Insert Clever Christmas Tree Title

Warning:  This post has focus issues. And proper grammar and spelling issues. I thought about re-writing it but I like sleep.  So I decided to warn you instead.  Good luck.

Did you know that decorating the Christmas tree is one of my least favorite holiday activities? The lugging out all of the ornaments, scratchy branches, and twisted lights just don’t do much for me.  I mean, I still like it.  It’s just not my favorite.

The finished product, however, is my favorite.

Our tree skirt is super fancy.  It’s a brown 70” round table cloth from Wal-Mart.  I’ve never really understood tree skirts.  They are so stinking expensive and you just cover them with presents.  So what’s the frilly point?

Our tree is 12 feet tall.  And we partly picked our floor plan because it allowed for a giant Christmas tree.  We kind of like the holidays around here.

We are cheap but wanted a giant tree.  We bought this tree after Christmas 5 years ago. It’s not pre-lit.  We decorate the tree in two parts.  Lights one night.  Ornaments the next.

Most of our ornaments are from Hobby Lobby or the Dollar Tree.  We is fancy. 

Can you tell that Nate took these photos while I wasn’t home?  Lens cap on coffee table.  Smushed couch cushions.  Candles unlit on mantel.  It’s hard being a working blogger with a accountant photographer.  Don’t worry.  I’m going to make him retake more for a full house night tour.  Mwah ha ha.  Wife for the win.  I hope he doesn’t read this before then.  He really is great.  He just needs to work on his décor blog photography.

Let’s stare at our pretty tree some more.

Christmas tree post out.

Dare to DIY (Deck the Halls) Link Party

Today’s the final day of the Dare to DIY.  Sad face.

But let’s go out with a giant gold/glitter/burlap/merry/bright fest.  Shall we?

On Friday I shared with you my burlap stocking tutorial.  Burlap.  Cringe.

Rachel shared her modern woodland Christmas vignette.

Kim whipped up a little NOEL action for her front door.

Chelsea shared her card catalog Christmas vignette.

Now it’s your turn!

Each Monday, the link party goes live for that week's Dare to DIY challenge. You can link up as many projects as you wish, as long as the posts correspond with the theme of the week.

You can link up on any of the co-hosts blogs. The linky below will stay live through Wednesday. This Thursday, each co-host will spotlight at least 3 projects we loved from the week on their blogs. We'll also pin those projects on our shared Pinterest board!

The only rules:

1. Please follow the Dare to DIY theme of the week (this week is “deck the halls”).

2. Please link back to Dare to DIY on one of our blogs (preferably all but we understand that time is precious). (Or copy this: I’m sharing this at the Dare to DIY party hosted by Decor and the Dog, Maybe Matilda, Newly Woodwards, and Two Twenty One!)

3. Please go to at least one other blog and comment. If you don’t comment it’s kind of like bringing dessert to the party and then eating it all yourself.  True story.

Thanks to all of you that have joined in to the Dare to DIY! 

Because You Need MORE Gift Ideas

I’m shoving handmade gift ideas down your throat.  Take that.

Are you done with your holiday gift shopping/making?  Yeah, me neither.  I don’t like to start too early.  Takes the fun out of the season, you know.

Today I have compiled 8 posts from days past.  I have tackled and succeeded at these projects.  You will too.

You could sew your dog a long tie or even a bow tie.  Who wouldn’t love a monogram made from washers?  Infinity scarves are all the rage this year.  I suggest a lingerie bag for that friend that travels a lot?  Want to bang your head against the wall?  You could make a state pillow.  Got 15 minutes before that big gift exchange?  Go with the wood bead necklace.  Got a messy cook or hipster in the family?  Go with the apron in a mason jar.

What’s really funny is that no one on my list will get handmade gifts this year because I’m too busy putting together a post on handmade gifts.  Oh, the irony.

Are you giving handmade?  Are you done shopping?  Who is ready for some stinking snow already?