Hello! Welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday, where I share what’s on my mind and invite you to join in and do the same. December has been incredibly busy—I’m staying on top of things, but just barely! It’s definitely a day-to-day rhythm over here.
Today, I’m thinking about my family room tree and mantle and would love to share it with you. After that, it’s your turn to link up and let us know what’s on your mind. Let’s dive in!
This was the first time in nearly two decades that my friend Carol didn't decorate my house for Christmas. She wasn't available this year so I tackled it with the help of my friend Jill. Thank goodness for Jill! She recognized my hesitation in knowing how to pull off the decorating and jumped right in to help.
I'd been seeing dried orange slices all over social this year and I loved the way they looked. So I made a batch and used them on the mantle and tree. They were a great add this year!
When Ian was little, we always decorated the tree with garlands of popcorn, cranberries, and Cheerios. Our dog, however, thought the popcorn strings were his personal snack and would eat them right off the tree. I spent countless hours restringing popcorn—it felt like a never-ending task throughout December! A few years ago, I came across some faux popcorn garland at Hobby Lobby and bought it immediately. Now it’s on our tree, looking incredibly realistic. If only this had existed back when we had a dog!
Hobby Lobby also had the best bells! A couple of sets hang from the end of the mantle.
Each side of the fireplace sports a few holiday decorations too.
I took tons of detailed pictures this year to make next year's decorating less stressful. Hopefully, my friend Jill will be available to help too!
Now it's your turn - what are you thinking out loud about? Link up and share!
