Filed under: Fun Stuff, Holidays
Confessions of holiday window dressers, Martha Stewart on The Simpsons and an $11 million Christmas tree. These are the stories we've been reading -- and the links we've been clicking -- in the week before Christmas.It's hard to believe, but Christmas Eve is here. We hope that all of you will be enjoying the weekend with the ones you love -- no matter what your beliefs or where you are in the world. Here at ShelterPop, we plan to take some time to relax, drink some cocoa, eat some Christmas cookies and share time with our friends and family. We'll see you next week, but in the meantime, here are some links to put you in the yuletide spirit.
Martha and the Rockettes: Now, that's what we call a Christmas present. Photo: Amanda Schwab/Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia
Get merry with Martha: Watch the New York City Rockettes' appearance on The Martha Stewart Show -- no, Martha doesn't join the kick line, but it's still great. As a bonus, keep watching for Martha's behind-the-scenes tour of the decorating at Radio City Music Hall. Better still, have a laugh and tune-in to Martha's guest appearance on "The Simpsons."
This year event designer extraordinaire David Stark teamed up with InStyle magazine to decorate the State Department's Diplomatic Reception Rooms -- Capitol Hill never looked so good. If Hillary hasn't invited you for a meeting, you can get a taste of Stark's style at West Elm, with whom he has created a line of holiday decorations.
Photos: Nicole Gerulat (left), Megan Reardon/NotMartha.org (right)/RealSimple.com
RealSimple.com's 14 Creative Homemade Holiday Gift Ideas from DIYers and bloggers is full of great ideas you could make year-round; notMartha's Warm and Fuzzy Felt Mugs was a particular favorite.
Window dressers confess: Charlie Baker tells The New York Times about the windows he designed for Hermès, and David Hoey describes the work that went into his holiday windows and his new limited edition book, Windows at Bergdorf Goodman.
Gawker reported a United Arab Emirates hotel unveiled a 40-foot fake tree decorated with jewelry valued at "over 11 million dollars," and ShelterPop editors' jaws dropped, especially when we saw how unremarkable it was.
We're in love with Jordan Ferney's simple and stunning Christmas wrapping ideas. Whether you prefer preppy or luxe, you might find some last-minute wrapping inspiration on her blog Oh Happy Day.
These three Christmas recipes had our mouths watering: Little Brown Pen's Chocolate Crinkles, Melissa Clark's Butterscotch Scotch Eggnog and The Runaway Spoon's Fig and Blue Cheese Savouries on Food 52.
Our hearts melted for these 8 Great DIY Wreaths rounded up by ApartmentTherapy's San Francisco edition.
We're bookmarking these gift guides aimed at guys for all of our future man-centric gift giving:
- AC's Guide for Guys on Design*Sponge is funny and honest -- what do guys really want? Video Games and gadgets.
- Adorable Joanna Goddard's Your Beloved Husband Who Makes Peppery Eggs, Sings The Rolling Stones To Your Baby And Can Always Make You Laugh Gift Guide
- Papernstitch's Handmade Gifts For Men reveals some surprisingly sophisticated options.
This one's just for giggles: Dogs in Antlers! 30 Amazing Holiday Pet Costumes on iVillage.