The perfect holiday not only consists of time with your family and friends, but also requires the perfect atmosphere, which includes the perfect music, food and drinks. All you need to achieve perfection this holiday season are the following simple ideas and recipes. Enjoy the time you have together while utilizing all six senses; smell the cinnamon, taste the maple and ginger, hear the sounds, feel the warmth and see your loved ones faces light up when they see all your “hard work” come alive.
Written by: Jenny Manukyan
Homemade Potpourri
Sometimes cranberry-scented candles, cinnamon incense sticks, and poinsettias, just aren’t enough to bring a home the feeling of coziness and warmth we associate with the holiday season. However, this easy to make potpourri is sure to transform any room in the house into a delicious holiday haven. Start off with:
– One whole orange, quartered
– ½ cup fresh cranberries
– 1 Tbsp. whole cloves
– 3 sticks of cinnamon
– A bit of grated nutmeg if desired
Put all these ingredients into a saucepan and fill pan with water. Place on the stove on the lowest setting and refill water as needed.An important tip is to let the water completely evaporate. The great thing about this is that you can reuse this mix for weeks. Just add water and re-heat!
Hot Chocolate
This Nutella twist on hot chocolate is sure to be a hit. This delicious hazelnut spread has finally made its way into a warm mug, and we are ecstatic about it! Enjoy this hot chocolate redux when the weather begins to chill, and be sure to make plenty as it will go quickly!
– 1 cup milk
– 2 ½ TbspNutella
– 1 Tbsp Cocoa
– Tiny pinch of salt
Wisk all the ingredients together in a small saucepan over medium heat until well blended and hot. Pour into a cup and top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate and enjoy on a brisk morning.
Cocktail
Try this super easy, and delicious, cocktail to help you survive those holiday gatherings!
The Delightful Mapletini
– 2 shots Irish cream liqueur
– 1 shot brandy
– ½ shot cinnamon schnapps
– 1 teaspoon maple syrup
– Cinnamon stick, for garnish
Just shake with ice and serve in a martini glass!
Playlist
You know it’s that time of year when you’re walking around The Americana at Brand and you notice the stunning 100ft Christmas tree. It’s not just the tree or the decorations that bring the holidays to life, it’s the music you hear. These songs can easily change your spirit and put a smile on your face!
– Winter Wonderland-Bing Crosby
– It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year- Andy Williams
– (There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays- Perry Como
– Baby, It’s Cold Outside- Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Jordan
– Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! –Dean Martin
Family Activities
Glendale has a lot of community events that take place during the holiday season. Most of which are free! The holiday season provides a great opportunity to spend some quality time with your loved ones and get back in touch with other members of our community. Here are some ideas that will interest everyone in the family.
-Candlelight Tours at the Doctors House Museum
There are a few nightly tours of the home when it’s decorated with antique ornaments and lit up by candles and oil lamps. This tour really takes you back in time!
-Casa Adobe de San Rafael & Park- Luminaries and Christmas
This yearly tradition will continue to light up ever visitor’s spirit with the beautiful lights surrounding the home and the courtyard. Casa Adobe de San Rafael is one Glendale’s historic homes, which was built in the 1870’s for the first sheriffs of LA County. It has been restored by the City of Glendale and has been transformed to an amazing 1.6 acre park.
-Americana At Brand
There’s plenty going on at our local mall and with most of the stores offering great deals during this season, you can spend a full afternoon shopping awayand enjoying the wonderful surroundings. Once the sun sets, you can experience our own ‘Winter Wonderland’ in Glendale. You can witness the snowfall nightly at 7pm and 8pm and then walk on over to see the stunning 100ft Christmas tree!
Cookie
Get the whole family involved in this fun and festive cookie baking and decorating activity. Not only will everyone enjoy making this lovely desert, they’ll also enjoy eating their creations.
What you’ll need:
– Ginger cookies (store bought)
-Large Marshmallows
– Royal Icing (3 Tbsp. Meringue Powder, 4 cups confectioners’ sugar & 6 Tbsp. warm water- beat all ingredients 7-10 min at low speed with a mixer)
-Parchment Paper
-Shortening
-Food decorations
Let your cookies cool (if you’re making them fresh), then spoon a small amount of icing onto the cookie and spread out- let some of it drip over the sides. Next, grease a plate or silicone mat with shortening and arrange the marshmallows with enough space in between them. Set your microwave for about 15-20 seconds and watch the marshmallows as they start to puff up. Do not let them melt or double in size, just puff up. Grease your fingers before picking a marshmallow and press them onto the cookie. They don’t have to look perfect! Remember, they’re melting!
Once the icing has set, you’re ready to decorate!
We hope this article helps to brighten the holidays around your house!!
John is the Vice President here at JohnHart, and as such is responsible for managing and directing the firm towards obtaining its ultimate goals.
He is also one of our main contributors on the Blog. (please see his profile page on the main site for more information.)
