I took a few days away from holiday decorating and blogging to bake cookies (a great recipe I tried) and spend time with my family watching Buddy the Elf and other favorite holiday films. Still, there’s so much inspiration online I wanted to share some of the best finds I’ve come across recently on blogs and Tumblr.
Creative Home Project:
Painting stencils on burlap curtains is a charming, budget-friendly way to refresh a room. It adds texture and personality without a major investment, and the results can be tailored to any decor style.
Gift Giving:
Five thoughtful gifts for $5 or less make holiday giving easy and affordable—perfect for coworkers, neighbors, or a small holiday exchange. Simple, well-presented items with a personal touch feel special without breaking the bank.
Another sweet, simple gift idea for friends and neighbors is to package small treats or handmade items in pretty wrapping—easy to assemble and warmly received.
via Hooked on Houses
Enjoying the Holidays:
Making paper snowflakes is a timeless, meditative craft that’s fun for kids and adults alike. Vary the cuts and patterns to create delicate, unique designs for windows, garlands, or gift toppers.
For holiday gatherings, a nonalcoholic wassail provides cozy, spiced warmth for guests of all ages. It’s an inviting, aromatic drink that complements cookies and seasonal treats.
Sometimes the best holiday moments come from simple rituals: a quiet cup, a pause in the day, and no expectations—just presence and comfort.
Hosting a progressive dinner is a festive way to gather friends: each stop contributes a course, and adding luminaries or simple outdoor lighting makes the evening feel magical.
Festive napkin rings are an easy craft that elevates a holiday table. Use natural elements, ribbons, or small ornaments to create cohesive place settings without much expense.
Recent Events and Parties:
Holiday house tours are a wonderful source of decorating ideas. Seeing how others style trees, mantels, and cozy corners always sparks fresh inspiration. Smaller, regular tour events are especially helpful for discovering many creative ideas and linking with like-minded decorators.
A Christmas front porch party offers a warm welcome to neighbors and friends—string lights, seasonal planters, and simple refreshments create a festive first impression for holiday visits.
Coming Up: Nester’s annual Christmas Tour of Homes is a highlight for holiday decorators. These tours gather a wide range of styles and approaches, from minimalist to richly layered, and offer plenty of ideas to adapt to your own home.
Last but not least, I contributed a guest post about simple, no-stress holiday decorating projects. These are easy, affordable ideas that focus on enjoyment rather than perfection. I’ve loved creating small projects that make the season feel homey and cheerful.
I still have one more little project to share in the coming days, along with photos of my Christmas mantel—stay tuned for those festive updates.
(Note: all winners from the DaySpring giveaway have been contacted by email.)