Christmas on the Cheap

Here are a few of the ways I've been gettin' crafty with it this week.  I cannot take credit for any of these ideas.  Props to Martha Stewart Magazine and the next best thing to Martha...my friend Jami.

We're on a tight budget this year, so I had to get a little creative with some of my gifts.  To take the sting out of a lame $10 gift card, I added some local Olive Sinclair Chocolate and then wrapped it like a snowman just using white printer paper, markers and some ribbon.  

At the Dollar Tree, you can find silver platters for $1.  Add some chalkboard paint, and ribbon, and you have a very cool chalkboard sign, display, menu, or whatever you want it to be.

Ribbon is 50% off at Hobby Lobby this week.  So are these little plate stands.  They are only $2.50!  Then you can decide to hang it or display it on the rack.  The ribbon just folds down and hides behind it.

I love to have a little something to give friends when we visit during the holidays or as a hostess gifts.  Martha Washington Bon Bons have become an annual tradition for me.  I completely overdosed on the filling 2 years ago, and now I can make hundreds without even being tempted to try one.  But other people rave about them!  And they're just pretty.




Martha Washington Bon Bons
Filling:  Mix and chill overnight
2 pounds sifted powdered sugar
1 can Eagle Brand Milk
2 cups flaked coconut
1 stick of butter (melted) - add another 1/2 stick if mixture is dry
3 cups finely chopped pecans


Dipping Chocolate: Melt in a double boiler
1 cake paraffin wax (can be found in the canning aisle at the grocery store)
12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips 
add more chocolate if mixture is too thin, add more wax if mixture is too thick

Dip in chocolate using a toothpick and let dry on wax paper. Drizzle chocolate to cover toothpick holes.

 Place in candy cups, wrap and add a cute tag and ribbon. 

Merry Christmas!!