Decking the Halls!

Well - December is officially upon us and that means that Christmas is everywhere... While I enjoy a little Black Friday shopping - I try to hold out and keep Christmas in December... mostly because I SO love Thanksgiving, I want it to last as long as possible!

We had our first Holiday party in our home last weekend, so that was incentive enough to get all the Halls Decked on Dec 1st before our guests arrived!  We hosted the first portion of a Progressive Dinner. We haven't done one of those in years, and we had forgotten how FUN they are!  We made Appetizers (Tomato, Basil, & Feta Bruschetta, Honey Mustard, Ham & Swiss Bruschetta, & Stuffed Mushrooms) - YUM!

I am finding as our daughter is older, and I am older, I would like to cut back a bit on the overload of every corner decked out... simple smaller touches here and there that help to lend to the Christmas Spirit without completely taking over is more my style now... so every room still feels magical, but it's a bit less in your face about it!

I love all the handmade ornaments, and the nativity set my little girl played with as a toddler (always taking baby Jesus and Mary and hiding them somewhere in her room!)...  Most of all, I LOVE our little feed trough filled with hay and a babe, 'wrapped in swaddling clothes'!  It helps us to remember the True meaning of Christmas every day!

What about you? What is your style and your favorite Holiday decoration? Do you have any plans to host a party this month?  Up next, I am mulling over the idea of hosting an Ugly Sweater Game night... how fun would THAT be? I am making my guest list now... and off to shop for an ugly sweater soon!

Happy Holidays!
~Karrilee~