Editor’s Letter

Next to decorating my tree with all the nostalgic ornaments I have saved from childhood, baking is one of my all-time favorite holiday activities. It just doesn’t feel like Christmas until my house is filled with the warm, sugary aroma of cookies fresh from the oven. This year, however, I have decided to turn my baking up a notch and add cupcakes to my dessert menu. Thanks to Country

Sampler stylist Carolynn Geesaman and an idea she found on Pinterest, I am looking forward to creating this delectable display for what I hope will turn out to be cupcakes as pretty as this one.

We hope this DIY delight (also seen in a cute vignette on page 77) and the many merry and bright decorating ideas in our festive featured homes will help sweeten your style this year. Merry Christmas to you and your family from all of us at Country Sampler!