Captivating Christmas! 2022

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Hello friends I hope this finds you well on your way to enjoying this holiday season. I really love sharing friends on Instagram and here! Today’s post is filled with beauty created by some of my nearest and dearest. Enjoy! Click the image for source.

Michele Strauts

Kim Jenkins

Mathew Allegretta

Jessica Rhodes

Melody Borghesani

A few images of my Mother in Laws beautifully decorated livingroom.

Nicole Blackmon - and her sweet pup Dasher

Laura Castergine

Autumn Brockart

Mariana Silveira

Cynthia Schenck Shirey

Lauren Walker

Marcie Millholland

Lynn Byrne

Cameron Jones

If you haven’t finished your decorating I hope you’ve found inspiration here in one, more or many of the styles shared.

Thank you to each of these dear sweet friends who said Sure when I asked if I could share a bit of their Holiday decor with my readers.

Til next time be well and Merry Christmas!

Images: All Accounts Linked

Chaletmomma Gift Guide 2022

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Cheers to finding the perfect something for all the special people.

A few weeks ago I visited the Tomato Factory in Hopewell, NJ. I will not divulge what I purchased but. I do have a gift or two squirreled away. Remember something unexpected is always appreciated. An unusual container, a piece of hotel silver to grace a table or a piece of porcelain - perhaps a plate for serving or admiring. What about a vintage linens. Vintage offers so many wonderful options.

I realize not everyone is in New Jersey… here are some friends who ship!

Sadie makes lovely one-of-kind pieces. Repurposing ethically sourced leather remnants into beautiful pieces. Each month Sadie gives back to a local or larger non profit. Her designs are wonderful to match her incredible spirit!

I love to gift Art in the form of prints or small original works.

What about sculptural piece? These delightful creations are from my friend Mariana Silveira and part of her Wild Woman collection. I love my black torso.

Magazine make wonderful gifts. What about a year subscription of Frederic Magazines four amazing volumes?

Of course books are something I love to gift. I’m also a fan of thrifting books and supporting my local library through their book sales.

I enjoyed an Open House New York tour a few years ago and was able to view some of these landmarks in person. Murals of New York City is not the usual fair about New York City, I’ve gifted it and have my own copy. I highly recommend!

A classic or new work of fiction is sure to please any book lover!

Something for the younger set.

My favorite children’s author is Virginia Lee Burton.

I was gifted a copy of the Christmas Mouse when I was 5yrs old and I have read it every year since. It’s sure to be treasured.

An audio subscription makes a terrific gift.

Some tried and true sources to send a special hello across the States.

The most appreciated gift is time together.

An Aquarium visit, Board Game day, Concert, Designer Show House, Garden Tour, Holiday Home Tour, Ice Skating, Mini-Golf, Movie, Museum Visit, a Play, Picnic, Roller Skating, Sculpture Garden, Sporting event, Thrifting, a Vacation - could be a once in a lifetime visit to Disney or a few days hanging out together, a Walking Tour or visit a Zoo.

All of these options can be enjoyed in towns anywhere on the globe. Where we live our county government sponsors a summer Concert series and Light Shows at our local Zoo during the holidays.

The play could be at a local school, Go support a local AA, college or high school sports team. Our high school are State champs - their season was very exciting! Find a local or not so local Museum and plan a drive - stopping along the way for a bit of Thrifting or lunch - check Open Table options. How about a day of baking. Get out the favorite board games, order some pizzas and have fun. Organize a book club either in-person or over Zoom. Plan a coffee date at home or out. Arrange a fancy or not so fancy dinner out. Plan the picnic, potluck dinner or pub-crawl. Find a walking tour around your town or a special destination or do some research and map out your own.

See what you can find and have fun!

Whatever gift-giving you do this year I hope you’re blessed with happiness.

Holiday Prepping

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Hi friends while I won’t be decorating the Chalet until the end of the month I wanted to share a few items I’ve seen out an about or in my inbox that have been added to my Holiday To Do List and we all know how much I love an organized To Do List! hahaha! Also these are things I like to have sorted prior to Thanksgiving.

For our family Christmas has become about the celebrations and not gifts. A few years ago our family decided to focus solely on gifts for our son. Gift giving is tons of fun but, we’ve collectively decided sharing a meal, a concert or event is a better way to celebrate the season. It’s about spending time together.

But, there are things we always do… like exchanging greetings with loved ones.

First thing on my Holiday To Do List - Cards. I discovered minted a decade ago and love their selections and the ability to review a draft. I mistakenly tried another manufacturer once who didn’t offer this option. They always run specials prior to Thanksgiving and I finished my card Sunday 11/6 and had them in my hand after one draft review yesterday Tuesday 11/8. I mean friends - it’s an awesome resource!

Of course minted offers fabulous cards for every occasion but, these cards inspired by objects from The Met collection are truly art friends. Minted offers fine art, decor for the home, wall murals and so much more. The artists and creators minted works with are vast and inspiring.

I love Caspari paper products and I use them all year long. After settling on my card design I like to choose a new napkin pattern. We host Christmas Eve so we need cocktail, dinner and guest towels. Next is Christmas Crackers… Do you enjoy them - they are so fun! They originated in the UK but, have grown in popularity here in the states. It’s a cardboard tube covered in paper sometimes with a theme and inside there’s a paper crown, a joke on a slip of paper and a little gift. We love to pop them open after dessert and take turns reading our jokes. And last but, not least some lovely wrapping options. While I like craft paper I do like new ribbon and I am a fan of gift bags. Sometimes I place wrapped gifts in gift bags; especially if there are a few smaller boxes. It makes a lovely presentation and it’s easier for the loved one or friend to transport.

White Flower Farm is not only my supplier for the daffodil bulbs I’ve planted here at the Chalet and at my mother-in-law Marge’s home - they are also a wonderful resource for all sorts of holiday decor.

I saw some decor when I was at Target last week and grabbed a few pics. I did not purchase anything but, I’ll admit this pink pillow is super cute!

I hope this has helped lighten your To Do List. I’ll be sharing a Holiday Shopping Guide in the coming weeks. Til next time be well!

I found this super cute printable from Making Life Blissful