Letters to Rudolph – Letter Station How-To

Tomorrow, is December 1st!

I’m so excited for all the wintery things: sweaters, lights, snow and Christmas!!

During this time of the year, we get families with small children that come through the showroom; due to the climate, these kiddos usually hang out with me while the adults do some shopping. In previous years, I just print out some coloring pages or put out some McD toys for their collective playing pleasure. This year, I’ve decided to be extra creative by devised a small letter writing station to Rudolph!

Here’s my set-up:

Santa and his elves are going into major OT, but they’re not the only ones working hard. Reindeer have been training none stop for their once-a-year trip around the globe.  They deserve some love too!

This project really is super simple and there isn’t a ‘right’ way to do it. Grab some paper and let a child’s endless imagination do the rest!  Since my letter station will be in the showroom, I had to stream line the activity – can’t have the kids here all day!

Here’s what I used for my Letter station:

1. cute Christmas themed stationary ( I found mine online by searching for “Rudolph Letter Template” )
2. origami envelop skillz ( jk, this tutorial was very easy! )
3. cup of pencils/markers/pens
4. not shown: stickers for stamps

I also created an “origin story” on the table for inspiration.  (Rudolph might be a bit OOC, though… ).

Pre-printed the letter pages with the mailing address and fold lines on the back; just in case I’m not around to help with folding.  The Address reads, ” To: Rudolph Reindeer 1234 Dashing Way (get it? ) North Pole 82N114W (these are the coordinates for the “north pole”! I think…)

To finish off my letter station, I upcycled a left-over “Love with Food” box into a mailbox!  Its Red and has a reclosable tab for easy “Letter Retrieval” ^^ .  The front has a plastic pouch which A. hides the logo, and B. It’s a great place to store a sample, in case I’m not around!

Here’s how to make an easy mailbox:

1. find a tab closed cardboard box 
2. rotate box to find a single wall side and cut out a small rectangle. (picking a single wall side just makes it easier to cut out the rectangle)
3. Optional: decorate the box for festive cheer!

If you can’t find a tab-closed box, just decorate a used tissue box (the top opening is the mail entrance and exit. )

The concept is all about getting kids to hand-write letters. Add Rudolph to your list when writing letters to Santa ( and maybe a letter to the elves, too? )  Its a great opportunity for kids to practice writing encouraging messages.

Let me know how it turns out. Happy Holidays, everyone!

Thanksgiving: My No-Brainer Menu

Thanksgiving is 10 days away, I haven’t started shopping yet, but here’s my game plan.  Does this post look familiar? Why yes, it does look remarkably similar to my previous Thanksgiving Post ;P)

I included a few helpful links at the bottom to help with inspiration!

Links to the recipe that I will be using ^^ ( in case anyone needs a last-minute menu ! ) You’ll notice, many of these links are from Martha Stewart.  The MSL empire built my culinary foundations, so that’s where I like to search for recipes.

My Thanksgiving Dinner Plan.

Appetizers ( AKA, what I’m eating while I’m cooking)

• Potato Gratins ( with a Twist!)
• Deviled Eggs
• Cheese and Charcuterie platter
  • nothing fancy, just using up what’s in the fridge – so all MY fav cheeses 😉

Main Dishes:

• Old Fashion Turkey
  • I used fresh herbs last year, with veggies in the drip pan.  It was so good! This year, I’m going to try “Flipping the Bird” !
• Lamb shoulder Chops
  • Apparently my dad  doesn’t like turkey – which I thought was his favorite part of the meal!  …Still trying to wrap my head around the years of deceit, LOL.

Sides:

• Cambell’s Green Bean Casserole
  • What it says on the can.
• Wild rice “Stuffing”
  • Goat Cheese or Feta, your choice. 
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
  • This ATK recipe is gold – sorry Martha!
• Baked Cauliflower
  • I add some curry powder/ cumin to spice things up
• Spiced Lemony Brussels Sprouts
  • Make sure the Brussels Sprouts are in even sections and as always, they taste better with some char 😉

Dessert:

• Croquembouche:
  • Pastry Shells, filled with Whipped Cream
  • one day, the novelty of constructing a tower of concentric circles with creme puffs will get old; but until I’m making one every chance I get ^^
• Chocolate Pecan Pie
  • the recipe calls for Sorghum syrup, which can be hard to find, I use molasses syrup in a pinch.

…and, that’s a Wrap!

Menu Collections:
Epicurious
Martha Stewart – Lots of Turkey Ideas!
Food Network

Stay on Schedule Articles:
7 Things To Do Now – Martha Stewart
Tips for a Stress Free Thanksgiving – WhatsCookingAmerica
Thanksgiving Countdown Planner – FoodNetwork

I’m using an Excel file to stay organized while I preparing large dinner.  I will share it if anyone is interested; its not pretty, but all the columns and formulas are there.