I started decorating my apartment this past weekend. I know what you’re thinking: What? November 7th? Too early! To that I say, I’m leaving my decorations up for two months so it’s either November and December or December and January. November and December, it is, for me. Luckily, I’m marrying a man who does not object to a little early cheer and he helped happily. (I will say, though, that I refused to watch Trainspotting while doing Christmas-y things — instead we turned on The Godfather I at the part that takes place at Christmas. Good compromise.)
So, we did a few things around the house — stay tuned this week for pictures — but we also went to my mom and dad’s house for Sunday supper and spied this beautiful arrangement at their front door:
Looks pretty professional, right? Nope. I’m a chip of the crafty block — it’s my mom Vikki’s handiwork. She trimmed some wild ilex berries from the countryside behind out house, and added some cedar boughs and some dogwood from our yard. Put a little water in the bottom of any old planter and you’re done. Check. That. Out. Half an hour, tops.
Think about that the next time you’re out and about, walking the dog or taking a stroll. You can find tons of things in nature that make for beautiful, crafty holiday decor:
- Spray-paint pine-cones and hollowed-out seed pods (gold, silver, lacquered red, turquoise - whatever!) and pile them high in a clear vase.
- Spray a few pieces of dogwood with adhesive and brush with sparkles.
- Fresh evergreen boughs with beautiful ribbon are simple, elegant and classic.
- Trim grapevines and wrap them into a simple wreath. Allow to dry out. (Might be a little late in the year for this one, but think about it for next year!)
It’s not too early. It’s my favourite time of year.
