I’d like to wish all my HomeGoods shopping friends a beautiful 2010 full of surprises.

It’s been an honor blogging with you this year!

One of my favorite gifts this Christmas was a pair of  Silver plated Peacock Napkin Rings which I’ve wanted for a long time.  I can’t wait to have guests over to show them off.

This has got me thinking about  napkin rings in general. They are not something that is “needed” for the table, but they do provide quick and easy decor whether it’s a holiday themed family table or an elegant setting for two.  They come in every price range including D.I.Y. napkin rings that you can create from items you have on hand, so they are good for any budget. They don’t take up much space on the table either, so they work well even in small spaces. Ditto for their storage needs.

Let’s take a little napkin ring tour, shall we?

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Twas the night after Christmas and strewn ’round the house, are wrappings and toys that scared every mouse.

The stockings were empty and turned inside out, some toys did not work, which delivered a pout.

The children were restless and won’t go to bed, wound up on playthings and treats…no more said.

Mama in her sweatsuit and dad in his jeans, just settled their brains after a day of thrilled screams. Read entire post

  This is a week of traditions and memories. Many of us establish our holiday traditions from memories of the way things were done when we were children. Do you open gifts Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? At our house we had to compromise . . . my dh’s family opened gifts on Christmas Eve, and mine at the crack of dawn on Christmas Morning. How did we compromise? We did both, opening a couple before bed on Christmas Eve and the rest in the morning! Read entire post

…gonna make sure the Holiday’s nice, because guests are coming to town!

With Christmas a few days away (AAAH), you better not cry, pout or stress out. Organization is the key to get through Holiday entertaining. I always make lists for every step of the way. Then I know I’m on-track when I  can see things crossed out that are done and out of the way. Lists are great.

Here’s my “checking it twice” list for a Holiday happening house… Read entire post

Let the gatherings begin! I know many families who are beginning their get togethers this weekend. Of course, the last weekend before Christmas finds our calendars filled with work, school, and organizational activities. Are you hosting an event at your house?

I feel a little guilty as I write this post. I am not one for throwing dinner parties or grand galas. I am much more inclined to get together for a quiet evening of gabbing. An open house where friends wander in and out, progressive dinners or meals where each guest brings a course along with them, Christmas Caroling that ends with hot chocolate and cookies or even a soup supper Read entire post

Because we don’t live in close proximity to family, we keep our holidays rather simple.  For example, we only have two stockings hanging by the fireplace for the kids.  But after visiting a friend’s home, I’m going to rethink my stocking strategy.

They hang a stocking for everyone – even extended family!  I love the simplicity in design coupled with the warmth of the family vibe!

So what is your stocking strategy?  Do the grownups share in the fun?

The Countdown is on –  only 10 days left until Christmas.  Are you still scrambling to find gifts for the men on your list?

Here’s a few simple  ideas to help you out.  They may not win the creative gift of the year award,  but they will definitely will be useful gifts and thus appreciated over time.

My #1 favorite go to gift for men (because every guy can use one or more) — a pocket-size black umbrella — if your budget allows for it, you could pair it with leather gloves.

Or, for the movie buff, tuck a DVD or movie tickets into a  bucket  filled with his favorite munchies.

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First of all, I just wanted to say how much fun we had on the Holiday Gift Gab last Wednesday night. HomeGoods, CasaSugar and all of you who joined in, shared your great gift ideas, and 4 lucky people won gift cards worth $250!  We had so many join in, that speed reading was a must  keeping up with all the comments (Dramamine anyone).  You can’t say it was boring, that’s for sure. We loved all your great ideas and the HG bloggers threw out a few as well. Hope you had fun, we sure did! 

Want more ideas… Read entire post

I had so much fun chatting with everyone at the Gift Gab the other night. Many thanks to everyone who took the time to join us. I hope those of you who participated came away with some helpful ideas.

This year we are all trying to watch our spending. Gifting our loved ones while remaining on a budget is a challenge. Most of us don’t want to be paying off Christmas in July; so, I’m going to share some tips I’ve picked up lately . . . a few from the Gift Gab and a few of my own.

1. Homemade Plus – I am a knitter. Each evening you will find me relaxing with needles flying. I enjoy making scarves and washcloths primarily. When I gift a washcloth, I add fancy soaps to make it special. I might tie a scarf around a stuffed animal, or add coordinating mittens to give the gift a little pizazz. Read entire post