Make Your Own Valentine's Day Truffles

For Valentine's Day I think the best gift for your loved one(s) is something you make yourself. Give that boring box of chocolates from CVS an upgrade and make your own truffles from scratch! Here is the RECIPE

Photos: She Wears Many Hats and Gourmet Pigs

Flowers on a Budget

Don't want to spend money on an expensive centerpiece? Do it yourself! I got these flowers at a local market, combined with floral foam - and voila! A centerpiece for a late summer fete.

For the Hostess

Who wouldn't love a beautiful bottle of herb infused olive oil or vinegar? The perfect DIY gift to bring as a hostess gift. Find the instructions HERE.

Photos: Pinterest, Kitchen Crush

White Spring Centerpiece

One of my dear friends in Boston had her daughter's first communion this past weekend. They were so sweet to include me in this important family occasion. I did the centerpiece for the celebratory dinner after mass. Since all the girls wear white for communion, that set the color scheme. I used lilies, freesia and roses. I wrapped the oasis in aspidistra leaves (the secret that most florists use). So easy! 

Make Your Own Christmas Wreath

When my schedule permits, I love to make gifts by hand. Here is a wreath I made for a good friend that hangs in her home in Greenwich. I found all of the ingredients for the wreath at Michael's. What you need: foam wreath, ribbon, lots and lots and lots of reindeer moss, a glue gun and a ton of patience.

Thanksgiving Place Cards

How fun is this placecard for your Thanksgiving Table? I found them on the fantastic blog TWIG AND THISTLE.

Check out their site for all of the "how tos" including a template. How can Thanksgiving be next week?!

Make Your Own Gourmet Pizza

I love gourmet pizza, but have never attempted to make it myself. But after coming across this RECIPE for Arugula Fig Pizza, I am going to make it for a casual dinner party.

The key ingredients are fig jam

And fresh arugula

Along with prosciutto and mozzarella. Sounds delicious right?

All Photos and Recipe Courtesy of Pioneer Woman

DIY: Festive Christmas Wreath

I like to make some of my Christmas gifts each year. I found all of the ingredients for these wreaths at Michael's. What you need: foam wreath, ribbon, lots and lots and lots of reindeer moss, a glue gun and a ton of patience. The wreath above, a gift for a friend in Greenwich. 

This wreath is a smaller version I made for my front door in Boston and ties in with the color scheme of my decorations inside. Merry! Merry! 

Here is a wreath that my friend Erin (yes that Elements of Style Erin) made for me a few years ago. Sadly, it went to Christmas Heaven two years ago when I dropped it while packing up Xmas 2008. 

What do you make as gifts for the holidays?