaves in gold or colored foil paper and use pretty ribbons and shiny trims like mini Christmas balls or charms.)

 

 The brown paper bags in the photo above hold mulled cider mixes.  I package the spices in coffee filters tied with kitchen string, then in small brown paper lunch bags.  I sew the labels on (and the bags shut) with my sewing machine, using red thread.

Hope these ideas will spark some inspiration for your own kitchen gifting this Christmas!

Making space -- week 5

 

 I have a pretty exciting list to share this week.  At least it's exciting to me when I think of the many items that have left or will soon be leaving my house.

November 30— cleared out the baking drawer where I keep extracts, sugars and sprinkles, etc.  Threw away:

 1 large package of plastic recipe protectors — destroyed by blue food coloring
1 nearly empty jar of blue past food coloring (aha!)
1 clean spam can with ends cut off — saved to use as cookie cutter
1 partial set each Mickey and Minnie mouse cake decorations
2 partial envelopes unflavored gelatin (I have gluten free baking recipes which call for a teaspoon of it)
Partial packages of vanilla pudding mix and strawberry jello mix
Full, outdated and hardened packages of lime and raspberry jello mix
1 plastic measuring tablespoon
Partial, old containers of red and green decorating sugars and Easter chick decors
1 container vintage silver dragees
1 small tin shaker
1 metal cake decorating tube
1 bottle raspberry flavoring for candy
Partial envelopes of vanilla powder and vanilla sugar

And, to the thrift store: 1 vintage plastic cake decorating tube

Gave away to friends: 1 nutcracker and 2 nut picks (they needed them and we had extra)

Placed with my gift wrappings: 1 ball of thick kitchen string (too thick for its intended use)

December 1 --
Next, we tackled the baking shelf in the pantry.  Threw away:
1 outdated can peach pie filling (exp. 2012)
2 outdated cans coconut milk (exp. 2011, 2014)
1 partial package red candy melts
1 3-oz. jar lemon curd (exp. 2018)
1 tiny container baby prunes
1 nearly empty jar assorted sprinkles

Over the next couple days we went through more of the pantry shelves.  And threw away:

an outdated can of ravioli
2 cans of outdated bean sprouts
2 cans outdated tomato paste
a bottle of outdated lemon juice
partial packages of outdated rice and pasta

I also threw away:
3 old calendars I had kept for crafting purposes
1 kitten-themed child's plastic sewing box from the 1960s (see illustration below)
1 hairbrush I've never liked -- had to use it in a pinch this week and remembered why I don't like it.
A pair of my husband's slippers -- he got a new pair and these have seen far better days.

My kit was pink, sort of a marbleized look.  Lid was clear.

 

And also to the thrift store: a never-used ice pop maker, and a hardcover book.  

Another box of things is headed for our cottage.

It's been a great week on the decluttering front!

Kitchen gifts remembered

 

This started with a post I wrote years ago (2007) on my Christmas blog, when I'd been doing some thinking about gifts from the kitchen: how they come from the giver's heart and also from the heart of the home. When I was growing up, our family always gave away lots of cookies, fudge, and yeast breads at Christmas time: My mother made pans and pans of her maple fudge, but she also made lots of Christmas cookies,  and loaves of cinnamon swirled bread which she topped with a thin white icing plus sliced almonds and a few candied cherries.  We were also the recipients of some kitchen gifts, so I'm going to share a few of those memories and recipes this morning.

Great-aunt Bessie always made large batches of Chex Mix and gave tins of it to everyone on her list.
I've done a bit of research to try and find the recipe Bessie would have used. It's somewhat different from the Chex Mix of today. I seem to recall that there were short, thin pretzel sticks in it, peanuts, and Cheerios. I definitely remember fighting with my siblings over the Cheerios. These seemed to absorb the butter and seasonings better than anything else, and were really tasty. Somewhere I can picture the recipe, written in Bessie's handwriting on Ralston Purina letterhead (her late husband had worked for Ralston, and they were also the company Chex cereal was originally made by, so this was quite meaningful) but I haven't been able to find that paper. Bessie would pack the mix in recycled cans which she covered with Con-Tact™ paper.  This is the best I've been able to do as far as finding a recipe for it: Bessie's Mix.

I don't recall my grandmother giving kitchen gifts in my childhood,  but in later years, she also had a traditional homemade gift that she would give -- large jars of creamy hot chocolate mix. She would stir all the ingredients up in a gigantic bowl and then transfer the mix to jars for giving. It made a very rich-tasting cup of hot chocolate, so we kids were always happy to see that jar!  Here's her recipe: Gram's Hot Chocolate Mix.

 Gram also traditionally made a special kind of fudge. I think it was basically the "Five-Minute Fudge" and that she used to use both chocolate chips and butterscotch chips in it, maybe in equal quantities.

Neighbors also shared kitchen gifts with our family. There was a German family who always brought an assortment of delectable homemade cookies. Another neighbor traditionally made a pear quick bread. And another delivered her gift on New Year's Day -- a dessert called Pumpkin Snow (made from her own pumpkins) with an accompanying jar of custard sauce.

What fun it all was! When my hubby and I got married over four decades ago, we decided to share Christmas cookies with our neighbors.  Some reciprocated with jars of salsa or loaves of homemade bread.  Not sure where the neighbor gifts will be going this year amid coronavirus fears, but we will be giving plenty of kitchen gifts to our family.  So happy to keep these memories going.

Christmas preparations and a special blessing

 

Lovely graphic by Abby at Little Birdie Blessings

 Just a short post today with an update on the progress of our Christmas preparations.  And the above graphic from Abby is such a great reminder that the Lord will strengthen me for the things that need to be done. 

Today I made a list of gifts still to buy and make.  I need to complete a Shutterfly project, do a few small paper crafting projects, five easy sewing projects, and a few small crocheted gifts.  A few kitchen gifts also, but those are easy since they can be factored in with other kitchen tasks.  We will see where it all goes.

I still have six grandsons left to buy gifts for.  Little girls and teen girls are so easy to buy for, but boys can be a little more challenging.  Need to check on those Amazon wish lists!

Yesterday Mr. T kicked off the Christmas cookie baking season (one of his favorite traditions) by making a quadruple batch of Chocolate Spritz.  He had intended to bake a triple batch, but mistakenly quadrupled the sugar, so ... Of course it was fine.  They're now stashed safely in the freezer.

Also yesterday, I managed to get the last of the fall decor taken down and began, ever so slowly, to begin the Christmas decorating.  I enjoy doing this slowly so that I can savor it.  Below is a favorite plate from Gooseberry Patch.

 And now, for the very special blessing!  A new granddaughter, Rosemary, born December 2 out west!  She is so precious and we absolutely love her name.

 How are your Christmas preparations coming along?

Guest post by Amanda Reed: The Certainty of Christmas in Uncertain Times

 

Regular readers know that I often try to post daily in both blogs during the month of December.  Only rarely do I post the same content in both blogs.  I much prefer to share different things on each blog to keep things fresh and interesting.  However, today I am breaking my own rule and sharing the same guest post on each blog.  I know that not all of my readers here read my Christmas blog too.  And today's post is so important that I want to share it in both places.  I don't want anyone to miss this.  It's a guest post from my friend Amanda Reed:

December is here! This is my favorite time of year. I love Christmas. I love the decorating, the excitement, the lights, the cards, the songs... everything. I think a lot of people will say the same thing. I heard an ad on the radio the other day, proclaiming that "the holidays are finally here!" I think, after, such a crazy (dare I use the word, "unprecedented" again?!) year, many people have been looking forward to the consistency of Christmas and its once-a-year happiness and excitement.

Christmas. Such a wonderful time. Some even use the word, "magical". But, why is it such a wonderful, magical, happy time?

One word: Jesus.

"Jesus is the reason for the season". While this may seem to be an overused expression, the fact remains: without Jesus, there would be no Christmas.

I have been reading through Luke 1 now, as well as a devotional called, "Repeat the Sounding Joy" by Christopher Ash. As you begin reading Luke 1, Luke writes to Theophilus that Luke's reason for recording the events of Jesus are so "you may have certainty concerning the things that you have been taught". (Luke 1: 4)

What are the things you know for certain?

I think it is safe to say that this year, not much has been very "certain"!

But, in this anticipation and excitement of celebrating Christmas, I want to remind you of what is certain.

Jesus.

Jesus prophesied.

Jesus promised.

Jesus conceived.

Jesus born.

Jesus living as man.

Jesus dying as sin for you and me.

Jesus dead.

Jesus buried.

Jesus ALIVE!

Jesus as Savior.

Jesus as Mediator.

Jesus as KING!

And, all these are certain. Certain because God said them. God foretold them through his prophets. Jesus fulfilled them. And, God's word is there for you and I to read, to know, to believe.

And, this is where these "for certain" things can either be a ray of hope or a cause of disdain. For some, Jesus is a mere religious figure. Yet, for those of us who believe- not in magic-, but in the certainty of God, Jesus is our hope.

He is not just some baby. He is JESUS.

And, what we know for certain is that, from the beginning of time, God foretold of a Redeemer who would break the curse of this sin-soaked world, providing healing to a world, who longs for hope.

What do you know for certain this Christmas season?

Perhaps the plans you normally "do" for Christmas are hindered due to Covid restrictions/fears.

Maybe someone you love died this year, and Christmas will be especially painful without them here.

Perhaps there were some relationship divisions that happened this year. And, the healing process is only beginning.

Maybe the passing strains of time have brought change in your physical body- maybe illness, pain, uncertainties.

Perhaps your job has been greatly affected and funds are tight this year.

Yet, Christmas has come.

And, what are you dwelling on for certain as you consider this blessed holiday?

Are you dwelling on the certainty that Jesus came to save you and give you hope?

Or are you dwelling on all the "things you have to get done"?

Are you dwelling on the certainty that Jesus reigns as King?

Or are you dwelling on the chaos that seems to reign in our world right now?

Take some time to dwell on the certainty of Jesus.

Read Matthew 1 and revel in the fact that the genealogy shared in that passage is a short version of the Old Testament, a remarkable truth of the hand of our sovereign God to bring the birth of Jesus, to save us from our sins.

Read Luke 1 and rejoice in the certainty of God's promises wrapped up in two very special babies: John, as the forerunner of Jesus, and Jesus as the Lamb of God.

Marvel at the work of the Holy Spirit. Promised to dwell in John the Baptist from conception; promised to come upon Mary and cause her to conceive the very Son of God.

This is Christmas. And this is certain: Christmas is all about Jesus.

"Oh, Father, our hearts are easily distracted from belief to unbelief. Give us eyes to see afresh the miracle of Jesus, coming as a baby to redeem us unto yourself. What a miracle of inexpressible joy! What an expression of love from you, our great God. What hope we have- this anchor for our souls in uncertain days- that you have given us Jesus. Thank you for this hope of life and light. Thank you for the certainty of your Word. Teach us more of you. Teach us to rejoice in hope."

If you'd like to read the post over at Amanda's blog and access the links to music she has shared for additional encouragement, you can read here: The certainty of Christmas in uncertain times. 

Amanda has guest posted here at my kitchen table one other time, so you may remember her.  Our husbands were coworkers until my hubby retired.  Amanda's a busy mom of two young boys, yet she finds time to write (both blog posts and books), lead a Bible study, decorate her home beautifully and frugally, and much much more.  She's an inspiration to me!  I hope that you've enjoyed this most meaningful Christmas post.

Finding time for you in the busy days and weeks ahead ...

Gorgeous winter graphic from (in)courage

 This post by Jessica Turner at (in)courage: 6 Ways to Find Time for You During the Holidays, is well worth filing away for any busy season, but especially for the Christmas season.   Put it somewhere where you'll be able to find it easily every December.  In fact,  it would even be worth printing out and adding to your Christmas notebook, and I have done just that. 

Maybe you have a file on your computer desktop for Christmas helps and ideas, or a Pinterest board for Christmas planning.  Mine is here: Christmas planning and preparation. 

Just put this post where you will find it easily each December.  I shared this on my Christmas blog for Christmas in July, but decided to also post this here on my regular blog for December Daily, so that none of my readers will miss out.

Jessica's six basic points are these:

1.  Prioritize.

2.  Include you in your calendar.

3.  Plan for times of waiting.

4.  Don't overschedule yourself.

5.  Take care of your body.

6.  Give yourself grace.

But by all means, head on over to her (in)courage post and get the full benefit of Jessica's helpful counsel. 

This year I've been working my way through Jessica Turner's book The Fringe Hours, and have found much commonsense advice there as well.  I hope that this post is a blessing to someone as we begin this busy, festive month!

December goals

It's December, so let's jump into it with some goals for the month:

* Keep up with Flylady's homemaking zones of the week if possible

* Do something creative each day
* Post in this blog every day through December if possible

* Decorate for Christmas

* Finish buying and wrapping Christmas gifts
* Post in my Christmas blog every day through December
* Send a birthday package and Christmas packages to Nevada

* Address and send Christmas cards

* Bake Christmas cookies; make candy and other kitchen gifts

* Continue planning for family birthday gifts and crafting any handmade ones

* Craft some homemade Christmas gifts and decorations

* Spend a little time on some UFO craft projects
* Continue stocking my Etsy shop and continue selling vintage items

* Work on Etsy and trust bookkeeping as necessary
* Write at least 4 encouraging notes to friends and family

* Attend my hubby's work Christmas party

* Make and carry out plans for Christmas Eve and Christmas day
* Help and encourage my local daughter as I'm able

* Continue to encourage and support my hubby as he works through a pastoral search for our church
* Clean church

* Maybe go out for breakfast with friends

* Plan meals with a greater emphasis on healthy eating
 * Memorize several Bible verses and review some older ones
* Continue with my study of A Woman after God's Own Heart for the ladies' Sunday School class
* Continue our discipleship study with new believers
* Provide Sunday lunch hospitality for pulpit supply couples twice this month
* Continue to help a recently widowed friend with the challenges of life in general
* Limit sugar
* Get to bed by 9 pm each night 
* Drink enough water each day
* Walk and/or exercise at least 4 times each week

 
HEALTHY HABITS FOR DECEMBER:  Drink more water/get more sleep/limit sugar/walking