It's Beginning to Look a Like Christmas...

In My Apartment! I know, I know...Advent is not over. I do celebrate Advent, but I also decorate for Christmas the weekend after Thanksgiving. I travel for Christmas every year so it is my chance to enjoy the lights in my home. I am not the most talented at decorating the home. For example, there is not one item hung on my walls. Christmas is the exception as I have accumulated quite a few items between my purchases, gifts, and items inherited from my mom. It looks pretty good!

And, now for the tour...

On my coffee table, I placed a candle holder that I already owned with these glass ornaments. The coffee table is actually the trunk my Great-Great-Great-Grandfather Ring used when he immigrated from Sweden.

My two stockings and a snowman...I'm still not clear on why I own two stockings. The story never quite made sense.

I love my Nativity! There is a really long crazy story about how I ended up with this Nativity which I'll save for another day. The two giants in the photo with me...my brothers. Yes, I am a shorty!

The peace item was from a white elephant exchange! Does anyone else remember the ceramic trees with lights? Scored big getting this one. I hope my brothers actually forget about it.

Just love this simple little Nativity. It is hung on the interior side of my front door.  

Please ignore the plastic hook!

My mom's friend made the glass block gift, and I cobbled together the other items. Biggest coup...the amazing table for only $30! I found it while visiting friends in Milton NC. I did not expect to find it so a friend, Mrs. Farmer's Wife, fronted me the cash. I had been searching for months for a new table in my entrance area.

Two of my mom's nutcrackers...we divided them up between my dad and siblings. I have my mom's Spode collection, and the little crystal candelabra is from my great grandmother.

The very full tree!

With a signed copy of The Polar Express with jingle bells underneath!

Yes, even decor in the bathroom! I can't believe I have turned into a person with a mini-tree and holiday towels in the bathroom!

Fall Decor

I am not the most skilled when it comes to decorating my apartment, but this fall I was stung by the crafting bug. I think it is part inspiration from super crafty friends and part wanting a cozier apartment befitting a 30 year old.

Prior to this fall, this was my only Fall/Halloween decor:

 I always put small pumpkins or the funny looking little gourds in my trifle bowl.

This year, I added a few touches...

Only $4.75 at Kohl's After Thanksgiving sale last year!

While cleaning out a cabinet, I found 4 yellow candles. I did not need all of my glass jars for food storage so a coffee table centerpiece was born. I knew I needed something else, but I did not like any of the fall garland at the craft stores. While visiting Texas earlier in November, I found these cute little garland/candle rings. Love them!

And, finally...

My wreath. I'm going to try and get a better picture. It is black tulle with orange sparkly ribbon. It needs something (sparkly ghost, BOO!, etc.) but I have not found it yet. Maybe I'll find something at the after Thanksgiving sales, or I'll have to make something.

I'm not Martha Stewart, but I'm certainly giving it a try. The fun is the best part, right?