Decorating Christmas Trees With Style

 Decorating Christmas Trees With Style

By Enid Edginton

Does your christmas tree look too old fashioned? When it comes to decorating christmas trees there are some style tips to follow so that they look more up-to-date and stylish.

Decorating Christmas Trees STYLE TIP  1:

The big fat round artificial christmas tree is out and the slim artificial tree is in. This is because when it comes to decorating christmas tree the trends lately lean more towards tall and conical shapes rather than fat and round shapes.
This style is more reminiscent of the modernist trends from the seventies and strangely, the tall conical trees that were in favor during the Victorian era. It was Queen Victoria who insisted on the tallest tree possible for her living room and the narrow tree girth was also necessary in order to fit these tall slender trees into Victorian homes. The same could be said of modern day "cozy" condo lofts and apartments which often have tall ceiling heights but less floor space and suit a slim artificial christmas tree much better than a chubbier version.
Natural trees that tend to be tall and slim are the spruces and firs. They just have a slimmer girth than pines and cedars. When it comes to fake xmas trees, more and more manufacturers are releasing slim artificial trees that can fit more easily into our cramped urban lifestyle.

Decorating Christmas Trees STYLE TIP  2:

Artificial is in and natural trees are out. Okay, so maybe real christmas trees will never go out of fashion but if you are a bit of style snob then the trend is towards an artificial tree in the wildest color you can find. Basically the idea is to find a tree that looks like it would go well in Lieutenant O'Hura's bedroom on Star Trek.
Every year, artificial trees are looking more and more cartoonish. You can buy them in a spectrum of colors and in many different materials including PVC, vinyl and tinsel. The slim artificial trees in wild colors are very popular with younger people. Some sites sell xmas trees that are nothing more than a coiled spiral of yellow pink and blue lights that are free standing and merely emulate the shape of a christmas tree.
Probably the two most trendy colors for trees are the red and white. The red trees have an offbeat look to them that is reminiscent of a bad Kodachrome photograph from the seventies. However that is part of their appeal. The white artificial trees are just simply gorgeous, especially the prelit artificial trees with branches that have glowing fiber optic tips.

Decorating Christmas Trees STYLE TIP  3:

One of the secrets to decorating christmas trees in a stylish way is to be minimalist. To be truly fashionable, stick to decorating the tree in just one or two colors. For instance you could decorate a natural evergreen with only gold bows and natural crystals. A white christmas tree looks great with uniformly sized christmas balls from top to bottom. A sky blue artificial tree could be decorated in monochrome with glass balls that are a deeper shade of blue.
The minimalist approach also goes for the style of decorations that you choose. Stick to one or two shapes to keep the look of the tree uncluttered and sleek. For instance, forget the round glass balls and choose conical glass balls and flat spheres only to decorate an entire tree. By the way the craze for slim artificial xmas trees is similar to the current craze for slim conical christmas decorations. Conical decorations are very much identified with retro seventies styles.

Decorating Christmas Trees STYLE TIP  4:

One of the first rules of fashion and also interior decorating is to break all the rules and the same applies to Christmas trees. This means deliberately ignoring christmas traditions with the idea of putting a new spin on them. For instance instead of using the classic angel or star as a tree topper you could try topping it with a spray of fibrous waving multicolored diodes or a design that you have constructed using christmas rope lights. One interesting idea is to make a star out of red velvet and decorate it with peacock feathers, faux gems and gold bows.
Another way to break a traditional rule is to decorate your tree with just one color. To be different you could also forget about putting largest decorations at the bottom and the tiny ones at the top, put the large ones on the top and the tiny ones on the bottom. Another idea is to make all of your christmas tree decorations the same size.
One big trend that has dominated Christmas style and design for the last few years is to hang your Christmas tree anyway you can think of, as long as it is not standing up. This includes hanging it upside down from the ceiling, suspending it sideways from the ceiling and buttressing it against a wall.

Decorating Christmas Trees STYLE TIP  5:

One of the secrets to decorating christmas trees is that the more personal it is the better. A good example is the chef who decorates his tree using only plastic forks and knives or the new mom who decorates her tree with baby bottles and baby toys. If you celebrate the Chinese New Year you might want to decorate your tree with Buddha figures and fortune cookies.
Another great way to personalize your christmas tree is to use baked goods. Tree ornaments made of pink and yellow gumdrops and toothpicks look nice on an artificial white christmas tree for example. Home made gingerbread men and short bread snowmen would go well with a red artificial prelit christmas tree.
One place to get inspiration is the candy store. Choose your favorite candies that you loved as a kid. A smaller tree looks fantastic decorated in candies wrapped in foil. However once again the key is to be minimalist. Don't decorate the tree with seven or eight kinds of candy. Decorate it with two to three kinds to give it a kind of uniformity.
If you haven't figured it out by now one of the keys to decorating christmas trees is repetition on a single theme. If you like teddy bears than decorate the entire tree in teddy bears and one other design element, such as red glass balls. Keeping it simple yet elegant is the key to decorating christmas trees.

For more information on Christmas trees, visit http://www.o-christmas-tree.com - a year-round resource for all your christmas tree and decoration needs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Enid_Edginton


Decorating Christmas Trees With Style. 

Decorating Christmas Trees With Style

--Posted by - my-christmas2013 -

- my-christmas2013 - Updated at: 9:31 PM

50 Christmas Quotations

1. "Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide open heart that thinks of others first. The birth of the baby Jesus stands as the most significant event in all history, because it has meant the pouring into a sick world of the healing medicine of love which has transformed all manner of hearts for almost two thousand years... Underneath all the bulging bundles is this beating Christmas heart." -- George Matthew Adams
2. "The rooms were very still while the pages were softly turned and the winter sunshine crept in to touch the bright heads and serious faces with a Christmas greeting." -- Louisa May Alcott
3. "Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself about you like a shawl. But it warmed more than your body. It warmed your heart... filled it, too, with a melody that would last forever." -- Bess Streeter Aldrich
4. " The perfect Christmas tree? All Christmas trees are perfect!" -- Charles N. Barnard
5. "Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas." -- Peg Bracken
6. "The earth has grown old with its burden of care But at Christmas it always is young, The heart of the jewel burns lustrous and fair And its soul full of music breaks the air, When the song of angels is sung." -- Phillips Brooks
7. "I am not alone at all, I thought. I was never alone at all. And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never aone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the word seemingly most indifferent. For this is still the time God chooses." -- Taylor Caldwell
8. "Remember, if Christmas isn't found in your heart, you won't find it under a tree." -- Charlotte Carpenter
9. "Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas." -- Calvin Coolidge
10. "Christmas, in its final essence, is for grown people who have forgotten what children know. Christmas is for whoever is old enough to have denied the unquenchable spirit of man." -- Margaret Cousins
11. "Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won't make it 'white'." -- Bing Crosby
12. "Whatever else be lost among the years, Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing: Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears, Let us hold close one day, remembering Its poignant meaning for the hearts of men. Let us get back our childlike faith again." -- Grace Noll Crowell
13. "It is the personal thoughtfulness, the warm human awareness, the reaching out of the self to one's fellow man that makes giving worthy of the Christmas spirit." -- Isabel Currier
14. "Something about an old-fashioned Christmas is hard to forget." -- Hugh Downs
15. "They err who thinks Santa Claus comes down through the chimney; he really enters through the heart." -- Mrs. Paul M. Ell
16. "Christmas, my child, is love in action." -- Dale Evans
17. "Do give books - religious or otherwise - for Christmas. They're never fattening, seldom sinful, and permanently personal." -- Lenore Hershey
18. "My first copies of Treasure Island and Huckleberry Finn still have some blue-spruce needles scattered in the pages. They smell of Christmas still." -- Charlton Heston
19. "At Christmas, all roads lead home." -- Marjorie Holmes
20. "My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?" -- Bob Hope
21. "The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others' burdens, easing other's loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas." -- W. C. Jones
22. "A Christmas candle is a lovely thing; It makes no noise at all, But softly gives itself away; While quite unselfish, it grows small." -- Eva K. Logue
23. "Were I a philosopher, I should write a philosophy of toys, showing that nothing else in life need to be taken seriously, and that Christmas Day in the company of children is one of the few occasions on which men become entirely alive." -- Robert Lynd
24. "Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love." -- Hamilton Wright Mabi
25. "The merry family gatherings-- The old, the very young; The strangely lovely way they Harmonize in carols sung. For Christmas is tradition time-- Traditions that recall The precious memories down the years, The sameness of them all." -- Helen Lowrie Marshall
26. "There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions." -- Bill McKibben
27. "I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month." -- Harlan Miller
28. "Christmas is the keeping-place for memories of our innocence." -- Joan Mills
29. "Christmas is, of course, the time to be home - in heart as well as body." -- Garry Moore
30. "What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace." -- Agnes M. Pharo
31. "Mankind is a great, an immense family... This is proved by what we feel in our hearts at Christmas." -- Pope John XXIII
32. "One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don't clean it up too quickly." -- Andy Rooney
33. "Christmas--that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance--a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved." -- Augusta E. Rundel
34. "Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone." -- Charles Schulz
35. "As long as we know in our hearts what Christmas ought to be, Christmas is." -- Eric Sevareid
36. "Christmas is the day that holds time together." -- Alexander Smith
37. "Christmas renews our youth by stirring our wonder. The capacity for wonder has been called our most pregnant human faculty, for in it are born our art, our science, our religion." -- Ralph Sockman
38. "Christmas ... is not an eternal event at all, but a piece of one's home that one carries in one's heart." -- Freya Stark
39. "Christmas is a day of meaning and traditions, a special day spent in the warm circle of family and friends." -- Margaret Thatcher
40. "At Christmas play and make good cheer, For Christmas comes but once a year." -- Thomas Tusser
41. "What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus? Claustrophobic." -- Unknown
42. "Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles." -- Unknown
43. "If there is no joyous way to give a festive gift, give love away." -- Unknown
44. "Until one feels the spirit of Christmas, there is no Christmas. All else is outward display--so much tinsel and decorations. For it isn't the holly, it isn't the snow. It isn't the tree not the firelight's glow. It's the warmth that comes to the hearts of men when the Christmas spirit returns again." -- Unknown
45. "Many banks have a new kind of Christmas club in operation. The new club helps you save money to pay for last year's gifts." -- Unknown
46. "Are you willing to believe that love is the strongest thing in the world - stronger than hate, stronger than evil, stronger than death - and that the blessed life which began in Bethlehem nineteen hundred years ago is the image and brightness of the Eternal Love? Then you can keep Christmas." -- Henry Van Dyke
47. "Christmas is for children. But it is for grownups too. Even if it is a headache, a chore, and nightmare, it is a period of necessary defrosting of chill and hide-bound hearts." -- Lenora Mattingly Weber
48. "Like snowflakes, my Christmas memories gather and dance - each beautiful, unique and too soon gone." -- Deborah Whipp
49. "Somehow, not only for Christmas, But all the long year through, The joy that you give to others, Is the joy that comes back to you. And the more you spend in blessing, The poor and lonely and sad, The more of your heart's possessing, Returns to you glad." -- John Greenleaf Whittier
50. "Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall." -- Larry Wilde

Resource Box - © Danielle Hollister (2004) is the Publisher of BellaOnline Quotations Zine - A free newsletter for quote lovers featuring more than 10,000 quotations in dozens of categories like - love, friendship, children, inspiration, success, wisdom, family, life, and many more. All new subscribers get a free ad.

Read it online at - http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art8364.asp

50 Christmas Quotations

--Posted by - my-christmas2013 -

- my-christmas2013 - Updated at: 9:09 PM

Christmas 2013 online shopping

If you haven't finished your Christmas shopping yet, it's time to get a move on. Many online retailers can still ship your last-minute tech gifts to you by Christmas, but the longer you wait, the more it'll cost you in shipping charges. We've put together a list of retailers and their deadlines so you can easily spot who you can order your gifts from.
These deadlines apply to the 48 contiguous US states only and on items that are in stock. Some retailers with physical stores may have last-minute in-store pickup options as well. Check out the links to each store's deadlines for more details.

Adorama
Choose the shipping options by the cutoff date to receive your order by December 24.

Cutoff date	Shipping option
Dec. 16	Super saver (order by 3 p.m. PT)
Dec. 17	UPS standard (order by 5 p.m. PT)
Dec. 19	UPS 3-day (order by 5 p.m. PT)
Dec. 20	UPS 2-day (order by 11 a.m. PT)
Dec. 23	UPS next day (order by 11 a.m. PT)

Adorama's deadlines.

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Amazon.com
Choose these shipping options by the listed cutoff date to receive your order by December 24. Items must be marked "Ships from and sold by Amazon.com" or "Fulfilled by Amazon.com."

Cutoff date	Shipping option
Dec. 17	Free shipping (non-Prime)
Dec. 18	Standard shipping
Dec. 21	Two-day shipping
Dec. 23	One-day shipping
Dec. 24	Local express delivery (where available)

Amazon's deadlines.

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Apple
Deadlines for the iPad Mini with Retina Display and the iPad Air are earlier than for the rest of Apple's lineup. Orders must be placed by midnight on the deadline date to guarantee delivery by December 24. Note that these items are all nonengraved or noncustomized configurations.

Cutoff date	Shipping option
Dec. 16	Standard shipping (iPad Mini w/Retina and iPad Air)
Dec. 18	Standard shipping (All Macs, iPhones, iPods, iPad Mini, iPad 2, and Apple TV )
Dec. 18	Next day shipping (iPad Mini w/Retina and iPad Air)
Dec. 22	Next day shipping (All Macs, iPhones, iPods, iPad Mini, iPad 2, and Apple TV)

Apple's deadlines.

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Barnes & Noble
Choose the shipping options by the cutoff date to receive your Nook order by December 24.

Cutoff date	Shipping option
Dec. 16	Free standard shipping (by 8 a.m. PT)
Dec. 19	Free express shipping (by 8 a.m. PT)
Dec. 23	Free expedited shipping (by 8 a.m. PT)

Barnes & Noble's deadlines.

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Best Buy
Choose the shipping options by the cutoff date to receive your order by December 24.

Cutoff date	Shipping option
Dec. 20	Standard shipping (before 12 p.m. PT)
Dec. 21	Expedited shipping (before 10 a.m. PT)
Dec. 22	Express shipping (before 10 a.m. PT)
Dec. 24	Store pickup orders (before 4 p.m. local time)

Best Buy's deadlines.

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B&H Photo and Video
Choose the shipping options by the cutoff date to receive your order by December 24.

Cutoff date	Shipping option
Dec. 18	Priority mail (by 4 a.m. PT)
Dec. 19	All other non-expedited shipping methods (check times)
Dec. 20	2-day shipping (by 1 p.m. PT)
Dec. 23	Next-day shipping (by 1 p.m. PT)

B&H Photo and Video's deadlines.

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Newegg
Choose the shipping options by the cutoff date to receive your order by December 24.

Cutoff date	Shipping option
Dec. 16	Super EggSaver (ordered and verified by 12 p.m. local time)
Dec. 19	3 business-day (ordered and verified by 12 p.m. local time)
Dec. 21	2 business-day (ordered and verified by 9 a.m. local time)
Dec. 23	Next business-day (ordered and verified by 12 p.m. local time)

Newegg's deadlines.

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Target
Qualifying items that show the Seasonal Shipping option will be delivered by December 24.

Cutoff date	Shipping option
Dec. 19	Seasonal shipping (ordered by 8:59 p.m. PT)

Target's deadlines.

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Walmart
Choose the shipping options by the cutoff date to receive your order by December 24.

Cutoff date	Shipping option
Dec. 19	Free shipping
Dec. 20	Expedited shipping
Dec. 22	Rush shipping

howto.cnet

Christmas 2013 online shopping

--Posted by - my-christmas2013 -

- my-christmas2013 - Updated at: 11:46 PM

Christmas gifts : Swarovski 2013 Annual Edition Crystal Star Ornament

Swarovski 2013 Annual Edition Crystal Star Ornament 

Ordering for Christmas gift ? To ensure delivery by December 24 choose Two-Day Shipping at amazon checkout. Extended holiday returns until Jan. 31. Read more about shipping and returns.

    Made in Austria
    Limited edition to 2013

    Great gift for Newborn, Wedding or any Christmas ornament collector
    Swarovski no longer provides certificates of authenticity for their annual Christmas ornaments

Christmas gifts : Swarovski 2013 Annual Edition Crystal Star Ornament

--Posted by - my-christmas2013 -

- my-christmas2013 - Updated at: 11:30 PM

Christmast ideas: Santa Suit Christmas Silverware Holder Pockets

These little table decorations were tops in my book. Our dinner guests got a kick out of the cute way to present the silverware at the table.

• Set your holiday table in classic Santa style
• Charmingly detailed utensil pockets hold knife, fork, spoon
• Set of 6 includes 3 suspendered pants, 3 jackets
• Polyester pockets can be spot cleaned
• Original Creation by Collections Etc.

Christmast ideas: Santa Suit Christmas Silverware Holder Pockets

--Posted by - my-christmas2013 -

- my-christmas2013 - Updated at: 11:20 PM

Top 10 Christmas markets all over the globe

Top 10 Christmas markets all over the globe


Here's a list of the Top 10 Christmas Markets

1. Vienna, Austria (until December 24)
Advent, the period of preparation before Christmas, begins on the Sunday four weeks before Christmas Eve, so Viennese celebrations and decorations often begin in mid-November. Rathausplatz, the square in front of the city hall, is home to Christkindlmarkt, a traditional Christmas market with over 150 stalls selling gifts, Christmas decorations, gluhwein (mulled wine) and hot chestnuts. Two other popular Christmas markets are the Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung, which is more traditional and sells handicrafts, and the Christmas Market in front of Schonbrunn Palace, which offers the imperial backdrop and hosts a New Year's market, staying open until January 1. The market on the Rathausplatz runs from November 16 at 5pm to December 24 - other markets around the city on average run from around November 20-December 23.

2. Salzburg, Austria (until December 26)
One of Europe's oldest markets, the Christkindlmarkt in front of the Salzburg cathedral is a more intimate affair than some of the larger city's markets. The town's baroque architecture and looming Hohensalzburg Fortress give it a fairytale feeling, heightened by the sparkling lights and holiday garlands. As the birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg has an outstanding musical tradition, so there are wonderful choral performances and opportunities to hear some of Europe's best students perform. In fact, the city also has another musical claim to fame: Joseph Mohr, the lyricist behind the famous Christmas carol Silent Night, also was born in Salzburg.

3. Munich, Germany (until December 24)
While many people associate the Bavarian capital with Oktoberfest, Munich also holds a fantastic Christmas market in the centre of the city on the Marienplatz. The market surrounds an enormous Christmas tree, which glitters with almost 2500 lights. While sipping on glhwein (mulled warmed wine) or beer, visitors can find many traditional Bavarian gifts, like wood carvings and gingerbread called lebkuchen. There are also smaller themed markets throughout the city - one unique to Munich is the Manger Market, which sells the pieces and important components for those who want to build an authentic manger.

4. Prague, Czech Republic (until January 1)
The two best Vanocni trhy (Christmas markets) are held in the Old Town Square and on the long slope of Wenceslas Square. While the markets do feature the expected wooden toys, they also sell Czech specialties, like glasswork, blacksmith's wares, and ceramics. The food is also slightly different from the German standard: Although blood sausages, gingerbread, and grog are offered, there are also vendors with corn on the cob and trdelnik (cooked dough with cinnamon and sugar). If you are in town around December 20, you will start to see carp offered frequently - dining on the fish is a Christmas Eve tradition in Prague.

5. Dresden, Germany (until December 24)
A new addition to this year's Christmas markets list, Dresden was suggested by multiple VirtualTourist members as a must for market lovers. The Striezelmarkt on Dresden's Altmarkt Square is one of Germany's oldest fairs with a particularly unique setting - the town erects an 14.62 metre-high wooden "Christmas Pyramid" in the centre of the market. The market's name is derived from Stollen, the Christmas bread, which is also known as Striezel in this area of Germany. In addition to this delicacy, the area is also known for the Pflaumentoffel, a good-luck charm made from dried plums, and famous for its handicrafts that come from all over Saxony.

6. Strasbourg, France (until December 31)
For centuries, the French/German border has swayed to either side of the Alsace region, so it makes sense Alsace's capital, Strasbourg, would have the oldest and most famous Christmas market in France, the Christkindelsmarik on Place Broglie. The city's Great Christmas Tree on Place Kleber is a well-known spectacle that shouldn't be missed. In addition to the spiced wine usually offered at Christmas markets, markets in Strasbourg have a tradition of spicy hot orange juice. The markets are also a great chance to try some of the region's food products, including Alsace wines, bredle Christmas biscuits and foie gras.

7. Budapest, Hungary (until December 31)
Located on Vrsmarty tr (Vrsmarty Sqaure) in the Pest district of Budapest, the city's Christmas fair is a great opportunity to experience traditional Hungarian food, folk dances and live music. A VirtualTourist member mentioned that one aspect she enjoyed was the variety of hot drinks, including a spicy hot apple juice and hot chocolate punch, and the chance to try Hungarian baked goods, like lngos (fry bread with a variety of toppings) strudels, tki pompos (oven-baked dough). It is also a great spot to shop for handmade items, as the city has an association that checks products for quality and authenticity and certifies all items sold at the market.

8. Lille, France (until December 30)
Along France's northern border and the capital of French Flanders, it makes sense that Lille would have great activities during the holiday season. Around the Christmas market, the whole town is covered in a huge crown of garlands. The city's primary market is located on Place Rihour, where 80 wooden chalets teem with gift ideas, nativity figurines, Christmas decorations and festive food. On the nearby Grand Place, a 50 metre-high Big Wheel lights up the square and provides visitors with an amazing view of the city. As a city with Eurostar direct services, Lille is an easy stop whether you are en route to Paris, Brussels or London.

9. Bruges, Belgium (until January 2)
In addition to being surrounded by the city's spectacular medieval architecture, Bruges' Christmas Market is distinguished by the ice rink erected in the Markt. For children, the city also hosts a Snow & Ice Sculpture Festival, and it is only a five-minute walk from the Christmas Market and skating rink.

10. London, England (until January 5)
In addition to London's renowned Christmas decorations, there are great markets and activities on either side of the Thames during the holiday season. The Southbank Center Christmas Market features 80 wooden cabins selling gifts, mince pies, gluhwein, and bratwurst to enjoy while you stroll along the waterfront. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is probably the most well-known market in London - it has more than 200 wooden chalets carrying handmade gifts and decorations. The food and drink selection at Winter Wonderland is the most extensive of any spot on the list, with options including a Bavarian village, an outdoor fire pit, and even an aprs bar modelled after an alpine ski lodge. In addition to the food and shopping, Winter Wonderland also offers a 60 metre-high Observation Wheel, the UK's largest ice rink and carnival rides. Another option for ice skating is the Skate at Somerset House Ice Rink, which even has DJs spinning after dark.

Top 10 Christmas markets all over the globe

--Posted by - my-christmas2013 -

- my-christmas2013 - Updated at: 9:52 PM

Christmas Cookies

Christmas Cookies 

During the festive season it is important for families to spend not only quality time but fun time together. A great way to share some quality and fun time is to make and bake Christmas cookies. Even very young children can participate and they especially love the job or stirring or adding ingredients. It's quality time because you are doing something together as a family where you have to show patience, support and interact with each other in a positive and good spirited manner. It's also an opportunity to show off your talents as a family as Christmas cookies make a great gift in a Christmas decorated jar for family and friends to enjoy!

Christmas Tree Cookies

Christmas Cookies

Christmas Cookies

Christmas Cookies Snowman

Christmas Cookies

Christmas Cookies.

Christmas Cookies

--Posted by - my-christmas2013 -

- my-christmas2013 - Updated at: 8:06 PM

Christmas gourmet gift

Christmas gourmet gift baskets must come as a real surprise to someone who loves to eat and they are a great gift for just about anybody who likes to eat. Personalized, handmade gift baskets are a wonderful gift idea to brighten a loved one's Christmas. Most gift baskets will include some type of ornament or decoration that will make it seem all the more special such as a sprig of silk flowers, fruits, or a spray of tinsel. Many businesses present Christmas gift baskets to their employee as a token of appreciation.

It is always appropriate to follow certain conventions while sending Christmas gift baskets, or any seasonal gift basket to clients, and take into consideration the etiquette and corporate policies followed by the client company to avoid unnecessary hassles. Particularly, Christmas gift baskets should be equipped with all of the items appropriate to the holiday season. And there are many holiday foods that apply; great Christmas foods, cakes, and spirit warming holiday wines. Or, you could include a CD of Christmas carols, a book of Christmas stories, ornaments and a small stuffed teddy bear. Don't forget Santa's reindeer. And gift baskets for a couple are fun to create. You can start with a gift certificate to the couple's favorite spa for a special day of pampering and add a few CD's full of "old favorites". It's easy to become overwhelmed by the thought of making your own holiday gift baskets but with a few easy recipe ideas it is easy to create a personalized and thoughtful hand made Christmas food gift basket.

Since Christmas is one of the most popular times of the year to be giving food baskets, it is fairly easy to find something online to fit your needs. And the items included within the gift baskets are limited as well, as we have said before, only by your imagination, budget and to some extent only those items that will fit within the basket itself. Gourmet fruit gift baskets have become such a hot item that many ethnic items are launched in America through the fruit basket business and provide you with a much greater choice and diversity.

Christmas gift baskets for your dog or cat are becoming more and more popular. Christmas gift baskets are an excellent choice for the holidays. They are virtually fool-proof and always a big hit with the recipient. Christmas wine baskets are easy to get, fun to accessorize, and often greatly appreciated by a large assortment of different people. Themed gift baskets take a bit of time and some creativity, but the thoughtfulness of the gift will not be lost upon your friends.

Make a list of the people that you know you that you will be making gift baskets for and include their interests and hobbies. If you're looking for a special ethnic treat, try a gourmet Italian gift basket that includes appetizers, vinaigrettes, salad mushrooms and a savory sauce. Gourmet tea and coffee gift baskets are always welcome and you have a wide choice regarding their selection. If you decide you want to customize your own Christmas gift baskets you can easily do that too. You don't want to wait until the Christmas season is upon you. Start looking earlier in the year to find discount gift baskets that you can use for your holiday gift giving. Gourmet gift baskets for the baby can look especially appetizing with their ingredients contributing to a perfect presentation.

As you might expect, there is a very large selection of online gift baskets from inexpensive to the very expensive. Something for everybody. As you might expect, gourmet gift baskets will differ from culture to culture, especially here in the melting pot of America. Once you have decided what will go into your gourmet gift baskets, you can then choose the style and size for the basket.

Whether you are looking for a unique gift idea for your Mom, your Dad, or the postman, Christmas gift baskets are sure to please even the hardest to shop for people. So if you are stuck for a great gift idea, and you find yourself trying to decide on the perfect present, a quick and memorable way out might just be that perfect Christmas gift basket. These are just a few tips you can use to get yourself the best deals on affordable gourmet gift baskets.

If you have the time you can always create your own gift basket. Ordering gourmet gift baskets on the phone can be as easy as eating plumb pudding, but creating your own custom made basket is special and can be lots of fun for you and your family. If you are stuck for ideas or have no clue how to go about it, valuable tips and guidance on making your own Christmas gift baskets, and an overwhelming assortment of holiday gift ideas, can always be found online

Christmas gourmet gift

--Posted by - my-christmas2013 -

- my-christmas2013 - Updated at: 8:20 PM

Christmas Gift Tips

Christmas gifts are one of the key attractions of Christmas. As a parent, Christmas may be a giving you a headache because you need to know what is the most popular Christmas gifts are for kids. Christmas Gifts are quite a difficult thing to choose.

Christmas gifts are more about the sentiment than the price tag. Christmas gifts are not hard to find, since during the holiday seasons, there are lots of options for you. I would have to agree that homemade christmas gifts are a great idea and friends and family absolutely love them.

Make sure your homemade Christmas gifts are practical. It doesn't have to be expensive and it doesn't have to be huge as long as this year's Christmas gifts are right on target. Personal Christmas gifts are becoming more and more popular each year. These Christmas gifts are great for the holidays and stuffing the stockings.

Wines and cigars as Christmas gifts are bound to strike the right chord for the men folk. To make your loved ones feel special Christmas gifts are ideal.

When it comes to Christmas gifts, many parents have no idea what the most popular Christmas gifts are for that year. But Christmas gifts are reciprocal; one cannot under-buy, one cannot be outdone. Most Christmas gifts are physical objects, capable of being wrapped and set under the tree.

Children's Christmas gifts are probably the most exciting type of presents to shop for during the festive period, and are often the most affordable, too. Christmas gifts are a gesture of showing our love and concern for those who are special.

In most of the world, Christmas gifts are given at night on Christmas Eve, or in the morning on Christmas Day. Most exchange Christmas gifts and decorate their homes with holly, mistletoe, and Christmas trees, under which the Christmas gifts are stored. In fact, inexpensive handmade Christmas gifts are often the most cherished items under the tree. For most of the world, Christmas gifts are given at night on Christmas Eve (24 December) or alternatively in the morning on Christmas Day.

The best christmas gifts are always the unusual and different rather than the socks from Aunt Jessica or the tie from a sister Sue. Hand-made Christmas gifts are a fantastic idea and will make a lasting impression on the recipient for years to come.

Before you go out and buy some baby Christmas gifts, first realize for whom those baby Christmas gifts are really for: the parents. Christmas gifts are meant to be reminders of the gifts of the wisemen to the infant Jesus. Christmas gifts are usually wrapped beautifully in bright paper, sometimes with ribbons and bows and other adornments.

Christmas gifts are the most popular Christmas purchase, most adults have to buy Christmas gifts for lots of family members and close friends. A few good ideas for last minute Christmas gifts are ornaments, plants, wine baskets, hot chocolate or coffee baskets, coffee mugs, and many other ideas. Alternative Christmas gifts are a meaningful way to give a gift that keeps on giving.

Unique Christmas gifts are available for all budgets; just because a gift is individual does not mean that it has to be expensive. Christmas gifts are always great but there's just something delightfully extra about receiving a gift for no particular reason. So once again I am reminded that the best Christmas gifts are not the ones you buy in the store. Skip the Boring Christmas Gifts this Year Christmas gifts are often bought last-minute and not a lot of thought is put into them. Favorite Christmas gifts are typically the most unlikely.

Christmas Gift Tips

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- my-christmas2013 - Updated at: 8:17 PM