ONE // Tartan Skirt
I had been lusting over this perfect tartan mini skirt from Hill House since it released in the fall of 2024. I didn't pull the trigger until it went on clearance this summer and boy was I thrilled when I opened the package. It's everything my tartan dreams are made of! I have a particular affinity for tartan skirts and this white version of Stewart tartan fills a gap I had in my collection. I've worn it repeatedly this holiday season! I'm so glad I finally decided to get it. I've noticed many similar options in stores recently so even though mine is sold out, there are plenty of other options to choose from. I think this one is the closet I've found!
TWO // Frame Decoration
We have this very generic white abstract frame above our piano. I like it because it brightens the room and visually completes the space. It's a long rectangular shape with silver glitter in the middle. Nothing too eye-catching. Well, I had this brilliant idea this year to get thick red ribbon and decorate it for Christmas. At first, I was thinking of adding the ribbon and a big bow to mimic a present. Then, when brainstorming with my husband, we decided candy cane stripes would be more impactful. I dug through my ribbon stash and found the perfect thin green. We cut out strips of both ribbons and used a ruler to space everything out evenly. I'm absolutely loving the end result! It legit looks like a big old candy cane! This was for sure one of my more brilliant ideas. It's also a very affordable trick that requires no storage for the rest of the year. I'll put the ribbons in a Ziplock and tuck them away for next year when I take it down. Who knew a little ribbon would add so much to a space?
THREE // Festive Earrings
I love wearing seasonal earrings and I don't think that's a secret to anyone. For a few years now, I'd been looking for some nice emerald green earrings to add to my collection because I found myself wanting to wear some, especially during the holidays. Naturally, when I saw these gradient green drop earrings, I knew they were the ones! The mint and pearl add so much and make them even more versatile. I was happy with this find, but then I spotted these black velvet bow and pearl earrings the same day and couldn't leave those behind. They are such an instant classic! I mean, bows AND pearls? How could I not get them? I'll be wearing these all the time, not just during the holidays!
FOUR // Christmas Cookies
I've been baking up a storm these past weeks and made three different cookie recipes as well as a bar. It's nowhere near the 30+ recipes my mom would make but I do what I can! I'm not feeding a huge family nor am I hosting huge gatherings, so that tracks. I like to intentionally bake a few goodies for my husband and myself to enjoy and share when we have people over throughout the month. I loved the white chocolate dipped peppermint cookies so much last year that I made them again this year. The chocolate cookie has a brownie-like texture and the white-chocolate dip and peppermint sprinkles add so much both visually and textually. I then tried a new recipe, gingerbread cookies with maple glaze. These are absolutely amazing and so very tasty. I'd do a bit more maple in the glaze but otherwise they are fantastic. My husband was on sprinkle duty and he did a great job - he had the tweezers out and the whole bit! I finished with my mom's sugar cookie recipe, which I tend to make every year. I opted for only trees this year and decorated them with green icing and sprinkles. They are not perfect, but they look cute and taste great. Finally, I made my husband his favourite dessert - the magic bar, but we add our own little twist with the fillings and add pretzels for a savoury crunch. I'll admit cookies are more involved and take more time between the baking, cooling and decorating but the results are always worth it, in my opinion!
FIVE // Dream Cookie Box
Speaking of cookies, I've been following @ on Instagram for a few years now and I am always in awe of the beautiful creations she comes up with for her seasonal cookie boxes. I look forward to seeing the complete boxes and follow along to see the making of each type of cookie they contain. I'd be lying if I said I didn't await the Christmas box with great anticipation every year. Well, this year's box is truly magical and chock full of twelve different cookie varieties! I aspire to one day have the talent and dedication to create such a wonderfully filled box of goodies. I could barely manage three cookie recipes let alone a dozen! The sheer variety in textures, flavours and types of cookies is astounding - there really is something for every palate!
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