Tag: <span>holidays</span>

ChristmasTree_SnowflakesAs promised, here is our hysterically homespun Christmas tree. For a base layer, we bought a few strands of colored balls at Jamali Garden but then we let our friends (adults, believe it or not) make the rest of the ornaments at our holiday party last weekend. We laid out computer paper, scissors, and ribbon by the tree and, before we knew it, snowflakes started to take shape. Like elementary school art class but with champagne, it was the perfect party activity.

snowflakeIn a few years, I’m sure well have built up an ornament collection with a few Waterfords, but in the name of good friends and the first Christmas in our new home, I’ll always keep a few computer paper snowflakes.

Projects

christmas treeIn my hometown of Hollywood, Christmas trees come from parking lots. My family and I would go to Home Depot every holiday but now that I live in the East and am in love with a man from the Poconos, cut-your-own is the only option.

christmas tree
Because I'm the city girl, my Pocono counterparts made me cut down the tree.
christmas tree
We got a 14' tree for Mike's mom (we nearly broke the bale on that one) and an eight-foot tree for our Hoboken apartment.

The Neola Christmas Tree Farm turned out to be fantastic all-around. Not only was it a bargain at $25 a tree, but they let us have all the branches and logs we wanted for my various decorating schemes.

christmas tree
As quick solution for the front door, we hung a single branch with an ornament and it turned out to be a pretty cute alternative to a wreath.
christmas tree
Mike and I are getting ready for our house warming this weekend and decided to create a swag over the door with the rest of the branches.

treeThe tree is up (smelling better than any Home Depot pine) and ready for decoration. Since we only have a small smattering of ornaments, we’ve decided to lay out craft supplies at the party and fold ornament-making into the festivities. I’m sure it will be hysterically kitschy but in exchange for personal touches and genuine character, I wouldn’t want our first tree to be any other way.

Places Projects

tableWhat I love about Thanksgiving decorations is: It shouldn’t take much. The food is center stage so all your table decorations need to be is a subtle compliment. I saw this image on our friend Tim’s blog, Charles & Hudson, and thought, “That’s it!” A line of hurricanes filled with fall leaves couldn’t be easier, cheaper, or chicer. The foliage outside your door carries the colors, texture, and mood of Thanksgiving better than anything you could buy. Tie the look together with a single leaf at each setting and your table becomes festive without fuss.

Projects

4JulyHeartSparkler.jpg
Sparklers are one my favorite part of the festivities and now in the shape of sweet little hearts, they win hands down. Above, heart sparkler, $8; CoxandCox.com

For today’s post I was thinking about doing a non-kitsch guide to Fourth of July entertaining, but why? If there was any time to break out the tchotchkes–it’s a backyard barbecue with friends and family.

4JulyAntTableclothHolder
Not only will these hand-painted ant tablecloth weights protect your tabletop setup from sudden breezes, but they may even scare away real bugs. Sold in set of 4, $7.95; PlowandHearth.com
BBQfencingsaber.jpg
And for the grand giggle . . . the BBQ fencing set. Keep your guests entertained and in-line with this "musketeer-style" two-pronged fork. And if it turns out to be a bit too kitsch for your sensibilities, it comes with a cardboard mask to conceal your identity. $20, FireBox.com

Have a happy Fourth of July weekend!

Etc Finds