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

Feast On This!

I'm sure you're all still stuffed from Thanksgiving and don't even want to think about more food, but I just couldn't help myself when it came to posting a blog about Christmas tablescapes! I spent my Thanksgiving at my daughter's, and since she didn't have a table for the giant feast, I'm in holiday table mode! I just love these French country looks. Simple, yet stunning. They make me want Christmas to be here right now! (Don't tell that to my wallet, as its still recovering from the L.A. trip and needs some time to refill so I can get those Christmas presents bought and wrapped!)

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: provedencedecoration.com, shinyinteriors.com, dreamywhites.blogspot.com, squidoo.com, countryliving.com, countryliving.com, countryliving.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

Monochromatic Christmas: Green

Wanna make your friends green with envy? Then use the color for your holiday hue, which sets a striking and yet earthy feeling that will have them falling all over themselves in their attempts to compliment you! And it also sends a subtle message that going green really is the way to go, even during Christmas.

Dreaming of Zen

• 1 oz Zen Green Tea Liqueur
• 1/2 oz Midori Melon Liqueur
• 3 oz mango juice
• white pepper
• 2 oz cream
• mint leaves for garnish
• grated nutmeg for garnish

Pour ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake well, strain into a champagne flute and garnish with mint leaves a dash of nutmeg.

 

Photo Credits from Top to Bottom: PotteryBarn.com, Shutterstock.com, AGiftWrappedLife.blogspot.com, OrganicBug.com, SouthernLiving.com, YoungHouseLove.com, About.com.

Monochromatic Christmas: Pink

French Charmed is about all things girly, so of course we're in love with the idea of having an all-pink Christmas! Now if only all you girls out there can convince the men in your life to go along with this chic and feminine holiday look! We're crossing our fingers... xoxo

The Pama Kiss

1 1/2 oz. PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur
3/4 oz. sour apple vodka
1/2 oz. cranberry juice

Mix ingredients in martini shaker. Shake well. Serve on the rocks. Garnish with sugar-dusted raspberries.

Photo Credits from Top to Bottom: WhisperedWhimsyVintage.blogspot.com, FotoBank.ru, AThingForPink.blogspot.com, Flickr.com/photos/twinkleshappystar, Etsy.com, CountryLiving.com, MarieClaire.com

Monochromatic Christmas: White

If blue isn't necessarily your favorite holiday color of choice, how about trying a nice, classic white? You can't go wrong with this look, and it stands out as simply stunning amidst the usual mix of reds and greens that traditionally go along with Christmas.

Ginger Cosmopolitan

2 oz infused vodka
Squeeze fresh lime juice
1 oz triple sec
2 oz white cranberry juice

Photo Credits from Top to Bottom: SouthernLiving.com, Anthropologie.com, BijouLovelyDesigns.com, MarthaStewart.com, MarthaStewart.com, TaraBradford.com, TheStateOfThings.com

Monochromatic Christmas: Blue

I know there’s something nostalgic about multi-colored, flashing and in-your-face Christmas décor, but despite the memories associated with the look, I’ve always preferred a more peaceful, monochromatic holiday feel myself. I’ve done several different one or two-pallate trees over the years (I’d post photos, but most of them were taken far before I got a digital camera, and I’m sure you’ve guessed by now that I’m the type who has boxes and boxes full of undeveloped film rolls)! Anyway, for some reason, I’m finding myself very attracted and pulled toward blue Christmas décor this year. Maybe it’s because I’ve been quite a stress-basket for months, and there’s something simple, clean and soothing about this look? Nonetheless, I’m hoping to find the time to decorate this year, and if I do, you can bet I’ll be taking my cue from these photos. If you’re not feeling the blue look, don’t fret: I’ll be posting several different monochromatic looks organized by color over the next several days. And I’ll include an idea in each color for your tree, wreath, stockings, table setting, gift wrap, decorations and even a party drink recipe to match! Just call it an early holiday present from me to you! xoxo

Tinsel Bellini

2 oz. HPNOTIQ
1 oz. limoncello
1 oz. Champagne
Splash of lime juice

Rim the Champagne flute with a light coat of sugar. Pour chilled HPNOTIQ, limoncello, and Champagne into the champagne flute. Add a splash of lime juice.

Photo Credits from Top to Bottom: SouthernLiving.com, CountryLiving.com, AGiftWrappedLife.com, CountryLiving.com, TheArtfulLifestyle.blogspot.com, MyHomeIdeas.com, MarieClaire.com