Christmas is a week away, which means that it is time to start baking! There is almost nothing better than cold winter nights paired with the aroma of freshly baked cookies. Instead of sticking with store bought cookies, I encourage you to try something new. There are so many options.

I love William Sonoma and the vast array of bakeware. The silpat baking mat makes it super convenient to bake dozens of cookies without the mess.

These adorable cookie cutters are also from William Sonoma. It would be adorable to gift different shaped cookies to friends and family.

Here are some delectable options to choose from:

1. Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies 

2. Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies

3. Sugar Cookies

4. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

5. Double Dark Chocolate Cookies

My personal favorite cookie to bake is chocolate chip cookies with pecans from the south. Don’t these look delicious?

Recipe:

Preheat oven to 375

2 1/4 cup all purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1 cup butter

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 eggs

2 cups semi sweet chocolate

1 cup pecans ( I use pecans that my family buys from Alabama)

First combine flour, sugar, and all dry ingredients. Then combine all of the wet ingredients. Next combine everything together. Then use small ice cream scoop and put them on a baking pan. Bake for 11-12 mins.

Want some more ideas? Take a look at my Christmas Cookie board on Pinterest.

With the fragrance of freshly baked cookies filling the air, I feel inspired to think through possible tablescapes. Similar to my Christmas decor, I enjoy pairing neutrals with gold or silver. This tablescape is extremely elegant. Notice the sparkly gold rims on the glassware?

I love the warm and cosy feel that these pinecones and wooden spheres are able to bring. Adding more natural elements to your decor is an easy way to tone things down a bit.

Silver is such a beautiful Christmas color. Notice how this tablescape incorporates bright red accents to pull in the holiday cheer.

I absolutely love this tablescape! The neutral colors and natural elements are beautiful. I really like the idea of wrapping a small plant with burlap to add more texture to the table.

Do you have a favorite holiday cookie or creative way to decorate your table? I would love to hear from you. Please share your ideas!