CHRISTMAS CARD 2017

Hi friends! I am a little late for this post because I spent the weekend visiting family and I just arrived at my home sweet home! When I saw that Sarah and Victoria's linkup today was to share our Christmas card, I knew I had to participate. Christmas cards are one of my favorite things to give and recieve this time of year. I also love to look at our past cards and see how we (I really mean my husband, cuz I still look the same!) have changed! Since we were in need of some professional photos and of course it was a no brainer to use one for our card!

PS I tried to make the image larger but it looked blurry :(

HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING TIPS

Today I am linking up with Sarah and Victoria for their Most Wonderful Time of the Year linkup!

Other than Friendsgiving, we won't be hosting any holiday gatherings this year. However, I do have 2 baby showers I am either co-hosting/hosting, in the next couple of weeks, and you better believe I try to implement some of these same tips when planning those as well.

These tips are ones that I have learned over time. I have also come to learn that you don't have to use all of your fancy dinnerware in order to have a beautiful party. There are so many options for plastic/paper dinnerware that can look good and all you gotta do is toss in the trash! Easy clean up- sign me up :)

You would never know these are disposable! You can get them on Amazon. 

Tablescape from Friensgiving where I used paper napkins instead of cloth ones. 

1. Party prep- Get as much as you can done ahead of time. I have often procrastinated and then feel like I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off throwing clutter in closets. Out of sight, out of mind! If someone offers to help, take them up on it. Whether that be set up, bringing a dish to share, or helping with clean up.

2. Food- What's on the menu? This is probably one of the things I spend the most time on. This can range from a sit down dinner to finger foods or even a potluck! Whatever the choice is, I want the food to be plentiful and enjoyed!

3. Atmosphere- I like to set the mood with music, lighting and festive fragrances. I want my home to feel inviting! Let your guests known where the restroom is and make room in the coat closet if you have one. If someone is new to the group, try to help them connect with someone else! I have been to parties where the only person I knew was the hostess and it can be awkward!

4. Decor- It doesn't have to be expensive but a little can go a long way!

5. Relax- This is an important one for me. Be intentional about truly enjoying the party! People can sense when you are tense! 

MY CHRISTMAS WISH LIST

Happy Monday! In the spirit of all things Christmas, I have been giving some thought to some items I would like this year. Now, I don't really "need" any of these, except for the canisters, but I would be excited to receive them!

First up is this sweater from Target. I saw this in the store but the fabric has a bit of shine and therefore I passed it up. However, I have seen it on some people and I think I would love it. Now I just hope it's not one of those itchy sweaters. It's a great price too!

I would like to start wearing lipstick on the regular, especially in the winter when my skin is super pale. Here's a lipstick I have had my eye on, by Beautycounter in the shade Rose, and I think the color would be perfect!

This tote is definitely a splurge item that I totally fell in love with the moment I saw it! It is by Madewell and is perfection! I have been carrying a dupe that I bought at Walmart and while it is totally functional, I will have to replace eventually :). 

Now you know you are getting old when storage containers make the wish list! Ha! My pantry is in dire need of organization and I need some of these to get started! 

I have already started using some of my gifts this year. When your mother in law comes to town and she lives on the other side of the country, you get to have an "early" Christmas :)

CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! This is definitely one of my favorite times of the year and Christmas is hands down my favorite holiday! I love everything about it, the parties, the music, decor and the atmosphere it creates! My mother in law was just visiting recently and helped me decorate my house so that I could post my pics here. It makes me so happy to light up the tree first thing in the morning. Nothing like cozying up with a cup of coffee and the twinkle of lights!

I am looking forward to making the most of the holiday season :)