A Very Etsy Christmas

Decorating for Christmas has always been one of my favorite things. Throughout the year I am always on the lookout at thrift and antique stores for unique Christmasy finds.  

It recently occurred to me to look on etsy for the same type of things and I figured I would share some of the treasures that I found.

Christmas owls.

Green & red tea pot.

Adorable tiny deer.

Vintage story book.

Handmade ornament set.

Vintage cups.

Handmade tree ornaments.

Embroidery hoop ornaments.

Cute bunting.

Electric candle.

Well I hope that everyone is having a wonderful little holiday season and I would love to hear some of your ideas when it comes to decorating for Christmas.

-sarah

DIY Doubled Sided Rick Rack Napkins.

I've been slowly teaching myself how to sew by starting out with very simple projects. I recently started to make my own cloth napkins & I wanted to share one of the patterns that I used.
They are super cute & easy.

For this napkin you will need:
Two 18x18 inch pieces of fabric
Rick rack
Pins
Sewing machine

To start you place the two pieces of fabric with the right sides facing each other, then pin the corners to make sure that they are lined up.

Next, you will want to lay your rick rack just along the edge of your fabric and pin all the way around. Leave about about a two inch opening, so you can turn the napkin right side out when you are finished sewing.

The next step is to sew all the way around, turn right side out, & stitch up the opening.

That's it! Simple and fun. I'm sure they would make great Christmas gifts as well!
Enjoy.

-sarah

'Tis The Season

Christmas is the time of year to get together with family, exchange gifts, eat yummy food, and watch A Christmas Story all.day.long. Drinking, exasperation, raised voices, and more drinking also accompany the holiday's and that is a-okay. MERRY CHRIMBO!

On Christmas Eve we go to a close family friend's place for dinner, laughs, fun, and this year it was basically about my niece opening the gifts everyone got her. She made out like a bandit.

Pop and Gram bring homemade jelly for gifts!

"I'm not German, I'm Danish". Well, I think it was funny.

Christmas morning is spent at my sister's house for the little gal's gifts from Santa and brunch. My dad, brother in law Adam, Miss Ads, and I sat in the family room and the rest of the gang sat in the dining room. Why cram everyone into one tiny table when you can sit and watch A Christmas Story while you eat danish and "green eggs and ham" casserole?? I know how it sounds, but it is the best breakfast casserole to ever touch these rosebud lips. I might put the recipe up here, but then again I might want to keep it a secret :).

My sister's cute mantel.

Mom, Kelly, Pop Pop, Grandma

She loves her GREAT Pop Pop

Special Wizard of Oz tree

Later, at my parent's house, we had dinner and opened our presents. I got a super cool curling wand I can't wait to use! By the end of the meal I am so full that I just want to lay down and take a nap until next year (so technically a week *wink*), but when my mom and grandma make a pie you ALWAYS have room to eat at least a little piece.

1950's Angel

My brother spends Christmas with us too <3

Ads and her great grandma who she calls "Dutch"

It's Uncle Patrick!

She loves the gifts from her favorite sister ;)

Even though I have been sick for the entire holiday weekend, I still managed to be pleasant and spread that Christmas cheer like I Can't Believe It's Not Butter on a biscuit. The word we are looking for is "smoothly" after that sad attempt at an analogy. I hope you all had a pleasant holiday! What was your favorite gift from Santa this year?

-andrea

D.I.Y Burlap Christmas Banner

A few days ago my bff, MaryEllen, and I had a little craft date and I made this little Christmas banner for my living room. Just thought I would share a quick little tutorial!

Supplies needed:
1 yard of burlap banner.
1 1/2 yards of string or twine
needle and thread
scissors

cut burlap into 6 inch pieces.

i was originally going to use twine but opted
for the christmasy colors of the string.

fold the top of each piece over about an inch and stitch.

use a needle to help thread the string through each piece.

Enjoy and happy Christmas decorating!

-sarah

On To The Next One... Holiday Season!

Hello All! Hope everyone had a beautiful Thanksgiving! I sure did! We went up to New York to spend the weekend with Jake's sister Jen and her husband, Tom, along with their precious baby girl. Mia is six months old and is without a doubt the cutest little girl in the world! It was so nice to spend a little time with her and her awesome parents. My new and beautiful family is definitely what I am most thankful for this year. Move to Pittsburgh guys!

Meet Mia!

Mia & Mommy <3

Mia with Jake's Dad :)

Dinner was incredible. Jen and her bff, Kimmy, outdid themselves this year. Everything was delicious!

Stuffing has always been my favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner.

Mia's Thanksgiving feast! Turkey, gravy and cranberry baby cereal!

We didn't have the traditional pumpkin pie for dessert ...

but chocolate covered strawberries and cannolis did just fine!

On our way back home we picked up a Christmas tree! Decorating for Christmas has always been a favorite of mine, and I am always very eager to get it started.

Our perfectly crooked tree!

Mrs. and Mr. Snowman salt & pepper.

Maybe I could have waited another week or so but I just couldn't help myself!
Happy Holidays!

-sarah