“Bites, Brews, and Builds” is the joyful Christmas whirlwind you’ll wish you’d signed up for sooner: the kitchen is wrapped in the cozy perfume of cinnamon, warm sugar, and pure holiday magic as the oven cheerfully churns out cookie after cookie faster than Santa’s elves on a sugar high! The counter is a full-on bar of Spiked Hot Cocoa (heavy on the spike), Mulled Wine that could strip paint, and Makers Mark Hot Apple Cider that turn even the tone-deaf into George Strait impersonators.
Meanwhile, the dining table looks like a crime scene of frosting and despair: gingerbread houses collapsing under the weight of ambition, frosting tubes locked in mortal combat with rogue sugar sprinkles, and everyone from toddlers to tipsy uncles wearing more icing than the actual structures. It’s not a party theme; it’s an extreme holiday sport: eat, drink, lick your fingers, repeat until someone’s roof slides off and we all pretend it’s “rustic.”
By the end of the night the house smells amazing, the playlist is on its third loop of “All I Want for Christmas,” and every crooked gumdrop roof is proof that the best memories are built one sugary, boozy, laughter-filled moment at a time.
Check out this killer lineup of gifts under $50 for her and seriously cool, out-of-the-box ideas for him! Whether you’re shopping for the guys, the gals, or both, these fun, thoughtful picks have you covered. Fill those gift lists fast and still have money left for eggnog!
Bites:
Craving a cozy, one-skillet breakfast that's worlds away from plain scrambled eggs? Enter Italian Shakshuka: tender poached eggs nestled in a vibrant tomato sauce brimming with golden mushrooms and wilted spinach, all crowned with melty mozzarella and fresh basil ribbons. This effortless twist on the classic (using just chunky pasta sauce and a pat of butter for that rich Italian hug) comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for lazy weekend brunches, romantic mornings, or impressing overnight guests. Serve with crusty bread to mop up every saucy bite!
Start your morning (or holiday brunch) with pure comfort: this easy Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns and Ham is loaded with crispy shredded potatoes, tender ham, melty cheddar, and fluffy eggs—all baked together in one cozy dish. It’s make-ahead magic that feeds a crowd, reheats like a dream, and disappears fast every single time we serve it. Perfect for Christmas morning, overnight guests, or any day you want breakfast to feel like a celebration!
Looking for a sweet, thoughtful gift that says “I care” without breaking a sweat? This Mason Jar Brownie Mix is your holiday hero: layers of cocoa, chocolate chips, sugar, and nuts stacked in a pretty quart jar, ready to transform into fudgy, irresistible brownies with just a few add-ins and 30 minutes in the oven.
Roll up your sleeves for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer: our Garlic Herb Cheese Ball, a retro-inspired stunner that’s equal parts nostalgic and next-level delicious! Cream cheese mingles with sharp Parmesan and a vibrant explosion of fresh herbs—parsley, chives, dill, and oregano—amped up by garlic and onion powders, then rolled in crunchy pecans for that irresistible texture.
Savory Bacon, Cheddar, and Chive Scones. This easy recipe packs crisp bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh chives into buttery, golden triangles—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy weekend bite. Bake a batch in 30 minutes and watch them vanish faster than a catapult-launched rock! We love a great southern biscuit but there is no denying our love for these breakfast delights.
Craving all the gooey, saucy glory of a classic meatball sub without the fork-and-napkin drama? Meet Meatball Sub Bites: juicy frozen meatballs brushed with marinara and tucked with melty mozzarella into buttery crescent roll triangles, then baked golden and dusted with garlic-Parmesan magic.
Brews
Elevate your cocktail hour with this irresistible Caramel White Russian! A luxurious spin on the timeless classic that swaps ordinary vodka for salted caramel-infused bliss. Blending smooth Kahlúa, velvety cream, and a playful rim of caramel sauce dusted with sea salt, it’s shaken to chilled perfection and garnished for that ultimate sweet-salty decadence.
Wrap yourself in the coziest hug of the holiday season with this Ginger-Cranberry Mulled Wine. Tart cranberry juice meets spicy fresh ginger, warm cinnamon, star anise, and a generous pour of red wine, then simmers into the most fragrant, ruby-red potion you’ll sip all winter.
Awaken your holiday mornings with this enchanting Peppermint Mocha Cold Brew. It's a festive fusion of bold, home-brewed cold coffee, rich chocolate syrup, and invigorating peppermint extract, all crowned with a swirl of frothy cream and crushed candy canes.
Dive into more than 45 merry Christmas cocktails! You’ll find everything from show-stopping Christmas martinis and festive Moscow Mules to bright pomegranate and cranberry sippers, plus cozy hot holiday drinks that warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re shaking, stirring, or simmering, there’s a perfect glass of cheer waiting for every moment of the season.
Builds
Bring the timeless charm of a citrus-kissed Christmas into your home with this easy Dried Orange Slices Garland. Using nothing more than fresh oranges, a low oven, and a bit of twine, you can create fragrant, translucent slices that glow like stained glass when the tree lights shine through. Perfect draped across a mantel, woven into a wreath, or strung along the tree, this budget-friendly, all-natural decoration fills the air with subtle orange scent and adds rustic warmth to your holiday décor.
As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better way to infuse your home with warm, twinkling magic than with these effortless DIY mason Jar Luminaries. Using simple pantry staples like Epsom salt to mimic a snowy glow, these charming creations double as a safer, fire-resistant twist on traditional paper bag lanterns—perfect for lining your porch, driveway, or table for a cozy winter wonderland.
Transform your holiday greetings from tabletop clutter to charming wall art with this easy DIY Rustic Christmas Card Holder! Using simple supplies like jute twine, wooden beads, and clothespins, you’ll craft a farmhouse-fresh garland in under 30 minutes—perfect for pinning up cards, photos, or twinkly lights. Hang it in the entryway or over the mantel for instant festive flair that warms any space. Let’s get crafting!
Quick gingerbread village update: the obsession is still going strong!
I’ve got a pile of gingerbread snowflakes ready for the garland above the fireplace (it’s not up yet, but it’s coming!). Then I discovered Dollar Tree has the cutest little trains that match my tiny gingerbread houses perfectly. One look at the first one and I was hooked—so stinking adorable! My amazing hubby turned into a full-on train hunter, patiently taking me to four different Dollar Trees until we scored four more. Grand total: five tiny trains, all lined up waiting for paint.
I’m having the best time turning them into little icing-detailed beauties before the grand babies arrive and the real chaos (I mean fun) begins. Gingerbread mania is officially unstoppable! 🚂🏠❄️
