I’ve already written out my Christmas cards. There, I’ve said it. It’s just that once Thanksgiving shows up everything seems to snowball, free time included. It’s all spent shopping for the perfect gift or attending yet another ugly Christmas sweater party. You know how it goes, I know you do.
But I always feel a touch of remorse once I see all of the beautifully designed holiday cards, so I bookmark them all for possible lovelies to send out next year. And of course, to share with you all. Over the next three days I’ll be posting a three-part roundup of cards from my very favorite shops. (Note: I’ll only be posting one per shop, so if you like what you see click on the link to check out more!) I hope you enjoy them as much as I do and maybe even find the ones you just have-to-have!
I’m tempted to make a batch of these little Hot Chocolate on a Stick sweets because they’re way too cute for their own good and I think they’d be great stocking stuffers. But I’m pretty sure I’ll be hard-pressed not to just eat them like lollipops before they ever find their ways to my gift listers. {via the kitchn}
One of my favorite holiday traditions is the advent calendar. I’ve had one every December for as long as I can remember and my mother still buys me one each year (I’m not allowed to purchase my own!). As a child it always hung in the very same place, the closet door in the living room, and since college it’s adorned my refrigerator. Here are a few that really stood out to me this year, some you can purchase but most can be made with a few simple supplies!
A traditional take on the advent calendar, each of the twenty-five windows revealing a symbol of Christmas. Printed on thick watercolor paper, which gives a texture to the print and a substantive quality to the piece. Sturdy enough to be used year after year.
For the individual that never wants to leave home without receiving their advent treat. And those who like to wear the same sweater for twenty five consecutive days…
This one’s a freebie! Just follow the link to an email address and they’ll send you a .pdf to download. I’ve already got mine and am planning on constructing it this weekend!
I love what Hillary did here, instead of receiving a gift or treat each day a snowflake is unrolled and revealed. On Christmas Day the entire garland will be full and you’ll have one more decoration!
This solution is to make an advent calendar with notes and clues. Each spool has a daily note that wrapped around it will lead the recipient on a hunt for their presents.
I plan on making a heap of these S’mores kits to give to the mailman, my hairdresser and some other lucky souls as gifts. It’s amazing how deconstructing something and putting it in cute little boxes can look so professional! {via Twig & Thistle}
One of my biggest gifting pet peeves is when I can’t find a box that fits perfectly. I don’t want it to be too big, where I have to cram in a wad of tissue paper. Or too small, where the box is literally all bent out of shape. Luckily for me – and all of your other perfectionists – Sharilyn of lovelydesign is the same way. And took the initiative to create a pattern and set of instructions for the rest of us.
I love how grand something so simple can look. Like this pinecone door decor from sweet paul. It only takes a few minutes to put together and looks so festive on a paned door.
I waited. I waited and waited. And then I waited just a little more for good measure. And now I can’t wait anymore to start posting about the holidays! My little mind is running rampant with all sorts of projects to whip up, gifts to give and decorations to make. Mind you, only about 25% of my grand plans will come to fruition, but I digress…
Christmas is only 45 days away (gasp with me) and I’m beginning. Here. Now.
