Scandinavian Christmas at Bachmans and a Holiday Treat

Each season, designers transform the historic Bachman’s home on Lyndale Avenue (Minneapolis, MN) by repainting, refurnishing, and redecorating the entire house with their signature mix of new items, repurposed pieces, and a touch of vintage.

Each room had its own unique theme and story, from Scandinavian roots and modern plaids to woodland escape, a bit of Christmas nostalgia and of course, glorious shades of classic red. The Holiday Idea House is open until December 14th.  

If you time it right get your amaryllis bulbs to bloom in a stunning display right at Christmas time. 

Vintage Christmas signs in the kitchen. 

Ideas for decorating chair backs in the dining room and  on

the porch using striped winter scarves.

There were lots of window treatments to consider using your imagination and a visit to a craft store/fabric store for supplies. 

Dishtowels with a casing sewn in at the top and then hung on thin line anchored with clothespins. 

If you happen to be a card player who needs drapes for your game room then this idea is for you :)

Looking for an idea on how to use a vintage suitacase hiding in your attic. How about this... create a winter scene complete with lights.

   

A vintage ladder used to organize kitchen utensils.

Even though this was in the game room it was my favorite kid idea. Paint an old table with chalkboard paint. Just think of the fun kids could have with it. This table would even make holiday dining more pleasurable when kids are banished from the grownup table for their meal to the kids' table. 

Perhaps you found some holiday inspiration with these ideas or create something new by repurposing stuff you already have. 

 Cook's notes: My head was brimming with ideas after I left the Holiday Idea House. A cup of coffee and one of my favorite cookies hit the spot.  This has been one of my favorite tried and true recipes from the book. You know its a keeper when food stains highlight the page! 
Peanut Butter Chocolate Kisses

recipe adapted from Betty Crocker's Cookie Book p.78

Makes 1-1/2 dozen. Recipe easily doubled to make 3 dozen.
Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup butter softened
• 1/4 cup margarine
• 1/2 cup chunky Skippy Peanut Butter
• 1 large egg
• 1-1/4 cups flour (I used 1 cup white flour and 1/4 cup whole wheat flour) 
• 3/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 package of Hershey Kisses (unwrapped candies)  

Directions:

• Beat sugars, butter, margarine, peanut butter and egg.
• Stir in remaining ingredients, mix well and place bowl in freezer for an hour or in refrigerator for three hours.
• Heat oven to 375 degrees.
• Shape dough into 1-1/2 inch balls and place on an ungreased sheet. Flatten slightly with a fork dipped in flour. 
• Place 3 inches apart and bake 9-10 minutes 
• Immediately remove cookies from oven and add a chocolate kiss to each one.
• Cool on a wire rack.