Whether it is decorating sugar cookies or making gingerbread houses, baking is as timeless as the holidays. So, dust off those aprons and get those sprinkles shaking because it’s time for some fun!
From our family to yours, the first treat on our list has become our all-time favorite family tradition. Biscochitosare shortbread-esque cookies flavored with cinnamon and anise. They’re a simple treat topped with a sugar/cinnamon mix. Estimated prep time is 40 minutes, but during that 40 minutes your home will be filled with the most wonderful holiday aroma.
Next, we have a classic: The Gingerbread House. The gingerbread mix is diverse in that you can make a beautiful gingerbread home or a fun-filled gingerbread family! Decorating both is equally as fun but we’ve got to say, it’s much easier to eat family members than an architectural masterpiece (gingerbread family members, of course).
Have you ever made your own fudge before? If so, you know how good it feels to eat home-made fudge. If you haven’t, that’s because whoever makes it eats it before you can get to it because it’s that good. We’re joking, of course, because not only is fudge fun to make but it also makes a perfect holiday gift! Pack it in a decorative tin and it’ll stay fresh for at least a week.
Last but certainly not least, the festive and elegant linzer cookie. You can fill these little beauties with a wide variety of fruit fillings, but this particular recipe calls for that festive red raspberry jam. There’s nothing elegant about eating the entire batch of cookies in 2 days, but here we are making one of our favorite holiday treats.
We could honestly go on and on with different fun treats like sugar cookies, apple pies, candy-cane brownies, cinnamon rolls, truffles – but we don’t have all day. We’ve got the perfect kitchenand now it’s time to get baking!
Balmoral’s excellent Northeast Beltway location allows residents to enjoy the natural beauty of the area while still having access to key destinations in and around Houston. The greater Houston area is home to dozens and dozens of fun events and activities for the holidays and with winter break coming up, now’s your chance to see them all! (Or at least a few.)
Our first stop is Magical Winter Lights, the largest lantern festival of its kind in the United States. Throughout the month of December, explore 20 acres of larger-than-life lantern exhibits that take you on a journey around the world in one night. Between cultural performances, carnival rides and games, arts and crafts, and the lantern attractions themselves, Magical Winter Lights is a must-see this holiday season!
Glide beneath the glittering lights of downtown Houston and embrace the holiday season with ICE! Every year Discovery Green is home to ICE – a pop-up ice skating rink that lasts throughout the month of December. Go as
Watch local shops and business come alive with the spirit of the season during the 38thAnnual Home for the
These are just a few of the most fun and exciting holiday events going on in and around the greater Houston area – be sure to keep an eye on
If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up in one of our gorgeous model homes, have we got a surprise for you. Colina Homes is selling their decked-out, five-bedroom model at 11915 Talman Run. Packed with carefully chosen options and upgrades, everything in this home is nothing short of stunning. Whip up a gourmet meal in the beautiful kitchen or relax in your jetted tub after playing in our beautiful turquoise lagoon. Don’t wait, live your dream.
More highlights:
- Incredible curb appeal with brick-and-stone elevation, unique front walk and full landscaping
- Soaring two-story rotunda entry
- Gorgeous, durable wood-look tile throughout common areas
- Custom painted walls, custom lighting, designer fixtures and art niches throughout home
- Light and bright family room highlighted by stone, fireplace, crown molding and wall of windows
- Stunning island kitchen boasts Fantasy Blue granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, 42-inch custom cabinets with designer hardware, walk-in pantry and custom backsplash
- Coffered ceiling and upgraded carpeting in master bedroom
- Beautiful master bath features jetted tub, oversized walk-in shower, dual vanities and walk-in closet.
- Bonus room includes guest suite and game room
- Covered patio
- Three-car garage
This extraordinary 3,352-square-foot home is priced from the $415s.
Dive In to Balmoral
When we invite you to dive in to our beautiful community, we aren’t kidding. Our inviting crystal clear lagoon is waiting for you, but that’s not all. The Balmoral lifestyle includes a full-time lifestyle director charged with planning a slate of year-round resident events. It also includes our the eight-acre Amenity Village with an infinity-edge pool, sand volleyball court and playground. We’ve even made it easy to access all the fun via our GreenBoLT, an Alternative Transportation Experience. Don’t you think it’s time to take the plunge?
December is “brrringing” a sleighful of holiday activities to the Balmoral Clubhouse, 15808 Crystal Terrace Drive, 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15
Santa will be on hand to greet children and hear their fondest wishes for presents under the tree. There will be a giant snow globe and bounce house, and you can take holiday photos with a stuffed reindeer. Hot cocoa will be available, and event-goers can find sweet treats at the funnel cake stand. A food truck also will be offering items for purchase. Holiday games will keep the fun going as people can tour the Balmoral Amenity Village, featuring Texas’ first Crystal Clear Lagoon. Model homes in the community also will be available for touring.
The event is open to the public and tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children and can be purchased at the door. Balmoral residents get preferential advantages, with access at 1 p.m., a free meal ticket and no fee.
While we still have nearly a whole month before Christmas, we all know that preparations for the big day have to start early. How many of us put up the Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving? How many of us put up the lights that following weekend? And who else has decorating done by the first week of December? For a lot of us, Christmas starts early, but for some of us, the holidays are a process. Let us help with that process with some great Christmas décor trends and ideas that are sure to inspire!
This year, white is in! It sounds simple but white snow and faux furs complement a home’s white walls and make for a wonderful winter wonderland! But no white décor is complete without bold pops of red — like mistletoe, cranberries, red plaid and pomegranates. Fruit and berries add a rustic yet elegant touch to your home’s modern décor.
Red fruits aren’t the only options this holiday season. Go natural with a modern twist on holiday décor. Interior designer Tobi Fairley suggests, “Use fresh evergreen boughs, garlands and wreaths combined with in-season citruses like lemons, tangerines, and oranges.” This green and citrus-centered color palette is sure to impress — all the while giving your home a beautiful natural atmosphere and a wonderful citrus scent!
String lighting has come a long way over the past couple of years. A trip to your local craft store can yield some incredible finds. Most decorative wire and micro lighting come accompanied with a battery pack, which opens the door to countless new lighting opportunities. From the fireplace mantle to the kitchen centerpiece, add a little sparkle to any area of the home.
Gold is always in when it comes to holiday décor and as it turns out, gilding is much easier and more fun than you’d expect. Take any fruit, pinecone, Christmas ornament, etc., and give it a golden touch with this fun and easy tutorial. Let the gold pieces accent your main colors (perhaps the white and red) for an elegant tone throughout the home.
How will you make your home the perfect home for the holidays? The only thing that could be more perfect is a new home in Balmoral.