30
May
Ascension Day
Categories:
Inspiration
Di kutip dari sumber : https://www.officeholidays.com/countries/europe/ascension_day.php
28
May
Di kutip dari sumber : https://theculturetrip.com/middle-east/articles/10-traditions-need-know-eid-al-fitr/
Sebentar lagi ramadhan akan datang dan berakhirnya ramadhan tanda dimulainya perayaan Idul Fitri, perayaan penting bagi semua umat Islam di seluruh dunia. Ini yang perlu kamu ketahui tentang perayaan Idul Fitri, simak yuk.
One of the most important days in the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Fitr is a joyous three-day celebration that marks the end of Ramadan, a month-long fast observed by most of the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims. Let’s take a closer look at the traditions of Eid al-Fitr, a festival which above all is about family, community, generosity and gratitude.
Muslim man praying during Ramadan | © terimakasih0/pixabay
New moon | © Ponciano/pixabay
Feast | © raasiel/Flickr
Prayer | © Hamed Saber/Flickr [cropped]
Muslim family | © neildodhia/pixabay
Little child | © ArmyAmber/pixabay
Muslim woman | © wahyucurug/pixabay
Eid al-Fitr in India | © Jordi Bernabeu Farrús/Flickr
Everyone celebrating | © U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv/Flickr
[ ... ] It marks the end of Ramadan
Eid al-Fitr takes place on the first day of Shawwal, the Islamic month that comes directly after Ramadan. Throughout Ramadan, Muslims are obliged to refrain from eating, drinking and other sinful activities between sunrise and sunset, and must consider the occasion a time for reflection and worship. Also known as the Islamic Holy Month, Ramadan marks the moment when the sacred Quran was revealed to the prophet Muhammad.
Muslim man praying during Ramadan | © terimakasih0/pixabay
It cannot begin until a new moon has been observed
The Islamic calendar is lunar which is why Eid al-Fitr falls on a different date of the Gregorian calendar each year. In accordance with tradition, the festivities cannot begin until a new moon has been observed, meaning that some parts of the world may celebrate Eid al-Fitr on a slightly different date to others. This year, Eid al-Fitr will be on June 25 in most regions.
New moon | © Ponciano/pixabay
A feast that lasts for days
After denying themselves of food during daylight hours for an entire month, many Muslim people are understandably delighted when the time comes to break their fasting ritual. Translating to: “The festival of breaking of the fast,” food plays an important role in Eid al-Fitr. The first breakfast of the event is fairly subdued, typically consisting of some sweets and dates. The real feast begins when families get together for lunch on the first day after morning prayers. Huge quantities of all sorts of local delicacies are devoured in joyous celebration, while further lavish banquets are repeated throughout the festival. The feasting becomes so frenzied that nutritionists have had to warn people in recent years about the dangers of overeating after a lengthy period of fasting.
Feast | © raasiel/Flickr
Prayer plays an important role
Eid al-Fitr isn’t just about breaking the fast, it’s also a time for bonding as a community and devoting oneself to prayer. On the first day of the event Muslims visit their local mosque to pray under an open sky, kneeling down so that their heads touch the ground and loudly saying “Allah is great.” Several different prayer sessions are held over the course of the festival, most of which are compulsory and are used to ask for forgiveness, mercy, peace and blessings.
Prayer | © Hamed Saber/Flickr [cropped]
Everyone sports a fresh new outfit
On the first day of Eid al-Fitr it is customary for people to bath and put on a brand new outfit. This is done to honor Allah and is intended to symbolize the notion of spiritual renewal.Gifts are handed out left, right and center
As with Christmas in the Christian world, Eid al-Fitr is a time when Muslims can shower their loved ones with gifts. Children typically get most of the attention, although presents are liberally handed out between friends and relatives as well.
Muslim family | © neildodhia/pixabay
Giving isn’t limited to the family
All Muslim people with the financial means are expected to pay Zakat al-Fitr, a special kind of alms which is intended to strengthen ties within the Islamic community and foster feelings of brotherhood and love. The system allows poorer Muslims to be included in lavish Eid al-Fitr banquets and encourages the wealthy to be more generous throughout the year.
Little child | © ArmyAmber/pixabay
The run-up to Eid al-Fitr
In the days leading up to Eid al-Fitr, Muslim women work together to clean the family home and decorate it with colorful lanterns and ornaments. When the big day comes, they put on their best clothes and apply henna (intricate temporary tattoos) to their hands before preparing a delicious meal to be enjoyed together as a family.
Muslim woman | © wahyucurug/pixabay
It’s a public celebration
Eid al-Fitr is widely celebrated in public to build a greater sense of community. Lively fairs are held in public spaces where merchants sell holiday themed food and gifts and revelers greet complete strangers with a cheerful “Eid mubarak” (blessed celebrations). The festivities continue well into the night when an abundance of fireworks light up the sky.
Eid al-Fitr in India | © Jordi Bernabeu Farrús/Flickr
It’s not just for Muslims
In most parts of the world, non-Muslims are encouraged to visit the homes of their Muslim friends to join in the celebrations by indulging in excessive amounts of food and exchanging gifts.
Everyone celebrating | © U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv/Flickr
23
May
Cake Shaped Gift Box
Categories:
Inspiration
Di kutip dari sumber : https://www.diys.com/homemade-gift-boxes/
Bosan dengan gift box yang gitu-gitu aja? kamu bisa coba main-main dengan bentuk gift box loh, liat nih.
When it comes to birthdays, are you the kind of super enthusiastic celebrator that you’ll happy go all out with the adorable themed ideas no matter whose special day it is, just to make sure they have a happy time? Then we have a feeling you might be the perfect person to give this awesome cake box idea a try! Alanna Jones-Mann guides you step by step through the process of “icing” a circular box so it actually looks like a miniature cake with a present inside.
[ ... ] Vesak Festival in Sri Lanka
Categories:
Inspiration
Di kutip dari sumber : https://lanka.com/events/vesak-festival/
Vesak is a religious and cultural festival in Sri Lanka. It is celebrated on the day of the full moon in the month of May. Vesak Day is one of the biggest days of the year and is celebrated by Buddhists all over the world. Buddhists commemorate the important events that took place in the life of Lord Buddha on this day. First comes the birth of Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini in Nepal which took place under the arbor of Sat trees where queen Mahamaya gave birth to him. The second event was Siddharta Gautam’s supreme attainment as the Buddha, the Enlightened One. The third event was Lord Buddha’s Parinibbana over 2500 years ago at Kusinagar.
Apart from Sri Lanka, many Asian countries including India, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan celebrate Vesak. Many religious activities are organized during this period in Sri Lanka such as Sil campaigns, Bodhi Poojas, Dansalas (Freely giving foods, coffee, tea from people), Vesak devotional songs (Bakthi Gee), pandols (thoran) and lanterns.
Many temples get filled with devotees and pilgrims all over the country to mark this great event. In temples Buddhists worship, offer flowers, light lamps and burn incense. These traditional observances, in essence, have their value in satisfying the religious and emotional needs of the people.
Buddhists generally wear a white dress and go to the temple and participate in the traditional ceremonies.
Many of them spend the whole day in the temple and reaffirm their determination to follow the teachings of Buddha.
On this holy day the ‘Dana’ (alms giving) plays an important role. This is a sign of sharing joy and peace with people. During the Vesak Festival week, the selling of alcohol and flesh is usually prohibited, with abattoirs also being closed. Other than the exclusive religious aspects of the festival, the Buddhists of Sri Lanka, decorate their houses and public places and arrange for various cultural events.
[ ... ] Birth of Siddharta Gautama
The Siddharth or lord Buddha, the divine creature inquired about five affairs before expiring for the final birth. The inquiries are the: right time, right area, right continent, right caste and right mother. Then, as any Buddhists know, the fully mindful divine being entered the womb of Queen Mahamaya. A prince was born on a Vesak Poya day to the Queen and King Suddhodana and was named Siddhartha, one who has found meaning of existence. The Queen passed away seven days after the prince’s birth.Attainment as Lord Buddha
Gautama Buddha was trained in various mental skills under many teachers, only to get disillusioned that they do not have the truth he looked for. The right way to achieve the truth dawned on him one day. He directed his mind in the path of meditation. Moments later he reached enlightenment and conquered the world of sorrows on Vesak Poya day.Lord Buddha’s Parinibbana
80-year old Gotama Buddha then announced His passing away, Parinibbana, would take place on the third watch of the night at Sal grove of Malla royal family, and it happened to be a Vesak Poya day.Vesak Pandols (Thorana) in Sri Lanka
In Vesak Season in electrically lit Vesak pandols called thoranas are erected island wide at public places, being mostly sponsored by donors, religious societies and welfare groups. Each pandol illustrates a story from the 550 ‘Jathaka Katha’ or the 550 Past Life Stories of the Buddha.
Wesak Pandol – Borella
Wesak Pandol – Dematagoda
Vesak Lanterns in Sri Lanka
Vesak lanterns called Vesak koodu are lit in most of the homes in Sri Lanka on Vesak poya day. The lighting signifies an offering to the memory of the Buddha who delivered the message of Dhamma. In ancient times, people used their clay oil lamps for illumination. When candles became popular, colourful lanterns were made in different shapes and colours were used. Many associations arrange competitions on Vesak lanterns with the creators of the most beautiful lanterns being awarded valuable prizes.
Kejutan Permen dalam Cookies
Categories:
Inspiration
Di kutip dari sumber : https://www.mybluprint.com/article/the-best-hanukkah-surprise-is-a-cookie-with-candy-inside
Photo by Juniper Cakery
Beri kejutan yang menarik untuk anak-anak dengan Cookies yang didalamnya ada permen yang menanti, mereka akan sangat senang sekali, yuk di cobaWhat you’ll need:
•A batch of sugar-cookie dough •Light blue fondant •Blue-and-white striped paper straws •Small gold candies or sprinkles •Royal icing •Rectangle cookie cutter •Small circle cookie cutter •Light corn syrup •Piping tip and bag1. Roll and cut your dough
Photo by Juniper Cakery
Roll out dough to about 3 to 4 mm, then cut out 3 rectangles per dreidel. Use a knife to cut away two angled sections at the bottom of each rectangle, creating a triangular shape at one end. Take one of your dreidel-shaped cookies and cut out a circle in the center, which is where your gold candy or sprinkles will go (more on that later). Bake cookies according to the recipe, and let cool.2. Stack and fill ’em up
Photo by Juniper Cakery
Take one of the full dreidel cookies (without the hole cut-out) and pipe royal icing around the perimeter.
Photo by Juniper Cakery
Top with the cookie with the hole in the center, and lightly press down.
Photo by Juniper Cakery
Pour your golden candy or sprinkles into the circle! (We used tiny golden nonpareils and gold dusted chocolate candy beans.)3. Attach the handle
Photo by Juniper Cakery
Before adding the last layer of cookie, cut down a paper straw to 2-3 inches and flatten one end.
Photo by Juniper Cakery
Attach the flattened end to the top of your stacked cookies with icing.
Photo by Juniper Cakery
Add more icing around the perimeter before pressing on the top cookie layer.4. Add some fondant
Photo by Juniper Cakery
Roll out light blue fondant and cut to the same size as your cookies. Attach it to your top cookie with light corn syrup, then let set for 20 minutes.5. Decorate away
Photo by Juniper Cakery
Finally, jazz up your dreidel cookie however you like. (We splattered on some gold flecks with a paint brush, and added a white bow.)
07
May
Di kutip dari sumber : https://www.mybluprint.com/article/make-the-cutest-cookies-in-troll-village
Trolls cookies membuat kita senang seperti Poppy juga yang selalu tersenyum bahagia, coba yuk bikin cookies dengan karakter animasi yang kita suka.
What you need:
•Poppy cookie baked onto a thin dowel stick
•Two tints of pink fondant, one darker and one lighter
•Cornstarch
•Rolling pin
•Small paint brush
•Dresden tool*
•Candy eyes
•Black fondant
•Green gum paste
•Blue fondant
•Tiny flower cookie cutter (optional)
*This little tool is what the pros use for texturing fondant icing. We highly recommend! But in a pinch you can totally get by with a toothpick and maybe a small butter knife to do the job.
Before we can get decorating, we’ve got to have something to decorate. Mix together your desired batter, use the Trolls cookie cutter to shape the cookie, push the dowel halfway into the cookie and bake according to your recipe directions.
Pro tip: to make sure the dough keeps its shape, chill the batter thoroughly in the fridge before cutting out the shapes and baking.
Knead the fondant against your workspace to make it soft and workable. Be sure to sprinkle a little bit of cornstarch before kneading so the fondant won’t stick to the surface. Once your fondant is soft and has some stretch, roll it out with a rolling pin until it’s about ⅛-inch thick.
Use the same cookie cutter you used on your batter to cut the fondant into the shape of Poppy’s head.
Brush a bit of water over the back side of your fondant cut-out. (Our photo shows a layer of buttercream here, but water does the job just fine.) Check with a finger to see that the fondant is tacky — that's how you'll know it's moist enough. Carefully lay the fondant Poppy on top of the cookie and gently push down with your fingers to make sure it seals on there securely.
Crazy hair is a Trolls staple. To make some for your cookie, knead and roll a darker shade of pink fondant just like you did before. Once again, use the Poppy cookie cutter to get your shape. But this time, instead of placing the whole shape onto the cookie, use a dresden or other scoring tool to mark out her hair line and cut it out. An easy way to find the hair line: cut from ear to ear.
Use a small paint brush to apply a little bit of water to the back of her fondant hair piece and secure it to the top of your cookie.
Pick your dresden tool back up! To add hair-like texture, simply sweep your tool from her hair line to the tip of the cookie to create long indents. Be sure to do this gently so you don’t cut through the fondant.
Now to make her cute face! When adding her eyes, be careful you leave enough room under the hair to place the eyelashes. Make things easy on yourself and use pre-made candy eyes. Press them down into her fondant face and smooth out any wrinkles in the fondant that appear.
Roll tiny pieces of black fondant into a teardrop shape and set them aside for a few minutes to firm up. Once again, use water and a paint brush to wet above her eyes and secure the fondant lashes. Poppy now has her big, beautiful lashes!
Using the same color fondant as Poppy’s hair, roll a small (but thick) oblong shape. Place it right below her eyes and use your dresden tool to create two nostrils. With the same tool, draw a smile under her nose, and detail her ears with simple lines.
Not all of Poppy’s hair stands up on her head. Roll two pieces of the dark pink fondant into two cones and apply them to each side of her face. Texture these pieces just as you did with her main hair piece.
As any Trolls fan knows, Poppy loves all things happy and cute — including her flowery headband. Roll a piece of green gum paste into a skinny vine and glue it (yep, using water and a paint brush again!) across the edge of her hairline, cutting off any excess.
Roll out some blue fondant, following the same kneading-and-cornstarch procedure as before, and use a small cookie cutter to cut out tiny flowers. (You can also shape these freehand if you like.) Secure the flowers across her headband with water.
[ ... ] 1. Bake the cookies
Before we can get decorating, we’ve got to have something to decorate. Mix together your desired batter, use the Trolls cookie cutter to shape the cookie, push the dowel halfway into the cookie and bake according to your recipe directions.
Pro tip: to make sure the dough keeps its shape, chill the batter thoroughly in the fridge before cutting out the shapes and baking.
2. Roll out the fondant
Knead the fondant against your workspace to make it soft and workable. Be sure to sprinkle a little bit of cornstarch before kneading so the fondant won’t stick to the surface. Once your fondant is soft and has some stretch, roll it out with a rolling pin until it’s about ⅛-inch thick.
3. Cut out Poppy
Use the same cookie cutter you used on your batter to cut the fondant into the shape of Poppy’s head.
Brush a bit of water over the back side of your fondant cut-out. (Our photo shows a layer of buttercream here, but water does the job just fine.) Check with a finger to see that the fondant is tacky — that's how you'll know it's moist enough. Carefully lay the fondant Poppy on top of the cookie and gently push down with your fingers to make sure it seals on there securely.
4. Give her hair
Crazy hair is a Trolls staple. To make some for your cookie, knead and roll a darker shade of pink fondant just like you did before. Once again, use the Poppy cookie cutter to get your shape. But this time, instead of placing the whole shape onto the cookie, use a dresden or other scoring tool to mark out her hair line and cut it out. An easy way to find the hair line: cut from ear to ear.
Use a small paint brush to apply a little bit of water to the back of her fondant hair piece and secure it to the top of your cookie.
5. Define the hair texture
Pick your dresden tool back up! To add hair-like texture, simply sweep your tool from her hair line to the tip of the cookie to create long indents. Be sure to do this gently so you don’t cut through the fondant.
6. Add her eyes
Now to make her cute face! When adding her eyes, be careful you leave enough room under the hair to place the eyelashes. Make things easy on yourself and use pre-made candy eyes. Press them down into her fondant face and smooth out any wrinkles in the fondant that appear.
Roll tiny pieces of black fondant into a teardrop shape and set them aside for a few minutes to firm up. Once again, use water and a paint brush to wet above her eyes and secure the fondant lashes. Poppy now has her big, beautiful lashes!
7. Finish the face
Using the same color fondant as Poppy’s hair, roll a small (but thick) oblong shape. Place it right below her eyes and use your dresden tool to create two nostrils. With the same tool, draw a smile under her nose, and detail her ears with simple lines.
8. Frame her features
Not all of Poppy’s hair stands up on her head. Roll two pieces of the dark pink fondant into two cones and apply them to each side of her face. Texture these pieces just as you did with her main hair piece.
9. Finish with the headband
As any Trolls fan knows, Poppy loves all things happy and cute — including her flowery headband. Roll a piece of green gum paste into a skinny vine and glue it (yep, using water and a paint brush again!) across the edge of her hairline, cutting off any excess.
Roll out some blue fondant, following the same kneading-and-cornstarch procedure as before, and use a small cookie cutter to cut out tiny flowers. (You can also shape these freehand if you like.) Secure the flowers across her headband with water.
01
May
Di kutip dari sumber : https://www.mybluprint.com/article/incredible-game-of-thrones-cakes-and-a-pie-too
Game of Thrones fans, rejoice! Season 8 (dan Final) telah tayang. Tidak sabar kan menunggu tiap episode ada tiap minggu? Sambil menunggu tiap minggunya, bisa nih dipakai untuk coba bikin cake yang unik. Kalau kamu bingung mulainya dari mana, ini koleksi dari Game of Thrones untuk inspirasimu membuat kue yang menarik.
You can count on Joshua John Russell to dream up a show-stopping design! Here, he pays homage to George R.R. Martin with his marbled fondant cake, topped with an unmistakable sharp sword. Watch him make it on Man About Cake !
Photo via Mel's Amazing Cakes
U.K.-based Mel's Amazing Cakes used a combo of fondant and gum paste to create some of the show's most popular characters, which are perched atop tiers decorated like a dragon egg, the Iron Throne, castle gates and golden crowns. Royally impressive!
Photo via Cindy's Cake Creations
While it may look like this cake is topped with a metal sculpture, it's actually a completely edible homemade Iron Throne topper. This fondant marvel by Cindy's Cake Creations in Melbourne, Australia, required hundreds of tiny swords sculpted one by one, which "wasn't as fun as it sounds," according to the baker. But if you ask us, it was sooooo worth it.
Photo via Sticky Sponge Cake Artists
Believe it or not, aside from a few supports for the lid of the chest and the dragon wings, this creation by Sticky Sponge Cake Artists in the United Kingdom is entirely edible. The sword and chest are made from hardened sugar, and the dragon is sculpted from modeling chocolate. The dragon eggs themselves are made from chocolate, and here's the kicker: they have jelly snakes inside!
Photo via Liv For Cake
If you're all about buttercream, this is the Game of Thrones cake for you. Blogger Liv For Cake has cleverly concocted a "dragon scale" effect by using creative color mixing and piping techniques. She swirled a little red and green buttercream into her gray, then piped buttercream into dots and spread it slightly, using an offset spatula to get this super-cool texture. A little gold pearl luster dust adds a final magical touch.
Photo via Whipped Bakeshop
Philadelphia's Whipped Bakeshop started this cake with a perfectly smooth layer of fondant . Then, the snow white canvas was topped with a fondant direwolf emblazoned with the show's tag line "winter is coming," and finished with handmade silvery swords. Fierce!
Photo via Afternoon Crumbs
These clever cupcakes by U.K.-based decorator Afternoon Crumbs feature a variety of handmade Game of Thrones toppers, including the Stark family seal, the "Hand of the King" pin motif, Arya Stark's so-called "kill list," dragon eggs and yes, even a disembodied head. The cupcakes themselves are chocolate, filled with salted caramel, and topped with peanut butter frosting, so they definitely taste as good as they look!
Photo via A Table For Two
Technically this one isn't a cake, but it's too impressive not to share! Loyal fans will remember the ginormous pigeon pie served at Joffrey's wedding. This pie, featured on the Australian blog A Table For Two , is an homage to that pie (but with far more appetizing ingredients). Mushrooms, leeks, chicken stock, cream and spices make up the savory filling, which is wrapped in homemade pastry that's been painstakingly molded to resemble the pigeon pie featured in the show.
[ ... ] 1. Stone-Cold Dragon
You can count on Joshua John Russell to dream up a show-stopping design! Here, he pays homage to George R.R. Martin with his marbled fondant cake, topped with an unmistakable sharp sword. Watch him make it on Man About Cake !
2. Multi-tiered Awesomeness
Photo via Mel's Amazing Cakes
U.K.-based Mel's Amazing Cakes used a combo of fondant and gum paste to create some of the show's most popular characters, which are perched atop tiers decorated like a dragon egg, the Iron Throne, castle gates and golden crowns. Royally impressive!
3. Take a Seat
Photo via Cindy's Cake Creations
While it may look like this cake is topped with a metal sculpture, it's actually a completely edible homemade Iron Throne topper. This fondant marvel by Cindy's Cake Creations in Melbourne, Australia, required hundreds of tiny swords sculpted one by one, which "wasn't as fun as it sounds," according to the baker. But if you ask us, it was sooooo worth it.
4. Crack Those Eggs
Photo via Sticky Sponge Cake Artists
Believe it or not, aside from a few supports for the lid of the chest and the dragon wings, this creation by Sticky Sponge Cake Artists in the United Kingdom is entirely edible. The sword and chest are made from hardened sugar, and the dragon is sculpted from modeling chocolate. The dragon eggs themselves are made from chocolate, and here's the kicker: they have jelly snakes inside!
5. Buttercream Magic
Photo via Liv For Cake
If you're all about buttercream, this is the Game of Thrones cake for you. Blogger Liv For Cake has cleverly concocted a "dragon scale" effect by using creative color mixing and piping techniques. She swirled a little red and green buttercream into her gray, then piped buttercream into dots and spread it slightly, using an offset spatula to get this super-cool texture. A little gold pearl luster dust adds a final magical touch.
6. So Sharp
Photo via Whipped Bakeshop
Philadelphia's Whipped Bakeshop started this cake with a perfectly smooth layer of fondant . Then, the snow white canvas was topped with a fondant direwolf emblazoned with the show's tag line "winter is coming," and finished with handmade silvery swords. Fierce!
7. Cupcakes for All
Photo via Afternoon Crumbs
These clever cupcakes by U.K.-based decorator Afternoon Crumbs feature a variety of handmade Game of Thrones toppers, including the Stark family seal, the "Hand of the King" pin motif, Arya Stark's so-called "kill list," dragon eggs and yes, even a disembodied head. The cupcakes themselves are chocolate, filled with salted caramel, and topped with peanut butter frosting, so they definitely taste as good as they look!
8. Faux Pigeon Pie
Photo via A Table For Two
Technically this one isn't a cake, but it's too impressive not to share! Loyal fans will remember the ginormous pigeon pie served at Joffrey's wedding. This pie, featured on the Australian blog A Table For Two , is an homage to that pie (but with far more appetizing ingredients). Mushrooms, leeks, chicken stock, cream and spices make up the savory filling, which is wrapped in homemade pastry that's been painstakingly molded to resemble the pigeon pie featured in the show.
01
May
Di kutip dari sumber : https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/enjoy-the-holidays-at-home-9-things-to-do-around-the-house-just-for-fun-197273
Liburan biasanya bingung mau pergi kemana? kenapa tidak menghabiskan waktu dirumah saja? coba deh, kalau liburan dirumah juga bisa mengasikkan.
Bake
Nothing gets me in a holiday mood faster than firing up the oven to create something that looks beautiful, smells delicious, and is full of empty calories. At this time of year The Kitchn has loads of great recipes, from cakes to candy for gifts.Get your craft on
Sometimes, just making something pretty with your hands is enough to get you into the holiday spirit. Consider making some tree decorations, sewing something, or making a wreath from your front door.Wrap something
Oh, isn’t this everyone’s favourite way to feel festive? Whether you’re into simple brown paper or modern printed ones, there’s a way to put your stamp on it. Oh, and if you have papers but no gifts, there are other things you can use them for.Decorate
I have a friend who loves the holidays so much that she keeps some festive-hued cushions and accessories stored away for 11 months of the year, and brings them out every December to mix up her living space. That might be taking things a bit far (or maybe not!), but change is good for us, and any excuse works. Move some chairs around or simply through up a garland or two; whatever your holiday decorating style is, indulge it.Have a movie marathon
What is Christmas without an afternoon spent watching Elf, Miracle on 34th Street or Love Actually? Not a holiday I want anything to do with, that’s for sure. Find the time and make it happen.Throw a (low-key) party
Entertaining in December doesn’t have to be a chore. Keep it casual and invite some friends ’round for wreath making, gift wrapping or cookie decorating. Make it a potluck, so all you’ll have to do is throw on some tunes and open some bubbly.Cook something different
You know how, after the rich meals of the holiday season, you begin to crave anything that isn’t roast veg, cheese or wine? That first Thai, Indian, or Mexican meal post-Christmas can be the best of the year. Go make that meal now; whether it’s a tasty curry or bright stir-fry, your tastebuds will thank you.Do something useful
So this one isn’t so fun, but it makes sense: you just know you’re going to need to tackle a million home-improvement tasks during the dull days of January, so why not get a head start? Take an afternoon to scrub out your kitchen cupboards, defrost your freezer or throw out all the odd socks in your underwear drawer. This post has some great practical ideas.Plan a holiday
Slightly strange to stay at home in order to plan to leave it, but I find the dark days of December are fantastic for plotting your next escape. Even if it’s just armchair travel, dreaming of warmer climes and exotic tastes can make the cold, gray days seem automatically sunnier. [ ... ]
29
Apr
Baking and decorating cookies is fun, but running out of space when dealing with huge orders isn’t! It’s important to know the correct way to store decorated cookies so that you can make big batches of cookies with no stress.
TO HELP TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF LARGE ORDERS, WE’RE SHARING A FEW OF OUR MOST HELPFUL COOKIE STORAGE DOS AND DON’TS.
1. Freeze pre-cut shapes
When planning large orders in advance, you can make your dough, pre-cut the shapes and freeze them before baking. Just stack your cut cookies with a piece of waxed or parchment paper between each and pop them in the freezer. Once frozen, wrap each stack of cookies with cling film and then put them back in the freezer to save space.
Remember to label every stack with the flavor, date made and order details. Your frozen cookies will keep for around 3 months.
When you need them, remove from the freezer and place on trays (without the slip of greaseproof paper) and bake straight away.
2. Bake frozen cookie dough
If you’ve pre-mixed and frozen your dough, thaw it out by leaving it in a refrigerator for a couple of hours. Then you can roll, cut, chill and bake! Re-freezing the dough will lessen the taste and quality so we wouldn’t recommend putting your dough back in the freezer afterward. To help cut down on waste, why not separate your cookie dough into small balls right after making it?
Tip: We don’t recommend freezing or chilling finished decorated cookies. Water spots can develop on your work, colors can change and water can even eat through your royal icing.
3. Use stackable trays and cooling racks
When your cookies are decorated but still need a little time to dry, trays and cooling racks are really handy. They can take up a lot of space, though, which is why we like stackable or tall bakery-style rack towers. They’re the best way to save a little space if you need to work on other projects.
Tip: Buy a few extra racks to that you can work on other projects while your cookies dry.
4. Keep your cookies away from humidity
Humidity is not a friend to anything sugar-related. Sugar soaks up moisture in the atmosphere around it. This means that any humidity can lead to tacky, soft or wet-looking treats. Icing can develop a sweaty appearance, break down or end up with unattractive blotches.
If you live in a humid environment or have to deal with wet weather, we recommend getting a dehumidifier. We live on a consistently rainy island (U.K.) and right next to a river. When we work on icing cookies (and sugar flowers) we make sure all the windows in our workroom are shut and we crank up our dehumidifier! You can also turn the heat up a little, which tends to dry out the air indoors.
5. Package cookies in cellophane bags
One of the best and most cost-effective packaging solutions for cookies are cellophane bags! We’ve had no problem simply hand tying these (even for larger events). However, for a little extra security, you can lightly seal your bags using a laminator to help make them airtight. You can also bunch up your cellophane and press the center with your laminator before then tying the gather with a pretty bow.
6. Store cookie decorated in advance in airtight containers
Decorated cookies will keep in an airtight container for up to one week. You don’t want to work too much farther in advance, though.
To store your decorated cookies, place the cookies right side up in one flat layer in your container. Then, place a sheet of waxed paper or parchment paper over the cookies before placing another layer of cookies in the container. This helps avoid dents, mark or chips.
Make sure you use good quality airtight containers! Cheap ones can still let in moisture, which will ruin your cookies. Once boxed up, keep in a cool dark spot like a cabinet or cupboard. Storing your cookies near any light source can fade or warp your colors. [ ... ]
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TO HELP TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF LARGE ORDERS, WE’RE SHARING A FEW OF OUR MOST HELPFUL COOKIE STORAGE DOS AND DON’TS.
1. Freeze pre-cut shapes
When planning large orders in advance, you can make your dough, pre-cut the shapes and freeze them before baking. Just stack your cut cookies with a piece of waxed or parchment paper between each and pop them in the freezer. Once frozen, wrap each stack of cookies with cling film and then put them back in the freezer to save space.
Remember to label every stack with the flavor, date made and order details. Your frozen cookies will keep for around 3 months.
When you need them, remove from the freezer and place on trays (without the slip of greaseproof paper) and bake straight away.
2. Bake frozen cookie dough
If you’ve pre-mixed and frozen your dough, thaw it out by leaving it in a refrigerator for a couple of hours. Then you can roll, cut, chill and bake! Re-freezing the dough will lessen the taste and quality so we wouldn’t recommend putting your dough back in the freezer afterward. To help cut down on waste, why not separate your cookie dough into small balls right after making it?
Tip: We don’t recommend freezing or chilling finished decorated cookies. Water spots can develop on your work, colors can change and water can even eat through your royal icing.
3. Use stackable trays and cooling racks
When your cookies are decorated but still need a little time to dry, trays and cooling racks are really handy. They can take up a lot of space, though, which is why we like stackable or tall bakery-style rack towers. They’re the best way to save a little space if you need to work on other projects.
Tip: Buy a few extra racks to that you can work on other projects while your cookies dry.
4. Keep your cookies away from humidity
Humidity is not a friend to anything sugar-related. Sugar soaks up moisture in the atmosphere around it. This means that any humidity can lead to tacky, soft or wet-looking treats. Icing can develop a sweaty appearance, break down or end up with unattractive blotches.
If you live in a humid environment or have to deal with wet weather, we recommend getting a dehumidifier. We live on a consistently rainy island (U.K.) and right next to a river. When we work on icing cookies (and sugar flowers) we make sure all the windows in our workroom are shut and we crank up our dehumidifier! You can also turn the heat up a little, which tends to dry out the air indoors.
5. Package cookies in cellophane bags
One of the best and most cost-effective packaging solutions for cookies are cellophane bags! We’ve had no problem simply hand tying these (even for larger events). However, for a little extra security, you can lightly seal your bags using a laminator to help make them airtight. You can also bunch up your cellophane and press the center with your laminator before then tying the gather with a pretty bow.
6. Store cookie decorated in advance in airtight containers
Decorated cookies will keep in an airtight container for up to one week. You don’t want to work too much farther in advance, though.
To store your decorated cookies, place the cookies right side up in one flat layer in your container. Then, place a sheet of waxed paper or parchment paper over the cookies before placing another layer of cookies in the container. This helps avoid dents, mark or chips.
Make sure you use good quality airtight containers! Cheap ones can still let in moisture, which will ruin your cookies. Once boxed up, keep in a cool dark spot like a cabinet or cupboard. Storing your cookies near any light source can fade or warp your colors. [ ... ] 
26
Apr
Jessica Lee Photography/Getty Images/Image Source
Stale, dry cookies are just about the saddest thing there is. To keep your homemade cookies fresh for as long as possible, you need to know how to store them. Here are a few tips and tricks, plus a hack or two that will have your friends and family thinking you're a cookie genius.Storage Temperature Matters
In general, you don't want to store cookies in the refrigerator: The cool air can dry them out and make them taste blah. So stick with room temp storage, or the freezer.Use the Right Storage Container
Cookie jars are only sometimes your best option.
Airtight is right for soft cookies!
Drop cookies and the like should be kept in an airtight container, either in a single layer for iced or decorated cookies, or in layers separated by a sheet of parchment paper for cookies with no icing.
Here's a fun trick: Tuck a half slice of white bread in the container with the cookies. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, keeping them moist and soft. Nifty!
Be careful about storing different types of cookies together because they can absorb each other's flavors. Sometimes this won't matter much (say, with regular shortbread and browned-butter shortbread). But if you store peppermint cookies with pumpkin cookies, the results could be... unusual.
Let crispy cookies breathe.
For gingersnaps, wafer cookies and others where your goal is to retain crunch, use a container that lets some air in. A traditional cookie jar with a loose lid works, and so does an airtight container with the lid not totally sealed. Or try a bag with small holes.
What About Freezing?
The freezer is your friend when it comes to cookie management. You have two basic choices: Freeze the dough or the finished cookies. Freeze cookie dough if you're a planner.
Johner Images/Getty Images/Johner RF
Freezing cookie dough in advance is the most farsighted move. You can either portion it out (for drop cookies like chocolate chip) or freeze it in logs (for refrigerator cookies) or discs (for cutout or rolled cookies). When you feel an urge for cookies coming on, defrost the dough in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as usual. Freeze finished cookies the right way. Bake your cookies according to the recipe, then cool completely before putting them anywhere near the freezer. Most cookies can be stored in the freezer for up to six months in an airtight container, either in a single layer or stacked with parchment paper between layers. Before serving, thaw the cookies overnight in the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature.Yes, You CAN Salvage Slightly Stale Cookies
If you want to revive dried-out days-old cookies, pop them in the oven very briefly right before serving. Two or three minutes at about 300 F should do it. Serve the cookies while still slightly warm and you'll be a hero. Note that cookies such as sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies or bar cookies are best suited to this method of "freshening up," while iced or chocolate-covered cookies can't take the heat. If they're stale, you'd best just let 'em go, or crunch 'em up to use in a cookie crumb crust.
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