Christmas Table Ideas (2)

It's 9:30 pm and I am just now sitting down to write my promised post for today. This is why I don't say "tomorrow we'll..." It just gets me into trouble. I can't stand the pressure.

My lateness is for a good reason. I had to play super mommy today and whip up a matching set of ponchos for my little girl who got her heart broken yesterday when the new dress that was supposed to match her American Girl doll's outfit did not fit. (long enough sentence for you?) Pictures to come, er, later. Not "tomorrow."

Now, for more ideas:

I wanted each of my guests to have a little something to take home, so I made these little favors:
Plates and napkins from the dollar store:

Another inexpensive, yet dazzling idea:

I'm not usually one for blue and white for the holidays, but this table was just so fun!

Christmas Table Ideas

It doesn't get much more simple and easy than this. The trick would be keeping the kids out of the candy. Speaking of candy, check out this delicious idea:
A sundae made from flowers and peppermints. .. adorable!

This festive centerpiece was my mom's creation. She's good at choosing things from her house, throwing them together and making it feel so jolly. Tings and stars from her tree make the basket of apples *sparkle*

This friend used what she had and it turned out beautiful. Adding the red ribbon to the birdcage made it so festive!

Simple elegance. Silver, black, white and red are so classy.

Tomorrow I will share a few more table top ideas for the Christmas season.

Celebrating Advent

Counting down the days of Christmas adds to the wonder of the season. We usually read the story of the Nativity on Christmas Eve, but I wanted something to help us focus on the Christmas story all month long.

First I checked at Michaels for the tags, but the price was $5.97 for 20. Ouch. I headed next door to Staples and found these in the "retail" section at a much better price: $4.96 for 100. That meant I could make more than one set (or make lots of mistakes.)
Add some red ink and fun number stamps and you've got an easy Advent calendar. Want it even easier? Below I've listed the verses that I wrote on the back of each one. If you begin with #1, the verses will lead up to the gift of Christ's birth.

1. Job 12:13,22 14. Isaiah 60:1

2. Psalm 103:8-12 15. 1 John 5:13

3. Jeremiah 31:3 16. Isaiah 11:1-2

4. John 10:11,14 17. Luke 2:1-7

5. Isaiah 43:1-4 18. Isaiah 7:14

6. Micah 5:2,5 19. Luke 2:8-15

7. 1John 5:11-12 20. Luke 2:16-20

8. Isaiah 9:6-7 21. Luke 2:28-32

9. Hebrews 11:6 22. Luke 2:39-40

10. Isaiah 53:1-5 23. Matthew 2:1-6

11. Isaiah 53:6-7 24. Matthew 2:7-12

12. Isaiah 53:10-11 25. John 3:16

13. John 16:33

Welcome December

There's nothing like the smell of a fresh Christmas tree. Over Thanksgiving we did our annual search for the perfect tree. We found a new farm that had the most beautiful trees I've ever laid my eyes on. All of them were so thick, full, and perfectly shaped. And you won't believe the prices... $28-30 for 6-8 foot trees. Amen and amen.

I've been doing my own frugal decorating around here. Those candies are left over from last Christmas. Hey, they're still pretty! I just wouldn't eat them.

As I'm feathering my nest and decking the halls I am filled with joy and anticipation for the month ahead. I don't want to get discouraged with all the things I "should be doing." This is a month to savor.

January will be here before we know it with her diet plans, organization methods, and fresh calendars. December is here with her arms open to family time, savory treats, twinkling lights and celebrating the birth of the Prince of Peace.

Welcome, beautiful December. Welcome!

Sunday Rest

The Lord is GOD,

and he has made his light

shine upon us.

Psalm 118:27a

We're So In Vogue

"Staying home to bond over board games is totally in style this year."

I recently read this in the November issue of a woman's magazine. Well whadayaknow. Our family is au courant! It's not that we've ever tried to stay within the current trends... we just know how to have a good time. :)

When extended family is together, we give the kids a movie to watch and then we get serious. Serious about fun. Canasta, Garbage Rummy, Golf (card game), 3-13, Pounce, Apples to Apples, Chicken Foot, Battle of the Sexes, the list goes on and on.

Not to worry. We don't leave the kids out. Mancala, UNO, Rummikub, Sequence, Jenga, Triominoes, and Blockus are some of our family favorites.

Turning off the t.v. and turning on the Christmas tunes sets the mood. Family bonding, laughter, and healthy competition ensues. Sometimes, I even learn a thing or two. For instance, last night I learned that vodka is made from potatoes. Not that I need to know that. But now you know if you ever find yourself playing Battle of the Sexes.

My kids are learning sequence, logic, strategy, and visual perception. The best part is that they are learning while having a great time. Together.

Here's my challenge of the week. Set a family date night this week and make it special. Throw in some popcorn, a little background music and be ready to have fun.

What's your family's favorite game to play?

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope your day is filled with love, laughter, thankfulness, and togetherness.

Today I celebrate my family, one of the greatest blessings in my life. The memories we've made, the walks we've taken, the laughs we've shared.
I am so thankful for the freedom to worship God; a freedom that my brother serves to uphold. My heart is filled with gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice ... Jesus. I am humbled by the knowledge that God loves me enough offer me eternal life with him.
Enjoy your day ... I'm off on our annual Thanksgiving Day hike; and then to feast on homemade goodness. Hugs!!