Holiday Prepping

Hi friends while I won’t be decorating the Chalet until the end of the month I wanted to share a few items I’ve seen out an about or in my inbox that have been added to my Holiday To Do List and we all know how much I love an organized To Do List! hahaha! Also these are things I like to have sorted prior to Thanksgiving.

For our family Christmas has become about the celebrations and not gifts. A few years ago our family decided to focus solely on gifts for our son. Gift giving is tons of fun but, we’ve collectively decided sharing a meal, a concert or event is a better way to celebrate the season. It’s about spending time together.

But, there are things we always do… like exchanging greetings with loved ones.

First thing on my Holiday To Do List - Cards. I discovered minted a decade ago and love their selections and the ability to review a draft. I mistakenly tried another manufacturer once who didn’t offer this option. They always run specials prior to Thanksgiving and I finished my card Sunday 11/6 and had them in my hand after one draft review yesterday Tuesday 11/8. I mean friends - it’s an awesome resource!

Of course minted offers fabulous cards for every occasion but, these cards inspired by objects from The Met collection are truly art friends. Minted offers fine art, decor for the home, wall murals and so much more. The artists and creators minted works with are vast and inspiring.

I love Caspari paper products and I use them all year long. After settling on my card design I like to choose a new napkin pattern. We host Christmas Eve so we need cocktail, dinner and guest towels. Next is Christmas Crackers… Do you enjoy them - they are so fun! They originated in the UK but, have grown in popularity here in the states. It’s a cardboard tube covered in paper sometimes with a theme and inside there’s a paper crown, a joke on a slip of paper and a little gift. We love to pop them open after dessert and take turns reading our jokes. And last but, not least some lovely wrapping options. While I like craft paper I do like new ribbon and I am a fan of gift bags. Sometimes I place wrapped gifts in gift bags; especially if there are a few smaller boxes. It makes a lovely presentation and it’s easier for the loved one or friend to transport.

White Flower Farm is not only my supplier for the daffodil bulbs I’ve planted here at the Chalet and at my mother-in-law Marge’s home - they are also a wonderful resource for all sorts of holiday decor.

I saw some decor when I was at Target last week and grabbed a few pics. I did not purchase anything but, I’ll admit this pink pillow is super cute!

I hope this has helped lighten your To Do List. I’ll be sharing a Holiday Shopping Guide in the coming weeks. Til next time be well!

I found this super cute printable from Making Life Blissful

Sand & Sea

We’re enjoying our annual pilgrimage to Ocean City, NJ this week - So I thought I’d share a few images of what makes this such a special place!

I could never stay long enough on the shore; the tang of the untainted, fresh, and free sea air was like a cool, quieting thought.
— Helen Keller

Nothing better than spending a week sitting by the waters edge.

Be well!