More Decorating Ideas?

I have to admit I'm feeling a little overloaded. With decorating ideas. I love seeing new and creative ideas. I really do. But . . . right now I'm feeling like I've seen enough Thanksgiving tablescapes, front porch ideas, ways to warm my home, and Christmas trees to get me through the season. 

To help with the overload (not just of ideas but of the entire holiday season) what I need instead are some me ideas. Ways to manage the overload so I can enjoy the season and the decorating without the overwhelm. So here are a few things I plan to do . . . 

Buy a gift for myself. Nothing fancy or expensive. But something that will encourage me to spend at least a little quality me time. And because baths are a favorite this time of year, my gift is going to be Lush Bath Bombs. If you're a bath person like me and have never tried them, you're in for a treat! If baths (or bath bombs) aren't your thing, there are lots and lots of personal care items such as soaps, shower gels, and lotions available everywhere. And on sale. Indulge!

Hot chocolate. Preferably with candles lit and in front of a fire. Alone. I don't have to get fancy with the hot chocolate (although Godiva is a favorite). But I must have the quiet time to reflect on the day, the year, or whatever is important at that moment. In the quiet. And with only the glow of the fire and the Christmas lights.

And finally I'm going to let good be good enough. The older I get the more important quality is over quantity. Less over more. Experience over things. So if the centerpiece isn't quite right, the menu has some already prepared foods, and the gift wrapping is actually gift bags, I'm okay with that. Because this time is all I have. And I'm going to enjoy it.

Although I really should take the dead mums from the front porch . . . Happy Thanksgiving!

Eco-Friendly HolidayWrapping

For me, decorating for the holidays is also about the gift wrapping. I celebrate Christmas, complete with the tree and the beautiful presents underneath. But I also know the gift wrapping is temporary, often ending up in landfills after the holidays. And as a lover of eco-friendly redesign, I really do my best to make sure that happens as little as possible. But without sacrificing beauty. So here are a few of my favorite ideas . . .

HGTV

Wrap your gifts in something useful. For the "paper" use a dishtowel, handtowels, a pretty antique handkerchief. Something that will be used again or cherished for its beauty. Use craft paper decorated with stamps. Get the kids involved as a fun craft project. Go one step further and make your own potato stamps. (Follow this link from HGTV to find out how.) Use pages from books or magazines you no longer want such as coloring books, maps, or old picture books.

HGTV

When it comes to the "bows", use nature instead. Dried berries, evergreens, leaves, and pinecones all make beautiful decorations. Use leftover fabric trim instead of ribbon. In fact, bows can be made from all kinds of material you may have on hand. Try headbands, yarn, string, pipe cleaners. Get your creative juices going!

Granted, these ideas aren't completely eco-friendly. There will still be "remains". But in the process you'll be finding new uses for old things - and having fun doing it!

Anyone Feeling Stressed Yet?

I didn't think so . . . why at this time of year would anyone feel stressed?

Of course, stress seems to be behind every bell ringing and ho, ho, ho. There's a frantic need to get it all done, and done perfectly. The perfect gifts, the perfect decorations, the perfect parties. And as one who's been-there-done-that, I no longer believe it's worth it.

And after reaching that decision, I've grown to absolutely LOVE holiday decorating - in a way I never did when I surrounded myself with boxes and boxes of "stuff" to put out. I still do the wreaths, the mantels, the trees. But in a much simpler way than before. And I've found it works very well for me.

Now I do without the handmade wreaths covered in glitz and glitter. I love the simplicity of evergreen, perhaps with a pretty bow as the only decoration. If I'm feeling the need for a little more, a wreath of herbs to be used long after the holiday ends is both beautiful and useful.

Boxwood has become a favorite in wreaths and small trees. Whether real or fake, the shape and deep green/blue of the leaves adds a unique take on a traditional idea. Add a few pretty ornaments on a bookshelf or mantel and you're done!

If you want to kick it up just a notch, a string of white lights may be just the kick you need. Battery powered lights now give the option of adding them to displays wherever they may be.

Don't get me wrong/ Our main tree is covered with lots of colored lights and ornaments we've collected through the years, as well as one or two new ones that just speak to me. And there are a couple of smaller trees in other areas of the house, and both mantels are a little unique and . . . you get my meaning. But it really is much easier than before. And much more fun!

Here's wishing you and yours a relaxing, FUN holiday season, whatever holiday you're celebrating!

Easy Entertaining Ideas

It's the time of year for entertaining, whether it's a small family gathering or something larger with family and friends. Rather than become stressed, keep things simple.

Courtesy HGTV

Start with simple decorations If you're house is already decorated for the holidays, you're all set. If not, make it easy and green with things from the great outdoors (or the supermarket). Fill glass bowls with fruit spray-painted in holiday hues (pine cones work as well) and add a few ornaments. Sprigs of winterberry and holly in small vases scattered throughout the house are lovely, as are sprigs of fresh herbs.

Gather branches and spray-paint white, gold or silver and place in large vases, then add a few ornaments for additional interest. And, of course, plenty of candles everywhere.


Serve food buffet style - and don't hesitate to buy heat-and-serve or better yet, foods best served at room temperature. Stores like Costco and Trader Joe's offer wonderful prepared appetizers and dinner courses. Enhance them with your own special touches of spices or herbs, even just for decoration.

Keep your choice of dishes simple and easy as well. While paper may not be the best "green" choice, there are lovely tin dishes available that can easily be mistaken for "real". Or buy an inexpensive set of white dishes that go with everything. It won't matter if one breaks.

Now, sit back and enjoy spending time with your family and friends.