Leisure Arts Open House Merriment
When Leisure Arts Sent me the book Open House Merriment to review I knew that I would have to sit down and look at the great recipes and craft inside the book before deciding on what project to create first.
The first thing I have to say about this book is I am so glad to have something to look at to make simple holiday snacks and appetizers right along side easy to make gifts and fun ideas that you can make with the kids!
Since I probably will be hosting the holidays for the 4 grandkids this year who are too excited to sit down and eat the mini recipes and finger foods are the perfect ideas for holiday fun. From the Crab Cake Slides that can be created from any type of meat you choose to the mini pumpkin cheesecakes these treats are fun for the young and the young at heart! In addition to the many recipes in Open House Merriment there are lots of crafts that kids and adults will enjoy.I had so much fun creating the Paper Leaves Wreath (shown below) out of a foam wreath that I purchase from the Dollar Tree Store, along with some ribbon and a few pieces of scrap paper I had lying around. I added a sticker at the bottom of the wreath for an extra touch and used a green ribbon that has some glitter to it. Of course you can design your wreath any way you want. It’s so easy to use the template for the leaves in the book, cut them out and pin onto a foam wreath and add your own finishing touches.
There are so many other great projects in the book to create as well. I just finished the wreath above and one of my next projects is one of the photo ornaments to make after I receive holiday photos from family members to place inside the ornaments. One of the great things about the book is that is doesn’t require a lot of money to make these easy craft items. Most of these supplies can be found at the local craft store and even at the Dollar Tree or online. There are so many fun projects to make from garland to stockings you find them easy and fast to make quite a few of the in a weekend!
Chapters include Oh-So Delish! (a sampling of appetizers and desserts); Christmas Is for Kids (with easy-to-craft stockings, banners, garlands, and ornaments); Gifts from Nature (with rustic ornaments and arrangements); Santa Stop Here! party (with kid-friendly snacks); and Cheerful Touches (a wreath, a banner, a knit Santa, and others). Oh, how merry it all will be!
