Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas

Can you believe Christmas is only 8 days away?!? How goes your Holiday shopping? Are you a last minute type shopper, online shopper, or do you like to fight the crowds? This year, with a newborn babe I've been doing a lot of online shopping. But I will admit, I miss fighting the crowds! I know, call me crazy, but I love the hustle and bustle amidst the holiday decorations and music in the background. 

So how are you going to wrap those gifts? If you are feeling even minorly ambitious, here are a few ideas for ya.  

First, my favorite is using brown craft paper.  There is so much you can do with it...a classic black and white ribbon topped with a sprig of evergreen; tie it with bakers twine (also classic) and bells; stamp it; draw on it; the possibilities are endless.  

 Simple White

Something a little more crafty- for the kids :)

Glitter and glam

Memorable Photo Topper

Hope you were inspired! Whether it is simple or over-the-top have fun with it. Good luck and get creative!!! Merry Christmas!

Prep Your Guest Room

This time of year is always a time where we open our homes to friends and family.  That means it is time to prep your guest room.  Amidst the chaos of decorating, holiday shopping, parties, and kids' school activities our to-do lists are overflowing.  So, I wanted to make it easy for you to prep the perfect guest room to suit all of your guests needs.

1. Clean and inviting bedding with plenty of pillows:

2. A bedside Carafe: you don't want house guests roaming the house in the middle of the night only to find you roaming your house in  your underwear.

from inhabit.com

3. Nightstand Reading: extra magazines, coffee table books, etc....

4. fresh towels and washcloths.

5. A toiletry basket: This is my favorite and one I always have on hand.  Use an old or new gift basket and fill it with travel-size toiletries such as tooth paste and tooth brush, shampoo and conditioner, lotion, bandaids, mini sewing kit, tylenol, tide to go pen, antibacterial soap, q-tip, kleenex, etc...

6. Fresh Flowers: besides making the space smell fragrant it shows you've gone the extra mile.

7.  Well-stocked guest favorite snacks: they will really appreciate the opportunity to snack at their leisure especially when travelling and are off-schedule (and you'll be glad to avoid any hungry grumpy people).

You are sure to be the star host if you follow these guest room prep ideas! (or perhaps you don't want to be the star host if you don't want a revolving door)