Celebrate Halloweens Links To Nature Reviewed.

 

 

Happy Halloween!! Wishing everyone a fun and happy time! Halloween can be a fun celebration for those who participate.

On the very cusp of saying goodbye to summer and hello to winter time it is an important time in the calendar. 

Today we find many ways to celebrate this season and the Halloween festival. We decorate our homes with orange and black, spiders and ghosts and ghouls, or a display of gorgeous squashes outside the front door.  We might go trick or treating with young children dressed in amazing inventive fancy dress or go to parties dressed in Halloween costumes. 

Some of us buy decorations for our homes, others craft their own and some even become family traditions. Even if you don't decorate or do anything yourself it can be fun driving or walking around the neighbourhood looking at all the inventive decoration. It is a festival that everyone can be involved in if they wish.

  

Nature Relating to Halloween, Festival Of Samhain

With all this going on I was reflecting on the origins of Halloween and how it relates and links to nature. Halloween has a strong connection to nature through its ancient origins and the season of this celebration. 

Halloween developed from the ancient Celtic pagan festival of Samhain pronounced sow win. This festival has deep roots in nature and marks the point of transition between summer and winter or from the new life, growth, light and warmth of the summer time to the lower light levels , slowing down of plants and leaf loss, darkness and colder days throughout the winter months. So this festival marked the change of seasons as seen in nature and the constant rhythm of life and death.

During Samhain, and as the nights drew in and became much colder, people would naturally gather around warm bonfires. These fires symbolised the warmth and light of the sun and of course provided physical warmth so crucial in the cold nights. In addition they were a spiritual beacon, with the belief that they were guiding the spirits of the departed back to the Otherworld. 

People believed at this time of year that the barriers between this world and the other world were broken down and that meant the living could interact with the other world more easily. 

To disguise themselves they dressed as monsters and various animals so that the fairies would ignore them and thus avoid being kidnapped to the other world.

The costumes worn by people during Samhain often included elements of nature such as leaves, animal skins, or masks made from a range of already harvested crops from the fields. In this history, we can see the origins of where our current costumes enjoyed at Halloween may have originated. 

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Gathering Crops And The Pumpkin

The close connection between the time of Halloween and the harvest season reflects the importance of nature and its crucial link to our lives.

This time of year is traditionally associated with the gathering of crops in from the fields. This is undertaken in order to have food to sustain us and stave off hunger during the long cold winter time, with a good crop ensuring our wellbeing in the worst harsh winter months. 

It is also important to prepare our homes and gardens for the cold sometimes harsh winter months and for us to adjust from the long easier summer days and warmth to the often harsher, colder and darker winter.

 Pumpkins are a prominent symbol of Halloween frequently used as decoration inside and outside our homes, with talented artistic carvings, fun lighted carvings and sometimes competitions. In addition delicious Pumpkin recipes abound at this time of year.

Pumpkins and squashes represent the bountiful harvest and the abundance provided by nature. I love to see the pumpkins and squashes growing in the fields and they are satisfying and wonderful to eat. Originally turnips were used filled with coal for displays but this later switched to pumpkins.

 I really enjoy seeing all the amazing carvings and abundant displays in homes and gardens at this time of year. It certainly brightens up the often dull, low light afternoons and evenings.

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Overall, Halloween's origins in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain and its association with the changing seasons and harvest demonstrate its innate connection to nature and the natural rhythms of life. 

This is just a brief look at the ancient festival and its relation to nature and how we celebrate today. There is certainly much more to its fascinating history, but here is just a glimpse of how it relates to nature.  

 So enjoy and celebrate Halloween and this change of the seasons and spare a thought for our ancestors with their beliefs and connections to the natural world. 

Here are amazing and fascinating articles about Halloween from recipes to decor and more written by the talented contributors on Review This Reviews 

Halloween Articles By Contributors On Review This Reviews

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Cookbook Review: Betty Crocker Bisquick Impossibly Easy Pies

Imagine, "Pies That Magically Bake Their Own Crust". The Betty Crocker Bisquick Impossibly Easy Pies cookbook has been a very welcomed addition to my kitchen. With just several ingredients, Bisquick, an egg, and milk I have been able to make savory and sweet pies and have over 130 pages of recipes to try.

As someone who isn't incredibly talented in the kitchen but likes good food, I have tried baking pies in the past. (Sams recipe?). Combining my lack of experience with my lack of time and energy, I am always looking for hardy - but extremely easy - meal ideas. These Impossibly Easy Pies hit the mark perfectly. I can whip one together very quickly after work, pop it into the oven, and dinner is ready by the time I walk the dogs and feed the chickens.

My favorite so far is the chicken pot pie.

Stir together these ingredients and place in a pie plate:

• 2 cups of chunks of cooked chicken (I used canned chicken)
• 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots (I used a frozen vegetable mix that also included green beans)
• 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/4 cup chopped onion

Stir together the Bisquick, egg, and milk. Pour this mixture over the vegetable mixture. Bake.

The final product is a hot, filling, delicious, comfort food. In my household, as a single person, I am left with extra portions to use for my lunches at work. 

Betty Crocker Bisquick Impossibly Easy Pies 

I have begun to use a can of cream of chicken soup, the frozen vegetables, and the cooked chicken chunks routinely. Making a creamier version of the meal. 

I did find that my cookbook recommends one part Bisquick to two parts milk. This makes a thin crust that forms more evenly over the top of the dish. The recipes on the internet reverse that to two parts Bisquick and one part milk. I prefer that amount as it makes more of a thick biscuit or dumpling topping (as seen in the my photo). 

This week I am going to make a beef pot pie - with a can of vegetable beef soup, frozen vegetables, and grilled chunks of steak.

Additional Tips:

I found my copy of Betty Crocker Bisquick Impossibly Easy Pies cookbook at a store called Ollies for only $3.99. If thrifting is your thing, have a look at the discount stores.

Similar recipes can be found on the internet. I usually refrain from the expense of the cookbook purchase by using the internet. However, in this case, having the book with all of the different menus in one place is easy and inspiring. In this case, having the printed version is helpful to consider the varieties of pies that could be made.

The cookbook has a contents section that lists the pies into chapter based on the ingredients. Such as Beef, Chicken and Turkey, Ham/Sausage/Bacon, Fish and Seafood, Meatless, Fruity, and Sweet-Tooth Temptations. They also list some of the pies into these helpful categories:

• All-American Supper
• Summer Dinner on the Deck
• Mexi-Meal
• Sunday Brunch
• Kids' Choice
• Thanksgiving
• Special Occasion Dinner
• Appetizer Party

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Check Out This Stunning Affordable King-Sized Grey & White Quilted Bedspread! 5 Star Review

As usual, there are often frequent changes in my home. 

We've recently put another king-sized bed in one of the bedrooms (especially for company). 

The new bed, of course, needed new bedding.

When it comes to beds, I'm admittedly quite particular. The way they're made can make or break the overall look, and I'm definitely not a fan of that loosy-goosy appearance. That's why I was pleasantly surprised to find that this one sits perfectly flat, just the way I like it. 

Note that this is a bedspread, not a duvet! Duvets require an insert; this is not that.

Available on Amazon - Multiple Colors and Sizes - This one is California King Size

A Gorgeous New California Bed-Spread for a Reasonable Price:

• No puffy look here: If you're after a thick, billowy appearance, this might not be your pick. However, for me, it's just perfect. It boasts a sleek and even presence on the bed that I prefer.

• Height matters: This bedframe is 16 inches off the floor. Though this particular bedspread doesn't quite reach the floor (a preference of mine is that it would reach the floor), it still looks incredibly stylish. I measured it beforehand, so it wasn't a surprise, but it's worth noting.

• Five stars: In my book, this quilt set earns a solid five stars. It's not only good-looking but also of acceptable quality. The subtle plaid and floral pattern is very pretty and adds a unique touch to the space. Plus, it's lightweight, making it a breeze to handle. And let's not forget the value for money – it's certainly a steal.

Now, Let's Dive Into the Details of the Quilt Set Itself:

Unveiling the Quilt Ensemble:

This quilt set is a king-sized masterpiece composed of three essential elements. It boasts one Quilt measuring an expansive 96"x106" and a pair of Pillowcases at 20"x36". Together, they redefine the ambiance of your space with a captivating fusion of grey florals and plaid.

Elegant Floral Fusion:

The design is an amalgamation of floral motifs and paisley prints that gracefully adorn the washed patchwork. This infusion exudes an undeniable charm and a timeless elegance, bestowing upon this Quilt set the well-deserved status of the centerpiece in my bedroom decor.

Luxuriously Soft Microfiber Craftsmanship:

Crafted from the finest soft microfiber, this Quilt guarantees a cocoon of warmth and is not too warm all year round. Its versatility is further amplified by its reversible feature, allowing you to effortlessly alter your decor to match your ever-evolving mood.

All-Weather Versatility and Adaptability:

What sets this Quilt apart is its remarkable adaptability. It's an inviting cocoon during the breezy spring and sweltering summer months and is warm enough in the autumn and winter with extra blankets if needed. 

Effortless Maintenance and Enduring Beauty:

Caring for this Quilt is a breeze. According to the manufacturer, it can be machine-washed in cold water, and a gentle tumble dry on a low setting is all it takes to keep it pristine. It resists fading, shrinking, and wrinkling. I still need to wash it, so I can't personally attest to the claim by the manufacturer. Although it's light enough that I can understand why it's easy to wash.

Available on Amazon

In summary, if you're looking for a quality bedspread for a very reasonable price, you have to check this one out. It comes in multiple sizes and colors, and they're all gorgeous. What a deal.

Would I buy another? Yes, absolutely.

A 5-star review from Me! ★★★★★

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Book Review: Blessings of the Lost Girls by J.A. Jance

 A Brady and Walker Family Novel

Fans of author Judith (J.A.) Jance love her three popular series, one starring Joanna Brady, another J.P. Beaumont and the series with Ali Reynolds. She also wrote a short series (5 books) about the Walker Family featuring Native Americans from the Tohono O’Odham reservation in Arizona. 

In this review of her latest book, Blessings of the Lost Girls, Jance combines members of the Walker Family and characters from the Joanna Brady series in an exciting adventure that includes Joanna's daughter Jenny and Brandon Walker's son-in-law, Dan Pardee. 

Synopsis of Blessings of the Lost Girls

The story begins with a background of the serial killer who is the villain in the novel. 

Then we are introduced to Danial Pardee, a former member of the Shadow Wolves Border Patrol, who patrol the U.S./Mexico border along the Tohono O’Odham Nation Reservation in Arizona. Now he is a field officer in the newly formed MIP agency (Missing and Murdered Indigenous People), an agency under the Department of Interior. The main purpose of MIP is to investigate and put right how law enforcement agencies all over the country had dealt with both solved and unsolved cases involving the deaths and disappearances of Native American victims. 

A body is found in the desert on a ranch near Tucson consisting of nothing but burned bones.  It took nearly 3 years, but the bones are finally identified as those of Rosa Rios, a young woman of Apache descent who was a one-time rodeo star. Dan is called to investigate, as the victim was found in his territory. As it turns out, all reports each MIP investigator files are automatically shared with other MIP field agents, which soon leads to other agents contacting Dan with reports of similar cases involving young women of indigenous descent, each of whom had some connection to rodeos. Soon, the agency realizes that Rosa's death is connected to a serial killer.

Dan contacts Joanna Brady, Sheriff of Cochise County, Arizona where Rosa's body was found. Later, Joanna's daughter Jenny, currently a criminal justice major at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, becomes involved in the case due to having once met Rosa at a rodeo. 

Turns out, Jenny knows another girl who was once attacked at a rodeo by a man who matches the description of the killer they are looking for. And this girl happens to have saved a pair of eyeglasses which were knocked off the man during the attack. The girl never reported the attack at the time because her Morman family would not have approved of the boy she was dating, but finally agrees to turn in the glasses, from which fingerprints are obtained. 

Summary

Between Dan, Joanna and Jenny, and Dan's best friend, Brian Fellows, Sheriff of Pina County in Tucson, a case is put together and the serial killer is tracked down.

*Special Note: Throughout the novel, the author weaves in a few fascinating ancient legends from the (Papago) Tohono O’Odham (Desert People) where the basis of the story begins. The legends, plus the excellent writing of J.A. Jance, makes Blessings of the Lost Girls a very special story indeed. I highly recommend it.

Blessings of the Lost Girls, Book 20 of 20 in the Joanna Brady mystery series, is available in several formats on Amazon

Related Links:

• For more J.A. Jance reviews, click here.
• For More Book Reviews, check out ReviewThisBooks.com 

*Book Review written by Wednesday Elf

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Homemade Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe - Dessert Review

We recently celebrated my father's birthday.  When I was going through my recipes, trying to select a cake to bake for him, I remembered his love of pineapple.  I decided to return to an old favorite and made a homemade pineapple upside down cake. 

For this birthday celebration cake,  I made a vanilla cake batter from scratch with pineapple juice instead of milk/buttermilk.  

I used a 10" Cast Iron Skillet, which I cleaned before I started.  I didn't want the taste of bacon grease or other residue transferring to my cake.

As always, I also pre-measured each ingredient before I started.  It is amazing how much salt and sugar look alike when sitting on top of flour.  Or how much baking soda can look like baking powder once you start mixing ingredients together.

Here is my recipe and the directions to make my pineapple upside down cake exactly as you see it in the photo.

By the way, the cake was such a hit with the entire family, I will be making it again very soon.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe by Sylvestermouse
ReviewThisReviews.com

Prep Time	Cook Time	Cool Time	Ready In	Yields
20 min.	40-50 min.	60 min.	2 hrs.	8 - 10 servings

Before You Start - set out butter, eggs, sour cream, & milk to warm to room temperature (approx. 30 minutes)

Ingredients - Cake Batter 

      • 1½ cups Cake Flour (I use Swans Down Cake Flour) 

     • ¼ teaspoon Baking Soda

     • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder 

     • ½ teaspoon Salt

     • 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, soften to room temperature

     • ¾ Cup of Sugar

     • 2 Egg Whites (large eggs)

     • ⅓ Cup of Sour Cream

     • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

     • 2 Tablespoons Milk (room temperature) 

     • ¼ - ½ cup Pineapple Juice (juice the pineapple slices were canned in - save any remaining pineapple juice)

Instructions 

1. In a bowl, combine dry ingredients: cake flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.  Set aside

2. In a separate bowl, beat the butter with a mixer on high until creamy.  Slowly add the sugar, beating on high until creamy again.  Beat in egg whites.  Then, beat in sour cream and vanilla extract.

3. Pour the dry ingredients (bowl 1) into the wet ingredients (bowl 2) and blend together on low speed.  Continue using the mixer on low and slowly add the pineapple juice and milk.  Mix on low until well blended. 

 

Ingredients - Top of Cake

      • Canned Pineapple Slices - 7 slices (2 - 8oz cans) for 10" cast iron skillet 

     • Maraschino Cherries - I use 19 cherries

     • 1½ Sticks (12 Tablespoons) of Butter

     • Brown Sugar

Instructions 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. (Convection Oven 325°F) 

2. Mix the Cake Batter (recipe above)

3. Melt 1½ Sticks (12 Tablespoons) Butter in the Skillet in the Oven

4. Generously Sprinkle Melted Butter with Brown Sugar

5. Place Drained Pineapple Slices on the Top of Brown Sugar 

6. Add Maraschino Cherries in the center of each Pineapple Slice and between the slices (if desired)

7. Carefully Pour the Cake Batter into the Skillet on Top of the Pineapple & Cherries

8. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes (toothpick to center will come out clean when done)

9.  Cool for 15 minutes, then turn out cake unto a large plate

I did take the remaining pineapple juice and spooned it onto the bottom and the top of the cake for a little extra pineapple taste.  It was delicious!

Swans Down Cake Flour, 32 Oz

Dole Canned Fruit, Pineapple Slices in 100% Pineapple Juice, Gluten Free, Pantry Staples, 8 Oz, 12 Count

See the Items I Use For Pre-measuring in the Following Reviews:

 Cooking & Baking Prep Tools: Shot Glasses Used As Pinch Bowls Set of Stainless Steel Stackable Magnetic Measuring Spoons Reviewed Mini Increment Measuring Spoons for Tad, Dash, Pinch, Smidgen & Drop

 

Check Out More Recipe Reviews at
ReviewThisRecipes.com

Homemade Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe Written by:

© 2023 Cynthia Sylvestermouse
 

Review of Missouri Botanical Garden

 

Water Lily and Reflection

Missouri Botanical Garden in South St Louis is a wonderful place to discover nature and so much more.  The garden was founded in 1859 by Henry Shaw on his country estate.  Today it is a National Historic Landmark and is considered to be one of the top 3 botanical gardens in the world.

Some highlights to see and do when you visit the garden include:

• Climatron- a geodesic dome that is used as a conservatory.
• The Doris L Schnuck Children's Garden- this area is a delight for children and I have spent many hours there with my granddaughters when they were visiting.
• Japanese Garden- this beautiful area is one of my favorite spots to stroll in the garden.
• Chinese Garden- another favorite spot of mine in the garden.
• Tower Grove House
• William T. Kemper Center for Home Gardening

These are but a few of the many interesting highlights in the garden.  The garden is also the host to many festivals and special events.  I recently toured the garden on a special night they had for photographers to photograph the Chihuly works of art that were featured in the garden from May through October.

Chihuly Exhibit

Dale Chihuly is a world-renowned artist who does amazing works with glass.  In his works in the Missouri Botanical Garden art and nature are united in a fantastic exhibition.  

I spent several hours at the exhibit in mid-September where I entered the garden at about 6 pm when it was still daylight and stayed for several hours so that I could also capture the beauty of the Chihuly art lit up in the night.  Here are a few of the photographs that I took. The first one shows the first Chihuly art I saw when entering the garden.

Chihuly-Vivid Lime Icicle

The next three photos show a beautiful red and yellow tower that I photographed first in the daylight, then closeup and finally a nighttime shot with the crescent moon above it. 

Chihuly Tower in Daylight

Closeup of Chihuly Tower

Chihuly Tower at Night

The next photo was taken at night in the lake by the Japanese garden.

Float Boat and Niijima Floats

Here are three more of photos from the exhibit.

Boat with Chihuly Art in Reflecting Pool

Turquoise Martins in Chinese Garden

White Tower in Blanke Boxwood Garden

These are just a few of the many Chihuly works of art throughout the garden.  It was truly an inspiring experience.

Water Lilies in the Garden

Along with the Chihuly works I was able to enjoy the flowers in the garden when we first entered in the daylight.  My favorite flowers that were blooming in mid-September were the beautiful water-lilies.  They were in several pools within the garden.  The ones I liked the best were the ones that I photographed in the reflecting pools in the central axis area of the garden.  My favorite is the purple one in the opening photo for this article.  The light was fading and it really made the reflections of the flowers stand out.  Here are a few more of my favorites.

Lavender Water Lily and Reflection

Water Lily

Reflecting Pool

Stunning Purple Water Lily

I hope you have enjoyed this brief review of the Missouri Botanical Garden and if you visit the area I hope you will be able to enjoy the Garden.

Origami in the Garden

In 2021 the Garden hosted an exhibit of origami art.  Here is a link to a review that I wrote. Origami in the Garden

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The Most Beautiful Christmas Stockings for Elegant Holiday Decor

The Christmas holidays are a time when many of us enjoy our festive traditions. One of the most cherished of these is decorating our homes for Noȅl.

Some families use the same holiday decorations year after year, while others enjoy changing things up and choosing a different theme each year. Similarly, some prefer traditional country cottage themes, while others like more sophisticated, elegant Christmas decor.

Today, I'll review a curated selection of Christmas stockings in elegant fabrics, such as velvet, satin, and brocade, with beautiful, sparkling, and lavish trims such as sequins, lace, faux jewels, and faux fur.

My picks focus on large stockings (18 to 22 inches in length) that will accommodate a lot of treats or long or unusually shaped stocking stuffers. The length is usually measured from the top corner (where the hanging loop is attached) to the end of the toe.

Also, please note that most of these styles feature embellishments on one side only.

If your stockings or other holiday decorations could use an update, or if someone you know will be celebrating the holidays in their own house or apartment for the first time, read on for some classy Christmas decor ideas.

Gold and White or Ivory

Gold and off-white or ivory is a popular color scheme for those who love elegant holiday decor.

There's something magical about a gold-and-white or gold-and-ivory room, especially at Christmas. Maybe because it's a bit impractical for every day that makes it so appealing for this special occasion.

But gold and white or ivory Christmas stockings and other decorations are also a wonderful choice for a room with colorful walls or upholstery. The light colors really stand out against the colorful backdrop.

Following are some wonderful options that would be chic individually and also would mix and match beautifully for a lovely display on a fireplace mantle. All of them are generously sized (20- or 21-inch length) to accommodate stocking stuffers of many sizes.

Valery Madelyn 21 inch White Gold Embroidery Christmas Stocking, 2 Pack Exquisite Plush Personalized Fireplace Embroidery Hanging Stockings for Holiday Party Christmas Decorations and Xmas Gifts

This set of 2 Valery Madelyn off-white and gold embroidered Christmas stockings is perfect for someone who loves elegant Christmas decor with a dash of bling. The off-white, pale ivory stockings are embroidered with metallic gold thread and sequins, are accented with clear faux jewels, and have a lavish gold brocade cuff.

One features ornaments and the other a floral lace design.

These come with Santa-themed tags so you can write the names of your family members to identify which stocking belongs to whom.

Valery Madelyn 21 Inch Gold Corrugation Christmas Stockings, 2 Pack Exquisite Plush Personalized Fireplace Hanging Stockings for Holiday Party Christmas Decorations and Xmas Gifts

The same manufacturer also makes this lovely set of 2 Valery Madelyn gold, ivory, and white patchwork Christmas stockings. While patchwork isn't usually associated with elegance, this style definitely qualifies.

They feature gold sequins embroidered in a patchwork of geometric triangles, stripes, and diamond patterns that remind me a bit of Argyle designs.

One is trimmed with ornate gold cords, while the other has a wide band of white faux fur trim near the top.

I think they would look great with either the embroidered set shown above or the gold sequin trimmed set with LED lights shown below.

Like the previous style, these come with Santa-themed tags so you can personalize each stocking with the family member's name.

LUBOT 5 Pack Christmas Stockings(20inch) White with LED Light Sparkly Gold Sequins Large Embroidery Family Xmas Stocking Hanging for Holiday Decorations

For those who love to go all-out with holiday bling, this set of 5 white and gold sequin Christmas stockings with twinkling LED lights is sure to please! There are five different sequined designs in the assortment, which may include a Merry Christmas greeting, a snowflake, a pair of reindeer, a Christmas tree, a pine bough with a pinecone, a wreath, or other holiday decor themes.

Each stocking is cuffed with white plush faux fur. The white LED lights are battery-operated. Just put the battery into the compartment, turn on the switch, and watch the stockings sparkle!

Note: Some customer reviews complain about the included batteries. I would suggest buying fresh, good-quality batteries separately if the ones that come with them aren't up to snuff.

Although these don't come with tags to personalize them, each design is different so it's easy to assign a specific design to each family member.

Silver and White

While not quite as popular as gold and ivory or white, pairing silver with white also makes a beautiful and festive color scheme for your holiday decor. As with gold and white or ivory, silver and white Christmas stockings and decorations also create a great contrast in a colorful room.

The following selections in this frosty and elegant palette include luxe, silky, or plush fabrics, and sparkling, luxurious trimming materials.

AtiMing 2PCS Plush Christmas Stockings White Faux Fur Large 56cm Deluxe Hanging Xmas Stockings with Silver Sequin Snowflake for Christmas Fireplace Decorations (White-S, 22inches)

This set of 2 White Faux Fur Christmas Stockings With Silver Sequin Snowflakes would help make even a warm-weather family or living room look like a winter wonderland.

The plush fabric is velvety soft and begs to be patted, while the silver sequin snowflakes add sparkle and shine to this pristine white set.

These stockings are also a generous 22 inches long, so there's plenty of room to stuff them with holiday goodies.

These are available without personalization, or you can choose the personalized faux fur stockings option to have names embroidered on the cuffs.

Another pick featuring white plush fabric with silver sequins is this lovely Set of 2 Valery Madelyn White Faux Fur Christmas Stockings With Silver Sequin Embroidery. Unlike the previous set, this one has two different but coordinating designs.

Valery Madelyn 21 Inch White Christmas Stocking, 2 Pack Exquisite Plush Personalized Fireplace Snowflake Embroidery Hanging Stockings for Holiday Party Christmas Decorations and Xmas Gifts

One design features silver sequin snowflakes in various sizes scattered across the velvety white plush background. The other is embroidered with silver sequins in a scalloped design reminiscent of a snowy, shingled roof.

The reverse side of each stocking is a silky, white panne velvet fabric.

These stockings are 21 inches long to hold a plethora of holiday treats, and they are trimmed with lavish, long-haired, white faux fur cuffs.

As with the other Valery Madelyn styles, these come with Santa tags that you can personalize with the designated family members' names.

One of my favorite selections is this set of 4 Gray and White Velvet Christmas Stockings With Silver Sequins, Rhinestones, and White Faux Fur.

BHD BEAUTY 2023 New Christmas Stocking Set of 4 Sequins Gray Velvet Dimond Embroidery 2023 New Soft Faux Fur Silver Pattern for Family Decorations Hanging Ornament for Xmas Holiday Party 20 inches

Two of the stockings are fronted with gray velvet and two are white velvet. All four are embroidered silver sequins in different designs that might include a snowman, a reindeer, a Christmas tree, a snowflake, Santa in his sleigh, or a flatbed carrying a pine tree home to its new place of honor.

Each one is trimmed with a white faux fur cuff and is fully lined to prevent the contents from poking through the fabric.

These are 20 inches long and would mix and match well with either of the two previous selections if you have a large family.

Although there is no personalization option for these gorgeous stockings, each has a different design, so it's easy to tell whose is whose.

A similar and equally opulent choice is these stunning personalized silver and gray Christmas stockings with silver sequins and embroidered faux fur cuffs.

GEX Personalized Christmas Stockings 6 Pack Custom Name for Family 20" Silver Sequins Gray Silk White Faux Fur with Rhinestone Embroidered Classic Fireplace Decorations Hanging Ornament (Set of 6)

The luxurious silk fabric is the perfect foil for the silver sequin embroidery with clear crystal rhinestone accents. There are six different designs including snowflakes, Santa on his sleigh, Christmas trees, a bough with a pinecone, and other holiday themes. 

These hand-sewn styles are 20 inches long. The white faux fur cuffs can be personalized with family members' names in your choice of four fonts.

You can purchase individual stockings or sets of up to six assorted designs, depending on your needs.

Red or Green and Gold

Red and green are traditional colors for Christmas decorations. Either red or green accented with metallic gold can be a simple and elegant color scheme. This palette can create a bright pop of color in a room with a neutral or subdued color scheme. It also works well with traditional or country decorating styles.

Red, green, and gold can also be used in combination to create a more colorful, yet still classy home decor palette for the holidays. Consider mixing and matching the following selections to suit your preference.

Valery Madelyn 21 Inch Red Gold Embroidery Christmas Stocking, 2 Pack Exquisite Plush Personalized Fireplace Hanging Stockings for Holiday Party Christmas Decorations and Xmas Gifts

Here are some of my favorite picks in this colorway.

I love the red and gold version of the first embroidered set I featured. The set of 2 Valery Madelyn red velveteen Christmas stockings with gold embroidery has the same two designs (ornaments and floral lace) as in the gold and off-white version, but the metallic gold thread and gold brocade cuff really stand out against the red velveteen fabric.

These are 21 inches long to accommodate plenty of treats from Santa.

Like all the Valery Madelyn styles, these come with Santa tags that you can personalize and tie to the hanging loops.

If you prefer more of a wine-red shade and a less ornate style that's still opulent, this set of 3 red velvet Christmas stockings with gold tassels and corded trim might be perfect for your fireplace mantle.

Ugiftcorner Red Christmas Stockings 3 Pack Velvet Christmas Stockings with Gold Tassel Decoration Large Stockings Christmas Decorations for Xmas Fireplace Holiday Party

The rich red color of the velvet and tailored style are sophisticated without being fussy, while the metallic gold tassels and twisted two-tone cord trim add gilded touches appropriate to the season.

These are 18 inches long, a bit shorter than most of the others I've chosen but still big enough to hold a nice selection of stocking stuffers.

This style has an almost vintage feel that would work beautifully with more traditional Christmas decor.

These come in several colorways and are available either as shown or personalized with embroidered names in contrasting colors. You can also choose sets with different numbers of stockings to accommodate the size of your family.

This set of 3 green velvet Christmas stockings with gold cord trim would be a great pairing with the red velvet set above.

Shinymoon 3 Pcs 20 Inch Velvet Christmas Stockings Hanging Large Soft Velvet Stockings for Christmas Mantel Fireplace Decorations Gift Party Favor (Green)

The velvet is a soft, slightly olive, forest green that would complement the wine-red velvet beautifully. They both have a simple elegance that would work beautifully in a traditional setting. They could also add a lovely, festive, holiday air to country-style decor.

These are 20 inches long to accommodate stuffers of many sizes and shapes.

They are also available in bright red or navy velvet with the same gold cord trim.

Please note that the embellishments spilling out of the tops in the product photo shown are not included!

These do not offer a personalization option, but you could either tie a gift tag to the hanging loop or, if you are handy with a needle, embroider your family members' names on the cuffs or sew a nametag inside.

Elegant Stocking Holders

Haute Decor MantleClip Stocking Holders with Removable ZINC Alloy Holiday Icons (2-Pack Reindeer, Gold)

Beautiful stockings deserve equally special holders. Here are a couple of suggestions that would look lovely with any of the above styles.

If you're going with gold as your holiday accent color, I think this set of 2 gold-toned stocking holders with removable reindeer embellishments would be a great choice.

I love the versatility of making the reindeer embellishments removable, so you can try these with and without them to see which you prefer. Using just the simple, unadorned base by itself lets your stockings be the star of the show. Even with the reindeer added, they're small enough not to detract from the main attraction they're holding.

Unlike many of the gold-toned stocking holders I looked at, these are a bright, shiny gold color. They're made of a sturdy zinc alloy with a nice weight so they stay put on the fireplace mantle.

Christmas Stocking Holder for Mantel, Set of 4 Silver Snowflake, Reindeer, Tree and Snowman Stocking Holders, Metal Christmas Stocking Hangers for Fireplace Mantel Holiday Christmas Decorations

These clip over the fireplace mantle and will accommodate a range of widths (check the product description to make sure it will fit yours).

Whether your color scheme features silver accents or you just want a neutral-toned, elegant accent to more colorful holiday decor, this set of 4 silver snowflake, reindeer, tree, and snowman stocking holders would be an excellent choice.

They range in height from 5.5 inches (the snowflake) to 6.9 inches (the Christmas tree), so they are easily enjoyed visually even from across the room.

They are well made from sturdy stainless steel with graceful lines and nice details. They come ready to use with no assembly required, and each holder is lined on the bottom with velour to protect the surface of your mantle from scratches.

BIRDROCK HOME 8 Hook Deluxe Christmas Stocking Holder Stand for Floor | Gold | Heavy Duty Freestanding Rack | Iron Metal with Sturdy Base: 41” Long x 35” Height x 11” Wide | Holiday Decor Hanger

If you don't have a fireplace, or if your fireplace doesn't have a mantle, consider this freestanding 8-hook deluxe Christmas stocking holder stand.

This stand measures 41” long x 11” wide x 35.3” tall to accommodate up to eight large stockings, like the ones featured above.

It comes in a choice of black or shiny gold (shown in the product photo). The black would be a great choice for the silver and white stockings, while either the black or the gold would work beautifully with the gold and ivory, red, or green styles.

You can place this stand either on the floor or on a tabletop. I think it would be pretty set on either a small rug or a table runner with a seasonal theme in colors complementing your stockings.

❄❅❆ From our house to yours, whatever you celebrate, may your holidays be peaceful, healthy, merry, and bright! ❆❅❄

The Most Beautiful Christmas Stockings for Elegant Holiday Decor by Margaret Schindel

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