Holiday DIY: How To Dress Up Boxed Wine for The Holidays

DIY Boxed Wine Gingerbread Boxes

Last time, we got cozy and cute with DIY beanie wine bottle toppers. Today, we’re dressing up boxed wine. In fact, we made a DIY boxed wine gingerbread village we lovingly call Vinoville. Let’s get one thing clear, there’s nothing wrong with boxed wine. If your a wino, it may not be your thing, and that’s cool. We love a smooth bottle of Brunello di Montalcino as must as anyone, and if we had the budget, we would splurge all the time.

But, we love to sip wine, whether it’s in a bottle or box. Wine, even when it’s presented from a box, tastes good, and helps us get our chill on. Plus, we’re getting more bang for our buck, and gotta love that! As a college student or 20-something who is hanging with girlfriends – a boxed wine on the table or bar is ALL good. As grown women who like to host (sometimes), a box of wine is not the prettiest addition to the bar. Again, absolutely nothing wrong with it, but dressing it up just a bit can make all the difference for a more ‘grown-up’ look, especially during the holidays. You can do it for very little money, and get creative with it! You can use the wrapping paper you have on-hand, so you don’t even have to go to the store. We love to wrap with Kraft paper, so we had some on hand, and used it to create Gingerbread Houses. But, imagine how cute this would be with plaid paper, or pretty metallic paper with a big bow!

diy boxed wine gingerbread houses-holiday DIY

DIY Boxed Wine Makeover: Gingerbread Houses 

Materials:

Directions:

Step 1: Remove the cardboard circle, where the spout comes out. Next, trace that circle  on the wrapping paper. Make sure you do it in the middle, like your wrapping a gift, so you have enough paper on all sides (basically don’t trace it on the edge of the wrapping paper). Cut the circle out with scissors or an X-acto knife. You can make it slightly larger so it doesn’t rip when you pull the spout through, or if you rip it like we did on one of them, you can add a black paper door (or even a mini wreath) around it and no one will ever know.

Step 2: Wrap the wine boxes. We didn’t get a good photo of that, but put the wine box upside down (you can take the bag out if it’s too heavy and crinkles the paper), and line up the cut out circle with the spout. You can pull the spout through it at this point if you didn’t already in step one. Wrap it like a gift, so do the back first, then “cut-in” on the sides for the bottom just like you would for a gift. See step 3 for the roof.

diy boxed wine gingerbread houses-holiday DIY

diy boxed wine gingerbread houses-holiday DIY

 

Step 3: Cut in the sides just like you did for the bottom, but just tape one of the sides, not the final “corner” – that peak is the roof. Kraft paper stays nice and straight. If you use flimsy wrapping paper, you can either find something to prop it up, have a flat roof or keep open up and glue two of the sides of the wine box together before wrapping it, so it creates a peak (we did that for the white-roof one before we created a ruffle roof with a crepe paper roll).

diy boxed wine gingerbread houses-holiday DIY

diy boxed wine gingerbread houses-holiday DIY

diy boxed wine gingerbread houses-holiday DIY-ho ho ho pour the pinot-wine craft

Step 4: Now, it’s time to make gingerbread house lines, swirls, doors, snowflakes, etc. Make each house your own. We used a marker pen for the white decorations, and added ribbon, pins and mini Santa hats, and a bell to accessorize. They can be as simple or as complex as you want. How fun would it be to make the Grinch house, Whoville, or even ugly Christmas sweaters?! If you want the labels, we can email them to you for free. Email us at hello@jsorelle.com or IM us on IG here and tell us you want the boxed gingerbread house wine printables. We have one for Merlot, Pinot and Chardonnay!

diy boxed wine gingerbread houses-holiday DIY

diy boxed wine gingerbread houses-holiday DIY

Step 5: Let the wine flow. Cheers!

diy boxed wine gingerbread houses-holiday DIY

Gift Guide To Shop Small This Holiday Season

holiday warm and cozy vibes

Small businesses are the heartbeat of what we believe in – living the American dream, courage to step outside the box, creativity to run a business how you want, generations of Americans continuing the tradition of their parents and grandparents, families working together to bring their dreams to fruition, and less government (more freedom). They are the soul of this country. This support may look one way for some, and different for others. You can buy goods, or services. Some ideas are to order food to-go from a local restaurant, buy gift cards at local restaurants and stores, get that photography session of your family with a good local photographer, or buy from a local maker. Let’s support them (if your means allow), because they need us more than ever! If you have any other favorite small shops, let us know about them and we can feature on our Instagram. Below are some faves. Support Small Business Gift Guide shop small cancer gift guide

  1. Sunday Candle Co.: This company is woman-owned and based in our hometown in Denver, Colorado. Her packaging is so pretty, candles look beautiful and we can smell them now. Give the gift of warm and cozy.
  2. LA Antler Co.: Addie had me hooked on antlers years ago when she helped me with this fun photo shoot for Real Simple. She lives in the Rocky Mountains, and not only is she fun and amazing, her antlers are special, too. They are as authentic as you can get. You can buy them for chic mountain home decor, or as a necklace, keychain and ornament. I have a necklace, and this year I want the twine-wrapped antlers for my home.
  3. Shop Gage Huntley: There is no censorship to the custom jewelry you can buy at this shop. They make us laugh, and some products are things we want to say, but never do. We will let the pieces speak for themselves.
  4. Copper Fox Company: These personalized wood cutting boards make a lovely gift for families, newlyweds, parents, grandparents and even those who love to play hostess. Charcuterie boards are hot as ever, and it would be fun to have a beautiful board to display those meats and cheeses on.
  5. Made by Mary, Faith Over Fear Necklace: THIS is amazing. I asked for this for my birthday. All the worries and fears cloud my head way too often, and I just need to breathe, and remember to have faith in God, in the people I love, and in myself!
  6. Oxford Pennant: We love a good pennant, and Oxford has something for everyone. We love so many, it was hard to choose, but this forever mistletoe brings us so much cheer this holiday season! Gimme Some Sugar on Christmas, and everyday after.
  7. Olivia Care: Jenna loves this hand sanitizer spray. It’s made in Cali and smells amazing. Plus it softens your hands and does not dry them out.
  8. Harper Made: We bought this mountain necklace as a gift, and wanted to keep for ourselves. This is a beautiful gift for the mountain loving girls in your life, and a good price point, too! The mountains are calling…we must go!
  9. AVYN, bras for the modern mom: I am not breastfeeding, and wear this bra all the time – I love it (Jess). If you are breastfeeding, or know a new mother in your life, get her this! These women are awesome, and their bras are comfortable and cute. We SO wish we had this when we were moms of babies, and breastfeeding.
  10. Cole and Dainer: We love Nicole, the owner of this shop, and her products are so cozy and beautifully made! The prints are our favorite! Whether your shopping for a baby blanket, home throw, burp cloths or even masks, her products made a lovely gift for a friend (or yourself).
  11. G Michelle Designs: This is a local Colorado girl who can make custom signs, anything for weddings, personalized mugs, and ornaments for Christmas. She’s dang good at calligraphy and barre, too! These ornaments are totally customizable (color background, no color background, names, shape, etc.) and the gnome ornament are new and our favorite! Prices are $12-$15. Gnomes are hot again this year – spread gnome cheer to everyone on your list! Email her at gmichelledesigns@gmail.com to order!
  12. Ski Town All-Stars: This cool company designs and customizes hats in Vail, Colorado. You can get hats made for your company, or maybe a funny phrase you’ve always wanted on a hat for friends or family. They have some already made, like this Corona one, or you can make your own. Check them out.
  13. Aksels: This company has really fun hats for kids and adults, especially if your in CO. We love their printed socks, too. My son loves the feel of their masks. You can pick up at their warehouse, find their products in stores, or ship from their website. If you’ve ever been to a concert at Red Rocks, you need these socks. One of the best concert venues ever! Yes, please.
  14. Not pictured, but on our IG is this adorable CIAO bag we can’t get enough of from the ever-so stylish Brooke at Antlers & Rose.

Favorite Locals Shops We live in Colorado, and there are a few shops we just love. They have gifts for everyone, and well, they are the cutest!! Stop in to say hi, and keep them busy (and open)!

  • Fleur de Lis, a paperie: Jenna can create Christmas cards, invites for baby showers, parties, and wedding invitations is really her thang! Show her some love with all your paper and invite needs!
  • Andiamo Oils: We LOVE ourselves some doTERRA essential oils! Seriously, we use them daily. Jodi has the knowledge to help you if you want to add (or diffuse) oils. We love some of the other face and vitamins products, too. You can set up an account for $35 and get 25% oils for the year, or just order through her to see if you like them. No minimum purchase every month, which we love. SOOOO good!
  • Patterns and Pops: These girls are the cutest. They have try on shopping parties on IG, which are really hard to not shop because it’s so easy and the items are so cute. Shop in person, IG or online. IG is our favorite!
  • Valleygirl Boutique/Ruby Jane: They have several locations throughout Colorado, so wherever you are, you can find them. If you’re not in CO, you can shop online! We love the Edwards store, and the Highlands one. They have great, affordable fashion at all price points, and home and gift items, too!

Happy gifting!

Merry Schittsmas: Gift Guide For All The Schitts Creek Fans On Your List

schitts creek

Ew, 2020! Are we right?? Ok, there was definitely some amazing #silverlinings in this crappy year. More time with our family. Longer vacations. Appreciation for fresh air. Good books that gave us an escape from everyday reality. And, yes binging on Schitt’s Creek. We LOVE this show. Moira speaks Jenna’s love language with all the hats, and black and white everything. Jodi loves all things Alexis (ew, David!) and of course, David. Jessica loves them all. It’s light and funny – definitely belly laughs and humor at the end of our day.

We know this gift guide is ridiculously early – hello, it’s only October. However, as a general rule of thumb, if we see something we like for a gift, we get it, no matter what month it is. We hear shipping is going to be somewhat of a hassle this year, and lately, we don’t know what each day will bring. So, we hope to take away some of the stress from December and start shopping now. If you’re unable to spend money on people this year, because, well, it’s been a very difficult year for many…that’s more than ok. A card, a letter, a hug, time (time is the biggest gift we have) is sometimes the best gift of all.

Merry Schittsmas!

christmas gift guide - schitts creek

  1. Wine glass: This Wine is Awful, Get Me Another Glass: Cheers with this hilarious glass this holiday season, and every season.
  2. Best Wishes, Warmest Regards doormat: Welcome friends with a smile and and ode to David, and send them off with that fuzzy Schitt’s Creek feeling. If your guests don’t know about Schitt’s Creek, first tell them to watch it, and second, they will still think is a welcoming mat, regardless if they are fans or not.
  3. Ew, 2020 David Rose Christmas Ornament: Um, yes to this! It’s a funny gift, and a good reminder to pull out every year to remember that cursed year, 2020.
  4. Schitts Creek Holiday Card Pack: Say Merry Schittsmas to friends and family this year with some hilarious cards.
  5. Simply The Best Stickers: At just $3.50 this gift is not only awesome and simply the best, but affordable.
  6. Rosebud motel key ring: Every time you look for your keys, you’ll find them immediately with this bright red Rosebud Motel keyring. It’s a good reminder to laugh, too.
  7. I’m trying very hard not to connect with people right now face mask: Channel your inner David with all this mask BS, and the mask is enough said.
  8. Sunglasses: Make a David statement in these look-alike glasses he pulled off so well!
  9. Boop tote: No one shops or does a little nose touch (boop) better than Alexis. Carry around essentials, or even better, bottles of wine, to a friends house in this adorable bag.
  10. Bébé, it’s cold outside mug: No one quite says anything better, and with such flair, than Moira. Sip coffee or tea with this holiday mug.
  11. Very uninterested in that opinion, make up pouch: Oh, David. You say the words we want to say, and often don’t. Love this!
  12. Love that journey for you wall banner: Alexis makes us laugh with her quirky hand movements, and expressions. This one is a fave, and it’s actually cute decor. Love that journey for me stickers is a little bit more Alexis on a mug, computer, or anything you want to put it on, and we’re here for it.
  13. Have a blessed day shirt: This shirt will get a good laugh, plus lift your spirits every time you wear it. Pair it with a pair of jeans, or leather pants like David would do.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Home Decor: Mini Gingerbread House Village

diy bird house gingerbread houses (2)

I’m not only in a bell phase this Christmas season, I’m having a gingerbread moment, too. First it was our DIY gingerbread paper bag advent calendar, and now it’s a cute mini DIY gingerbread village made from tiny wood bird houses. I’ve never made homemade gingerbread, and I actually don’t like the taste of it. But, I love how festive the houses are, and can’t resist a homemade gingerbread house. This gingerbread house village is so easy, and so cute. You don’t need to worry about candy getting stale, because nothing is edible on these tiny houses. You can give these as gifts, or set them up year after year with your holiday decor. Plus, you can do it this weekend with the kids. It would be really fun to see all the colors and designs the kids come up with.

Stick around for the bottom of the post if REAL gingerbread houses are more your jam. Some really talented pastry chefs, and members of the Vail community displayed some amazing Gingerbread Houses at the Vail Library in November as part of Revely Vail

gingerbread house- christmas decor

DIY Gingerbread House Village Made With Mini Wood Birdhouses

Materials:

  • mini wood bird houses, Walmart or Amazon
  • acrylic paint
  • paint brush
  • Elmer’s white paint pens, fine tip
  • glass cookie jars, Walmart
  • mini bottle brush Christmas trees

Instructions:

Step 1: Paint the houses. I had to do two coats of paint per house. I used a two different colors of brown paint to get a “gingerbread” color.

mini wood gingerbread houses for christmas decor

Step 2: Once the paint is dry, begin to draw/doodle decorations on the house with the paint pen. I drew it free-hand, and it worked out great. Draw swirls, icicles, windows, doors, hearts, candy canes, etc. on the front, back and top of the house. Make each house different.

gingerbread house- christmas decor

gingerbread house- christmas decor

Step 3: Set the houses on a cake stand with bottle brush trees, twinkle lights and fake snow. Or, make a pretty glass jar display with all the fun winter accessories, and twinkle lights, too.

gingerbread house display

gingerbread house display

 

Revely Vail Gingerbread House Competition (just a small snippet of the 30+ entries):

 

Hovey & Harrison

Hovey & Harrison

 

The Arrabelle at Vail

The Arrabelle at Vail

 

The Sebastian Hotel

The Sebastian Hotel

 

Gru's Christmas House, 3rd graders

Gru’s Christmas House, 3rd graders

 

age 6-10 entry, Sweet As Can Be

age 6-10 entry, Sweet As Can Be

 

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DIY Winter Wreath With Bells

diy modern wreath with bells

If you didn’t pick up on from a recent post, I’m having a bell obsession. Yes, I want them everywhere. I like to hear them, I like to see them – on place cards, garlands, doors and wreaths. So, it’s no surprise I made a trio of DIY winter wreaths with bells to decorate an empty wall in my house. I actually made the wreaths last year, and upgraded them this year with the bells. After I made them, I saw them on sale at a boutique store for $65-$85 per wreath. I like to think I saved money with this craft (it’s what I’m telling myself for yet another Amazon order at my doorstep) since these wreaths cost less than $10 each, and I made a chic new addition to my holiday home decor.

diy winter wreath with bells

DIY Winter Christmas Wreath With Bells

You’ll Need:

Here’s How To Do It:

Step 1: Buy 3 different size metal loop from Michaels. I spray painted mine copper, but any color will work.

Step 2: Next, buy faux greenery, (such as pine or any other winter greenery) and floral wire. Cut and add pieces of the greenery on the wreath, and wrap the stems in wire around the metal hoop. It’s that easy!

As for the bell, wrap twine through the bell, and then around the hoop. Listen for the sound of bells all season. It will make you smile. I know just looking at the bell decor makes me smile. Jingle all the way this Christmas season!

diy modern wreath with bells

diy modern wreath with bells

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