As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s time to embrace the beauty of the winter season on the farm. While the warmer months are filled with vibrant blooms and bustling activity, winter offers a peaceful respite — a chance to slow down, reconnect with nature, and appreciate the quiet elegance of the evergreens that surround us.
Evergreen Crafts
One of the best ways to celebrate the winter season is by bringing the outdoors in through evergreen crafts. At Crooked Pines Farm, we love creating festive wreaths, ornaments, and garlands using the bountiful evergreen materials found right on our property.
Festive Wreaths
Crafting a fragrant, evergreen wreath is a wonderful way to welcome visitors to your farmhouse. Start by gathering an assortment of trimmings, such as pine, fir, and cedar branches. Arrange the greenery in a circular form, securing it with wire or floral tape. Add pops of color and texture by incorporating dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, pinecones, and even small ornaments. Hang your handmade wreath on the front door, or display it on the mantel for all to admire.
Pinecone Ornaments
Pinecones are a quintessential winter treasure, and they make charming, rustic ornaments. Gather a variety of pinecones, large and small, and give them a quick cleaning by brushing off any dirt or debris. Then, get creative! You can dip the pinecones in paint, glitter, or even melted wax to create a shimmering effect. Tie them with twine or ribbon, and hang them on your Christmas tree or throughout your home for a touch of farmhouse-inspired style.
Rustic Garlands
Who needs store-bought garlands when you can craft your own using the natural materials found on the farm? Gather armfuls of evergreen trimmings, pinecones, dried citrus slices, and even a few sprigs of holly or mistletoe. Weave the elements together, securing them with wire or twine, to create a stunning, one-of-a-kind garland. Drape it along your mantel, staircase, or entryway for an effortlessly beautiful winter display.
Cozy Recipes
As the temperatures drop and the snow begins to fall, nothing warms the soul quite like a hot, homemade meal. At Crooked Pines Farm, we turn to comforting, nourishing recipes to keep us cozy during the winter months.
Hearty Soups
A steaming bowl of soup is the ultimate cold-weather comfort food. Treat your family to a batch of our creamy potato soup made with freshly harvested potatoes, or warm up with a hearty beef and barley stew featuring tender chunks of grass-fed beef and earthy, winter vegetables. Don’t forget to serve your soups with a generous helping of homemade, crusty bread for dipping.
Comforting Baked Goods
The aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the farmhouse is a true winter delight. Indulge in a slice of our moist, pumpkin spice bread, or savor the rich, buttery goodness of our classic gingerbread cookies. For a special breakfast treat, whip up a batch of cinnamon-sugar dusted donuts or flaky, apple-filled pastries.
Warm Beverages
When the temperatures dip, a cozy mug of something warm is the perfect way to end the day. Sip on a hot apple cider infused with cinnamon sticks and star anise, or treat yourself to a frothy peppermint mocha made with homemade chocolate syrup. For a grown-up twist, try adding a splash of brandy or whiskey to your favorite winter drink.
Winter Landscapes
As the natural world slumbers, the beauty of winter’s landscapes comes into full focus. At Crooked Pines Farm, we delight in exploring the wintry wonders that surround us, from the glistening, snow-covered fields to the captivating, icy formations that adorn our trees.
Snowy Scenery
After a fresh snowfall, our farm is transformed into a picturesque winter wonderland. Bundle up and venture out on a leisurely stroll, marveling at the way the light dances on the crisp, white blanket that covers the ground. Snap photographs of the snow-dusted pine trees and the delicate, lace-like patterns left by the wind on the snowdrifts.
Icy Formations
When temperatures drop low enough, the water sources on our farm begin to freeze, creating mesmerizing, icy formations. Keep an eye out for the glistening icicles that hang from the eaves of our historic barn, or the intricate, frost-covered branches that seem to glisten with diamonds. These natural wonders are truly a sight to behold.
Woodland Walks
For a deeper connection with the winter landscape, venture out on one of the nature trails that wind through the wooded areas of our farm. Observe the evergreen undergrowth that persists through the colder months, and keep an eye out for any wildlife tracks left in the snow. These peaceful, restorative walks are the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Seasonal Celebrations
At Crooked Pines Farm, we believe that the winter season is a time to embrace the simple joys of farm life and create cherished memories with loved ones.
Holiday Traditions
The winter holidays are a time-honored tradition on our farm, and we love incorporating timeless elements into our celebrations. Gather the family to decorate the Christmas tree with handmade ornaments and twinkling lights, or spend an afternoon baking festive cookies and delivering them to neighbors. On Christmas Eve, we often host a cozy candlelit gathering filled with carols, cocoa, and conversation.
Fireside Gatherings
As the temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like gathering around the crackling fireplace for an evening of warmth and fellowship. Invite friends and family to join you for a winter-themed cocktail party, complete with a hot toddy bar and a spread of hearty hors d’oeuvres. Or, plan a family game night filled with laughter, friendly competition, and, of course, plenty of comfy blankets and mugs of hot chocolate.
Outdoor Adventures
Don’t let the chill of winter keep you from enjoying the great outdoors! At Crooked Pines Farm, we embrace the season by bundling up and venturing out. Plan a day of sledding and snowshoeing on the gentle slopes of our property, or lace up your boots and set out on a brisk hike through the peaceful, snow-covered trails. Afterward, warm up by the fire with a steaming mug of mulled cider or hot chocolate.
As the days grow shorter and the world outside slows to a winter’s rest, embrace the beauty and tranquility of the season at Crooked Pines Farm. Craft stunning evergreen decorations, savor nourishing homemade meals, and immerse yourself in the captivating landscapes that surround you. This is a time to pause, reflect, and find joy in the simple pleasures that make farm life so special. So, bundle up, venture out, and discover the wonder of winter on the farm.
