A great place to come, share your blog posts and make new friends.
We are so glad you are here with us each week.
I am so excited to be a part of the Home Matters Linky Party Team! I have been participating for quite some time and am eager to make some more contributions to this party. A little about me – I’m a Wife and Mom. My husband, four kids, 5 dogs and 75+ chickens (and counting) all currently live in the rural Montana. We are embarking on the adventure of a lifetime as we live out our dreams of being Homesteaders! Like the name implies – I love to make homemade meals every night of the week for my family. I care about what types of things we are eating and I like to try new things. This blog is all about sharing those journeys and adventures with you.
Now on to this week’s party! I can’t wait to see you there.
Please take some time to poke around and visit some of the other links.
Please take some time to check out your hosts and co-hosts on social media.
We appreciate the variety of blogs on the www; however, the Home Matters Party is for links on matters of the HOME. Please link accordingly.
We ask that you do not add other Linky Parties, Blog Hops, or Giveaways–unless you begin the party with a new project, recipe or post.
On the same note, please do not add links of an extremist, political or strong controversial nature. (The hosts and co-hosts read each and every blog post linked and will contact you directly if you have linked something that does not fit into the realm of the party.)
With your help, we can continue to grow the Home Matters Party! Thank you!
We are looking for Co-Hosts. Help us Rock this party! If you are interested, please contact Donna at radforddesignstudio@gmail.com.
Link Up!
By joining the Home Matters Linky Party you are giving permission for all hosts and co-hosts to use and share any part of your post, including pictures, for party promotion, as featured posts, in party photo collages, on blogs, across social media, etc. All credits will be given to the original source.
Thank you for joining in the fun and excitement at the Home Matters Linky Party. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do. We look forward to chatting with you in the comments.
There are a ton of ways to make tacos – even specifically chicken tacos. This is one of my favorites as its pretty simple, just needs a small bit of pre-planning and dinner is ready in under 30 minutes. The marinade on the chicken is the key to getting all that yummy flavor for these Spicy Pollo Asada Tacos.
Spicy Pollo Asada Tacos
The way you build these tacos does matter. Also make sure you cook your corn tortillas in a pan or grill pan. They shouldn’t be fully crispy but they should be warmed thru with a little bit of color on them. I like to put the sour cream down first so that you get some in each bite and not just the dollop on top. Then add the shredded cheese before the chicken. This helps the cheese get all melty. And then top it all with a healthy heap of salsa.
Spicy Pollo Asada Tacos
Substitutes and Variations:
I’ve included a recipe for this spicy tomato corn salsa that is super easy to make. But if you dont have the time or energy to put it together, just use your favorite store-bought salsa. I do suggest looking in the fresh food case near the cheese and pasta. They usually have fresher more flavor salsas than you find in the chip aisle. I’ve also listed corn tortillas for these tacos. You can totally use flour tortillas, if that’s what your family prefers.
Spicy Pollo Asada Tacos
Suggestions for Sides
These are some hefty tacos, so you may be able to serve them on their own. If you need to make them go farther or just want the whole taco platter experience, I would suggest cilantro rice and some slow cooker black beans to go with. The rice is made just as you would normally make long grain rice (be sure to salt the water). Once the rice is done fold in a quarter cup lime juice and a half a cup of chopped cilantro.
Spicy Pollo Asada Tacos
Tools that may make this recipe easier:
You are going to need a way to grill the chicken. If that’s a grill pan on the stove, a propane grill, or a charcoal grill – that’s up to you. Just make sure you are getting some kind of char on the chicken as thats part of what makes it Pollo asada and not just pan fried.
In a gallon sized-zipper bag, add all ingredients EXCEPT chicken. Mix around until fully incorporated then add Chicken and seal bag. Place in refrigerator to marinade for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours).
If making salsa (from recipe below), put it together at least 30 minutes before planning to serve.
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Once hot, place chicken breasts on grill, reserve marinade. Brush each piece with marinade and cook for 10 minutes. Flip each piece and brush with marinade again. Cook another 10 minutes. Discard remaining marinade.
Remove chicken from grill to a cutting board. Let rest for 5 minutes before chopping.
In a frying pan or grill pan over medium-high heat, cook each tortilla for 20-30 seconds on each side. (Use oil spray, if desired).
To build a taco, smear the cooked tortilla with sour cream and then sprinkle with cheese. Add a portion of chopped chicken. Then top with a hefty scoop of salsa.
Everyone needs a simple fresh salsa recipe that they can make quickly – and this is the one for you!
Course Condiment, Salsa, Sauce
Cuisine American, Mexican, Tex-Mex
Keyword corn, fresh pico de gallo, jalapeno, lime juice, pico de gallo, roma tomatoes, salt, white corn, white onion
Prep Time 10 minutesminutes
Refrigerator Time 30 minutesminutes
Servings 2cups
Ingredients
2Roma Tomatoessmall diced
½Medium Red Onionsmall diced
½cupChopped Cilantro
1Medium Jalapenoseeded and small diced
1tspSalt
2tbspLime Juice
110oz canWhite Corn Drained
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Cover with plastic wrap (or make in container that has a lid) and place in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. It will keep for up to 3 days.
I love to link up my posts to lots of blogs around the internet – check out this Ultimate Handy Linky Party List to find some of the places I share to!
Estelle Forrest self-published this cookbook after a lot of playing around in the kitchen. You can purchase your own copy here:
Welcome to this week’s Weekly Wrap-up and Blog Link-up.
It’s a new year at the Senior Salon Pit Stop and it’s time to vroom-vroom to all the great posts that everyone is creating all around the the blogosphere! Scroll down to check out my Weekly Wrap-up along with my Featured posts from the previous Pit Stop!
What’s been going on at Homemade on a Weeknight?
How is it already halfway through November?! I can hardly believe this week will be One Year since we moved to Montana. It has been a wild and eye opening experience and one that I wouldn’t trade for anything! I mean! Seriously this is a photo of the Northern Lights taken just 10 feet from where I get to sleep every night!
What have you been up to this past week?
Just #ICYMI – one of the most popular recipes from the blog this last week was A Dozen Holiday Meal Sides
A Dozen Holiday Meal Sides
In case you missed it, here are the recipes that I shared to the blog this week:
Have you had a chance to check out the new Facebook group Yum Hungry Hangout & Giggles? It is a place to share your foodie finds, funny facts and in general hangout and get to know each other more through out shared love of food. Please feel free to check it out and maybe join in the fun!
By joining the Senior Salon Pit Stop, you signify permission (EsmeSalon privacy policy) to share your posts and images here and receive an email reminder when our next Senior Salon Pit Stop is LIVE.
Show off your feature by adding the “I was featured at the Senior Salon Pit Stop” image to your post. Use this code:
A few simple rules for the Senior Salon Pit Stop Link Party:
For every post that you share – make one comment on someone else’s post. Help make their day a bit brighter.
Unlimited sharing BUT we ask that you visit one other blog post for each link you share.
Posts can be on any subject that is family-friendly.
Posts with direct sales, shops, or affiliates must contain relevant post content.
That’s it! Come and join the fun and let’s make it worthwhile!
If you are looking for more fun places to link up your posts – check out our Ultimate Handy Linky Party List – check back often as it’s always growing. And if we have missed your Linky Party – please send me a message and we will get it added in!
A great place to come, share your blog posts and make new friends.
We are so glad you are here with us each week.
I am so excited to be a part of the Home Matters Linky Party Team! I have been participating for quite some time and am eager to make some more contributions to this party. A little about me – I’m a Wife and Mom. My husband, four kids, 5 dogs and 75+ chickens (and counting) all currently live in the rural Montana. We are embarking on the adventure of a lifetime as we live out our dreams of being Homesteaders! Like the name implies – I love to make homemade meals every night of the week for my family. I care about what types of things we are eating and I like to try new things. This blog is all about sharing those journeys and adventures with you.
Now on to this week’s party! I can’t wait to see you there.
Please take some time to poke around and visit some of the other links.
Please take some time to check out your hosts and co-hosts on social media.
We appreciate the variety of blogs on the www; however, the Home Matters Party is for links on matters of the HOME. Please link accordingly.
We ask that you do not add other Linky Parties, Blog Hops, or Giveaways–unless you begin the party with a new project, recipe or post.
On the same note, please do not add links of an extremist, political or strong controversial nature. (The hosts and co-hosts read each and every blog post linked and will contact you directly if you have linked something that does not fit into the realm of the party.)
With your help, we can continue to grow the Home Matters Party! Thank you!
We are looking for Co-Hosts. Help us Rock this party! If you are interested, please contact Donna at radforddesignstudio@gmail.com.
Link Up!
By joining the Home Matters Linky Party you are giving permission for all hosts and co-hosts to use and share any part of your post, including pictures, for party promotion, as featured posts, in party photo collages, on blogs, across social media, etc. All credits will be given to the original source.
Thank you for joining in the fun and excitement at the Home Matters Linky Party. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do. We look forward to chatting with you in the comments.
It really doesn’t get much easier than this dinner ideas. Some chicken and pasta in a garlic cream sauce all made up in #onepan – its the perfect homemade on a Weeknight meal! One-pan Chicken & Pasta is exactly ideal simple and delicious as it sounds. You also likely have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already, which is why its one of my 5 staple dinners I always have ingredients for, and you should too!
One-Pan Chicken & Pasta
One trick I’ve learned about getting small even cubes of the chicken- cut it while its still semi-frozen. I let the chicken thaw to the point I can easily separate the pieces but each piece is still fairly solid. It should be just soft enough for your knife to cut as if you are dicing raw carrots. This makes it easy to cut up into strips and then small cubes, perfect to cook up quick and work with the smaller pasta.
One-Pan Chicken & Pasta
Substitutes and Variations:
I’ve listed oil for cooking the chicken but you can use butter if you prefer. I’ve also listed small shells for the cut of pasta but you can use small elbows or other small pastas. Penne, rotini, or even medium shells or elbows would work. Just adjust the cook time to the type of pasta you select.
One-Pan Chicken & Pasta
Suggestions for Sides:
I would suggest some garlic butter grean beans (my family likes the regular cut, not french-cut). I drain 2 cans of green beans and add them to a pot with half a stick of butter, a squirt of lemon juice, and a teaspoon each of garlic powder, paprika, salt, onion powder, parsley and pepper. Cook it on medium until the butter melts then reduce to medium low until ready to serve. Don’t forget to shimmy the pan occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
One-Pan Chicken & Pasta
Tools that may make this recipe easier:
You will need a really big (14inch) wide pan with deep sides (3inch). I love my LivWell Everyday Pan. I use it allll the time! Just make sure when you order it that you get the one with the lid! Because you definitely need the lid to make any one-pan meals in it.
In a small jar combine oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Sprinkle half of this mixture over the cubed chicken and toss to coat. Set aside remaining mixture.
In an extra large saute pan over medium high heat, add oil and garlic. Let cook for 3 minutes then add seasoned chicken. Cook for 5 minutes.
In a large measuring cup, whisk together chicken broth, corn starch, remaining seasoning mixture, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley.
Add broth mixture to pan with chicken. Also add milk and pasta. Stir to combine. NOTE** If the pasta is not fully submerged, add enough water to cover.
Bring to just a bubble then reduce heat to medium and cover pan. Let cook for 20 minutes.
Remove lid and stir in heavy cream. Let cook another 5 minutes, so the sauce can thicken before serving.
I love to link up my posts to lots of blogs around the internet – check out this Ultimate Handy Linky Party List to find some of the places I share to!
Estelle Forrest self-published this cookbook after a lot of playing around in the kitchen. You can purchase your own copy here:
You are merely 3 simple ingredients away from having the freshest most delicious Mozzarella cheese! You literally just need whole milk, white vinegar and a little salt to make yourself a fresh ball of mozzarella. Whether you plan on using it in a recipe -like a fresh homemade lasagna or handmade pizza – or adding it to your favorite charcuterie set-up, you are going to be just as amazed as I was to see how easy this is. And it doesn’t even take that much time. Start to finish – all told – you are looking at 45 minutes for a jug a milk to be silky fresh mozzarella cheese.
Fresh Made Mozzarella Cheese
For this recipe, I have turned this into one large ball of mozzarella cheese. You can make it into smaller portions, or even make those cute little balls for serving on a snack platter or packing for lunch. This is such an easy recipe – it would make a great one for an afterschool or weekend activity with your kids. Or if you are looking for something fun to do with a kid’s group you work with – this is a great idea. Because we all know how much everyone really loves cheese.
Fresh Made Mozzarella Cheese
Substitutes and Variations:
Once you have the process down, you can start to get fancy pants with this. You can add in herbs and spices at the final shaping stage. Since the ingredients are relatively inexpensive as well as easy to come by, I say play around with it as much as you want.
Fresh Made Mozzarella Cheese
Suggestions for Sides:
As I mentioned above, you can use this in any recipe you have the calls for mozzarella cheese. If you want to shred it, I do strongly advise that you wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in the refrigerator for several hours so that it gets more solid. You can also place it in the freezer to speed up the process.
Fresh Made Mozzarella Cheese
Tools that may make this recipe easier:
You are going to need two semi-specialty items to make this cheese. One is cheesecloth, which is super easy to find in the food preservation section of your store. You know, near the food saver bags andd canning supplies. Another tool you will need is a spider strainer– sometimes called a frying ladle. You can use a slotted spoon, but it will be much faster with the strainer.
Make your own fresh ball of mozzarella cheese in just under an hour!
Course Cheese
Cuisine American, Italian
Keyword cheese making, fresh made cheese, homemade cheese, mozzarella, mozzarella cheese, salt, white vinegar, whole milk
Prep Time 30 minutesminutes
Cook Time 15 minutesminutes
Servings 10ounce
Equipment
Cheese Cloth
Ingredients
½galWhole Milk
½cupWhite Vinegar
1tspKosher Salt
Cold Water
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
In a large sauce pan over medium heat, add whole milk. Bring to 115degF, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
Once milk is to temperature, add vinegar while stirring. Within 10 seconds the curds should start to separate from the whey. Continue stirring for a minute. Then remove the pan from heat and cover with a lid. Let sit for 15 minutes.
Drape two layers of cheesecloth in a bowl. Use a spider strainer (frying ladle) to remove the curds from the whey into the cheesecloth. Once all the curds are in the cloth, squeeze as much of the additional whey from the curds.
Transfer the curds to a microwave safe bowl (if not already using one). Microwave for 30 seconds. Remove and check that the center of the cheese ball is to 160degF. If not, microwave again for 15 seconds.
Let cool for a few minutes, then work the cheese with your hands until a smooth ball forms by folding it over and over itself.
Return the ball to the bowl and cover with cold water. Add the salt. Cover and let sit for 15 minutes.
Remove the cheese from the brine and pat dry with a paper towel. Cut and enjoy right away. Or you can tightly wrap in plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for a few hours before shredding.
You can keep the cheese in the refrigerator (whole, sliced or shredded) for 1-2 weeks, wrapped in plastic or other airtight storage container.
I love to link up my posts to lots of blogs around the internet – check out this Ultimate Handy Linky Party List to find some of the places I share to!
Estelle Forrest self-published this cookbook after a lot of playing around in the kitchen. You can purchase your own copy here:
Welcome to this week’s Weekly Wrap-up and Blog Link-up.
It’s a new year at the Senior Salon Pit Stop and it’s time to vroom-vroom to all the great posts that everyone is creating all around the the blogosphere! Scroll down to check out my Weekly Wrap-up along with my Featured posts from the previous Pit Stop!
What’s been going on at Homemade on a Weeknight?
Its that time of year – time to start making those meal and menu plans for all those holidays get togethers that are filling up your calendars. This year we will be having an early meal so that we can be together. I like to put together a menu as a family so that people can request what they want as well as volunteer to make what they feel comfortable. As my kids grow into adults, it is amazing to see the things that they are wanting to make and what they are wanting me to make. There are a few things that always make the cut and few new things each time. Do you have some family favorite dishes that land on your holiday tables every year?
What have you been up to this past week?
Just #ICYMI – one of the most popular recipes from the blog this last week was my Creamy GarlicPasta & Steak
A Dozen Holiday Meal Sides
In case you missed it, here are the recipes that I shared to the blog this week:
Have you had a chance to check out the new Facebook group Yum Hungry Hangout & Giggles? It is a place to share your foodie finds, funny facts and in general hangout and get to know each other more through out shared love of food. Please feel free to check it out and maybe join in the fun!
By joining the Senior Salon Pit Stop, you signify permission (EsmeSalon privacy policy) to share your posts and images here and receive an email reminder when our next Senior Salon Pit Stop is LIVE.
Show off your feature by adding the “I was featured at the Senior Salon Pit Stop” image to your post. Use this code:
A few simple rules for the Senior Salon Pit Stop Link Party:
For every post that you share – make one comment on someone else’s post. Help make their day a bit brighter.
Unlimited sharing BUT we ask that you visit one other blog post for each link you share.
Posts can be on any subject that is family-friendly.
Posts with direct sales, shops, or affiliates must contain relevant post content.
That’s it! Come and join the fun and let’s make it worthwhile!
If you are looking for more fun places to link up your posts – check out our Ultimate Handy Linky Party List – check back often as it’s always growing. And if we have missed your Linky Party – please send me a message and we will get it added in!
The holidays are barreling down on us and your calendar is probably filling up with family meals, friendly get togethers, work functions and church events. So you are probably looking for some recipes for side dishes, appetizers, and desserts to bring along. This site has hundreds of recipes that fit into these categories – this is just 12 of them pulled together. So you can check out some tried and true and maybe new to you Holiday Meal Sides.
A Dozen Holiday Meal Sides
A few key kitchen tools you may want to have to hand when it comes to making these Holiday Side Dishes:
Baking dish – since most of these dishes are meant to be “taken with” to your gatherings, you will want a simple but versatile vessel to bring your dishes whereever your holkdays take you.
Food Scoops – whenever you are making things that need to be equally protioned, food scoops are the best tool. This works for cookies, and sausage balls alike.
Stock Pot – when making soup you need a decent sized vessel to cook it in. I like to go for at least 8 qt size but 12 qt is better – this makes it easiler to stir.
And without further adieu – here are My Favorite Potluck Recipes from the blog!
Spicy Green Bean Bundles
Spicy Green Bean Bundles – Veggies are a key component of a well-rounded weeknight meal. You want that veg side dish to make sure you have all the boxes checked. And when you add bacon, garlic, and butter, it’s next level. Then add in a tiny bit of spice, and you’ll be making this over and over. Spicy Green Bean Bundles are pretty easy to make, so adding them to a weeknight meal is a breeze.
Marinated Chickpeas
Marinated Chickpeas – Sometimes you just need a really simple side dish to bring to a holiday meal – or to meal prep part of the week’s lunches. This recipe for Marinated Chickpeas is so easy to put together and can stay in the fridge for about a week. They are great as a snack, and excellent on a salad. Chickpeas or garbanzo beans are such a great boost of protein, and have a nice nutty flavor.
Easy Cranberry Relish
Easy Cranberry Relish – One thing that I have to have with a whole cooked turkey is my super simple and Easy Cranberry Relish. I have been making it for years and will continue to make it as long as I am cooking the big holiday meals for my family. The amazing flavor you get from adding this tangy tart relish to roasted turkey is everything. It makes it feel like home to me. And it could not be easier to put together – with only five ingredients that you pop into a slow cooker and leave in the corner of the counter while you make all the rest of the meal.
Yeasty Rolls
Yeasty Rolls – Anyone that says they don’t love the smell of fresh baked yeasty bread is crazy in my book. The smell of the dough rising and baking makes my mouth water just typing about it. These Yeasty Rolls are so easy to make and compliment any meal – whether its an average weeknight or Sunday Supper or even the holiday dinner table. But use this recipe with caution because once you make them for your family – you will be asked to make them for every possible event.
Ham & Gruyere Stuffing
Ham & Gruyere Stuffing -It is full swing holiday season and no one wants to have the same exact meal at each gathering. While there is a basic structure (potatoes, rolls, stuffing, gravy, green bean casserole, etc.) of sides to go with the extra special centerpiece of a whole turkey, ham or other larger cut of meat, you don’t have to basic about it. This Ham & Gruyere Stuffing is taking your stuffing to the next level with a great punch of flavor.
Three Cheese Potatoes au Gratin
Three Cheese Potatoes Au Gratin– With the holidays quickly approaching, the friend and family gathering and meals are all popping up on the calendar. If you want to really impress with that side dish Auntie Sue requested of you – then you have got to brings a dish of these Three Cheese Potatoes au Gratin. The homemade cheese sauce is so creamy and velvety, you are going to love love love it. It will go perfect with a ham, roast or turkey.
Jalapeno Dill Deviled Eggs
Jalapeno Dill Deviled Eggs– Whenever I think of deviled eggs I think of those plain old paprika covered bites you got on the holidays at a family members house. What’s amazing is they are usually pretty good, but I say they can be better. Eggs are such a easy flavor to work with, you can combine them with so many things. Like these Jalapeno Dill Deviled Eggs – a little spicy kick along with the freshness of dill. Just be careful bringing them to the next function – because you will be asked to bring them every time!
Creamiest Creamed Corn
Creamiest Creamed Corn– I always like to say that side dishes need a spotlight sometimes too. We almost always make them, but they can often seem like an afterthought. But if you think of a meal, in terms of a cohesive creation, your side dish can be just as important as your main dish. And this recipe for the Creamiest Creamed Corn, can fit that bill for sure. The combination of heavy cream and cream cheese truly create a the most velvety creamed corn I have ever had..
Bacon Sausage Balls
Bacon Sausage Balls – The classic “off the box of Bisquik” sausage balls are taken to a whole other level with the addition of bacon, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning in these delightful bites. Whether you need a snack, appetizer, or potluck item – these Bacon Sausage Balls will surely be an absolute slam dunk. I mean bring printed recipe cards if you bring these to an event because you WILL get asked.
Bourbon Pecan Pie
Bourbon Pecan Pie – Pecan Pie is one of those “feels like home” things that I make. While only half of put big family likes this particular Pie, the making of it indicates a full family is home type meal. My spin on the classic is to add in a little Bourbon to make it mine. So my recipe for Bourbon Pecan Pie is one you will want to hold on to for all your family gatherings.
Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
Pumpkin Streusel Muffins – Fall is in the air which means Pumpkin everything! And for my addition to the legions of pumpkin dessert recipes I am bringing in some really delicious Pumpkin Streusel Muffins. These muffins have all the great flavors of pumpkin spice without being too sweet. You can whip them up super quickly for a last minute sweet treat for your familt potluck or office party.
Walnut Carrot Cake
Walnut Carrot Cake – I’ll be the first to admit that baking is not my strongest skill. But I will try to make just about anything. And I have tried several different carrot cakes in the past with some success but this one was the winner. I sat down and thought on the basics then added a few things that I think really really helped this to be a delightful and flavor packed cake. This Walnut Carrot Cake recipe was a hit on our Easter table, and has already been requested as a birthday cake in the near future.
Hope you enjoyed my selections of Holiday Meal Sides Recipes – do you have a favorite? Which one will you be trying first?
Estelle Forrest self-published this cookbook after a lot of playing around in the kitchen. You can purchase your own copy here:
Last Christmas, I spent hours scrolling through my phone, trying to find the “perfect” gift for my mom. After browsing countless websites and adding things to my cart only to delete them minutes later, I realized I was overthinking it. The best gifts aren’t always the ones you buy—they’re the ones that remind someone how much they mean to you. That’s when it hit me: I had hundreds of photos from the past year just sitting in my camera roll, doing absolutely nothing.
Turning your photos into gifts isn’t just a creative solution when you’re stuck for ideas. It’s actually one of the most meaningful ways to show someone you care. Unlike that generic candle set or another pair of socks, a photo gift carries weight. It tells a story. And honestly? It’s easier than you think.
Why Photo Gifts Hit Different
There’s something about receiving a photo gift that just hits you right in the feels. Maybe it’s because we’re so used to scrolling past hundreds of images every day that when someone takes the time to actually print and present a photo, it feels special.
Photo gifts have this unique ability to freeze time. They take a fleeting moment—a vacation, a birthday, an ordinary Tuesday that turned out to be extraordinary—and give it permanence. You can’t scroll past a framed photo on your desk or flip through a photo book without actually experiencing those memories again.
What I love most is that they show genuine effort. Anyone can click “add to cart” on Amazon. But choosing meaningful photos, arranging them thoughtfully, and creating something custom? That takes time and consideration. It says, “I thought about you while making this.”
Choosing the Right Photos
Here’s where people usually get stuck. You don’t need professionally shot, Instagram-worthy photos to create something meaningful. In fact, some of the best photo gifts I’ve received included slightly blurry shots and weird angles—because those imperfect moments captured real life.
Start by thinking about the story you want to tell. Are you chronicling a specific event, like a wedding or vacation? Or are you capturing a year’s worth of memories? Maybe you’re celebrating a relationship—friendship, family, romance—through photos that span years.
Don’t just grab the obvious posed shots. Those candid moments where everyone’s laughing at something ridiculous, or the quiet in-between moments, often mean the most. I once included a photo of my dad falling asleep on the couch during Thanksgiving in a photo book. It wasn’t “pretty,” but it was so perfectly him that it became everyone’s favorite page.
One important tip: think about your recipient’s perspective. That hilarious photo of them with food in their teeth might crack you up, but would they want it immortalized? When in doubt, go with photos that make them look good and feel good.
Creative Photo Gift Ideas
The options for photo gifts have exploded in recent years. Here are some ideas that actually work well:
Photo books and albums – Perfect for chronicling events or years. You can get surprisingly professional-looking results from online services, and they’re great coffee table pieces.
Canvas prints and wall art – A single stunning photo blown up large can completely transform a space. Go big or create a gallery wall with multiple smaller prints.
Photo calendars – These are genius because they’re both decorative and functional. A specially-crafted photo calendar with different photos for each month means your gift gets enjoyed all year long, not just once.
Custom household items – Mugs, throw pillows, blankets, and phone cases all work, but be selective. These work best with high-quality images and simple designs.
Digital photo frames – For the tech-savvy recipient, these can rotate through hundreds of photos and get updated remotely. My grandmother loves hers because we can add new photos anytime.
Photo ornaments – Small, affordable, and perfect for capturing annual memories. They become part of someone’s holiday tradition.
Making It Personal: The Little Details That Matter
Anyone can slap some photos together and call it a gift. What elevates a photo gift from “nice” to “I’m actually crying” is the thoughtful details.
Add captions. A date and location can transport someone back to that exact moment. A short quote or inside joke makes it even more personal. I learned this after giving a photo book with zero context—my friend kept asking “where was this?” and “when did we take this?” Captions would have helped.
Consider creating a theme rather than random photos. A “Year in Review” calendar, a “Best Adventures Together” album, or a “Watch You Grow” series for a child all tell cohesive stories. Themes give your gift structure and meaning.
Presentation absolutely matters. Don’t just hand someone a photo product in its shipping box. Wrap it nicely. Include a handwritten card explaining why you chose those particular photos. These small touches show you put thought into every aspect of the gift.
My Personal Experience & Tips
The photo gift that taught me the most was actually one I received, not gave. My best friend made me a photo book of our college years for my graduation. What made it special wasn’t just the photos—it was the handwritten notes she added to almost every page. Little memories I’d forgotten, inside jokes, even that time I completely embarrassed myself at a party. Reading it felt like having a conversation with her.
Since then, I’ve made photo gifts my go-to for important occasions. My biggest tip? Start earlier than you think you need to. Rushing through photo selection never ends well. Give yourself time to really think about which images capture the best moments.
Also, don’t forget about resources you already have. I love incorporating recipes from homemadeonaweeknight.com into family cookbooks with photos of everyone cooking together. Combining photos with other personal elements creates something truly one-of-a-kind.
If you’re worried about design skills, don’t be. Most photo gift services have templates that do the heavy lifting. You just need good photos and decent judgment. And if you want inspiration, check out photo gift ideas on Pinterest to see what’s possible.
The Photos Are Already There—Use Them
Your phone is probably filled with hundreds, maybe thousands, of photos that are just sitting there. Unused. Unseen. What a waste of perfectly good memories.
The beauty of photo gifts is that they take something you already have—your memories—and transform them into something tangible and lasting. In a world where everything feels temporary and digital, there’s something powerful about holding a physical reminder of the people and moments you love.
So stop letting those photos gather digital dust. Pick a few favorites, choose a format that fits your recipient, and create something that’ll actually mean something. Trust me, it’s worth the effort.
I love to link up my posts to lots of blogs around the internet – check out this Ultimate Handy Linky Party List to find some of the places I share to!
Estelle Forrest self-published this cookbook after a lot of playing around in the kitchen. You can purchase your own copy here:
A great place to come, share your blog posts and make new friends.
We are so glad you are here with us each week.
I am so excited to be a part of the Home Matters Linky Party Team! I have been participating for quite some time and am eager to make some more contributions to this party. A little about me – I’m a Wife and Mom. My husband, four kids, 5 dogs and 75+ chickens (and counting) all currently live in the rural Montana. We are embarking on the adventure of a lifetime as we live out our dreams of being Homesteaders! Like the name implies – I love to make homemade meals every night of the week for my family. I care about what types of things we are eating and I like to try new things. This blog is all about sharing those journeys and adventures with you.
Now on to this week’s party! I can’t wait to see you there.
Please take some time to poke around and visit some of the other links.
Please take some time to check out your hosts and co-hosts on social media.
We appreciate the variety of blogs on the www; however, the Home Matters Party is for links on matters of the HOME. Please link accordingly.
We ask that you do not add other Linky Parties, Blog Hops, or Giveaways–unless you begin the party with a new project, recipe or post.
On the same note, please do not add links of an extremist, political or strong controversial nature. (The hosts and co-hosts read each and every blog post linked and will contact you directly if you have linked something that does not fit into the realm of the party.)
With your help, we can continue to grow the Home Matters Party! Thank you!
We are looking for Co-Hosts. Help us Rock this party! If you are interested, please contact Donna at radforddesignstudio@gmail.com.
Link Up!
By joining the Home Matters Linky Party you are giving permission for all hosts and co-hosts to use and share any part of your post, including pictures, for party promotion, as featured posts, in party photo collages, on blogs, across social media, etc. All credits will be given to the original source.
Thank you for joining in the fun and excitement at the Home Matters Linky Party. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do. We look forward to chatting with you in the comments.
