I know, I know. I realize it’s not even Thanksgiving yet. Honestly, I do. I know that sometimes that wonderful day of thanks gets lost in the shuffle between Halloween and Christmas. I know that we all need to slow down and truly appreciate each holiday as it comes. And I really am thankful and I really do enjoy Thanksgiving. Really!
But, here’s the thing…deep breath…I can do this….I can come right out and say this…
I decorate for Christmas before Thanksgiving. Like waaaaayyy before.
Please don’t throw a turkey at me! 😉
There are several reasons for this. One, I’m a blogger and in blogger-land we are working a season ahead to try and bring you ideas and inspiration that you can incorporate in your own home whenever you decide to start your own decorating.
Two, it takes a LONG time to get it all done. I mean, between all of the other daily craziness going on in my world, getting these halls decked just requires a good chunk of time. Frankly, it feels soooooo good to have it all done before Thanksgiving so that I can go into the Christmas season knowing that I can simply focus on the things that really matter and not worry about garlands and untangling that ball of light strands.
Of course, this year, I had a little bit of extra motivation to get started when a big box arrived from Balsam Hill. And after pulling out this gorgeous Magnolia Leaf Garland I couldn’t resist the urge to start decorating my mantel. I cannot even explain to you how realistic this thing is! The Balsam Hill catalog even provided the inspiration for the top of the mantel and I scored these beautiful old bottles at a local antique store.
Combined with battery powered candles they give off the most gorgeous glow.
Now, I haven’t gotten around to decorating my banister yet because I plan to use fresh greenery this year but I will definitely be adding this Magnolia Leaf teardrop .
And this battery operated tabletop tree is so perfect in our upstairs hallway next to the paper Advent houses that were mine when I was a little girl. Opening the doors and windows are definitely a highlight each year!
And, ok, so since I’m all about transparency, I guess I might as well go head and come out with the rest of it.
You see, the thing is, I just really LOVE Christmas. And decorating my house early just makes me feel good.
This time of the year when the days are shorter and it’s cold and dreary, heading into the attic and pulling out those familiar boxes filled with treasured pieces is simply good for my soul.
And hearing the beautiful strands of Christmas carols when the rain is pouring outside is so comforting and uplifting that who can blame me if I feel the urge to break out my CD’s the week before Halloween.
Don’t throw a turkey at me. 😉
How about when it comes to decorating for Christmas we all just take an ‘I’m ok, you’re ok’ approach?
Because, at the end of the day, all of us who love Christmas are kindred spirits anyway, right?
And we kindred spirits know better than to throw turkeys at each other!
Happy Saturday sweet friends,
*discolsure: I’m partnering with Balsam Hill this holiday season but all opinions are 100% my own*
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25 Comments on "Christmas Decor Sneak Peek!"
How beautiful! I completely thought your greenery was real! Love the green against the glow of candles! The holidays speed by so fast these days I say celebrate Christmas as early as you please!
It all looks so beautiful. x
It looks beautiful! I have decorated for Christmas before Thanksgiving a couple of times because I just love Christmas too!
Love the Magnolia garland from Balsam Hill.I also thought it was real! It is so realistic!!I will be checking them out! Your mantle looks gorgeous! Can’t wait to see the rest!
Oh my gosh I’ve wanted magnolia garland for years! Definitely checking out Balsam Hill.
Vanesssa, I am right there with you doll. We already have up one of the little trees with lights and ornaments in the front room. I have to say it makes the magical glow of Christmas light up in my heart! I have a couple of bottles like the ones on your mantle and a few other things I might toss up with some of the battery operated candles myself – right now my mantle is *gasp* not decorated at all!
This is just lovely!
Love that wreath and tear drop, and your mantel looks totally amazing.
Hi June, the non blogger. I’m a non blogger too, but I’m a HUGE blog reader. Just wanted to tell you that I also love my fall things – maybe even more than Christmas and I’m sad to take them down when the time comes. What struck me as funny is that I also have pumpkins that I turn during the season. September and November….no faces. October….jack-o-lantern faces show. I thought I was the only one crazy enough to do that. Love that I’m not alone.
Like you, I decorate early because there is soooo much to do and honestly, I can’t stand to do all that for just 2weeks. It’s so nice to sit back and really enjoy the season with little stress. Mine is usually done by (Halloween) and I too take a lot of joking over it. Late this year. Tree went up today with several more to go.
Happy Holidays & Blessings to you & yours.
Deb
I like having ideas early. Love that you have a sponsor for us to check out. Liked the mantel idea. So you see I may not start now but I’m thinking now…and im very appreciative of your hard work to inspire me!!!
Thank you so much Elizabeth!! So glad you stopped by! 🙂
Vanessa, that magnolia garland looks so realistic and those antique bottles are gorgeous on your mantel. You are much further along than me! I need to bring my ideas to fruition!
Your decorating is beautiful and not all red & white candy canes and Santa’s. It’s perfect for this time of year in my book. Cheryl Ann
The garland is gorgeous as your mantel is….it looks so very real…I love magnolia garlands, but they turn brown quickly…so this is a great alternative!…I used to start decorating in October to be done by December 1st for the Christmas tour…but not going on this year, so I am starting later and doing more simpler things!…well, as simple as I get!…
Vanessa, your home is simply beautiful. You truly have such a wonderful gift. Thanks for the inspiration. I am a bit behind in my usual decorating for Christmas…but I think I may change things up after seeing your site. I love thinking outside of the box when it comes to decor. LOVE your site. Wow!
Thank you so much Becki!!! What an absolute treat to see your comment pop up along with your friend request on FB. 🙂 I’m thinking you and I need to have a coffee date sometime!
I def thought that the magnolia was real too! It looks amazing! I know it really is so tempting to decorate early but I do hold out for the day after thanksgiving. It’s my Black Friday tradition & can’t wait to bust it all out tomorrow along with some of my new holiday purchases! Happy decorating!
Your holiday decor looks great! I love all the candles on the mantel. I bet it’s stunning at night!