brow powder and stencil

HARRY POTTER PUMPKIN PASTIES

These enchanting Pumpkin Pasties, inspired by the magical world of Harry Potter, boast a flaky, buttery cinnamon crust filled with a delightful pumpkin mixture, all topped off with a sweet, dreamy glaze.

INGREDIENTS

Pasty Dough:

  • 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 20 tablespoons (300 grams) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ½ cup (70 grams) milk (or water)

Pumpkin Filling:

  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup packed (70 grams) light brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • Pinch of ground cloves
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree

Glaze:

  • 1½ cups (175 grams) powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 grams) milk
  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

Make the Pastry Dough:

  • In the bowl of a food processor, combine the flour, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pulse until mixed. Add the cold butter and pulse 7 times.
  • With the motor running, pour in the milk and continue processing until the dough forms a cohesive ball around the blade.
  • Remove the dough and wrap it in plastic wrap, shaping it into a rectangle. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.

Make the Filling:

  • In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, vanilla extract, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and pumpkin puree until smooth.

Assemble and Bake the Pasties:

  • Take the chilled dough from the fridge and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly. Divide the dough in half.
  • On a floured surface, roll out one half of the dough into a 12” x 12” rectangle, about ⅛” thick. Cut or stamp out 5¼” circles from the dough. Repeat with the other half of the dough. Gather up any dough scraps, roll them out again, and cut out additional circles. Chill any soft dough circles in the fridge for 15-20 minutes if needed.
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Lightly brush water around the edge of one half of each dough circle using a pastry brush. Spoon ⅓ cup of the pumpkin filling into the center of each circle.
  • Gently fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, sealing the edges well to trap the filling inside. Crimp the edges for a traditional pasty look. Place each pasty on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Chill the pasties on the tray in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before baking.
  • Bake the pasties for about 25 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Transfer to a rack and allow them to cool.

Make the Glaze:

  • In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Once the pasties have cooled, place about 2 tablespoons of glaze on each and gently spread it to the edges. Let the glaze set before serving.

NOTES

  • The filling should be made and used immediately; letting it sit will cause it to loosen, making it harder to fill the pasties.
  • If you don’t have a 5” or 5½” circle cutter, you can use the rim of a bowl (a 5¼” bowl works well) to stencil and cut the dough circles.
  • The pasties can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days in a sealed container. Make sure the glaze has fully set before stacking.
  • Unfrosted pasties can be frozen for up to 1 month, either baked or unbaked. Defrost at room temperature.

21+ TOP CHRISTMAS DECORATION IDEAS

Looking for fresh Christmas decoration inspiration to make your holiday season extra magical this year?

Christmas is the time when we embrace all things cozy and festive. We smile at strangers, swap our usual coffee for indulgent hot chocolate, and watch the cheesiest holiday movies for the umpteenth time—who can resist “Home Alone” after all?

But beyond the feel-good moments, Christmas is deeply symbolic. No other holiday celebrates decor quite like the Yuletide season. This year, we’ve curated the ultimate festive decor inspiration lookbook just for you. From rustic farmhouse vibes to chic couture, Scandinavian minimalism, eco-friendly designs, unique DIY crafts, and everything in between—there’s something to spark your creativity!

DIY Paper Christmas Tree

Here’s another fantastic DIY Christmas craft tutorial for you! The base of this unique paper tree is made from lightweight aluminum tubing, providing a sturdy foundation. The strips that create the tree’s volume are cut from kraft paper sheets, which add a rustic, natural touch. Simply curl the paper strips and attach them to the aluminum tubing, layering them to form the tree’s shape. This craft is not only fun to make but also results in a charming, eco-friendly decoration for your holiday display!

Vintage Nutcrackers

For a sophisticated and pristine couture theme, opt for timeless toys and ornaments that exude elegance. Soft pastel hues, such as blush pink, mint green, and powder blue, blend seamlessly together to create a serene and luxurious atmosphere. These delicate tones paired with classic decorations will elevate your holiday decor to new heights of refinement.

Wooden Angel Ornaments

Christmas Decoration Inspiration: Natural Colors

A nut bell ornament with a checkered ribbon is one of those small yet essential touches that perfectly embodies the down-to-earth Christmas concept. With its rustic charm, this ornament adds a cozy, natural feel to your tree or decor. Pair it with deep moss green, tree bark brown, and other earthy tones to create a serene and grounding holiday atmosphere. These simple, nature-inspired colors and elements bring a sense of warmth and authenticity to your festive space.

Minimalist Interior Decor

If your home decor is already minimalist, adding Christmas decorations can be just as subtle and elegant. Stick to simple, understated pieces like a few sleek metallic ornaments, a minimalist wreath, or delicate string lights. Focus on quality over quantity to maintain the clean, uncluttered aesthetic while still bringing in the festive cheer. A few thoughtfully placed decorations can perfectly complement your space without overwhelming it.

Endearing Farmhouse Style Decor Elements

White, Black & Red Palette

Handmade Paper Ornaments

These paper love birds are an incredibly sweet and elegant addition to your Christmas tree! Crafted from delicate paper, they bring a charming, whimsical touch to your decor. Whether you hang them on the branches or create a small flock nestled together, their soft, simplistic design will add a warm, romantic vibe to your festive setting. Perfect for those looking for a unique and sentimental ornament!

Buffalo Check Christmas Tree

More Scandinavian Touches

DIY Sliced Wood Christmas Ornaments

Festive Message Boards

Old Primitive Christmas

The old-school ‘primitive’ Christmas theme requires a bit more time spent at thrift shops and a dash of extra creativity. But the result is worth it—a warm, nostalgic atmosphere that feels like it’s straight out of a classic holiday movie. Think vintage ornaments, handmade garlands, rustic wooden decorations, and a cozy, lived-in feel. With a bit of ingenuity, you can transform your space into a charming, timeless holiday setting that radiates cozy, movie-inspired magic.

Christmas Decoration Inspiration: All-White Glamor

DIY Christmas Village

You can either purchase a pre-made decoration or create your own for a more personalized touch. This particular one is homemade: take a lantern or a simple wooden box, place mugs at the bottom, and layer artificial snow on top. Tuck in tiny decorations of your choice—whether it’s miniature pinecones, tiny ornaments, or faux greenery—to add a charming and whimsical element to your display. This DIY piece will bring warmth and personality to your festive decor.

North Pole Direction Signs

Beware the reindeer poop! This quirky and playful decoration is sure to bring a smile to anyone who sees it. Whether you’re using it as a fun gag gift, a whimsical addition to your tree, or as a lighthearted part of your holiday display, reindeer poop (often made from chocolate or candy) adds a humorous touch to your Christmas decor. It’s the perfect way to add some laughter to your festive celebrations!

Hanging Papercut Nativity Wall Scene

Create a stylish DIY Christmas decoration using gold string, kraft board, and glitter cardstock! Start by cutting the kraft board into your desired shape, such as stars, trees, or ornaments. Then, add a touch of glamour by gluing glitter cardstock onto the board for a sparkling effect. Finish off by threading gold string through the top for easy hanging. This combination of earthy tones and shimmering gold will add an elegant yet festive touch to your holiday decor. It’s simple, chic, and perfect for any Christmas tree or mantle.

3D Paper Christmas Village

Woodland Animal OrnamentS

If you’re a fan of forest and animal-themed decor, here’s a DIY tutorial for creating 3D painted woodland animal ornaments using multi-surface acrylics. These charming ornaments will add a rustic and whimsical touch to your tree. Simply choose your favorite woodland creatures, such as foxes, deer, or owls, and use acrylic paints to bring them to life. The multi-surface acrylics will work perfectly on wood, giving each ornament a beautiful, textured finish that’s perfect for your nature-inspired holiday theme.

Christmas Decoration Inspiration: Vintage Charm

This is an uber-sweet handmade vintage Christmas sign that’s simple to recreate! With a few materials like wood, paint, and stencils, you can craft your own nostalgic holiday sign. Use classic lettering and a distressed finish to give it that charming, vintage feel. Add seasonal elements like holly, snowflakes, or reindeer to complete the look. This DIY project will bring a heartwarming, rustic touch to your holiday decor, and it’s perfect for those who love crafting with a bit of old-fashioned charm.

Christmas Decoration Inspiration: Cozy Fireplace

An abundance of wood in your decor already sets the perfect Christmas ambiance. To complete the cozy, rustic vibe, all you need is an armchair draped with a soft blanket, a few candles for warmth, and delicate fairy string lights to add a touch of magic. This simple yet inviting setup creates a festive atmosphere without overwhelming the natural charm of your space.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this holiday season offers endless opportunities to infuse your space with creativity and personal flair through thoughtful, handmade decorations. Whether you embrace a minimalist, rustic, or vintage-inspired theme, the key is to select decor that reflects your unique style and brings warmth to your home. From DIY projects like painted woodland ornaments and paper love birds to simple, rustic touches like reindeer poop and gold string crafts, there’s no shortage of ways to make your home feel extra festive. So gather your materials, get crafty, and create a Christmas setting you’ll be proud of, full of charm, warmth, and holiday cheer!