Thinking of christmas decorating

So, I will be cleaning my house really well before Thanksgiving and hope to have my tree up and decorated, that weekend. I bought a new imitation tree. It's cashmere and has little pine cones. I did not get a pre-lighted one. Every time, I have bought one, the lights go out. No biggie for me, to just have my husband put on the lights. Haha, did you catch that? 

I'd love to go with more earthy-type decorations but once I open the box, I get all warm and fuzzy with memories.

With our new picket fence in the front yard - I am excited to decorate that as well.

Snow would be a gift from God - since it rarely snows here. Maybe once every 3 years. We all hope, that maybe this year will bring some measurable snow.

I can't wait!

Simple Christmas

Source: dreamywhites.stfi.re

It's hard to keep things simple, at Christmas. 

We get so "caught up" in all the beauty of the season. But simple is just as beautiful - to me, it sets the tone of the winter season. 

No glitz, no glam, no tinsel; just the bare natural beauty of winter.

Here are some favorites I drool over and always say, "Next Year." 

Source: digsdigs

Source: myscandanavianhomeblog

Source: decoratingyoursmallspace

Source: Musingsonmomentum

Source: birchandbird

I'm dreaming of a minimally decorated christmas

Source: DigsDigs

Every year - I try to keep the decorations simple. As I pull them out,  I see items, I want to display. This year, I still have a box of stuff, I won't putting up this year. Maybe their turn comes next year.

I never used to be that way - when I had my home daycare and my sons were young, my home was decorated as if I was Mrs. Claus. It was warm and cozy. 

I wish I had taken pictures back then.

My biggest desire is to one day, decorate minimally. I love the look. That would sure be a change for me.

Here are some of my favorites:

Source: ChicDeco

Source: DreamBookDesign

Source: DreamBookDesign

Source: Lufolkan.blogspot

Strawberry Santas

Are these not the cutest little morsels of sweetness? 

Pretty simple too. I may do this, for Christmas Eve. 

Use buttercream frosting, as whipped cream would be too soft. 

Use mini-chocolate chips for the eyes. ADORABLE!!!

BUTTERCREAM FROSTING RECIPE:

Add powdered sugar to mixing bowl. Add softened sticks of butter. Add vanilla. Add 1 tbsp of milk. Beat on low until powdered sugar is incorporated. Then move mixer up to medium-high speed. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often. ... Add more milk, a little bit at a time until frosting is the proper consistency.