The kids beg me all November to open the Christmas closet.  It’s a big deal because the Christmas closet is hidden in a secret hiding place where no one else can see it, and it’s a little tricky to access. 

When we remodeled our house three years ago, we insisted on claiming every inch of storage possible.  Under the staircase was yet another place for us to incorporate a storage space dedicated solely to Christmas. 

Mr. CG calls it ‘the vault’ and it’s secretly hidden behind the dining room hutch.  Inside is 42 x 120 inches of great storage.  Every January I stuff it full of all of our decorations, and every year after Thanksgiving, we open it up again. 

Take a peek:

When I said I liked Christmas, I kind of meant it. 

This is only half of my collection – just the interior decor. 

Another eight boxes of the outdoor decor are sitting in the garage. 

Now if I can only convince my hub to climb up on our second story roof

and hang those lights.

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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