For years, I have wanted to go to an Ugly Sweater Party so imagine how delighted I was when I was invited to 9News’ fete. I mean, to debut my first first ugly sweater on television is quite the coming out party!
The problem came when I tried to track down an ugly Christmas sweater at the local thrift store. The selection had been picked through so I opted for the most gaudy sweater I could find but tread very carefully. After all, one woman’s ugly sweater is another’s treasure. I bought some tacky ornaments to glue gun onto the sweater but crafts and textiles aren’t exactly my forté so I hesitatingly asked my husband if he thought I could pull it off.
“If anyone call make an ugly sweater, it’s you, Amber.”
He was joking. I think.
Don’t miss these 10 fabulous homemade treats and decorations from Swoozie’s I’ll be showcasing on 9News My20 in the 8 a.m. hour.
There are so many versions of these cookies on Pinterest, I decided to go my own route. I used my favorite sugar cookie recipe, dyed it green and tracked down candy hearts at Michael’s (it’s tough to find them this time of year). The result is positively Grinch-y!
Do you have kids or significant others who have made the naught list this year? They’ll get a chuckle out of these Coal Rice Krispy Treat with Oreos and black food coloring.
This eggnog dip is not only seasonal but also delicious. What’s not to love when you couple eggnog, cream cheese, powdered sugar and cinnamon?
Quick and easy snowy chocolate pinecones
It’s like being in nature…but more delicious. Made with dry cereal and a peanut butter mixture, it’s part-healthy, part-sweet, 100% fun and can be a great craft for kids.
Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Dippers
Because who wants plain old hot chocolate? These dippers are fun, easy to make and the perfect compliment for dipping into your hot cocoa!
Who says cute Christmas treats need to be unhealthy? Even the Grinch would approve!
What are cookies without milk? Simply tie a cookie around a glass or plastic milk jug and you have a darling treat for your kids or Santa.
My kiddos thought this was the best treat ever, even though they ate more than what they decorated.
After an extensive search, I’ve figured out the secret formula for awesome Candy Cane Cookies: The white portion needs to be favorite with a hint of almond extract and the red needs to have a touch of peppermint. Together, they are candy cane magic!
These are shamefully easy and fun for a last-minute treat idea. Confession: I used some leftover Halloween candy to decorate.
Cute, fast and easy? Sign me up!
Swoozies Decorations and Party Favors for Your Holiday
My daughter and I were shopping at Swoozie’s for her friend’s birthday party and I fell in love with pretty much every single item in this contemporary gift shop in Cherry Creek. If you are looking for the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy-for person, you’ll find products for every price range. I fell in love with their Ugly Sweater gift selection, darling Christmas dishes, gorgeous jewelry and the fact they can make any gift special by personalizing or monogramming it for you. My simple dish turned into a keepsake when I had our name emblazened on it. A few of our favorite finds:
“The Best, Most Tacky, Ugliest Sweater in the Universe” Trophy $24.95; Ugly Sweater Wine Bottle Cover $14.95; Mudpie Dazzle Holiday Elf Bag $24.95; Cookies for Santa mug (with milk on top and cookies on the bottom) $16.95; MudPie decorative, personalized plate $32.95; Be Jolly Straws $6.95; Mini Be Jolly Crackers $18.95; Chalkboard Reindeer Placecard $5.95; Be Jolly Party Props $16.95; reusable antler party picks $6.95.
Author: Amber Johnson
Amber is the founder and editor of Mile High Mamas, travel writer and former columnist for The Denver Post. She is a passionate community builder and loves the outdoors. She has two awesome teens and is happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin.
Angie
Very cute, yummy and creative. And I love that these aren’t complicated!
Bea
Thanks for posting the Swoozies stuff. I’m looking for teacher gifts and these are perfect.