Some Decembers an actual tree just isn’t feasible. Maybe you’ll be gone most of the month and it doesn’t seem worth the trouble. Maybe your place is on the small side and space is at a premium. Maybe money is tight and every dollar is going toward your bills. No matter the case there are plenty of options for making your home holiday ready! Have a look at the twenty options below for inspiration and DIY projects that think outside the tree. (Sorry, I had to.)
Have you decorated your entire place or not even started? Are you going all out or keeping things simple? This year I find myself in the DONE and SIMPLE categories and I’m 100% find with it. The first thing I did the day after Thanksgiving was hang my favorite wreath on the front door… because last year’s decoration boxes never got put away but rather sat at the top of the cellar stairs. (How’s that for Insta ready?!) During the holidays it seems you have to pick your battles, and some of them include whether you want to spend hours crafting or would rather place an order online. I getcha and I’ve got your back with this selection of wreaths you can either buy or DIY.
Homemade gifts are so thoughtful, and they’re also great to have on hand for some other reasons. Unexpected guests, coworkers, and stockings to name a few! I’ve pulled together twelve simple DIY projects and twelve recipes that would make for great give, I’ve also shared what to pair them with to create and extra sweet and thoughtful gift!
PAIR WITH a bottle of wine or new book
PAIR WITH a set of vintage candleholders
PAIR WITH a bottle of lavender pillow spray (see below)
PAIR WITH a simple soap dish
PAIR WITH a pair of linen pillowcases
PAIR WITH a package of your favorite pasta and a jar of sauce
PAIR WITH a nice box of matches
PAIR WITH a bouquet of fresh eucalyptus
PAIR WITH a pretty candlesnuffer
PAIR WITH a tray to arrange them in
PAIR WITH a pottery dish to set it in
PAIR WITH a few tiny baskets to set them in drawers, closets, etc
PAIR WITH toothpicks and a large bowl
PAIR WITH a loaf of fresh local bread
PAIR WITH the recipe!
PAIR WITH quality hot chocolate mix
PAIR WITH a pair of small glass tumblers
PAIR WITH a wooden cutting board
PAIR WITH a nice candy dish
PAIR WITH a linen dish towel – tie them up in a bundle
PAIR WITH a small dish or cake stand that can be used year-round
PAIR WITH a recipe for English muffins or crumpets and a spreader
PAIR WITH a pair of new mugs and tea strainer
PAIR WITH an air-tight tin that can be reused again and again for storage
The holidays are the only time of year where I take stock of my pajama drawer. Bottoms with frayed hems, tops that have shrunk or just aren’t that cozy, all of it goes into either the trash or the donate bag. It’s also when I replace my slippers for winter and any other sleepwear that’s running low. There are so many great sales going on that it’s only good sense!
With only 30 days left in the year it’s time to start looking forward to 2018! I’m roughly 110% ready to put the past twelve months in my rearview mirror and make the most of what’s to come. That means picking out a solid wall calendar for my office and a planner that I’ll carry just about everywhere. (I’m a pen and paper person, I have to write things down to remember them.) Do you buy the same one every year without fail or are you constantly looking to try something different?
My right eyelid has been twitching since last Wednesday which can only mean one thing – the holidays are once again upon us. I put the tree up Saturday and decorated the inside of the house, but somehow only have 1.5 gifts bought. So, in an attempt to keep stress levels low and panic attacks at bay, I decided to put together one of my favorite annual posts a bit earlier than usual. This year’s Alcoholidays post is in the form of an advent calendar, guiding you gently through your liquor cabinet/bar cart/what have you all December long. And hey, if you need to get started a few days early who am I to judge? (past Alcoholidays 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016)
It’s my favorite holiday tradition – the advent calendar! Whether you’re all in or just need to find one now we’ve got you covered. From free printables to DIY projects to buy it right off the shelf (or the screen). There might even be a few adult versions to help you make through to December 25th mixed in. *wink*
