Welcome to Best of 2016: Recipes, Gardening & Seasonal Decor. Each year, when I look back at the posts that you visited the most, I’m never too surprised. We tend to like the same things, so my favorites are usually your favorites too.
I decided this was as good a time as any to try something new…so instead of including a string of photos to scroll through, I made videos. One video for each category. I have to admit they were a challenge and took some time, but I really enjoyed it and have learned so much already. I have a few goals for next year and one of them is to make more videos. It’s sort of hard to teach an old dog new tricks, but I really want to try this so I’m going for it. I’ll be back tomorrow with more on my thoughts about next year.
Now on to the videos. Listed below each video you will find the links to all the featured projects.
Best of 2016: Recipes
Mini Angel Food Bundt Cakes
Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Old Fashioned Rhubarb Cake
How to Make a Box Cake Mix Taste Homemade
Citrus Banana Cream Popsicles
Homemade Apple Bundt Cake
Homemade English Muffin Bread
Best of 2016: Gardening
Indoor Mason Jar Herb Garden
Coffee Table Succulent Garden
Easy Container Gardening with Vegetables & Herbs
Simple Arrangements Using Garden Flowers
Garden Art Ideas
Growing Limelight Hydrangeas: Late Summer
How to Grow, Chop & Freeze Basil
Best of 2016: Seasonal Decor
DIY Garden Wreath
Happy Easter Banner
Spring Front Porch Decor
Summer Back Porch Decor
Summer Banner: Floral Alphabet Printables
5 Tips for Arranging Garden Flowers
Easy Fall Decorating Ideas | Living Room
Fall Entry Decor | Sometimes Simple is Best
Easy Stenciled Pillow Cover | Gather Here
Fall Dining Room Decor | Simple, Neutral, Natural
Simple Christmas Decor Ideas | Home Tour
So…what did you think? Even though I’m not an adventurous person, I know I can’t stay in the same place, just treading water. None of us should. I’m going to try a few new things in the coming year so I hope you will come along for the ride. Nothing too wild you can be sure…but the videos are sort of my first try at diving into the deep end.
I’ll be back tomorrow with a few more thoughts on the new year and a fresh start.
Click to download New Year, Fresh Start free printable.
Are you a member of the OSP family? Please join us!
Dawn says
Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at 9:52 amI would love some spring recipe card printables. I love all your designs and have several displayed around my house. I am not skilled on the computer so I cant design my own, haha
Thank you,
Dawn Whittington
Lorraine says
Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at 11:27 pmVery short, creative , and stylish! Love it!!! :)
Barbara Harilaou says
Friday, January 6, 2017 at 5:57 pmAnn I want to wish you a Happy New Year . Y our videos were wonderful . Great job. Even though I just signed up to your blog seeing all the videos I must say it was a year of beautiful, inspiring and delicious posts. Looking forward to see what you have in stored for 2017 All the best. Barbara [Corfu Greece]
Carrie says
Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at 9:11 pmI loved all the videos. What a delightful present for all your followers! Thank you.
Lizianthus says
Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at 1:47 pmDear Ann,
Just a note to let you know that I truly enjoy your blog. Yours and Stone Gable are my two favorites. Your tips and ideas are fresh and inspiring without being overwhelming and over the top, more doable and useful in real life. I get a since of calm reading your blog. I thank you for that. I am trying to simplify in 2017 and will be following your lead. While you have the special touches they are just enough, not too much. Here’s wishing you the best for 2017!
Michelle says
Monday, January 2, 2017 at 7:39 pmLove your ideas-cute videos. I always look forward to your postings! Watching these make me ready for spring and summer! I want to try the English Muffin bread-looks so yummy!
Your honesty and openness in your posts are a delight…love the stories of your mother.
Keep your ideas coming-this readers looks forward to you each and every week!
Linda Manuel says
Monday, January 2, 2017 at 6:39 pmWell, Ann, I must say this is video “professionally” done! I normally will not look at much video because my ISP connection is bad and buffers everything so much but I had no trouble playing yours!
Really, really enjoy your blog. Checked out your cake tips and WOW – sure will be using those.
Truly hope you have a wonderful 2017. Thank you for sharing all your talents with the rest of us.
Debbie says
Monday, January 2, 2017 at 6:23 pmThank you for such lovely and professional videos. They are so informative and interesting, I can’t wait to try some of your recipes, yum!! You are such an inspiration to all of us, keep up the good work!
Joan says
Monday, January 2, 2017 at 9:56 amAnn,
Your videos are wonderful. They’re so professional and beautifully executed, just like everything else you do. I truly appreciate all your hard work. Happy New Year!
Joan
Dee says
Monday, January 2, 2017 at 6:31 amAnn-
The videos are beautiful! Also reminded me of a lot of joy you bring into my life each week! Thank you so much for all you do!
Dee
Monica Dubois says
Sunday, January 1, 2017 at 6:59 pmThank you so much for all you share with us! I made your apple walnut coffee cake and it was a big hit. I have confidence in your recipes and it was really good. Looking forward to more great inspiration, thank you!
Claire says
Sunday, January 1, 2017 at 1:31 pmHappy New Year to you and your family! Love the videos – you did a great job! I have really enjoyed following your blog. It is so refreshing and I truly appreciate all your ideas, tips, encouragement and down to earth attitude. Can’t wait to see what you have in store for us in 2017!
Nan, Odessa, DE says
Sunday, January 1, 2017 at 9:46 amHappy New Year!
Thanks for being here for me. You always inspire me.
My very favorite is your icebox cakes, your dog, and stories of your Mom and Dad.
Everything you do is great, but these are my favorites.
The list of decorating appears light on WINTER. Is this not your favorite season?
Blues following Christmas? What happens to Ann in the Winter?
Did you notice this?
Awaiting your next post!!!!!!!
Ann says
Sunday, January 1, 2017 at 12:59 pmNo winter is not my favorite season…and I share so many decor posts from fall through Christmas that I give myself a break (and my readers too) during January and February. I do pick back up in the spring though!
Beverly says
Sunday, January 1, 2017 at 9:08 amHappy New Year, Ann. Thank you for sharing your joy.♥
Bonnie Mann says
Sunday, January 1, 2017 at 7:25 amAnn, your blog is so inspiring! I just love the videos! Thank you!
Myrna Hartley says
Sunday, January 1, 2017 at 2:50 amThanks for sharing so much with us. You are the best.
Happy New Year!
Affectionately,
Myrna
Gail says
Sunday, January 1, 2017 at 12:44 amGreat job with the videos! A very happy New Year, much joy and creativity :o)
Mary Choi says
Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 10:14 pmAnn…you did a great job with the videos. I really enjoyed them. Thank you for all you have shared with us this past year!
Carol says
Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 9:48 pmAwesome job on the videos. Happy New Year Ann! Here’s to another fabulous year.
Lu Ann says
Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 8:31 pmBeautiful videos. I really enjoyed them. Looking forward to your lovely blog n 2017. Happy New Year.
Heather B. says
Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 6:09 pmBeautiful videos! Love all that you do – looking forward to 2017.
Karla B says
Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 5:49 pmI love your site and blog. I have gotten so much inspiration from your ideas and photos of how you do things.
May your New Year be filled with love, happiness and health.
Karla
Debbie says
Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 5:43 pmFantastic Ann! I dove into video this year as well and I still have a lot to learn. You did an awesome
Job. Happy New year dear friend. Xo
Carrie Uzelac says
Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 4:53 pmI thought this was a great idea, and I think you executed it very well! I give you so much credit for trying something new. I always enjoy your posts and blog. I hope you and your family have a happy and healthy 2017!
Mary Chris says
Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 2:48 pmExcellent .i love your ideas and graphics.
Kathleen G says
Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 1:35 pmOh Ann! I love the videos! Reading the comments you certainly have a following of wonderful readers:). I had a feeling your blog was special all these years. I think the daisies in the blue bell jar is you! Pretty and welcoming!
Kathleen in Az
Ann says
Sunday, January 1, 2017 at 1:01 pmHappy New Year Kathleen…and thank you again for your lovely comments. I smile every time I see your name.
Gail says
Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 1:15 pmI always look forward to your beautiful posts. Thank you for sharing your ideas, inspiration, and genuineness. Have a happy start to 2017! Looking forward to your creative ideas for the new year!
laurie says
Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 12:21 pmThe videos are wonderful, Ann, and kudos to you for ‘stretching’ your boundaries. Your blog is my favorite, the one I look forward to , save to savor over a cuppa’ coffee, just as I would a visit w/a dear friend. Your design style reflects the beauty and simplicity–and financial sensibilities!–that I aspire to, and that I know will always work in my own home. Love your recipes, too. Tried and true, they’ve never let me down! But most of all, I love your honesty and courage to share w/us your trials and challenges, to see your loving heart, to walk along side you in your journey, head up, heart open, w/grace and gratitude. You’ve been a blessing in my life! Can’t wait to see what 2017 has in store for you!
Fran W says
Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 11:46 amGood for you for pushing your boundaries! What a great start to new adventures. Go for it!
Nancy says
Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 11:26 amI love your style and all your creations. Thank you for sharing.
Lisa says
Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 11:25 amLove the videos, well-done!
Deanna says
Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 11:07 amAnn these videos that you made for us readers is such a wonderful way to wind up the year. You are sooo thoughtful and put links under each Video category which makes it even easier to go back and find something missed or meant to print (Your Scrumptious Recipes for example) for one reason or another time slipped away and forgot too go back. I love, love and love you Blog. Really! Budget wise decor, the daisy’s grouped together in simple yet elegant looking different size simple glassware vases are absolutely beautiful. I love your honesty and sharing with us that you are trying a new thing and yes it must have taken a chunk of time for sure. I agree with you 100% about trying new things keeps us stagnant “and trending water. Thank you Ann for such a great recap video for 2016 and if I may say, To me, you are an adventurous person, you just need to believe it more. I can really relate however, to the fear or nervousness of trying something new. Always scary, but Ohhh so worth it. Congratulations on this 1st video of what I hope will become a regular end season wrap-up! Looking for ward to what you have for us in 2017 Deanna (Montreal, Canada)
Ann says
Sunday, January 1, 2017 at 1:03 pmWell I definitely don’t think of myself as an adventurous person…so thank you so much for saying that! Happy New year to you and many blessings. ~Ann
Rhonda M says
Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 11:04 amThe video was wonderful. I can tell you worked hard and hope you feel the love and appreciation.????????????
carolyn keaton says
Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 10:49 amDear Ann…….I made the Christmas ornaments that you had taught me, the ones using flannel covered styrofoam balls……….I lost my husband Dec. 2014 and I was not able to part w/ his favorite shirt till now. I created these ornaments for each member of my family from his old red plaid flannel shirt and presented them at each place setting at our Christmas dinner……..They all loved them as much as they loved their Papa.
Thank you for the idea…….I would send a picture, but don’t know how to do that yet……..
Sincerely, Carolyn Keaton
Ann says
Sunday, January 1, 2017 at 1:04 pmOh Carolyn…thank you so much for sharing this. What a lovely thing to do for your family. Wishing you blessings and peace in the coming year. ~Ann
Nancy says
Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 10:26 amBest wishes for continued success. You feel like the nice friend who lives next door. I enjoy all your postings. Smiles
Sandi says
Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 10:24 amGreat great thank you for inspiring all of us this past year ready for spring so let’s look forward to the new year
Happy new year ????
Cindy says
Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 10:20 amHi Ann, your videos are awesome!! Thanks so much for taking the time to share! I love your blog and all your inspiration! Thank you for the free printable- love it! Happy New Year!!!:)
Jane says
Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 10:09 amAwesome, well done.
Julie sheppard says
Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 9:59 amAnn,
I do not often comment on any blogs that I subscribe to, but I had to say I loved! your videos! Great presentation!
Debbie says
Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 9:57 amYour videos are sensational! I enjoy your blog. It always gives me a calm and peaceful feeling. I admire your work and taste in all areas. Thanks for the work you do to make this blog a little oasis for us.
Jo says
Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 9:51 amAnn, Great idea for videos! Looking forward to interesting & informative articles in 2017.
Many blessings to you this coming year.
Lynn Weeks says
Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 9:47 amLove this, and your blog. You inspire me. Wishing you blessings in the new year !
Donna says
Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 9:47 amI absolutely love On Sutton Place! I know that almost everything you include in your posts will also work for me in my home. How refreshing. Thank you so much, Ann. Happy New Year
Barbara Moore says
Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 9:37 amHi, Ann, Love the videos! I’m a long time subscriber of your blog and think it’s one of the loveliest blogs out there. I’d love to download the ‘thankful, grateful, blessed’ printables you give away to new subscribers. Are they available to purchase? I love the way you display three different framed prints in your foyer during the year. I think these three would look nice in my foyer from now until March (yay, Spring!). Thanks.