Sorry I just had to include this randomness. Source

Also, this one. Because it’s all about the 90′s music, ya know?

So it can be really hard to round up gifts for everyone this time of year. Consider this your last minute guide. Food is always my go-to since it’s consumable, rather than a random cat figurine that they have to find a place for. Pretty much everyone has enough “stuff” in their lives, but something (ideally home made) is usually welcome. Here are my ideas for the overwrought, short on time and forgetful among us:
  • Wine: because even if they aren’t into drinking it, they can cook with it. Or re-gift it, or open it with family and let other people enjoy it.
  • The awesome cookies that your mom makes and people always freak out about. Having a go-to recipe like that, plus a cute tin or over-sized Chinese takeout box to present them in — major points for you.
  • A gift certificate to their favorite restaurant. It doesn’t even have to cover an entire meal, especially if it’s someplace kinda pricey. The point is, you know they love the place and you just gave them an excuse to go.
  • Candy! But not like, a bag of Skittles. I’m talking about the fancy Ferrero Rocher truffles in the lucite box shaped like a tree. Tie some ribbon around it so doesn’t look like you made a pitstop on your way. Even better, make some candy. My husband and I have made caramels, which do require 24 hours to sit, but people love them!
  • Bring some homemade scones or muffins (not from a mix!) if you are going to be somewhere on Christmas or the days surrounding that will involve brunch. They will be appreciated and it keeps you from showing up empty handed. Plus both are really easy to make. Check here and here. Yeah these probably require a trip to the grocery store, and some of your time — so maybe it’s not totally last minute, but c’mon. Bonus points: grab some champagne and orange juice to bring too.
  • If you’re really in a bind, the drugstores are usually open their regular times on Christmas Eve and day, and you could get some of those big, fun colored candy canes and tie them together with some of that curling ribbon, stick them in a vase or plain drinking glass and call it a centerpiece. Or tie a velvet ribbon around the vessel itself.
If you’ve got some other last minute ideas or recipes you’d like to share, leave me a comment — I’d love to hear! Since it is Thursday, here are a few links I came across this week that I wanted to share.
I hope that no one has to go to the mall in the next few days, and I hope everyone has safe and happy holidays! I do have a Frock Friday lined up for tomorrow so stay tuned!
ciao darlings!