From the Front Porch
Happy Friday sweet friends! We hope you’ve been able to make time for the things you love most this week. My Mom has been helping me decorate the house for the holidays and it feels like the biggest gift.
Not to sound scandalous, but my least favorite part of Christmas is having to decorate the tree. If it were up to me, we’d have nothing but lights on the tree one year and gobs of tinsel the next just to keep it quick and easy 😆
Truth be told, I’ve been dreaming of a Candyland Christmas theme all year. In late September though we found out our holiday plans would be drastically different than we had expected so I had to put all things Candyland on hold.
After WEEKS of going back and forth and searching for fresh inspiration, I decided to take the pressure off and use pale pinks, grays, and champagnes, colors I adore and have used multiple times in the past.
While it might not feel quite as festive as a Candyland Christmas would have, it still gives me a sense of comfort and joy.
More importantly, I finally feel at peace knowing I don’t have to reinvent the decorating wheel which will free up lots of time to create the magical holiday season I’m really looking forward to this year.
I know we’re just a few weeks in but how are you holding up so far?
A Few of Our Favorite Posts from Around the Web this Week…
This beautiful new project from Bria Hammel Interiors.
The rustic touches in this Texas house tour are fabulous!
If French Farmhouse style makes your heart skip a beat, you’ll love this home tour.
The Malibu Project before and after you have to see to believe.
A warm and cozy Christmas home tour that mixes blue and green plaid with pops of copper.
Monika Hibbs always does the holidays up right, love her Christmas home tour!
The simplicity of this homemade Advent calendar is so elegant.
12 Gorgeous Christmas Tree Theme Decorations
17 Ways to Make Last Year’s Christmas Décor Look New
Have you seen this post, 55 Homemade & Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas yet? It’s filled with so many good ones!
Speaking of handmade, love this DIY gift idea too! (Thanks for sharing this IG video Brian and Marti)
How pretty would this be in a gift basket or to have on hand for your holiday party?
20 Things That Will Matter A Lot Less to You in 20 Years
Words to Live By…
Q&A Friday…
I haven’t seen my Mom for the holidays since the pandemic began. This year we’re all vaccinated and I want to make her visit extra special by fixing up the guest room. She’s into French Country style. Also, I would love to surprise her by putting up a tree in the room. Any ideas?
This is so exciting! I expanded our Friday Finds board this week and dedicated it entirely to your question. On it you’ll find, everything from a mora clock and headboard to duvet and quilt ideas, the popular Bonne Maman advent calendar, a few treats you can include in a welcome basket, a slim-ish tree, and even an Eiffel Tower ornament.
I hope it helps and you guys have the best time reconnecting!
What are you getting your Dad for Christmas? Mine is notoriously hard to buy for because he can afford whatever he wants and needs. I don’t want to keep getting him golf shirts and slippers though.
I don’t want to give my Dad’s gift away so I’ll tell you how I approach his presents each year because I’m in the same boat.
The first thing I do is make a concerted effort to think about what gift or idea will make his life easier or better.
Sometimes it’s as simple as getting him a Ring doorbell so he can keep tabs on my childhood home, Loblolly, while he’s at Bliss Barracks.
Other times it’s something service-oriented like help with a specific project, or a car wash, wax, and detail. We’ve given him a multi-course dinner at his favorite Brazillian steakhouse, tickets to racing events, a custom golf club, and a trip deep sea fishing.
During the first year of the pandemic, my parents were set to go to France to celebrate his milestone birthday. But once COVID hit and flights were grounded, my Mom, sisters and I knew we were going to have to come up with something really creative to mark the occasion.
We settled on “7 Days of 70” and every day for the week of his birthday, we planned a fun adventure. Some of the activities were total throwbacks to his childhood like racing go-carts, some were relaxing like a foot massage, other activities helped up his golf game. One of my sisters sent him on a city-wide scavenger hunt.
None of these ideas were groundbreaking and they definitely couldn’t compare to France, but he had so much fun that week he STILL talks about it!
While experience gifts take a little extra planning, the memories made along the way are definitely worth the extra effort!
Books of the Month…
(Amazon and Target affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon and Impact Media Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Any sales made through such links will support us with a small commission at no extra cost for you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)
- November: Cozy White Cottage Seasons: 100 Ways to Be Cozy All Year Long by Liz Marie Galvan
- December: Dream Big by Bob Goff
On the Menu this Week…
Week of November 14th – November 21th
- 11/14 Sunday: Creamy Tuscan Salmon
- 11/15 Monday: The Best Vegetarian Ramen
- 11/16 Tuesday: Easy Enchilada Cups with Mexican side Salad
- 11/17 Wednesday: Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken
- 11/18 Thursday: Chipotle Tomato Soup with Smoked Cheddar Pull-Apart Bread
- 11/19 Friday: Oven Baked Garlic Butter Shrimp Boil
- 11/20 Saturday: Spinach, Tomato and Goat Cheese Quiche with field green salad
- 11/21 Sunday: Spicy Baked Pasta with Cheddar and Broccoli Rabe
Planning Ahead: Thanksgiving Menu Ideas
- A Gluten and Dairy Free Thanksgiving Menu
- 34 Thanksgiving Appetizers Your Guests Will Devour
- 60 Thanksgiving Recipes That Are as Easy as Pie
- 50 Traditional Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas
Sweet Treat to Try This Week…
A Few Fun French-Inspired Finds We Spotted Online at Amazon and Target This Week…
(Amazon and Target affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon and Impact Media Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Any sales made through such links will support us with a small commission at no extra cost for you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)
Headboard * Fringe Pillow Covers * Gray Coverlet * Loveseat * Rug *
Ruffled Duvet * Cable Knit Throw * Buffalo Check Pillow Covers * Tray Table * Clock *
Desk * Dining Chairs * Laundry Basket * Café Au Lait Bowl * Doormat
Advent Calendar * Hand Butter * Bubble Bath * Soap Cube * PJ Set
Flocked Tree * Mercury Glass Garland * Ornament * Gift Wrap * Ribbon
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog Recently or the Archives, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
How to Create a Thanksgiving Vignette and Autumn on a Tray Blog Hop
Thoughts on Preparing for Holiday Guests
Effortless Christmas Home Tour (our holiday home tour from last year)
2021 Holiday Gift Guides (160 Gift Ideas on 10 Different Guides Including Piper’s Favorite Things)
November Bucket List…
- Support Indigenous People and Organizations
- Celebrate Thanksgiving
- Make a Blessings Leaf Garland
- Fly the Flag and Take Dad to Lunch for Veteran’s Day
- Go to an Outdoor Antique Event
- Decorate the House for the Holidays
- Craft Christmas Ornaments
- Bake a Pecan Pie with Pecans from the Pecan Grove
- Sip on Hot Apple Cider
- Try a New Seasonal Inspired Side Dish
- Finalize Holiday Plans
- Attend Family Chili Night and Lighting of the Star at the Farm
- Read the Book of the Month
- Keep Sundays Sacred
November Simplified and Organized Home Challenge…
Focus of the Month: Holiday Planning & Prep
- 11/06 Christmas Card Contact List
- 11/13 Thanksgiving Menu/Grocery Shopping
- 11/20 Christmas Paper & Gift Wrap Supplies
- 11/27 Christmas Shopping/Naughty or Nice List
TCG Housekeeping Notes, Dates to Remember, and Upcoming Posts…
- 11/13 Lifestyle of Love Blog Hop
- 11/17 Homemade Bread Day
- 11/19 Equal Opportunity Day
- 11/25 Thanksgiving Day
- 11/26 Black Friday
- 11/27 Shop Small Saturday
- 11/28 First Day of Advent, Hanukkah Begins
- 11/29 Cyber Monday
- 11/30 Giving Tuesday
- 11/30 Christmas Inspiration Blog Hop
As always, we appreciate you more than you could ever know, and we hope your weekend is peace-filled and relaxing. We can’t wait to share even more with you next week!
Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Many blessings,
CoCo
I am looking forward to seeing your Christmas decorations. I am like you and do not at all enjoy decorating Christmas trees. I have two set up just waiting for me to get the motivation to start. Have a great weekend!
Oh my gosh, one tree was crazy enough for me, Paula, I can’t even imagine having to decorate 2! They’re always so pretty and I adore the twinkling lights at night and in the early morning hours when I’m doing my quiet time. I’m so thankful my Mom agreed to come and help me. I just sort of get her whatever she needs and then get out of the way. Sending you hugs for a joy-filled holiday season. I can’t wait to see what you have in store, CoCo
My goodness this was packed to the roof with such wonderful stuff, I have really enjoyed reading through and looking at some beautiful places. Thanks so much for all your hard work, its not always easy doing blog posts. especially ones so full of interest, you made my day.xx
You are so sweet, Janette, thank you. I really appreciate it. These Friday posts are always fun to put together! I know the internet has its share of flaws but I’m always amazed at how connected we can all be through our blogs and on social media. There are definitely some talented people just waiting to be discovered and treasured. Hope your week has been filled with all good things, CoCo
Thanks for sharing my biscotti. I appreciate it so much!
I don’t reinvent the wheel with Christmas. I use collected ornaments and what I love.
You are so welcome, Cindy! I love that decorate with what you love too. Your home is always so beautiful and I can’t wait to see what you have in store this season. I’ve loved everything you’ve done so far. Hugs, CoCo
I am right there with you on decorating the tree! Last year we stored our tree upright thinking it would be easier this year. WRONG! We didn’t take into consideration moving and well, let’s just say it would have been better in a box! LOL! Thank you so much for sharing my homemade/handmade post! I can’t wait to check out all the inspiration! Thanks as always for putting it all together!
I hope your tree can be saved, Christine! Moving is no joke that is for sure. We store ours in a bag and it needed a lot of extra fluffing this year 🤣 Hope your week has been a fun one. Big hugs, CoCo
I love your color palate and plan! I was going to switch everything up but I’m actually going more subdued and I feel more relaxed already 🙂
It’s amazing how that happens isn’t it, Tanya! I think it will make creating our holiday homes so much easier because we’ll have more time to enjoy our favorite things about the season. I literally just told my Mom last week, Christmas decorating is no joke 🤣 Sending you hugs for a joy-filled holiday season, CoCo
CoCo,
I enjoyed all your beautiful shares this week.
That’s super sweet of you to say, Rachel, thank you so much! Hugs, CoCo
So many great finds. I love the wreath on the old screen. Have a great week. xo Laura
Thank you so much, Laura, I really appreciate it. These posts are always lots of fun to put together and the creativity people share never ceases to amaze me. Hope your weekend was a special one, CoCo