The holidays are in full swing here in SoCal -- and Christmas is only two weeks away!The season always seems to fly by come December 1st,and it can feel challenging to try and cherish every momentwhile also fitting in every holiday task & activity!In hopes of bringing some joy (and ease)to you & yours this holiday season,I’m sharing 9 of my favorite simpleholiday ideas that I’ve loved incorporating in our home over the years!From festive candle arrangements, to hostessing tips, to an easy Christmas cake,these ideas are quick waysto add more cheer to the season!
1. Homemade Christmas Potpourri
The smells of Christmas are almost as important as the decor,And once you make this potpourri you’ll understand why!
This recipe is an instant way to put holiday in the air,
And it’s a quick way to create cozy Christmas feelings.Simply slice one orange and lemon, and add to a pot along with 4 cinnamon sticks, ½ cup fresh cranberries, 2 tablespoons whole cloves,And 4 cups of water.Leave the pot simmering on the stove, and replace water as needed!
2. DIY Christmas CandlesThese candles may be one of my favorite easy projects to bring in some extra holiday cheer!
I like to use clear empty jam jarsbut any glass vessel you have will work!Add fresh cranberries and pine, then fill with water.Top with a floating candle and you’re set!These festive candles will last a week or more,and make the most beautiful illuminating arrangements when lit!Grouping them together is almost an instant holiday centerpieceOr sprinkle them around for Christmas ambiance!
3. Paper White Bulbs
Paper whites have long been a
winter tradition at my house.Every year around Thanksgiving,I plant dozens of bulbs in various containers,using them both inside and outside!It’s so fun to watch the bulbs sproutthroughout the season,eventually blooming into a forest of gorgeous white flowers.Keep in mind, they do tend to grow fairly quickly,so plan your planting time accordingly!Once they are full grown,simple wooden skewers can be usedto help prop up the sweet, tall blooms.
5. Felt-Ribboned PresentsI love finding alternative ways of wrapping presents, other than traditional paper & ribbon.Over the years, my biggest tip for wrapping has beento use fabric as ribbons!You can pick out as many yards of it as you needat the fabric store, or use extra fabric that you have at home.Simply cut it into desired widths, and you’re set! One of my favorite fabrics to useis felt, which comes in a plethora of colors.It holds a bow shape incredibly wellsince it’s a stiffer fabric, And looks wonderful accented with fresh pine or jingle bells!
6. Fresh Pine AccentsAt the holidays,I love bringing in all different types of greens to freshen and liven the space.Whether it’s bouquets of fresh cut pine from Trader Joe’s,Potted pines, or fresh produce,these are one of my favorite ways of finishing off decor!Potted pines on the mantle look gorgeousnext to hurricane candles ringed with cranberries.Fresh cut pine & holly works well when incorporated into a centerpiece with candles,or simply added to clear vases with water to create a festive look for not much money!I even like to work in sprigs in our bar area, on shelves,or in bowls of produce.And once they dry, they can easily be replaced!Another quick tip that brings in a holiday punch of coloris to use red ornamentsas filler for potted pines!
8. Simple Holiday Cocktail PartyThe holidays can see overwhleming at timeswith to-do lists, hostessing, crafting, & baking. But throwing a holiday party doesn’t have to be a chore!Pulling together a festive soiree can be done with a few quick elements.Champagne is a must --and gold bottles, if you can find them,make them the star of the party! I like to place them in an oversized champagne bucket,but any bucket you have works!Champagne glasses are next,and simple ones can be bought in sets at Target!Dress them up with quick wine charms --I made some with a simple red jingle bell and wire.Add a cheese & charcuterie board,holiday cake,and some pine springs throughout, and you’re ready to host!
9. Easy Winter Forest Cake
There’s nothing easier and more festive
than this darling winter cake!If you aren’t much of a holiday baker,or find yourself with little time to whip something up,then look no further!This festive dessert starts as a simplewhite bakery cake from the grocery store! Next, it’s ringed with fresh cranberries,topped with bottlebrush trees2 cinnamon sticksand a dusting of powdered sugar!.You’ll be amazed how adorable it iswith such minimal effort required!
As always my friends,I wish you love and joyas you style your life
