Flowers = Classy

Well, Mother, you are much better at party planning than I am, but I did go the extra mile and get fresh flowers for Christmas.


I'm not sure what it is about flowers, but they really class up a place (even if a few carnations are thrown in). Today I spent some time making centerpieces with Christmas greenery and and red and white flowers. They turned out great!

Oh Tannenbaum

Yesterday we headed out to Warren Tree Farm in Bartonville to find our perfect tree. It's been a few years, but in the olden days, our family had a firm tradition of searching for a gorgeous tree to cut down every year after Thanksgiving. It was really nice to go again. Vanilla Bean Counter and I had a lovely time. The weather was perfect, and the tree farm wasn't busy. It was Joshua's first time cutting a tree. Although he was a good sport, it wasn't really his thing.

We found a beautiful Fraser Fir in about a half hour, and Joshua had it sawed down in no time. We brought it right home and set it up. It's funny how trees look rather small in the forest, and then seem to grown once you get them home. Our 7.5 foot chubby tree is certainly bigger than the 6 foot petite tree I had in mind while shopping. By 10:00 last night, the tree was up and decorated, the needles cleaned up, and presents arranged beneath, a fun day that really put me in the holiday spirit.

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas

I don't usually decorate before Thanksgiving, but I couldn't help myself. It was much easier to put up the garland after buying it, rather than trying to find a place to store it just for a few days. So here's a small preview. I have a banister!

It's a lot of pressure to be festive this year. Christmas morning is at our house for the first time, instead of Mom's. Mom has gorgeous decorations galore, and until this year I've had nothing. So, after some trips to Hobby Lobby, I think my home will be quite lovely. The Christmas tree will be cut down on Friday from Warren Tree Farm in Bartonville, Joshua's aunt and uncle. Should be fun!