For a sweet surprise, Julia often works cookies into her party décor. She hung this gingerbread welcome plaque in the hallway leading into the very cookie swap that started her cookie journey back in 2005. At that time, she and
Once guests got past the cookie welcome sign at the front door of this party, they were greeted with more cookies – literally everywhere! For this over-the-top cookie swap, styled for St. Louis AT HOME magazine in 2005, Julia started
Here’s a better view of the ginormous cookie trees at Julia’s cookie party styled for St. Louis AT HOME magazine in 2005. Towering above the tabletop, they were one of Julia’s first forays into 3-D cookies. Not only that –
Here, at Julia’s over-the-top cookie swap styled for St. Louis AT HOME in 2005, gingerbread stars sparkle and angels descend – as if from heaven – from a chandelier overhead. This presentation was one of Julia’s very first experiments with
If a mirror is part of your home décor, be sure to place it strategically so that it reflects the fairest of all your party elements. At her over-the-top cookie swap in 2005, Julia did just that, allowing guests to
Out-of-the-box party details will quickly elevate a party from ordinary to extraordinary. At Julia’s over-the-top cookie swap staged for St. Louis AT HOME magazine, she eschewed traditional paper plates for handcrafted gingerbread boxes. And what guests didn’t eat at the
Traditional mac ‘n cheese is often good enough left alone – but Julia isn’t one to stop short of perfection. She’s constantly trying new recipe twists. Here, smoked gouda, sundried tomatoes, crispy pancetta bits, and fresh sage give her favorite
Julia loves detail – usually the more, the better – especially around the holiday season. This Christmas cookie collection benefits from the marriage of many different techniques: stenciling on the bodies of the mittens and in the center of the snowflakes; then outlining and beadwork,
No artistic ability? No problem. Simply stamp food coloring on cookies this holiday season! These Christmas lovelies were also colored with a paint made of petal dust extended with clear (colorless) extract. For more details about rubber-stamping, painting, and many other decorating
These rubber-stamped and painted cookies mimic vintage Christmas cards, thanks to some wonderful stamps that Julia found online. To learn more about these quick and easy decorating techniques, as well as many others, take a look at Julia’s book Ultimate
Julia used the same rubber stamp on these cookies that she used elsewhere in this gallery, but notice how she created an entirely new look simply by changing the topcoat (aka flood) color, flocking with snowy nonpareils, and adding an oversized
For this golden anniversary party, Julia chose to make a small wedding cake as the centerpiece at the head table. With a vintage vibe, both party and cake paid tribute to the many memories shared over 50 well-lived years. Read
To tie into the nostalgic styling of this anniversary party, Julia tore fondant into strips, deckled their edges with cocoa powder to “age” them, and applied them to the sides of this centerpiece cake. Added vintage flourishes include antique lace
Torn fondant brushed with cocoa powder gives this cake its antique finish – a look perfectly fitting the vintage affair over which it presides. The flowers, leaves, drapery, and cutwork lace panels are also handmade from fondant. The fancy filigree
Always adaptable, Julia used fresh flowers rather than sugar ones here to create a budget-friendly version of the centerpiece cake at this special anniversary party. The occasional pod and twig add textural interest to the traditional flower assortment.
Crafted by Julia from 1920s-era wedding portraits, these menus set this anniversary party’s nostalgic mood with soft sepia tones, crocheted lace, and antique button embellishments. Check out Julia’s blog for the details of this romantic affair.
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