Quick Breads, Easy Presents
It takes almost no time to make -- quick breads don't require rising or kneading -- but can be a wonderful gift for a hostess or a neighbor. They taste good and look good, particularly when prettily packaged. Offering quick breads to friends with such care is more than a small gesture. It is a personal one, showing the best sentiments of the season.
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Handmade Christmas Gifts
The thoughtfulness behind an act of giving really shines through when the gift has a personal touch. Here are ideas for handmade gifts for everyone on your list.
Quick Breads, Easy Presents
It takes almost no time to make -- quick breads don't require rising or kneading -- but can be a wonderful gift for a hostess or a neighbor. They taste good and look good, particularly when prettily packaged. Offering quick breads to friends with such care is more than a small gesture. It is a personal one, showing the best sentiments of the season.
Get the How-To
Martha Stewart Living
Mulling Sachets
They're warmhearted gifts: spice bundles for hot cider.
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Martha Stewart Living
Stenciled Tea Towels
A present bearing a hand-painted monogram shows affectionate effort. Use a set of hand towels and a letter stencil. Lay towel over a sheet of paper. Center stencil on towel and, holding it firmly, apply two coats of washable fabric paint with a medium-size brush. Remove stencil, and let dry, about three hours.
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Martha Stewart Living
Cinnamon Candle
Small forests of cinnamon sticks give pillar candles a warm, rustic look and impart a holiday fragrance. Three candles in graduated sizes make a lovely set.
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Martha Stewart Living
Holiday Drink Mixers
Spread cheer with batches of homemade cocktail mixers for Bloody Marys, cranberry cocktails, and apricot-ginger fizzes. Decant them into decorative bottles, available at home stores, and add a label with drink recipes and storage instructions. They'll keep for up to a week and must be refrigerated, so plan ahead.
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Martha Stewart Living
Candy-Shop Gifts
The sweets are nestled all snug in their jars; soon they'll be given to friends near and far. Before delivering these playful presents, you can set them out for all to see in a candy-counter-style display. Collect peanut-butter, jelly, and olive jars -- or buy inexpensive containers at a discount store -- and fill them with treats for loved ones. Soon visions of sugar will dance in their heads.
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Martha Stewart Living
'Tis the season to bake, decorate and celebrate! Visit MarthaStewart.com to plan the ultimate Christmas celebration.
Martha Stewart Living
