Ladies and gents, this next guest post is brought to you in anticipation of setting your holiday table.  Want to make your guests feel extra special ?  This is a wonderful way to welcome them with a small but thoughtful treat.  It is also a way to introduce a new tradition into your circle.  This tutorial is useful for your Thanksgiving table, your Christmas or Hanukkah table, your New Year’s Table, or just about any party you’re throwing.  I’ve always wanted to learn how to make party crackers in a stylish way.  Danielle teaches us how to create a personalized gift for your guests. 

Friends, please welcome Danielle and her tutorial on DIY Christmas crackers:

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Happy Monday friends!  I’m so happy to bring you one amazingly beautiful DIY project from my great friend Lindsay over at Living with Lindsay. 

Lindsay is one of those inventive gals that I admire so much because if nobody’s done it, well she’ll figure out how, and then teach you.  When she showed us how to paint laminate, I was hooked.  When she transformed this Craigslist coffee table, I almost spit out my coffee.  Then she made this amazing wreath that was featured on Apartment Therapy.  She even watches Glee (love that show!).  Lindsay is just a DIY gal after my own heart. 

Today, in continuation of Guest Blogger Week, I’m proud to present her vintage inspired sequined holiday tree. 

Take it away Lindsay !

“When thinking about decorating my home for the holidays this year, I’ve been really drawn towards the vintage inspirations of my past. Growing up, we had a gorgeous array of ornaments handmade by my grandmother on our tree. I’m not sure if the ornaments exist anymore (unless they are hidden in my parents’ attic), but I am still inspired by their beauty.

These aren’t my ornaments, but I wish they were.

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One thing I have never done is gone shopping on Black Friday.  Yes, it’s true.  Traditionally, my family is recovering from the tryptophan, and then we manage to consume another round of leftovers, only to “drag” ourselves to a few wineries on Friday afternoon.  I typically do most of my shopping locally or online, especially when I see those words “Free Shipping”.

This year will be a little different.  We are entertaining some out-of-town family next week, and they really want to go to Union Square in San Francisco on Black Friday to shop Bloomingdales, Macy’s, and see the annual lighting of the Christmas Tree.  I’ve always been a little afraid to brave the stores the day after Thanksgiving, despite the amazing savings available. However, there is no escaping it this year. 

When my friend Amanda over at Serenity Now mentioned that she always goes shopping on Black Friday, it prompted this guest post.  I’ve picked up a few helpful tips from Amanda on life, mothering, and now Black Friday shopping.  I hope you will too.

Here’s Amanda:

Hi there! My name is Amanda, and I write a little blog called Serenity Now to hold onto the thin sliver of sanity that I have left. I hope you might stop by to say hello. I stay home with my two cutesy little girls; but I love being crafty, reading, thrifty decorating (bloggers like Kate are helping me in leaps and bounds in that department), entertaining, my DVR, and shopping.  Due to family politics, I can’t tell you where my family will be spending Thanksgiving this year, but I can tell you what I’ll be doing the day after Thanksgiving. I will be frolicking with the bargain-happy masses, participating in Black Friday shopping.

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One of my most favorite blog sisters is Liz at It’s Great to Be Home.  I discovered her last summer when she was writing all about her adventures in home improvement, design, and do-it-yourself projects.  She and her hub recently flipped a home, and the story of their renovation was so interesting and most informative.  I’m one of Liz’s biggest fans, so I was delighted when she accepted my invitation to contribute to Guest Blogger Week. 

Please enjoy Liz’s insightful tips (and video!) on transitioning your fall table in an easy and inexpensive way. 

Here’s Liz ! 

Hey guys! I’m so excited that CG asked me to share a little something with you during Guest Blogger Week – here we go!

It’s that time of year when every time you turn around there’s another holiday that demands a whole new slew of decorations – or maybe not! Here are a few tricks you can use to easily transition your décor from Thanksgiving to Christmas, saving you some pennies and giving you a ton of extra time to spend with your family:

· Keep your greenery fairly neutral. For me, greenery is the “foundation piece” for a holiday arrangement, just like a sofa is for the living room – that’s why I try to keep my greenery neutral so that I can use it throughout the holiday season and make it feel new and fresh by adding some holiday-specific accents (like berries, leaves, etc). Try simple greenery with pinecones, and avoid greenery with glitter or faux snow that can lock you into a specific holiday or theme.

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