Holiday Speed Decorating with Cedar

My husband is laid up from surgery on his arm and was not able to trim a few 

pine  branches from our yard, so I took matters into my own 

hands and bought this garland at Costco for $15.99!

I used clippers, floral cutters and scissors to tear it apart. It was so well built.

I deconstructed it on our kitchen island, which was a mess but warmer and sweep-able (is that a word). I want to share with you the ways I used the one garland in and around my Christmas decor.

I started a few tins, both new and vintage, I had, added the cedar and in most

 all examples I added faux  or real flowers, berries, glass balls and pine cones.

These are two vintage scoops we collected and set on the hearth.

I added a few sprigs, here there and everywhere!

Here are two on top of an antique frame.

Some were used "as is" in garland form. 

I even added some to our old sled that holds wet boots!

Then I added the what was left to the porch.

We added a buggy seat to our old red wagon and put a few faux tress

 in the middle,  then added the cedar casually around it.

I think you will have fun with this simple project and a 

big plus is the fresh scent it imparts.

Happy Holidays,

Melin

xoxo

Advent Season

The season of Advent was created by German Lutheran's to celebrate the days preceding the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus. We have broadened this observation to count down the days leading to Christmas in the anticipation of Christ's birth or Santa's coming or both.

The calendars used to mark advent come in so many varieties. There are the ones with pockets that adults can fill with daily surprises for the little ones. Love notes here are there are fun too.

 

There are the chocolate filled cardboard variety that are found most everywhere now with a treat behind every window. I love the old simple and beautiful German or Danish paper type with perforated "windows" you open each day with a surprise image and sparkles. They are usually glittered...love that! 

 

So many types from which to choose. You can use the metal ones above year after year and simply move the magnet forward each day with excitement as Christmas draws nearer. If you are crafty, check out Pinterest at this link, http://pinterest.com/search/?q=advent+calendars. They have so many ideas. I do love the idea of stringing mittens or hats too. I want to collect some with that in mind, since I don't knit. You place a treat inside the (upside down) mitten or hat. It's a great way to recycle some great thrift store finds.  

I still have an old worn out folded 3-D pop-up version from my childhood. We often were gifted with the chocolate versions but HAD to open the doors of the old "Christmas House".

Enjoy your advent season!

Melin

PS ~ I took my grand-daughter to two of the free make-it sessions at Michael's from my last blog. We both had a great time! Cheers to these companies that support our families like that. I love the encouragement of celebrating holidays in simple ways.