JOYEUX NOEL

Wishing you your very own white Christmas. Joyeux Noel darlings!

Photo courtesy 27b(re) Austria

A Holly Gorgeous Christmas

Are visions of sugarplum fairies dancing in your heads? They are for me dears, as I'm enjoying everything beautiful and feminine about the holidays. And I hope you are, too. Gorgeous ornaments, delectable treats, vintage music and glitzy dresses galore! Hidden within these wonderful photos is something special you can buy in the French Charmed boutique that would feather your fancy year-round. Can you guess which one holds the delicate delight?

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: bluevelvetvintagecom, shoes-on.com, cocokelly.blogspot.com, frenchcharmed.com, nuhomedesigns.com, hostessblog.com, temptalia.com, seekatesew.blogspot.com, marthastewart.com, lachanelphile.com, lanaaustinmotif.com, etsy.com.

All Is Calm, All Is Bright

By now, I'm sure you all have your trees and homes decorated, your presents wrapped and you're able to sit back and enjoy all that the holidays have to offer (well, most of you, anyway!). And as you are finally able to take a deep breath and relax, I truly hope you decide to try the delicious Red Velvet Cake Hot Cocoa recipe I posted, which will make leaning back and perusing these beautiful seasonal pics all the more enjoyable!

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: AD Espana Deciembre 2010, westelm.com, mygirlyside.tumblr.com, belgianpearls.com, eclecticrevisited.com, netpublicatior.com, affari.nu, rivieramaison.com

Wrap Star

I really do miss my daughters the most this time of year. Though I have to confess that it probably has less to do with the fact that it's a family holiday and more to do with the fact that I'm missing my two gift wrappers! We could get those presents beautifully wrapped in the blink of an eye when all three of us sat down to do it, whereas these days, it's an all-month solo event for myself. Good thing I love presenting gorgeous presents, or I'd have to rope the girls into moving home! On a side note, I just wanted to remind you all that I offer gift tags and cards in the French Charmed boutique. Happy holidays!

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: citified.blogspot.com, songbirdisnesting.com, marisawrites.blogspot.com, marisawrites.blogspot.com, 3bp.blogspot.com, housetweaking.com, parentsconnect.com, theyearoflivingfabulously.blogspot.com, makemerryevents.com, notjustbrides.blogspot.com, ilovehandmade.blogspot.com

JOYEUX NOEL SALE

The Annual JOYEUX NOEL SALE starts today at French Charmed! 20% OFF your purchase now through December 10th! Visit the French Charmed Website for details. See you there darling!

Out Of The Blue

Oysters don't generally scream "holiday time" in my house, but I know they're quite popular on the East coast when it comes to stuffings and side dishes for Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. And believe it or not, oysters are a very traditional addition to holiday feasts in France! It's a little outside of the box for my family, but I think I'll give this herbed oyster stuffing recipe a whirl for myself this week and see if all the hype is worth it. I do love slurping cool, briny oysters from their shell, and I'm thinking the addition of crusty French bread, herbs and veggies can only heighten the appeal!

 

Photo credit: myrecipes.com

Monochromatic Christmas: Red

Sadly, this is the final installment of the monochromatic Christmas special. And it's not because I didn't love doing it, but because the holiday season is fast approaching its end already! Though I haven't had quite as much time this year to do Christmassy things, I've been so in the holiday spirit, it seems kind of sad that there are only a couple more days of festivities to look forward to! Anyway, please enjoy these photos of the most classic Christmas decor color, and merry holidays, lovelies! May you all get everything you wished for and then some!
oxox, Chelle

Holiday Glogg
12 oz. SKYY vodka
1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine
1.5 tbsp. mulling spices
1 tsp. fresh orange zest
2 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp. blanched almonds
4 tbsp. raisins

Wrap mulling spices in cheesecloth. In a large saucepan, combine the wine, SKYY vodka, cheesecloth with mulling spices, orange zest, and sugar. Allow to very lightly simmer over medium heat for at least 30 minutes (do not boil). Discard the mulling spices. Drop a few raisins and almonds at the bottom of each mug and top with the hot liquid.

Photo credits from top to bottom: MarthaStewart.com, Anthropologie.com, Delish.com, PotteryBarn.com, EncoreEvents.blogspot.com, MusingsOfANightOwl.blogspot.com, MarieClaire.com