I’m completely over Halloween, however I’m still loving the all of the autumn hues.  I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to the warm spice colors of fall, yet I confess I’m definitely getting in the mood for Christmas.  I find myself in a flux, and somewhat in transition.  

It feels wrong to cheat Thanksgiving and jump right into Christmas. Here in America, Thanksgiving deserves its place in the spotlight.  The history, the traditions, the family gatherings, the feast !  Thanksgiving is so heartfelt, so family focused, and so patriotic. 

But I can’t help but be influenced by the beauty of Christmas that is everywhere, especially in magazines and in retail stores.  After all, Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year.  I object to the holiday’s decor coming out in September – that is ridiculous.  However, I do enjoy the glimpse of sparkle of the Christmas season, even in early November.   

When I spied a crimson wreath in the Crate and Barrel holiday catalog, I wanted to make my own version, just not with crimson colors.  Rather, I wanted a wreath in green tones that I could confidently display in November, but also one that would also carry me through until mid December.  So I came up with my own version of a transitional wreath.  Acceptable for November, yet festive enough for December. 

This hydrangea wreath was extremely easy to make.  And mine (hush hush) was less expensive than the Crate + Barrel crimson version. 

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It’s Tablescape Thursday over at Between Naps on the Porch.  Perfect timing for my newest creation, a hand painted table runner. 

I’ve always wanted to play around and get creative with fabric paint.  Spotting a few bottles of metallics at Michaels last week and some very pretty beads, I decided I wanted to personalize a table runner for my small Thanksgiving crowd. 

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Hey everyone – let’s party !  Isn’t that one of the best things about this season ? 

Ornaments are just about my most favorite thing.  Like a moth to a flame, I am easily distracted by sparkly Christmas ornaments anywhere they appear.  I can’t pass through any shop these days without oooohing and aaaahhhing over these baubles.  And now I want to see yours ! 

So today I’m inviting you to a very special event !  It’s a Parade of Ornaments on December 8th. 

Time to bring out your best, photograph them, and post all about them.  Where will they appear ?  In a beautiful compote ?  Strung in front of your windows with ribbons?   Of course, your tree is always the perfect feature, right?  Time to tell stories of meaningful ornaments from years past and show off your special keepsakes. 

It’s also a DIY party, so if you’ve got something fabulous up your sleeve this year, join me on this day to showcase your DIY project.   

Minimal criteria here.  If you attach a ribbon to a glass ball and hang it somewhere, that totally counts. 

I’ll show you mine if you show me yours!   Please join me in a Parade of Ornaments on December 8th !

I recently browsed through the latest Garnet Hill and couldn’t be more smitten with these:

Buckets of Joy Advent Calendar, $48

Hats and Mittens Advent Calendar, $78

I’ve always wanted an Advent Calendar, and I am thinking of creating one in the upcoming weeks.  Do you follow this tradition ?  Have you ever made an Advent Calendar ?  Know of any other great DIY links to get me inspired ?

Finally, I give you permission to slap me for discussing Advent before Halloween has come and gone.  I’m officially as guilty as the retail stores.  But CG is known to plan ahead . . .