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
1/ 3 Pack of Assorted Mini Air Plants
After the sad little air plant (tillandsia) that never grew, but that I’d managed to keep alive for three years, kicked the bucket last month I picked up some new babies/victims. I also bought some for my Grandma as a Christmas gift because she’s another plant lover and had never heard of them! Now to keep those alive for at least a few weeks…
2/ 7 ft Pre-Lit Alberta Spruce Tree
I picked up this tree last year post-holiday season and love it! The lights are so bright that I don’t plan on using any lamps in my living room until I take it down in January, and the white branches create such a pretty canvas for all of my ornaments.
3/ House Bud Vase
If you haven’t checked out Target’s Hearth & Hand collection yet please do so, because it’s one of the best I’ve seen there in many years. Along with a few large vases and potholders, I picked up one of these house bud vases to add to my collection.
4/ Bombas Socks
I love a buy one/give one business model, so I couldn’t resist when Bombas asked me to check out their socks. My expectations weren’t all that high and I ended up being beyond impressed – no stretching out and no slouching down! Right now get 20% off using code COZY20, and returning customers can get 20% off any holiday product using FAVORITES20.
5/ IKEA 365+ Glasses
These short little glasses are perfect for so many things, though I uses them most frequently for wine. They’re safe for both hot and cold temperatures and can act as glasses or bowls, and for $3.99/6 pack you can’t beat ’em.
6/ Tatiana Loafers
Loafers are everywhere this autumn, and I couldn’t resist this burgundy suede pair. The first time I wore them I received so many compliments that I knew I’d made the right call. They’re also available in desert rose and metallic leather options. Right now ABLE is offering free shipping on all jewelry orders and all orders over $99.
7/ Case Study Planters
I’ve owned three of these for a few years now, but every time I water my plants I’m reminded of just how well-crafted and beautiful they are. The planters themselves are available in both black and white pottery while the plinths and stands have a light and dark wood option.
8/ Aera Diffuser
This is a new addition to my battle against having a home that smells like my pets. Since I started using it about two weeks ago my home has been smelling consistently good. Aera has an adjustable strength setting and is so quiet that I hardly notice it’s working. Oh, and it works with your smartphone!
9/ Trap Pitcher
You just can’t wrong with a simple glass pitcher. This one was a Black Friday purchase last year that I use for water, cocktails, and even as a vase. It’s just the right size – not too big and not too small – at about 9-inches tall.
It’s been almost a year since I redesigned my bedroom and switched from a more traditional headboard/footboard situation to a platform bed. Some have simple an attached headboard but most are free of them entirely, creating the simplest bed possible. I love mine and I’m curious – do you have one or would you switch over for a more streamlined look?
Have you gotten around to building your first fire this autumn? My least favorite part is gathering the wood, but these log carriers would likely change that. Fewer scratches, fewer trips, and more time to spend around that hard-earned fire.
If I had a gigantic studio I’d like to think that I could invite you all over for a meal. One that says thank you for hanging around and keeping Design Crush afloat for over ten years, for your kind words and encouragement, and just for being an incredible group of human beings. After all, Thanksgiving is about being grateful and saying it out loud. So go get dressed in your favorite outfit – sparkly dress or sweatpants, there’s no judgement here – and join me for a delicious time. (Thanksgivings past: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016)
