Bottlebrush Mantle

The bottlebrush mantle I have this year is cute and wintry and doesn’t scream Christmas.  Which has been my decorating goal this year.

The retro look of bottlebrush Christmas décor caught my eye a few years ago and I picked up a few adorable pieces mostly from World Market. 

World Market still sells the trees and wreath I have, but the sisal woodland animals are different and I just love my white fox and deer.

My DS Monique made the little cottage for me a few years ago and it’s always so special adding it to my bottlebrush forest.

The mantle is pretty small, but I got everything on there.  A pretty gold magnolia garland with a wide gold ribbon is just enough underneath.  Lots of fairy lights twinkle in the early mornings and all evening long make our family room the coziest in the house.

Do you think having a kitty in front of the fireplace adds to the cozy factor?  If so, I have that covered too! 

Roxy loves lying on top of her delivery van but isn’t so crazy about having Kinsey join her.

Christmas Shopping

Well.  Here we are!  It’s still early, but how is your shopping progress?  Except for a few stocking stuffers I think I’m done. 

Now there is wrapping to do.  I’m almost finished with that too.  Oh, and of course, I got assistance.

Do you wrap as you get gifts or do you stuff presents into a gift bag at the last minute?  Like I usually do? 

Many years ago I went to a lady’s luncheon at my old church and the guest speaker showed us how to gift wrap and take it to the next level.

In my head, “Hmmm.  That’s nice.”  Then I wadded up the paper, stuck tape everywhere I had made a mess and put a bow on all my packages.  Honestly, no patience!  Those gift bags were a God send for me.

This year, I made myself a nice cup of chai with a sprinkle of nutmeg, turned on a YouTube Christmas fireplace music channel and tried to wrap presents like an adult.

Christmas Concerts

There are so many concerts around town now.  No matter your favorite genre, you can catch some live music to get you in the spirit.

Hub and I joined Denisse at the For King and Country Drummer Boy concert in Glendale on Friday.  The sound wasn’t the greatest, but it was a fun evening. 

I know this is going to sound old fashioned of me, but the band had a contraption where they got on this miniature stage with lots of lights and it raised them in the air to the top tier of the arena.  By the time the song was over I was seriously queasy and very nervous.

Heights have never been my thing, but the older I get the less I can take it.

Wrap Up

After a really busy Friday, we laid low the rest of the weekend.  That means I really don’t have any new recipes or books to share.

I did watch the old Cary Grant version of The Bishop’s Wife.  I haven’t seen that in years and years.  It was so good.

It is on the free Kanopy app I use with my library membership.  They have some really good streaming options if you’re looking for something different.  I love the library!

Our new fridge may (or may not) be here this week, so I’m trying to keep the schedule open for delivery and installation.

Big events going on in your world?

Whatever you are up to this week, I hope it’s a good one!