Deck the Halls - Some of everything...

Not long after my husband and I were married, I decided that we needed Christmas dishes and I found some I liked at a small gift shop in a neighboring town. Problem was that they were rather expensive, so I only bought a few pieces every year. I made it to 10 settings and then the shop closed! I really wanted 12, but never found them any where else.
Except for a broken cup and chipped dinner plate, we still have them and enjoy them every holiday season.Fruitcake update...It was fabulous. I say was, because it's gone.It was moist, very boozy, and luscious.It's now a memory. I think our guests enjoyed it too.

I thought that I would share some of our glass ornaments with you this week. Some are Radko's. Some are Polonaise. Some are dime store. Our collection has grown so large that it covers 2 trees...one in the living room and one in the master bedroom.

There are kings waiting to follow the star...

Some very fancy and artistic shapes...

some funny, cute, pretty or pious characters...

and many beautiful birds.

Many thanks to Susan at Thoughts From Over the Rainbow for hosting 'Deck the Halls' this year. Please stop over at her blog and thank her for her efforts, and while you're there, check out her lovely home and the decorations that all of the other participants have posted. Thank you Susan!

Foodie Friday- Fruit Cake

I have a confession...I actually like fruitcake! Well, some fruitcakes, but definitely not those that are made commercially, as black as pitch and come in tins. I like the lighter variety.

I haven't made a fruitcake in a few years, but this year I had a hankerin' for one after I stumbled upon a recipe in one of my old cookbooks. The craving was lingering, so yesterday I cranked up the oven and started baking. This cake sent the most heavenly aroma through the house. It contains mincemeat, (which my husband and I both love), as well as candied fruit, and is flavored with vanilla. We did sample the few crumbs that were left in the bundt pan, and predict that it's going to be a winner. Of course we won't know for a week or two, because this little beauty is currently nestled in cheese cloth that has been doused with Grand Marnier. One more reason to love it! Oh, and once it's ripened it gets a drizzle of icing flavored with more brandy. I can't wait!

I'm not posting the recipe, because we haven't tasted this cake yet, but I bet if you go to Designs by Gollum, there will be many holiday recipes posted for Foodie Friday.