Make Christmas Come Alive - Literally!

In this age of plastic and artificial decor accents, it's become all too easy to overlook the role that living, natural or organic elements can play in our Christmas presentation. Here's just a few of the "living" Holiday accessories that you'll find at Schriemer's 2009 Christmas store.

The poinsettia is once again the staple of the Christmas home; one or two strategically placed plants will immediately liven up your Holiday decor. The traditional lush green poinsettia topped with the bright red flower bracts will never go out of style, but you owe it to yourself to consider some of the exciting new variations like cream, pink or variegated bracts. Just one of these will really spice up your Christmas display!

Fresh-cut trees are making a comeback this year as people return to natural options. The heady fragrance and unmistakable feel of the needles add a touch of earthy elegance that will be appreciated by all. Complement your tree with a fresh wreath on the door; our uniquely inspired creations are made with real evergreen boughs and fresh berries. Finally, you absolutely must see the Christmas arrangements and mixed Christmas planters made in-house by our own talented staff. Just one or two of these spectacular accents will bring your Christmas to life!

Keeping Your Live Christmas Trees Green

As essential as they are to your Christmas decor, it can be quite a challenge to keep live evergreens fresh and bright in the drying indoor environment, and it's even tougher with the evergreen trees and shrubs in your yard! Here's a couple of products we offer at Schriemer's that are really helpful for keeping all your evergreens fresh and healthy, indoors and out in the yard.

Tree Preserve is a special preservative that will keep live indoor Christmas trees fresh and green much longer than those left untreated. Adding it to the water at the base of the tree will significantly reduce the hazards of dry Christmas trees in the home. Wilt-Pruf is an amazing product for the live evergreens growing out in your yard. This anti-transpirant will safely protect them from winter hazards such as windburn, browning and tip kill by reducing moisture loss through the foliage. It can also be used on indoor Christmas trees and wreaths to delay needle drop and browning.

Click here for more information on caring for your Christmas tree.

Winter Bird Feeding Tips

If you enjoy the pleasures of feeding birds through the winter, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Different sizes and types of birds prefer different kinds of food. Most birds will eat sunflower seeds (black-oil seeds are best, and never use salted seeds!), cracked dried corn and peanuts. Smaller birds like millet, niger seed and canary seeds as well. Birds that normally eat insects in summer will benefit from suet cakes and peanut butter (you can smear it on pine cones), which provide them with protein over the winter. Dried fruits and chopped nuts are always a welcome treat, but never feed birds bread or salty/sugary foods - although they may eat it, it's unhealthy for them!

Hang your bird feeders from strong tree limbs to keep them off the ground. A wind-sheltered location such as among evergreens or on the south side of the house is ideal. Be careful to place them over ground where stray seeds and shells won't be a problem come spring. You'll want to locate them within sight of a window so you can enjoy the birds from the comfort of your home.

Most importantly, once you've started feeding the birds, you must continue to feed them all winter long, as they will come to rely on your food supply. Keep a constant watch on suet feeders and replace suet cakes promptly as necessary. Another important but little-known consideration is to provide a source of fresh water for them throughout the winter, for example a special heated bird bath; it will make a big difference to their winter survival!

Kids Korner - Easiest Ever No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies

Here's a really easy recipe for fabulous cookies that the kids will enjoy making. It's one of Sherry's tried and true delights, so you know it's going to be good!

1 cup smooth peanut butter at room temperature
1 cup icing sugar
1 cup crushed unsalted peanuts OR chocolate chips
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla
2 squares semi-sweet baking chocolate

Blend peanut butter, butter and vanilla together well. Stir in nuts or chocolate chips; add icing sugar 1/4 cup at a time, and blend. Roll into 1-inch balls and set on cookie sheet covered with waxed paper. Refrigerate until firm, about half an hour. Melt baking chocolate over hot water, or in microwave at 'defrost' level heat. Dip chilled peanut butter balls half-way into melted chocolate OR drizzle melted chocolate over top of cookies. Chill until chocolate is set, about 10 minutes. Then stand back and watch them disappear!

Variations:

1. Dip cookies in icing sugar or granulated sugar instead of melted chocolate.
2. After dipping in chocolate, top with sprinkles.
3. Use crunchy peanut butter, but skip the nuts or chocolate chips.
4. Extra peanutty - use peanut butter chips both in the cookies and for dipping.

Christmas Tree Safety Tips

When it comes to fresh Christmas trees in your home, you can never be too safe. Here's a few tips for a safe and happy holiday with your live tree;

- first and foremost, make sure you start with a fresh tree
- use a tree stand with widespread legs for maximum stability, and keep the reservoir constantly topped up with water
- only use CSA approved indoor lights on your tree; LED lights are generally safer than incandescent lights, and use far less energy
- always turn the lights off for the night and when you're away
- keep the tree well away from heat sources such as heaters and furnace vents
- don't overload power outlets, and check all power cords for fraying or breakage before use
- have a fire extinguisher handy, and take this opportunity to check the battery in your smoke alarm and change it if necessary