My hands are tingling with cold and a bit itchy, as I've just finished hanging up umpteen feet of fresh cedar garlands. I have decked the front hall stairs, three mantels, and the front porch banisters and rails. All that's left to do is to run it up and around the front door, but I'm going to wait for my husband to do that (so I can supervise, of course!)
I ordered three piles of 75 feet each, and I think it's going to be just enough. I was hoping for some significant leftovers, so that I could make wreaths and do some additional swags and such, but I think I'll have to find them elsewhere.
Luckily for me, I have a sister-in-law who is a talented gardener and lives on a few acres, just near the city's limits. She has a number of beautiful old magnolias, lots of nandina, and other evergreens ripe for the picking. She's bringing me a bag tomorrow ... sort of a surprise goody bag!
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Speaking of surprises and goodies, I just mailed off my swap for the 2008
Holiday Traditions Exchange, organized by the delightful Meg at
Sew Liberated. My swap partner is Stephanie from Florida, and I hope that she enjoys all the little holiday treats that are in her package. I'll post photographs of her goodies once I hear that she's opened them, so as to not spoil the surprise.
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For the first time in many years, we are actually hosting a party ... a real live party. We used to be the hosts with the most, but the arrival of two squirming infants sort of put the kibosh on it.
I'm thrilled that we're back in business, and are hosting an Open House on Sunday afternoon. Hence all the decorating and decking of halls... It should be a big one ... I feel like we've invited everyone we know (and their children).
I've got the food and drinks covered for the most part, but I need to think of a festive beverage that will work for both adults and children. Frankly, I'm not a fan of eggnog, but I will go to it as a last resort. I like a spiced cider, but I have the issue of keeping it warm. The kitchen will be occupied by the folks cooking the food, so I can't really keep it on the stove. Is it easy to get one of those large coffee urn-type things? Is that the best solution? Thoughts?
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I haven't taken pictures of all the holiday decor, but here's a sneak peek:
When we purchased our ramshackle, tenant-worn duplex eight years ago, there were BAD chandeliers in all the rooms. Think cheap brass, trying to be ornate by tacking on gobs and gobs of plastic crystals. In every room.
When we finally renovated a few years later, I couldn't wait to tear down those atrocities. But I picked off all the crystals, and put them in a plastic box to be dealt with later. Over the years, I've been working on them, slowly but surely. Unhooking each individual crystal, cleaning them, and reassembling them with new silver jump rings.
I've gone through perhaps half of the original booty, and have some gorgeous garlands to drape on my beautiful New Orleans-inspired chandelier.
But will it take me six years to finish the rest?
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Wow, wow, wow. This is the kind of dress I would love to wear myself. Given that it's toddler sized, that's certainly not going to happen. But I'd love to win it for my daughter! Check it out at
Grosgrain Fabulous!
