Not Quite Clark Griswold!

We might not be as crazy as the Griswold family, but I think our house turned out pretty cute for our first Christmas here! We went through with the wreaths on each window and luckily, Thanksgiving weekend the weather was decent (unlike the freezing weather now!). I think it looks pretty classic:

Plaid bows added a traditional touch! Info in my Christmas Decoration Ideas post.

We hung them by drilling a hole and screwing in these twist hooks. We then tied a clear plastic string into a loop knot so it could be slipped onto the hook, and tied the other end around the wreath. The loop made it so Dustin could slip the wreaths on the hooks easily on the top floor windows. I made a template wreath on one window and then tied the rest on the window next to it, so I could make sure they were the same height.

Next we come inside to check out the tree! I love having a fun and bright tree to add some cheer to our house. I bought these decorations a couple years ago while living in my other house, so I am fully aware that they are a little girly! This is also my first very own live tree...

Got my new tinsel topper at Target this year!

The tree skirt I bought at Target and it is actually a table cloth - it was under $20 and the skirt I wanted was $40...definitely a better deal! I need to get some packages under there.

Saw an idea on Pinterest to hang garland around open doorways - added more character to the room!

Had a hard time getting Teddy to cooperate for his annual tree pic!

Thought this saying was the best fit for our current weather!

Details in my I Love Gold post!

Ribbon Candy! Pretty and cheap decoration!

Let us know if you have any fun Holiday decoration ideas to share! Making your house cheery and bright gets you into the Holiday spirit! I spent tonight addressing Christmas cards and this week I'm going to work on wrapping presents - hopefully they turn out and I can share. Now pour some hot tea or cocoa and cozy up to a holiday classic movie or book!

Lots of Love,

Outdoor Christmas Decorations

I know Christmas seems far away, but it is going to creep up on us quickly! Today Dustin and I were talking about what we should do for the outside of our house this year. It is our first Christmas here, so we are starting with a blank slate. Being a little worn out from Halloween, we were lacking ideas. Luckily, it was like my friend, Meg, could read my mind and pinned the perfect idea! We could put wreaths on our windows since we have the perfect symmetrical setup for that. I also love the idea of garland framing our front door.

Image via Between Naps on the Porch

Image via Jessica Holland

Image via Pottery Barn

After discussing with my mom, we decided to spice it up a little and use colored lights. Our neighborhood is perfect for fun festive lights, plus our house is white and needs a little color boost. The hard part with hanging wreaths on all the windows is the cost. We have nine (NINE!) windows and I was worried it would cost a fortune. Another lucky moment for the day, my mom and I were wandering around Target and found that their battery operated wreaths were on sale! At $15 a piece, they were a steal because ones I had found online were $40+. Plus, the battery pack has a timer on it. I also scored some garland on sale for our front door. If you are needing pre-lit garland or wreaths, buy them this week so you can score these prices! Both come in white and colored lights:

Image via Target

Image via Target

I know what you're thinking, those wreaths look plain. Well have no fear because my years helping my mom at The Plaid Giraffe taught me how to make some awesome bows! I found this great classic plaid ribbon at Target (plaid is hot this holiday season). I like buying a plain wreath because now I can change up the ribbon on it next season and give it a whole new look for $20.

Image via Target

Hopefully this gets your festive brain juices flowing and you can come up with some fun ideas for your casa. It is a great way to add some character to your home for the holidays!

Lots of love,