Christmas - Holiday - Seasonal Centerpieces

Natural Christmas - Holiday centerpieces sure to dress up, and add some holiday cheer to any room in your home...but especially for those dining room and kitchen tables. As you know Innovative Holiday Decorating of Charlotte, NC are HUGE fans of using natural holiday decor to add warmth, sweet aromas, and bring in a beautiful display of natural resources from mother nature. With these inspiring photos from BHG.com, we are sure to create something similar for our holiday decorating clients this season in NC-SC.  Tonia of Innovative Holiday Decorating shares this statement: "Peggy and I are so excited to decorate residential and commercial properties in Charlotte, NC and the metro area, including upper SC for the upcoming season and holidays! 

 

Blooming Tree Holiday Centerpiece

Put a twist on typical holiday table decor with a tree-inspired centerpiece. To create the trunk, wrap a clear glass vase with bark chips. Surround the vase with faux variegated moss and top with nuts, berries, and tiny decorative birds to mimic a forest setting. Bring the "tree" into bloom with a lush floral arrangement of hydrangeas, roses, fresh greenery, and hypericum berries.

Tray of Yews Holiday Centerpiece

Foot-high yews with root balls nestled in moss look fresh lined up in a galvanized tray. You can find these mini evergreens at your local nursery. Anchor with white and purple eggplants for an all-natural centerpiece.

Editor's Tip: To keep plants from drying out, place out of direct sunlight and water twice a week. Limit display time to 2-3 weeks; after three weeks, trees will come out of winter hibernation and start to grow like houseplants.

White Hyacinth Holiday Centerpiece

This centerpiece filled with seasonal, natural elements is versatile enough for any holiday occasion. Simply fill a large, low bowl with boxwood, pinecones, and white hyacinth.

 

Freshen with Botanicals

Elevate a humble wooden box to Christmas-centerpiece status. Start by lining the box with dry florist's foam to anchor evergreen sprigs. Attach citrus fruits (lemons, oranges, limes) to florist's picks and tuck into the greenery. Add interest by cutting some of the fruits in half or adding decorative details.

Editor's Tip: Make orange pomanders by using a large needle to poke holes into the orange. Push the stems of whole cloves into the holes.

White Gold Decorations

Large white hydrangea blooms fill a white pitcher (or try a bowl!) with fresh floral splendor. We added seeded eucalyptus leaves and a few stalks of white snaps and filled in with golden holiday ornaments on wires. Fresh green and red apple slices surround the neutral centerpiece with a bright border.

Think Small Holiday Decorations

Instead of one gigantic centerpiece, consider making several smaller bouquets for the table. A silver ornament and sprigs of evergreen are nods to the holiday season, but this idea is versatile: Flowers could be any color or type that complements your china and table linens.

 

Flowers and Votives

A block of soaked florist's foam holds this arrangement in place. Three glass votive cups were set on top of the foam -- making it easy to change the candles as needed. Curly twigs inserted into the foam hold the glass cups in place. Next, flowers and greens are arranged around the sides of the foam, draping down to the tabletop.

Switch It Up

Centerpieces usually run the length of the table. For something different, keep the centerpiece in the middle of the table, but stretch it across the width instead. Here, evergreen boughs drape across the table horizontally and are accented with pretty red flowers and white berry sprigs.

Serving Up Sophistication

A pair of stacked cake plates dressed with evergreens, glass balls, pinecones, and red berries makes a sophisticated, no-fuss centerpiece.

All Boxed Up

A rustic wooden toolbox lets a holiday centerpiece spread out. Stand pillar candles on supports, such as candleholders or even soup cans, so they are set at different heights. Next, add bowls or low containers of damp florist's foam and arrange the greenery. A sweep of garland and a cardinal's nest add a final touch.

Editor's Tip: Be sure to keep the candle flames a safe distance from the greenery and other elements.

Photos and articles about each photo courtesy of BHG.com.

Happy holidays from our homes in Charlotte, NC to your homes! 

Charlotte NC Holiday - Seasonal - Event Holiday Decorators

"Client Spotlight" Tonia and her professional holiday team decorated the interior of our home and holiday party. I was overjoyed to
see the festive display of the decorations and the creative
minds of these girls. Tonia and Peggy did an awesome job
 decorating our Christmas tree and home for the holidays!
Returned customer: Jena- Charlotte, NC

Holiday Themed Decorated Christmas Trees 

and Christmas decorations. 

Our professional decorating team of Innovative Holiday Decorating and Redesign + More Holiday Decorating offers custom themed decorated Christmas trees and decorations through out the homes of Charlotte, NC and the Metro area, including Upper SC. 

The tree featured on above and on the right was inspired by our clients home decor in the Lake Norman, NC area.  Our client "Jena" wanted her holiday decorating colors of reds, golds, and creams to accent the living room, dining room and foyer area of the home.  Tonia of Innovative Holiday Decorating and Interiors quotes; "Creating Christmas tree toppers, and holiday themed decors for our clients allows me to think out the box and be creative with different holiday decorations.  I love to go shopping for decorations and/or use existing decorations from our clients. Holiday decorating is a true passion of mine and I look forward to each and every holiday. What a great feeling it is to see the smiles on our clients faces! Priceless! "  

Inspired by the beauty of this traditional dining room, we chose holiday decorations from our local holiday suppliers, Pier One, Southern Roots and Pottery Barn to create this table centerpiece for our clients family Christmas party. 

One of our favorite Christmas tree toppers....okay we like them all! This tree was special because it was placed in the master bedroom of our clients home, so they could enjoy the beauty and Christmas lights while relaxing in their master bedroom. Love the Frontgate holiday decorations, and the Southern Roots decorations we selected for this tree. Tonia, once again created a custom Christmas tree topper using decorations that inspired their client.  

"Client Spotlight" Peggy and Tonia are fabulous holiday decorators! They worked with my holiday decorating budget and created a beautiful tree and rooms that my family, friends and I enjoyed during the holidays. Thanks girls! I will be calling again for next year, so put me on your books!
Rebecca- Charlotte, NC

 The Tuscan/Rustic themed Christmas tree and holiday decorations for this home were a true delight to install and takedown after the holidays. Holiday Decorators of Charlotte NC, Peggy and Tonia had so much fun shopping and decorating this home for the holidays. Peggy quotes: "It's a great joy to see the look on our clients faces when we have completed our holiday decorating installs. Once we have decorated our clients homes for the holidays and seasonal decorating, we always get returned satisfied customers the next year. I simply love decorating homes and business for the holidays."

Adore a fireplace in a formal living room or family room with holiday decorations of garlands, holiday lights, stockings, berries, Christmas or Seasonal ribbons and silk flowers. Tonia and Peggy Holiday Decorators of Charlotte, NC and Metro Area say; "Decorate your rooms, Christmas trees and outdoor spaces, with decorations that have personal meaning and traditions to you and your family." 

Greet family and friends in your foyer with a beautiful pre-lit garland and teardrop on the stairwell. Nothing states, "Welcome" like holiday lights and decorations during the holidays. 

"Client Spotlight" This is the 2nd year I have used the services a professional holiday decorating company. After meeting Tonia and Peggy, I knew I would have them back year after year, and once I saw the beautiful display of Christmas decorations being creatively displayed and hung around my rooms....I was so excited and felt a sigh of relief...no stress for me during the holidays. I left the holiday shopping, decorating, install and takedown to the holiday professionals Peggy and Tonia.
Returned customer: Patty Charlotte NC

Dashing through snow...over the hills we go! What fun it was to create this Snowman/Winter Wonderland Themed Christmas tree topper and decorations for our client to enjoy during the holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's! 

Tonia states: "This Snowman/Winter Wonderland Themed Tree and decorations were so much fun to shop for because we could be so creative with items we purchased for our client, plus use her existing decorations too! Peggy and I look forward to decorating this Christmas tree, outdoor spaces and rooms again for the holidays!"

"Client Spotlight" My husband and I were so thrilled when we got home and saw our house and Christmas tree decorated with a Snowman/Winter Wonderland Theme! Tonia and Peggy didn't miss a beat, they shopped for new decorations for us and even used our existing decorations of snowmen I had collected over the years! These girls are top notch, and we will be using them again for the next seasonal and holiday decorating at our home!
Bethany-Weddington, NC

You will be the envy of your guest when your home is decorated for the holiday season. Choose a theme that fits your style and decor. Family and Friends will always enjoy the holidays in your home. 

"Client Spotlight" Peggy and Tonia are very talented holiday decorators. I have used their holiday decorating services for the past 3 years. I host holiday parties and family events and I can always count on Tonia and Peggy to decorate my home beautifully for the holiday season each year.

Returned Customer: Nancy Hickory NC

The holiday season can add on more stress. Peggy and Tonia offer many holiday decorating packages whether you like it simple or over the top. Offering Holiday Shopping, Holiday Interior - Exterior Installs,  Holiday Interior - Exterior Uninstalls & Outdoor Lighting.

Tonia and Peggy make each holiday season a little less stressful. With my busy work schedule during the holidays its hard to find the time to do it all. It is always wonderful to have Peggy and Tonia decorate my Christmas Tree and my tree is always beautiful and perfectly decorated.

Returned Customer: Carol Waxhaw NC

Professional Holiday - Seasonal - Event Decorators of Charlotte NC and Metro area, including SC. 

Tonia Mosteller and Peggy Johnson

Call today for your free holiday-seasonal-event consultation!

704-651-8878

Charlotte NC Seasonal Holiday Themed Decorating

Charlotte Seasonal Holiday Decorating Services

The Charlotte seasonal decorating experts at Innovative Interiors Holiday Decorating will customize seasonal decorating plans to fit the needs of each client and home. Hosting a party or event? From a tasteful Halloween décor for all ages, to a beautiful seasonal Thanksgiving decor, Christmas decorating and to planning a show stopping New Year's party. Our professional interior decorating team will decorate your home and make it last longer than one holiday. With a few slight adjustments, and choosing the right decor and color scheme, we can set the stage for a rustic, elegant, or sophisticated look that can last until the New Year.


We can return after each holiday and help you choose the right colors, wreathes, centerpieces and create beautiful focal points sure to set the stage in your home during the holidays.

Hosting Thanksgiving this year in your home? If, so I understand it can be quite a task to get your home decorated and your Thanksgiving feast prepared. You have hours and hours of planning to do, and if you are hosting then you probably are already aware of this. The benefits of hiring a profession holiday decorating service, we use your existing Seasonal decorations, or we can purchase new holiday decorations for you too. Our creative Seasonal Holiday Decorating team will sort through your decorations, make suggestions for additional decorations and best of all...we enjoy creating a beautiful, warm and inviting Thanksgiving decor for your family and guest to enjoy during the holiday.

Our Charlotte professional seasonal holiday decorating experts will "WOW" your friends and family with a look that is not only beautiful, inviting and fits the personality of each client but it's comfortable and functional too! wow your friends and family with a look that is not only traditional, but home staging that is comfortable and functional.

Are you hosting party or event from the comfort of your own home this holiday season?

If you find yourself running out of time, and need to focus your energy on your guest and meal plan, contact us at Innovative Interiors Holiday Decorating, we are happy to schedule a "free" in home consultation to discuss your Seasonal Holiday Decorating needs. We love to decorate for the holidays and each season!

Holiday Decorating Thanksgiving Tips:

Start with the first impressions: As your guests arrive, welcome them festively by decorating your patio/walkway/deck with hay, raffia leaves, pine cones, pumpkins, and any other festive fall items you can find. Go with this same theme on your front door with a handmade wreathe made up of Mother Nature’s gifts!

Bringing the outdoors in.....

Dining Room Centerpiece: There is no rule book that states you must purchase an expensive centerpiece for the dinner table. Colored corn in the husk, squashes, gourds and acorns, topped off with candles and votives will give your table the perfect look for the season.

Living Room Table and wall decorations: Once again, Mother Nature has you covered in this department. Use leaves, branches, straw and other items to strewn across tables and walk way walls. The colorways accent the mood perfectly this time of year.

Last but not least: Accent your entire Thanksgiving home decorating efforts with fresh flowers. Go for rich reds, oranges, and yellows to accent the rest of the decorations. Remember that fruits and vegetables can also be used in conjunction with your other arrangements around the home.

Holiday-Seasonal Decorating Charlotte NC and Metro Area, Including Upper SC.

• Winter Seasonal -Holiday Themed Decorating 

• Spring Seasonal - Holiday Themed Decorating

• Summer Seasonal - Holiday Themed Decorating

• Autumn- Fall - Holiday Themed Decorating

What challenges are you running into with your seasonal holiday decorating?

Tonia Mosteller

Charlotte NC Holiday . Seasonal . Event . Christmas Decorator

704-651-8878

tonia@ihdecorating.gmail.com

Photos courtesy of BHG.com and Country Living.com.

Rustic Christmas - Holiday Decorating Ideas

Creating a rustic Christmas decor in your home and outdoor spaces this holiday season. 

Thinking about the holidays and our trips to the North Carolina mountains during fall, and Thanksgiving weekend to celebrate the holiday with the family. So when I found this article decorating with a rustic theme and photos below from Southern Living.com ..it was right up my alley this year! Those that know me and my family know we are huge outdoor people, and love to be in the mountains or on the beach. This article makes me think about our mountain house at the lake and how I can bring that rustic feel to our home in Charlotte, NC. I love the natural feel of using fresh garlands, pinecones, magnolia leaves, cedar, wide ribbons, birds nest and so on. Of course you know me, I will add my own holiday decorating twist but these photos from Southern Living are a great inspiration to start the thought process on how I want to achieve that rustic holiday decor at our home. 

 Woodland Entry
A doorway festooned with pinecones and garland sets a rustic tone for your holiday decor. Birch logs on the railings, simple white candles, and a vintage-style sled on the porch add subtle winter touches for a front door that says "happy holidays" without screaming with red and green.

 Custom Pine Cone Wreath
Position large pine cones, with the tips facing outward, in a tight ring around a grapevine wreath, and then attach the cones with florist wire. Nestle pieces of garland and smaller pine cones between the large cones to hide empty spots and create a lush look. Hang the wreath with wide satin ribbon, or add pieces of ribbon for a pop of color.

 Lush Pine Garland
Drape your front door with fragrant pine garland. An average doorway requires about 20 feet of garland. Measure the length of your railings and banisters to determine how much additional garland you’ll need to complete the look. Save leftover pieces to use on the mantel or as seasonal filler in floral arrangements.

 Ample Pinecones
Stock up on pinecones of all sizes for a woodland vibe. Bunch a few large cones together with florist wire, and then use clear fishing line to attach the cones to the garland along the top of the doorway. Stagger smaller single pinecones down the length of the draped garland for a unified look.

 Old-fashioned Sled
Accessorize the entry with a nostalgic winter sled. This one, made of birch wood and powder coated steel, recalls memories of childhood snow days.

 Wide Satin Ribbon
Add a polished look to your décor with satin ribbon. Just a few yards go a long way: tie a bow on a wreath, wrap around candles, and tie up your gifts. The 3-inch width makes an elegant statement.

 Tall Votive Candles
Dress up these simple, extra-tall candle votives with stripes of burlap and ribbon, and then insert them into your pre-drilled birch logs. If you opt not to create birch candleholders, try staggering the candles on your front steps for an evening glow.

 Rustic Birch Logs
For this look, drill evenly spaced holes into birch logs using a 3-inch Forstner bit – the holes will hold 2 ½-inch votives. Attach the logs to your railing using large zip ties, then dress with greenery.

 Copper Birdbath
As a final festive touch, suspend a copper birdbath from the porch ceiling and fill it with pinecones. Try replacing the chain with clear fishing line and satin ribbon for a more refined effect.

 Woven Basket Tree-Holder
The woven raffia basket at the base of the tree is wide enough to fit a standard tree stand, and tall enough to obscure the tree trunk. The basket’s height lifts the branches and clears lots of room at the base of the tree for gifts.

 Mercury Glass Ornaments
Add a bit of subtle shimmer to the neutral tree with silvery-gray mercury glass ornaments in various sizes. Antique mercury glass can be pricey, but this set is available for a song.

 Bronze Gift Wrap
In addition to basic craft paper and solid white wrap, incorporate shades of bronze and silver into your packaging. A bit of sheen will keep your gifts from looking dull.

 If you need help creating a Rustic Christmas Holiday theme for your interior or outdoor living spaces or need other ideas for Holiday-Seasonal decorating themes, give Tonia Mosteller Charlotte Holiday Decorator a call at Innovative Holiday Decorating @ 704-651-8878. 

Providing Holiday - Seasonal - Event Decorating free Consultations in Charlotte, NC and Metro area, and including upper SC. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Spice Up The Holidays!

Nothings states holidays like cool evenings, a crackling fire, baking yummy, holiday decorations, treats and sipping on a hot beverage. Spice up the holidays with a hot chocolate or some may call it, "Hot Cocoa" and some fabulous chocolate hazelnut cookies. Below are some great recipes I found and must share with you. Plus a recipe with homemade maple marshmallows. YUM! It want be long before I will be in my kitchen in Charlotte, NC making these delicious recipes and baking up a storm with my son. :) The count down is on!

White Hot Chocolate Recipe courtesy of Paula Dean

Ingredients

• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cups half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vanilla whipped topping, for garnish
• Mint leaf, for garnish

Directions

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine white chocolate chips and heavy cream. Stir continuously until white chocolate chips have completely melted. Stir in the half-and-half, and vanilla extract. Stir occasionally until heated through. Pour into mugs and top with a dollop of vanilla whipped topping and garnish with mint leaf.

Mexican Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe courtesy of Munchin With Munchkin

• 3 cups non fat dry milk powder
• 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 ½ cups cocoa powder
• ¾ cup white chocolate chips
• ¾ cup semi sweet chocolate chips
• ¼ Tsp. salt
• 2 Tsp. corn starch
• ½ Tsp. cinnamon
• ¼ Tsp. cayenne pepper

In a large bowl, whisk together all ingredients.

In batches, pulse mixture in a food processor until smooth and well combined.

Store in a sealed container in a dry and dark place.

To make hot chocolate, put 1/3 cup of mixture into a mug and mix with hot water or milk.

Top with marshmallows and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Maple Marshmallows Recipe courtesy of Munchin With Munchkin

• 3 Tbsp. unflavoured gelatin powder (3 packets)
• ½ cup and 2 tablespoons of cold water
• 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
• 1 Tsp. maple extract
• ¾ cup water
• 1 ¼ cup dark corn syrup
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• pinch salt
• 2 cups powdered sugar, divided
• 1 cup corn starch, divided

Prepare a 9×13 in baking pan with cooking spray. (Ensure the entire dish is coated, as the marshmallow mixture is very sticky. Combine ½ cup of powdered sugar with ¼ cup cornstarch. Sift mixture into the baking dish and shake so the dish is coated. Set aside.

In a large bowl combine gelatin, vanilla extract, and maple extract with ½ cup and 2 tablespoons of cold water. Gently whisk mixture until well combined and no lumps remain. Continue to whisk until the gelatin reaches a consistency similar to baby food (about one minute). Set aside.

In a medium saucepan combine ¾ cup water, corn syrup, granulated sugar, and salt. Whisk to combine and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Cover pot, reduce heat and simmer for about 2 and a half minutes. Remove from heat.

Pour mixture over gelatin and beat on medium with an electric mixer until combined, about one minute. Increase speed to maximum and beat for 15-20 minutes until the mixture is glossy and makes meringue like peaks.

Pour marshmallow mixture into prepared 9×13 inch dish and spread evenly. Wet spatula and smooth the top until it’s even.

Leave the marshmallow mixture uncovered on a counter for 24 hours to set.

Once the marshmallows have set, prepare your workspace. Combine remaining powdered sugar and cornstarch in a medium sized bowl. Dust some of the mixture onto a cutting board.

Wet a sharp knife and drag it along the edges of the 9×13 inch dish to loosen the marshmallow mixture. Sprinkle some of the powdered sugar onto the top of the marshmallows and flip the dish onto prepared cutting board.

Cut the marshmallows into squares, occasionally wetting the knife to make more precise cuts. Toss marshmallow squares in the cornstarch sugar mixture until well coated.

Store marshmallows in a sealed container, layered between wax paper.

Alcoholic Hot Chocolate Recipe courtesy of Food.com 

and photo courtesy of The Style Dossier.com

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk
• 3 1/2 ounces best-quality dark chocolate, bittersweet or semisweet, as preferred
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons dark rum, or to taste

Directions

Put the milk into a saucepan and break the chocolate into pieces and add to the milk along with a cinnamon stick, honey, and sugar and heat gently until the chocolate is melted.

Add the vanilla and mix with a small hand whisk and still whisking, add a spoonful of the rum first and taste to see if you want more. Add more sugar if you want this sweeter, too. Take out the cinnamon stick and pour into 2 cappuccino or caffe latte cups.

Chocolate-Hazelnut Drop Cookies Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup plus 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread, at room temperature (recommended: Nutella)

Directions

For the cookies: Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone liners. Set aside.

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in the vanilla. With the machine running, gradually add the flour until incorporated. Beat in the chocolate-hazelnut spread. Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop 12 balls of dough onto each baking sheet. Bake until the bottoms of the cookies flatten out slightly, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes.

Place 1 cup of powdered sugar in a medium bowl. In batches, roll the cookies in the sugar until coated. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Per cookie (38); Calories: 104; Total Fat: 6 grams; Saturated Fat: 4 grams; Protein: 1 gram; Total carbohydrates: 11 grams; Sugar: 6 grams; Fiber: 0 grams; Cholesterol: 13 milligrams; Sodium: 2 milligrams

Holidays Made In The South

During autumn, temperatures fall, days shorten and holidays are approaching in the south, bringing the need to get our homes decorated for the holidays.  Maybe this is why we associate the coming of the season with more family time and wool clothing, rugs, and upholstery keep us warm, as do sweater-knit throws. It's such a busy time of year for us all, we gather our menus, our guest list, Christmas list, mailing out Christmas cards, decorating our homes, shopping and make travel arrangements to celebrate the holidays with our family and friends.

We all know that fireplaces in a room is considered to be a focal point and is a wonderful place to decorate mantels for the holiday season. A few decorative additions like the magnolia branches on the mantle and the subtle use of branch motifs help change this space from a well appointed room, to a favorably seasonal one. I mentioned in another post mother nature is great source to get decorating materials and is budget friendly because it is free (most of the time). Look at the picture above by adding pine branches, running cedar, green apples and pine-cones you transform this mantel to a beautiful and natural mantel for the holiday season without spending tons of money to decorate. Fire screens protect our homes from any stray embers that spark, and should complement the fireplace, both in style and in scale. A good quality leather chair is a bonus, but any chair that is snug and welcoming can be used, changing the current color to a seasonal hue is easy to do with slip-covers. Add a fluffy pillow and a soft throw into the mix, set it in front of a warm fireplace, and snooze your Sunday away. A cozy fire and soft textiles are essential to autumn nap taking especially after having your holiday feast.

Candles should have spicy or bakery style scents, and simple shapes, what a wonderful way to add a nice fragrance in your home for during the holiday season. Accessories can be as sleek or as artistic as your memories recall them to be, bring out your favorite past holiday family pictures and have them displayed through out your home. I like to add them under a glass table top (this could be a side table, dining table, entrance table or coffee table) displaying events from Thanksgiving through New Years, I make them all black and white matte and cluster them on the table top and gently place the glass top on them.  This is a personal, family filled season, so don't let traditional design rules dictate all of your decisions, listen to your heart and create beautiful rooms that fit the lifestyle of your family. Most importantly create beautiful memories with your family and friends. 

Most people have fond childhood memories of making cookies and having hot chocolate with their parents or siblings during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, so it's no wonder we try in many different ways to recreate these feelings every year. Below is a wonderful recipe I must share with you. This hot chocolate is heaven on earth!

Heaven on earth! 

Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate- from tidymom.net 

1 1/2 cups of whole milk

1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree

1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Pinch of ground cloves

1/2 tsp vanilla

Pinch of sea salt

2 ounces white chocolate (roughly chopped)

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, pumpkin and spices. Cook stirring constantly until just simmering.

Remove from heat and add chocolate. Save some for garnishing.

Just before serving, top each mug with a generous mound of whipped cream, a few shavings of the white chocolate. Add a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. Serve immediately.

Home Decorating in Charlotte NC for the holidays.