Wishing all of you a very merry and happy Christmas!
I hope you all eat one to many cookies, sip a few tasty drinks, have lots of laughs and dance to your favorite songs. I hope that you all enjoy your favorite traditions with family and friends and cherish the time together.
Merry Christmas! XO
Eleven more days until Christmas! Our house is full decked out and ready for the holidays, it’s cozy and festive… I may be a bit biased, but I’m in love.
With this being the third Christmas at our house (wow!), I’ve definitely continued to perfect the finishing touches but also try a few new things! This year I took to Pinterest for some new ideas, specifically for our front door and dining room centerpiece. I looked for ideas that I could use preexisting pieces/decor but also be able to put my finishing touches on them!
Front Door: We amped up the front door to really make a statement, now that we have a full glass storm door, we can fully utilize all the real estate. I’ve mentioned this many times, but your exterior of your home is the first impression guests receive, so why not make a statement?
My hack was to use wire to connect the three wreaths together, and then wrap the ribbon around to cover it up. I probably spent $10 for the berries to add into the greens and the ribbon (sale at Joann’s!). I already had the wreaths, door hanger and wire. I just hot glued the ribbon on the door hanger to make the ribbon look continuous! I love how the red pops on our blue door.
Dining Room Centerpiece: I wanted to switch up the centerpiece, since as much as I loved last year’s centerpiece it wasn’t conducive for entertaining with friends and family. I often had to move it for space or take certain parts out of it. I needed something a little more low maintenance, less intrusive and easy to move. I saw some inspiration on pinterest with a wooden box and since we found one when we first moved in (under our front porch of course), it was the perfect idea. I used greens from the Christmas tree farm and just had to buy the candles. I added in some color and it’s completely portable if we need to move for a game night, dinner or cookie baking!
I definitely got my “Martha Stewart” on and love the way these two spaces turned out! Everything I got too can be reused or altered next year – which would be my second hack for all of you is to think of DIY/Pinterest solutions that work multiple years, aren’t too trendy.
Shhh! I want to share my latest Holiday Hack with you all, some may be giggling and saying “You’re a little late to the game!” but whateves! I’m okay with that, it’s new exciting for me and might be to you too! Plus you may always see all these cute printables but then think, I need to get a frame, where would I put these, do they go with the rest of my decor?
So here is the best part, you don’t need to worry about buying new frames or reworking your entire decor you can just switch out artwork in frames you already have hanging. There is no need to put new nail holes in the walls or redesign color pallets or double up on frames – it’s perfect! Most of the prints to download are free and fairly easy to scale if you’re looking to fill at 5×7 or 8×10 frame.
This is a low-cost (if any) update to really put the finishing touches on your Christmas decor around the home. These will be the little things that guests will notice around the house at your upcoming holiday party and drive home your cozy, welcoming, Christmas home!
Here are some of my favorite Printables (links below):
Share your Holiday Hacks with me on social, @mmariebee!
Links to Printables Featured Above:
Merry & Bright Plaid | Spread Christmas Cheer | Merry Little Christmas | Woody Wagon Christmas
The first weekend in December means the Christmas decorations are out and the tree is cut down! Growing up in, essentially, farm land, and now living in a suburb of a city, it’s a little harder to find Christmas tree farms without having to go for a drive.
We had found the perfect spot last year, had our cash ready and went for a drive. Well, we started out walking and looking for the imperfectly-perfect tree. And we kept looking… and looking… and looking… it got to the point where we were about to leave and just buy a pre-cut one from a larger department store (no fun!) but then, there she was! Literally at the very end (or beginning), right before we were heading back – tall and skinny just like we wanted.
She was a little goofy, but we went for it, and cut her down! We also got a fresh wreath and a bundle of swag and then headed back to grab a few other items to finish trimming the tree and house. Once we got the tree in the house and in the stand, it was seriously perfect. We spent the rest of the weekend listening to Christmas music, decorating inside and out, watched Home Alone and stayed cozy at home!
I get so excited every Christmas season once the stores start lining their shelves with decorations, greenery, ornaments and nutcrackers. Social media is also a crutch to find the latest inspiration for my Christmas decor, new DIY’s, wrapping paper ideas, food, holiday dress… you name it. So I wanted to share my favorite social accounts (since I am always sharing off Pinterest) to help you feel inspired or just get amped up for Christmas (and secretly envy their perfect trees and living rooms).
What I love about social media is that you can find other people/accounts that share the same style as you, but also find different styles that inspire you. I’ve got lots of ideas up my sleeves for our home and Christmas this year, but I am a firm believer that it’s always a work in progress, I would love to have a perfectly done house (like the ones above) over night, but I’m still finding my styles, my pieces, my likes and dislikes! Either way it will definitely feel like Christmas around our house.
Share your Christmas decor inspiration with me on instagram @mmariebee!
XO –
Photos above link to instagram accounts featured on this blog post.
One thing that I absolutely cannot wait for are the holidays and all the amazing parties! Here are some holiday essentials to get you ready for every type of party, from family dinners, work parties, low key nights with friends working all the way up until NYE. These versatile must-haves include awesome timeless dresses, classic sweaters and statement pants and tops!
01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07
The key to nailing every holiday look this season is easy; keep it simple AND know when to pull out those statement pieces like metallic patterned pants and sparkly sequined shirts! Don’t be afraid to keep it classic with red plaids or plain dresses for more casual looks or dress them up with statement necklaces, dark tights and cute booties or a slick pair of heels.
I saw the plaid sweater (#7) in Target and bought it immediately! Not to mention it was on sale during a BOGO. Start stocking up now because those good pieces will get snatched up quick from other fashionistas!
What’re your favorite pieces this holiday season? Tag your upcoming party looks at me on instagram @mmariebee.
Sparkle on!
Confession! I love Christmas!! And what better than to have an excuse to pull out some decorations, drink some Christmas Ale and have a bunch of your friends over, than Christmas in July! This upcoming Monday is officially 6-months until Christmas, so next week and weekend are an excuse to throw a party. If you haven’t made this a tradition yet, I highly recommend it, regardless of how all out you go!
Here is your go-to guide for everything you’ll need to throw an epic Christmas in July party this year!
Food/Snacks: The best part about all of these ideas is that they’re easy, a little healthy and super cute! You can also do a cheese spread in the shape of a tree or a wreath. Also bust out those Christmas cookie receipts and make some good ol’ cut outs or peanut butter cup cookies, they’ll be a hit.
Drinks: Our local breweries always release some of their Christmas Ale’s around this time, so it’s definitely a treat and fun to snag a glass or 6-pack. Add a cinnamon sugar rim to your glasses for an extra treat for you and your guests! Next up, red and green jello shots – yup! It’s a must, not to mention easy and refreshing, and perfect for your Christmas in July festivities. I like to serve with pop-rocks poured on top, so yummy. Last but not least, find a punch that is both refreshing and light but still hits those Christmas sentiments you love – like this Cranberry Orange Punch, make in bulk and you’re ready for a fun night.
Decor: Have some old Christmas wrapping paper that you’re sick of seeing every year? Wrap some empty boxes as accents around your space. Pull out some colored lights and string them up in the back yard, garage, or shrubbery. No need to go crazy here, any other lawn ornaments that’re sitting around put them on prime display!
Dress Code: Asking that your guests dress in red and green or even throwing on an ugly Christmas sweater helps make this party an event. If it’s mostly couples you can request that each couple comes as a “Christmas Couple” an excuse to get creative!
Details: This is when Pandora really comes in handy, click on your favorite holiday tunes station (mine is, Mariah Carey Christmas) and the mood will truly be set! You can also play a favorite Christmas movie on repeat, either in the house or out in the garage – Elf and Home Alone never get old. Finally, napkins, plates, and cups that are red and green help add to the theme without breaking the bank – check the Dollar Tree!
Remember all of these things will really bring your Christmas in July theme to life while being able to enjoy a cold Christmas Ale on a hot summer day and all your nearest and dearest by starting a new tradition!
Happy Christmas in July!!
Am I the only one with a Christmas hangover? Somehow, I don’t think that I am. I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas, full of love, laughter, sweet moments… and not too much drama (let’s face it, families are the best at drama).
This Christmas was one of new traditions and changes. I spent Christmas for the first time ever away from “home” – and at our home with B, our first Christmas in five years that we’ve spent together!
The weather has been a bit amazing too – mid to high 50’s in the midwest, is NOT common especially for this time of the year. Being able to take Moz on a walk on Christmas Eve in yoga pants and a sweatshirt was amazing. In fact we’d joked about a month previous that it’d be cool to do the exact thing.
Our Christmas Eve was nice and busy – we did a lot of prep around the house, I did a lot of baking and Christmas dinner prep, and of course a few last minute gifts with B. We went to church and then came home snapped a few pictures and made some pizza’s and flipped the TV between It’s a Wonderful Life and Elf! We also toasted with Manhattan’s in honor of my Grandma’s birthday and to new traditions.
Christmas morning we woke up and opened our stockings and presents – we had a great Christmas and both spoiled each other. We relaxed a bit and then got ready and headed to B’s grandma Dee’s house for breakfast. We then headed over to his parent’s for presents and a movie for most of the afternoon! We finally headed back up to our place just in time to prep and cook dinner while my parents made it into town! My aunts came over too – and we had a nice dinner around the table talking and enjoying each-others company. More presents ensured after dinner from my parents! It was then almost time to call it a night.
The mayhem continued on Saturday – after relaxing a bit in the morning we headed down the road to my aunts house for Hampel Christmas. Snacking and drinking, playing a new pickle game, laughing, dancing and catching up was the next few hours until dinner. Pork, sauerkraut, gravy and dumplings are the main dinner items – presents and white elephant followed after dinner and then the games commenced. We always play Pass the Trash and this year played a few fun games of LRC.
Finally, Sunday was B’s birthday – so we headed to church with our parents and then out to brunch right after. It wasn’t until almost 3 o’clock we finally had the house back to ourselves and were able to crash for a nice nap!
It was four days of non-stop family, drinking, eating, and a lot of fun. I’ve enjoyed taking some down time today to continue to relax and recover and get the house back in order.
Merry Christmas!
Since we’re just about at that week away point for Christmas, I wanted to share a little TBT of past Christmas’ a look back at the memories and traditions, and oh how I’ve changed over the years!
What I love about the holidays is making cut out cookies with my mom on Christmas Eve, listening to Christmas music non-stop and still having the same reaction whenever Mariah Carey’s – All I Want For Christmas comes on (which is getting so excited and belting it out!) I love getting excited to walk down the stairs in the morning to see all the presents (Yes, Santa is real). I love our big family parties we have (always after Christmas) – I love going home to see my family and dear friends and I love getting dressed up for Church and singing at the evening mass. I love the waffles and bacon my parents make for brunch on Christmas morning, now with mimosas! I love eating cut out cookies as soon as we go downstairs before any present opening commences. I love opening our stockings! I love when there is a fresh coating of snow on Christmas morning. I love the new traditions that’re being created, and I love remembering the old!
Let the countdown commence!
the bee life 