Easy Peasy Christmas Centerpieces - Take 1

Hello, dear friends.  How is your weekend going?  Ours has been very productive so far.  Since it was a clear day yesterday, we took advantage of it by taking care of our outside decorating.  Our Christmas decor is fairly simple - we fill the window boxes with greens and bright, shiny ornaments, we throw some wreaths on the doors and some ready-made arrangements in the planters.

We did well this year.  
It only took us three and a half hours and twenty-seven arguments.

I woke up to a rainy, windy morning.  I don't have the heart to look outside, but I have a sneaky feeling that our decorations are gracing our neighbors' yards.

If you have been reading my blog for awhile, you have probably picked up on the fact that crafty is not in my DNA. I like to find decorating ideas that are easy enough for a five-year-old to pull off so that I have a whisper of a chance of succeeding.

As always, I turn to Pinterest and let my fingers do the walking.  I found so many clever ideas that I am going to do a second post.        

bhg

If my paperwhites ever start to grow, I would like to attempt this one.

livediyideas.com

bhg

Cute idea.
Not so sure that mine would look like this.

I've already got those trees, so that's a step in the right direction.

Pinterest

I love the silver bowl filled with the lemons and limes.

Note to self:  buy silver polish.
Note to self 2:  talk the girls into doing it.

doityourselflist

your cozy home blog

Midwest Living

Midwest Living

sensational color

Pinterest

I could definitely put some apples in a bowl. 

Oh, wait!
Been there, done that!

midwest living

Until next time...

This is how I feel when I try to get crafty.

The Friday Files

Hello, dear friends.  I'm sitting here looking out my window on another dreary day.  If things don't improve, I'm going to have to invest in one of those "light" lamps.  Since I don't have a lamp at the moment, I put on the Hallmark Channel, and it seems to be working. 

I am posting this Friday Files a day early because this Supermodel Trophy wife has lots of things going on tomorrow.

Have you ever thought about owning an antique house in New England?  Here are 10 beauties that are for sale.

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Take a tour of this gorgeous Victorian all decked out for the holidays in one of my favorite cities, Chicago.

Have you ever thought of offering an alternative to the traditional pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving?  Here are several trifle recipes that would add beauty as well as taste to any buffet table. 

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Are any of your Thanksgiving guests gluten-free or have special dietary requirements?  Lots of delicious recipes can be found here.

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This twist on boring mashed potatoes just may be the hit of your Thanksgiving dinner.  I know it would be of mine.
Then again, I would eat an old shoe if it was stuffed with bacon.


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Are you in need of some Thanksgiving wine recommendations?
You can find them right here.



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If you prefer beer, why not try one of the 13 Strangest Beers on Earth?


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Want to send your leftovers home with your guests in style?
How cute are these?

If you can possibly stand more Thanksgiving table inspiration, you can find over 50 examples here. 

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If you have any energy left after Thanksgiving, here is some Christmas mantel inspiration.

The Mister and I have had several Friendsgivings over the years. If you are planning one, here is the ultimate guide that can help you plan one.




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Need some conversation starters for the holiday party season?  Here are some creative ones to get the ball rolling with the relatives that you only care to see once a year.

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Do you aspire to be the hostess with the mostess?
Take some advice from my spirit animal, Patricia Altschul.

Patricia says that when she entertains she likes to set up the bar in the Morning Room.

Mister... if you're reading this, I need a Morning Room.
Now.


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Amazon

Amazon

Amazon

If you need an idea for a hostess gift, I ordered a few Christmas books from Amazon to give.   

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Amazon

Speaking of books, if you're looking for a good book to curl up with, I just finished this one.

Amazon

And immediately started the sequel.


Warning:  
Do not begin these books if your family members are expecting you to spend quality time with them.

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If you need an idea for a gift for the man in your life who has everything, I found just the thing.

If the Mister doesn't get me a Morning Room, he's getting a pair of these for Christmas.


Until next time...