Thursday, December 9, 2010

Free Printable Old Fashioned Christmas Tags

Free Printable Old Fashioned Christmas Tags by B.Nute productions

Here's a little old fashioned treat for you... some free vintage-style Christmas tags. Perfect for presents, or even an ornament on the tree!
Free Printable Old Fashioned Christmas Tags by B.Nute productions
Instructions for Making Old Fashioned Christmas Tags
1. Select link above, and print out the tags on 8.5" x 11" card stock from your browser. I suggest using a heavier card stock to give the tags some weight. 
2. Cut out each tag and punch a hole in the top.
3. String with festive ribbon and put on candy bags, gifts, or use as an ornament on the tree!

Printable items are copyright protected, and provided free of charge by B.Nute productions for personal use only. B.Nute's printables can not be sold, altered, or provided for download on any other site. For questions or inquiries, please contact B.Nute productions.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Peppermint Party Ideas- Decorations, Menu, Games and More

Personalized Peppermint Party Invitation by B.Nute productions on Etsy
Red and White reign in this party filled with peppermint delights! Below are links to free printable Peppermint Party items as well as loads of ideas for your festive gathering.

Peppermint Party Inspiration Board
Decoration Ideas
This party couldn't be simpler to decorate-- think ruby red and crisp white. A modern, clean and crisp look will make this a festive affair. Below are some red and white decoration ideas:

  • Red and White Crepe Paper - Drape red, then white crepe paper from the ceiling to form a "tented" ceiling. A festive and a colorful addition to the space.
  • Red and White Balloons - Have bunches of red and white balloons scattered throughout the party space, or lining the walkway to the front door.
  • Red and White Table Linens and Paperware - A crisp white table cloth, and red napkin will look sharp and colorful. Now add red and white paper plates, napkins, cups, etc. Stay clear of patterns, and let the bold solid colors stand out. In the center of the table, have jars of candy canes. The more the merrier!
  • Jars of Candy Canes and Peppermints - Jars of peppermints and vases of candy canes throughout the party space will add to the look. You could also have jars of solid colored candies sprinkled in with the candy canes and peppermints. For red candies use red hots, red licorice, red M&M's, for white candies use mini-marshmallows, white mints, white M&M's, etc.


Menu Ideas
Get some red and white foods-- then mix and match and have fun! Below is a list of red and white food ideas-  some on their own, and some mixed together:

  • red licorice
  • red hots
  • cherry tomatoes and fresh mozeralla balls
  • strawberries and cream
  • raspberries and cream
  • red macaroons and vanilla frosting
  • marshmallows
  • coconut balls
  • powdered sugar cookies

Art Activity Ideas
Peppermint Garland
Buy several large bags of peppermint candies and twist ties. Have them out in large bowls on a table. Use a twist tie to tie the ends of a peppermint together. Now continue tying peppermints to each end. You can substitute small pieces of white yarn for the twist ties, and just tie the ends of the peppermints together with the yarn.

Red and White Pipe Cleaner Candy Canes
Spread red and white pipe cleaners out on a craft table, and let kids twist together and bend at the top. Voila, a candy cane pipe cleaner.... perfect as an ornament for a tree, or to tie on to a present.

Peppermint Frame
Get your glue gun out (or heavy duty glue) and some plain white inexpensive frames, and have guests glue peppermint candies to the front of the frame. Once covered, apply a generous amount of Modge Podge or similar acrylic clear coating to seal the candies. Let dry, and give to the guest to take home at the end of the party.

Game Ideas
Candy Cane Wrap
This is a take on a Halloween game called the Mummy wrap. Instead of toilet paper to wrap a person, use red and white crepe paper, and wrap the person like a candy cane! To play, have a team of 2 people be the "wrappers" and one person be the candy cane. Give each wrapper a crepe paper roll, one red and one white. Have the candy cane stand still in the middle, and have the wrappers walk around the cane until he/she is all wrapped up. Make sure to have the camera ready for a picture before the cane "breaks" through of the stripes!

Candy Cane Hunt
This game is just like an Easter Egg Hunt at Easter time, but instead of eggs, use wrapped "mini" candy canes. Depending on the party time and age of guests, you can hide the candy canes before the party, or while they are doing another activity. Limit the hunt to a room or specific area. When ready, give each guest a white bag and let the hunt begin!

Printable Peppermint Party Good
Free Peppermint Party Printables by B.Nute productions
Make sure to print out free Peppermint Party invitations and matching Peppermint Party Printables (candy bag label, menu cards, and tags) from B.Nute productions to accessorize the party!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Free Peppermint Party Printables - Menu Cards, Tags, Candy Bag Labels

Free Peppermint Party Printables by B.Nute productions

Your Peppermint Party just got a little more complete with these free printables from B.Nute productions! Be sure to first print out the free printable Peppermint Party invitation, then print these matching accessories below-- perfect for menu cards to label your buffet, gift tags (tie to candy canes, or better yet, print on sticker paper), and candy bag labels.

Free Peppermint Party Printables from B.Nute productions


Instructions for Making Peppermint Party Printables
1. Select link above, and print out the party items on 8.5" x 11" card stock from your browser. (Print in landscape mode.) I suggest using a heavier card stock to give the invitations some weight.
2. Cut out each menu card, tag and candy bag label.
3. Fill with your party information, and put on candy bags, gift bags, party table and more!

Printable items are copyright protected, and provided free of charge by B.Nute productions for personal use only. B.Nute's printables can not be sold, altered, or provided for download on any other site. For questions or inquiries, please contact B.Nute productions.


Monday, December 6, 2010

Tacky Christmas Party - Invitations, Decorations, Food Ideas and More!

Tacky Christmas Party Invitation by B.Nute productions on Etsy
Get out your light up earrings, put on that sweater with Santa on it... it's time for a hilarious Tacky Xmas Party-- filled with nostalgic bites to eat, great photo opportunities, and lots of laughs! Below are some ideas to host a Tacky Xmas Party (a.k.a., Tacky Christmas Sweater Party)... but first, a little inspiration... Beware, you may have to squint your eyes with all the brightly colored, mismatch delights!

Tacky Christmas Party Inspiration

Decoration Ideas

  • Mismatched is It - Angels, Teddy Bears, Santas, Oh My! - Head out to the local dollar store and the like and find some paper decorations to fill your walls with mismatched winter wonders. The more they clash, the better. Remember, this party is all about going over board!
  • Terrific Trinkets - Santa soap dispensers, reindeer napkin holders, snowmen toothpick holders-- search high and low in thrift stores for those great holiday trinkets. Again, the more mismatched, the better.
  • Plastic Table Cloths and Plate Ware - Holly boughs, poinsettias, snowflakes, Santa and more... all put together it will make a tacky table galore!
  • Window Stickers - Holiday window stickers are plentiful this year, and great to hang everywhere... on your mirrors, doors, where ever folks will look-- put a little kitsch Christmas charm!
  • Tinseltown - Tinsel is the best, and at this affair, the more it glitters, the better.
  • Lights - Blinking, neon, old fashioned... whatever your delight, be sure to have at least a couple strands strung about the party space.
  • Your Tacky Outfit - The best part of this party is your outfit! Find those holiday sweaters with Rudolf on them, get the snowmen headband, the elf pants... and put them all together. Perfect!


Food and Drink Ideas


The Bar
This party must have a bar set up-- even if only non-alcoholic beverages are served. Get the cooler out, and fill it with all your favorites. Then put out some bottles of liquor, and sweet mixers just in case a guest would like to fill himself with holiday cheer!

  • Beer in a Can - A 12pack of cans is perfect for this party. We're not talking fancy, shmancy brew pub or holiday brews-- this party deserves just a good ol'fashioned beer in a can like a PBR or Budweiser.
  • Wine in a Box - Wine in a box comes in all shapes and sizes. Who knew! A small box, and mix of varieties, you decided.
  • Shots All Around - Some fun shot glasses, from various airports and travel destinations will be perfect next to the bottles.
  • Bar Accessories - Swizzle Sticks, Napkins, Beer Cozies - Don't forget the accessories. To keep your beer cool, all will love a Christmas Beer Cozie. How 'bout a swizzle stick or two? Always fun to have in your beverage.


The Food
Remember all those goodies that were set out at parties in the 60's and 70's? Perhaps your Mom made a delicious 80's dish? This party is all about nostalgic, and somewhat unhealthy dishes... but, boy, do they taste good!


  • Wieners or Vienna Sausages - Whether you want to wrap them in dough (pigs in blankets), or just serve them warmed with toothpicks, wieners are a must!
  • Ritz and Cheez Whiz - Mmmm, cheese from a can. Who ever thought of this was brilliant! Just spray some on some Ritz crackers and voila, a perfect hors d'oeuvres! Oh yeah, if you'd like, you can keep some Ritz without just in case someone doesn't like cheese from a can. (Could that be possible?!)
  • Sour Cream and Onion Dip & Potato Chips - Good ol'Lipton Soup Onion Mix is what we used to use when growing up... I'm sure there are many brands out there that will do just as well. An easy dip that tastes great!
  • Chex Mix - There are so many different types of cereal mix recipes online, that I'm sure at least 1 or 2 will please guests!
  • Meatballs - Warm meatballs in a Crockpot are another perfect appetizer all will love. Make sure to have some festive toothpicks ready to use!
  • Deviled Eggs - Deviled eggs always remind me of my grandmothers house... she made some tasty ones! For the holidays, be sure to serve with a little pimento and parsley for the green and red.
  • Other Delicacies: Twinkies, HoHos, Ding Dongs, Fiddle Faddle and More - Oh, how many horrible, I mean delicious treats are still out on the market, waiting to be served at your Tacky Christmas Party. The good news is if folks don't finish these off this year, you can always serve them next year, since I heard they have a long shelf life!


Party Games

White Elephant Gift Exchange
There's nothing like a White Elephant Gift Exchange at this party. Decide ahead of time if the gifts should be silly or "real", and then have a lot of fun! Above are some great presents that were exchanged at our Tacky Christmas Party - Finger lights (?), straw glasses to sip your drink from, and a Hooters wing gift set. These were well sought after!

Tacky Ornament Exchange
Why not exchange ornaments... but instead of a lovely vintage item, or delicate handmade number, find the tacky-est, cheesiest ornament out there, wrap it up, and the receiver will cherish it forever! An ornament exchange can be played just as a white elephant gift exchange, so just follow the same rules, but have all the presents be ornaments.



The Thorne Room
Don't forget the bathroom. This can be the best part of the party for your guests! There are loads of tacky Christmas bathroom accessories waiting to be purchased and put to good use! Above is a soft, plush Santa toilet seat cover... think of all the other items that can be put in this room for your guests entertainment... the possibilities are endless.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Peppermint Panache

Peppermint red and white look so great together! Crisp, clean and full of holiday cheer. To go along with my Peppermint Party, I thought I'd share some peppermint inspired items from around the web.

Enjoy, and hope your weekend is filled with candy canes and minty fun!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Free Printable Peppermint Party Invitations


What's red and white and minty holiday fresh? A peppermint party, of course! Celebrate the holidays with family and friends with a Peppermint Party gathering-- filled with candy canes, hot cocoa, libations, laughs and wonderful holiday memories. Enjoy these free printable invitations to kick off the festivities in all it's red and white glory!
Free Printable Peppermint Party Invitations by B.Nute productions
Instructions for Making Peppermint Party Invitations
1. Select link above, and print out the invitations on 8.5" x 11" card stock from your browser. (Print in landscape mode.) I suggest using a heavier card stock to give the invitations some weight. 
2. Cut out each invitation.
3. Fill in with your party information!

Printable items are copyright protected, and provided free of charge by B.Nute productions for personal use only. B.Nute's printables can not be sold, altered, or provided for download on any other site. For questions or inquiries, please contact B.Nute productions.


Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Holiday Show 2010


This year I decided to only do one holiday show. As many know, it takes a lot of effort to prepare for a show, but it is well worth it! I do love to talk with customers, hear comments, share ideas, and enjoy the season. It also it always fun to meet other vendors, shop (!), and get away from the computer for a day! Possibly next year, I'll "up"my show schedule... and hope to meet many of you.

Do you have a favorite holiday show you like to attend? Do let me know!