DIY Living on the Coast of Maine
Each Christmas Eve, for as long as I can remember, my mother's side of the family has gathered together for a Christmas Eve dinner of Seafood Newburg. There is a lot of good food to eat, gifts exchanged, singing and laughter. But one tradition that stands out the most is the birthday cake we always have for Jesus at the end of the meal. For … [Read more...]
Every year, a few of my friends and I get together for a cookie swap. It is a fun and stress free way to start the season's celebrations. There are only four of us, so we only have to make four dozen cookies, plus a few extra for tasting. I think that is what makes it so stress free. We also take turns hosting the party. This time it … [Read more...]
Here is an eco-friendly idea for recycling paper bags into holiday gift wrap that even the kids can help with. So, put on your favorite holiday music. Heat up some hot cocoa. Add lots of marshmallows. You want to entice the kids right? They will definitely want to participate now. After all, it just turned into a party. All you … [Read more...]
There aren't any flowers on this Christmas table, but there is plenty of candy because this tablescape is for the kid in all of us. The gingerbread house makes its final appearance at the Christmas table. It's destiny is dessert. I hot glued peppermints and blue candy from the party store to styrofoam trees. Egg cups were used as tree … [Read more...]
Welcome to my Christmas home tour. I'm celebrating the season with a little red, white and blue this year. You may have seen some of the pictures in previous posts, but there are a few new pictures too. The old blue bucket or firkin belonged to my mother-in-law. It was one of her wedding gifts. I rescued the tool box from my … [Read more...]
I almost didn't even look at the price tag of this wool blanket when I happened upon it at a local antique shop. I just figured it was out of my price range. It was Tartan plaid afterall. I decided to entertain myself and nonchalantly check the tag. When I saw $12, I had to take a second look to make sure I wasn't missing a zero or … [Read more...]
This recipe is perfect for gift giving. It makes a large batch and tastes delicious with it's buttery caramel, salted nuts and semi-sweet chocolate combination of flavors. You begin by lining a jelly roll pan with foil and then buttering the foil. Next, from 2 cans of mixed nuts, pick out the larger nuts (Brazil nuts and walnuts, or … [Read more...]
Christmas has arrived in the kitchen and it smells like balsam and gingerbread with a sprinkle of peppermint. I tried my hand at making wreaths this year. We cut greens from the yard. I attached small bunches of the mixed greens with wire to wire wreath forms. The bows are made with red stripe jute upholstery webbing. The … [Read more...]
My inspiration for this Christmas arrived when I found these two vintage wool blankets at a local antique shop. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but price tags for $12 each. Umm. SOLD. The blue and green blanket had stockings written all over it. I made a pattern, because that is how I roll, but Martha Stewart has a whole … [Read more...]
1. I love these Forest Fable Dessert Plates from Anthroplogie. Four different forest creatures grace the fronts of these earthenware dessert plates (ram, owl, swan, and deer). They are only $12 each. Who wouldn't love one of these plates with some cookies on it? 2. A reader recently told me about the artwork of Janet Hill, and I … [Read more...]
Hello! I'm Mary. Welcome to At Home on the Bay where I share my love for DIY, decorating, sewing, thrifting and baking all while living in our little slice of Heaven on Blue Hill Bay. 
