My oh my. How is this the last Friday before Christmas Eve?! Today officially kicks off the start of our Winter Break and lucky me. I still have gobs of wrapping to do now that the kids are here. I guess I find it enjoyable to work under pressure with multiple roadblocks! I’ve packed the blog this season with lots of holiday content in hopes to bring you decorating tips, style inspiration, gift ideas & maybe a recipe or two. Today, let’s just chat about some of the random tid bits & happenings around here like we do on Fridays in a new The Friday Five post!!
To catch up on all of the posts in The Friday Five series, go here!
THE FRIDAY FIVE
ONE // THE CHRISTMAS SWEATER DRESS
If you’re looking for a comfy, cozy holiday outfit, then look no further. Of all the dresses I shared in my recent Amazon Holiday Haul, this cable knit sweater dress one was the most comfortable and probably the most practical. I can think of several ways to style this one from everyday casual to a party or night out. Just change up your shoes & purse!
CASUAL SWEATER DRESS LOOK:
DRESSY SWEATER DRESS LOOK:
You could also belt the dress to define your waist a bit more. SO many options.
This dress is such a pretty neutral color which means you can wear it well beyond [and before] the holiday season. And its so incredibly soft. I’m wearing a size small.
It comes in 5 colors and appears to be fully stocked in sizes S through XXL. Love the black one, too!
TWO // EASY HOLIDAY CENTERPIECE
Trader Joes is my go-to spot for many things, but I always get my fresh flowers there and often end up with just a few bouquets of fresh Eucalyptus and a bouquet of white hydrangeas.
A super easy way to make them look more festive is to simply pop in a few red berry picks from Dollar tree.
You could also try faux poinsettia picks or any other holiday stems to add punch of color. I used this arrangement on my kitchen table all December long. Easy and affordable! I think you could completely omit the hydrangeas and just go for the red & green.
THREE // MANNY BROUGHT THE FAM BAM JAMS // FAMILY CHRISTMAS JAMMIES FROM OUR ELF
While our elf is very much loved, we cut him some slack because he isn’t the most creative or productive elf. He usually surprises us with a new location or hiding spot each morning, but his shenanigans are well, pretty much non-existent.
I think he plans to step up his game over the next week and really go big the week leading up to Christmas!!
He did bring our family matching PJ’s last week and we look forward to wearing them for Christmas. I’ll try to snap a picture of the big event 😉
If you’re still on the hunt for Christmas jammies, here are several cute options that will make it in time:
FOUR // HOMEMADE GIFTS I ALWAYS TREASURE
I came across this article on Facebook this week and it really hit home. I’ve got dozens and dozens of homemade gifts – from ornaments to puzzle piece picture frames to paper plate wreaths to decorated brown paper sacks and I honestly treasure each and every one. The boys were especially busy this year making gifts at school, even Winston! While Henry wanted us to wait until Christmas, Simon patiently waited for Ted to get back from a work trip this week so we could open the gift together.
He was so excited to gift us a Christmas wreath he made. My heart melted.
Even though I was the one who had to purchase the fabric and cut the strips to send to school, the pride and joy in his face made all those extra late night tasks worth it.
I know there will be a day when my babies don’t make little ornaments or their handprints stop growing in size, but until then, boys, give me allll the homemade gifts. I’ll treasure them forever ❤
FIVE // FAVORITE TWINKLE LIGHTS & WHERE TO USE THEM
These battery operated twinkle lights have been a favorite find of mine for years. Maybe you have a couple sets tucked away in a drawer and just forgot to pull them out or maybe you’re looking for a little something to liven up your holiday décor for hosting next week – grab a set of these fairy lights!
I’ve used them under a mesh table runner to light up our Christmas dinner table.
And I always use them on our mantel, just tucked into our garland, sometimes faux & sometimes real.
I’ve also seen people use them under a glass cloche, too, but wherever these fairy lights are used, it sure is magical!
They come with a remote control and multiple light settings. Even a timer!
*BONUS // IF YOU HATE THAT YOUR SEARCH BAR IS AT THE BOTTOM AFTER YOUR APPLE UPDATE…
After sharing this on my IG stories, I was blown away by the number of responses I got all saying like “This hack made my year!” or “the update was the worst day ever because of this”. Truly life-changing lol
Try it and let me know 🙂
If you’re still shopping, all of my new gift guides this year are in my GIFT GUIDE GALLERY. You can find them below as well:
Gifts for Him
20+ Gift Ideas Under $20
Gifts for Her
My Favorite Things Gift Guide
I’ll be sharing more ideas on stories over the weekend for those last minute stocking stuffers or filler gifts! I hope you all enjoy this last weekend before the hustle bustle gets real. We won’t talk about how many days are left 😉
May you get all the things bought and all the things wrapped! And maybe even squeeze in some holiday fun. We’re heading out to Christmas at the Princess tonight which I’m told is a must-see holiday destination in Arizona. We’re all so excited! I’ll share more soon.
ICYMI on the blog this week…
Men’s Gift Guide 2021
Merry Mistletoe Margaritas
5 Festive Additions to the Bedroom
To catch up on all of the posts in The Friday Five series, go here!
xx,
