Thursday, December 15, 2011

keep calm and jingle on



It is a wonderful time of the year but sometimes it can seem almost daunting to me as I try to fit in every holiday activity I want to do in a matter of a few weeks. Not to mention that we celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas (although there's really not much to do for Hanukkah except peel a lot of potatoes and apples). There are special cookies and crafts and decorations and shopping and cards. I've been trying my best to simultaneously keep up but still take it slow to savor the magic of it all. In the past week I have been sure to make time ...



for tea and treats with friends and was sure to use my favorite things



to decorate a village of gingerbread and dust it with a storm of confectioner's sugar



and make Gumdrop Guys with my boys



(More fun than building with Legos. Sticky but fun!)



to add comfort on the cheap, like these chair pads from Dollar Tree.

Me: So, how much would four of these cost?
My sister Betsy: Four dollars.
Me: Really? They're only a dollar???
Betsy: Really.
Me: Sold!



to decorate with unlikely things like eyelash glitter yarn as garland ... everywhere ... and Cavallini & Co. gift tags


Link
to fill jars with glitter, salt and cupcake toppers, and gum drops and candy canes

{Meanwhile, I am thrilled to be writing a feature story about the beautiful home of a dear blogging friend -- details to follow!}



There's still much to do in the days ahead. Here's to keeping calm and relishing it all!

xo
elyse

21 comments:

Hearts Turned said...

Everything looks so cozy and wonderful, Elyse! I'm trying to keep it all calm and bright around here, too, as we try to squeeze it all in...it really is the most wonderful time of the year, isn't it?!

Wishing you a lovely weekend, my friend!

Julie

Deborah said...

I love your christmas decorations, your house is gorgeous :)

Bee happy x
Have a delicious day!

The Cottage Market {Andrea} ♥ said...

so sweet and precious! thank you for sharing your cozy wonderful heart with us all! sending holiday hugs...

trish said...

All the sweet decorations and delicious house, look as if they could be published in a magazine, all the while, keeping a happy balance. :o)
Merry Christmas.
Hugs. Trish

Blondie's Journal said...

Your gingerbread house looks yummy! All of your photos make me want to start baking!

Happy Holidays!

XO,
Jane

Jill said...

Oh Elyse, I love this post!! Every photo is pure Christmas eye candy! So enchanting!
Hugs,
Jill
ps: I love those cute little spoons-- polka dots and gingham... so cute!

Anonymous said...

LOVE your opening pic, Elyse!

I think I do less for Christmas than anyone I know but guess what, I still have fun!

I watched my poor mother exhaust herself every year at Christmas and complain about it, too. I decided I didn't want to follow in those foot steps. If I'm going to do it, it will be because I *want to* and because it's fun. There are enough 'Have to do's' in my life without adding to them.

~ Holly steps off soap box ~

MelMel said...

I just love the colours in your home and the Cath Kidston stuff, a women after my own heart......it's all perfectly lovely!xxx

Into Vintage said...

Definitely looks like a lot of Christmas magic / Hanukkah potato-peeling is happening at your house. :-)

I heart the dollar store. All kinds of surprises waiting there. For a dollar!! Happy Holidays, Elyse!

Apple Blossom Barn said...

I love the Cath Kidston things, so bright and cheery, what a cute gingerbread house!

Take care

Denise

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

This post makes everything groovy! Warm, cozy and so you sweetie! Can I come to have a cookies or two?

Love,
Maryjane
xox

debi said...

What a sweet post filled with fun and pretties! I'm glad to see that among all the hustle and bustle of the season, you are making time for fun and relaxing.

Anonymous said...

What cute little gum drop people- love the sleigh made from candy canes. Your pretty dishes are just perfect for Christmas entertaining!!

Had the 2nd big dinner party this week so hopefully things should slow down- yea right!

Gosh you are keeping so busy with your writing these days- how fun!!

bee blessed
mary

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Oh what great pictures...Eye candy literally!! What fun to have a gumdrop men tradition with your son!

Carol

Kit said...

Oh how I love this post! Good for you. I love how you fit in gumdrop people with your kids. Very important! Happy Holidays! Kit

Free Pretty Things For You said...

it has been too long!!
I just moved cross country so you could just imagine how my life was (still is)flipped upside down!!
I miss you sweet friend!!

Amy C said...

ooodles of festive fun over at your then!!!
Love the sticky snowman - adorable.
Happy Hols
Amy x

Unknown said...

Hi Elyse,
Everything looks so cozy and bright for Christmas. This week is getting away from me, and I wanted to stop by and with you a very Merry Christmas.

Karen

Unknown said...

Elyse, it all look so wonderful!
Have a sweet day!

koralee said...

Joy joy joy my friend..love those dishes of yours...wishing you a Christmas filled with ooooodles of sweet blessings.
Thank you for being such an adorable and thoughtful friend to me....you have been such a blessing. xxoo

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

everything looks so sweet and cheerful!! love all that you do!

enjoy the sweet moments and take time to take a deep breath and relax.

looking forward to another article!

merry christmas and happy hannukah!

xxoo
becky

ps: just got my hubby to renew my subscription with RH so i won't miss a beat! xx