It’s a crazy busy week getting ready for Thanksgiving and the upcoming Holiday entertaining and parties.
Lots of cleaning and cooking and getting the house looking it’s best.
A couple weeks ago, I shared some of the things I like to do to get the house ready to welcome guests
Things like a fresh coat of paint on the front door & new faucets in the bathroom.
I also freshen the guest cottage areas anticipating friends and family coming over~ the guest room got a little makeover and there might have been some other changes in another room that I will be sharing soon as well.
Of course there is also the decorating
and that means Christmas trees, fresh wreaths and garlands are making appearances.
and that means Christmas trees, fresh wreaths and garlands are making appearances.
The front door is draped in gorgeous fresh garland and fresh wreath both from Lowes.
I love the wreath hanger that I picked up there too- a little reindeer.
I placed this chunky flocked tree from Lowes into an olive bucket and dotted it
with just a few mercury glass ornaments on it.
One of the things I love about flocked trees are that they don’t require much decoration
to look absolutely amazing- this one was under $200 too-such a great price.
I love freshening up my home and getting it ready for the Holidays
and I am excited to share that Lowes wants to help you get your house Holiday Ready too!!
They are offering a $50 gift card to one lucky reader
Woot!!!
Make sure to enter on the Rafflecopter widget to be eligible!!!
Open to US entries- 18 years old older
Make sure to enter on the Rafflecopter widget to be eligible!!!
Open to US entries- 18 years old older
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Vintage Paint and more... says
I always think of a major project that has to be done for the holidays. This year I just had to paint the kitchen after tearing off the old wallpaper. Of course, there is the usual cleaning, crafting and baking to make everything ready..
Sarah says
To get my home ready, I like to bring out holiday decor that has been collected over the years as well as bring in some new pieces to freshen the decor up.
Eilis says
I look at beautiful blogs like yours for inspiration! The day after Thanksgiving I will start decorating. I am looking forward to decorating the pot rack over our kitchen island with greenery and decorations (since this is the first Christmas that I have had a kitchen with a pot rack).
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
So lovely, as always! That wreath hanger is especially awesome! Fresh greens, candlelight, good music, great food and all the people you love makes for the very best holiday!
Sherry at The Rusty Pearl says
Hi.. Thanks for this awesome giveaway. AND it couldn't of came at a better time . What I do to get ready for the holidays. I am on a journey for peace my friend and I have made it a conscious effort that I PRAY first. I pray about who is coming and what kind of blessing I can be. I want to make everything inviting and have the food they love there and Special holiday photos in frames and Little details on the table .Rather I win or loose this giveaway > I just enjoy your images and words and spirit. Have a blessed Thanksgiving my friend and Thanks for the chance to be apart of it. xoxoxox HUGs and Happy Thanksgiving.
Claudia says
I am so far behind so who knows if it will come together.
Erin says
OOOH, changes?!?!? I am wondering what you could have possibly done and am extremely excited to see what it is!!! As always, you are an awesome inspiration when it comes to Christmas~decor and I love how you embrace the natural beauty that surrounds you!
Unknown says
I could really use some new craft materials. Lowes is the best.
Shannon says
fill it with delicious smelling candles and decorate it with all my favorite Christmas decorations!
Anonymous says
I like to add lots of extra candle lights to areas in my home that I don't normally have them – they add such ambiance and a great smell too. I love to add even more tones of red than normal to my decorating – red adds warmth to a room and makes me happy!
Faded Charm says
Everything looks so festive around your house and I, too love to decorate with fresh greens.
xoxo
Kathleen
Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow says
I clean.
Dawn says
Everything looks beautiful, I finished my Christmas decor yesterday it feels good to be done.
Karen says
I like to make sure everything is clean and fresh, I leave out the fall decor until after Thanksgiving.
cwirth says
I love to use candles, stars, angels, mason jars both clear and in blue… plus some fresh greenery here and there. Then of course the white twinkle lights are a must.! And then reading my certain favorite blogs and pinterest to really get my dreamy ideas…..So many inspirational points!
heathere says
we also like to give the front door a new coat of paint as well fresh boxwood garland and wreaths!
DownTheLaneWithDaisy says
I love making different vignettes. Every year is different.
Athena at Minervas Garden says
I like to keep things simple, and I use what I have from the garden and stored decor to create a festive atmosphere!
Our Way says
The holidays start with Thanksgiving so we get the house decorated and start preparing our menu early. We like to visit when the family arrives. Then at Christmas we join our children because they like to be in their "space"
Unknown says
My husband and I are moving to a new home in three days! I will use fresh greens this Christmas inside and out. I can't wait to dress up the mantle. I've never had a real fireplace to decorate before. It'll be fun to do!!
elaine says
I like to play Christmas music, have coffee brewing or hot cocoa simmering, and a lovely seasonal scented candle burning while I work to decorate for Christmas.
cwirth says
Candles, angels, white twinkly lights, fresh greenery, glassware in clears and blues, Christmas music, little romantic touches of the quietness of the season…and a good clean house.
Unknown says
I keep things simple for the holidays —- garlands, candles, snowmen, white stars!
Unknown says
I have to clean before I can decorate and I have to take down all the Thanksgiving decorations down before I can start on Christmas. Thank you for the giveaway.
Unknown says
My husband has this little santa that lights up. It's probably almost as old as he is. No matter what else we have done to decorate the house for the holidays, it really isn't Christmas ready until we bring out that little vintage piece.
Our Way says
I simply love the deer wreath holder. How adorable!! But I have to admit I dislike dear intensely. Oh No! Please don't berate me. They are stripping all of our vegetation from our beautiful yard. But as statues and figurines I really like them.
Nancy Carr says
I put out the decorations I have made over the years along with any new ones I see. I love having my home feel inviting and warm.
[email protected]
Sally says
I clean house and then put up a tree in every room. I love Christmas – such a wonderful time for faith, family and friends!!
http://decoratedchaos.blogspot.com says
I like to clean and rearrange the furniture to make more room for guests and a place for kids.
Graceland- Jim, Theresa and family says
I place fresh greens on the mantle and set up a paper house village in apothecary jars.
Graceland- Jim, Theresa and family says
I place fresh greens on the mantle and setup a winter wonderland paper house village in apothecary jars.
Unknown says
My home has been ready for Christmas for nearly two weeks now. Christmas tree is up, stockings are hung, gifts are wrapped and under the tree, menus are planned with the grocery list done for Christmas eve and Christmas day meals. I picked up all the large Poinsettias on Sunday afternoon and they are in strategic locations throughout the house. The front doorway is decorated with wreath and fresh garland and the Christmas flag is flying high. I bake a few days before Christmas to really get in the spirit. My twin sons' birthday is December 28 so I have a lot going on at this time of year in addition to my work as a healthcare consultant. I have to be super-organized to get everything done so I start early! Makes my life easier.
Lady of the Manor says
Your home looks ready for your company! Everything is so pretty! I am slowly putting fall away and getting out those Christmas/Winter decorations. I'm trying hard this year to not buy many new things. I have a LARGE collection and am doing a bit of 'repurposing.' I'll try to post these projects when I get them done. Hoping you and your family have a great Thanksgiving!
Peggy says
Getting ready for the holidays means getting out an old rugged cloth football which is the only toy from my husband's childhood. It holds a place of honor in my decorating.
Heaven's Walk says
I agree with all the other girls here, Courtney! CLEAN! First and foremost! Then…I'll haul out all the pretty decor. It kind of feels like I'm starting with a "clean" slate and from scratch if the house is clean first. 🙂 I did spent all day long in my attic organizing 30 years worth of Christmas decor today. lol I have a huge pile going to Goodwill and the rest is neatly organized in big totes – and labeled! How about that??! lol Love that feeling!
xoxo laurie
Anonymous says
THE FIRST THIING WE DO IS WAIT UNTIL AFTER THANKSGIVING THEN WE PUT UP THE OUTSIDE LIGHTS… BEFORE WE MOVED TO OKLAHOMA WE WENT AND CUT OUR TREE AND ANY GREENERY NEEDED…NEXT CLEAN AND DECORATE INSIDE BY PUTTING UP THE TREE, LIGHTS ON MY ANTIQUE LADDER AND OTHER PLACES, ETC. LAST OF ALL LIGHT WHAT I CALL CHRISTMAS CANDLES…
flowerlady464 says
Fresh greenery and candles….serene white bedding..mercury glass….tray set for tea
Marty Philpot says
I start with the front entryway and work my way in. This year I want the house to look especially festive for my little grandbabies so will decorate with them in mind!
Marty Philpot says
I start with the front door and work my way inside. This year I want the house to look especially festive for my 2 1/2 year old grandson and his tiny sister! 🙂
deborah@confessions of a craigslist junkie says
To get my home ready I do a deep clean as well. Then I bring in the greenery. The smell of evergreen always gets me in the holiday spirit!
Sweet Tea N ' Salty Air says
Your home looks very festive. Lots of cleaning and decorating and cooking going on here also. Fresh greens are rare around these parts only white pine can be found but our local Lowes always has greenery , which is cuts from the fresh trees that I use decorate my home. The day after Thanksgiving I will get our fresh tree and deck the halls! Thanks so much for a chance to win at one of my favorite places.
Julie B. says
I buy a real Christmas tree – from there everything just follows! The scent of pine leaves puts everyone in the Holiday spirit 🙂
Ruth A says
Clean first, then after Thanksgiving I get all Christmas decor to decorate almost all rooms. Favorite time of year!!!
Ruth A says
Clean first, then after Thanksgiving I get out Christmas decor and decorate almost all of the house. Favorite time of year!!!!!
Cindy DIY beautify says
It is always exciting to pull out the Christmas boxes as i always forget some of the new things that I bought the year before, and I love mixing them with the "old" ornaments and decor from years past. This year we're in a new home so it will be a challenge to find places for the trees and all the other pretties 🙂
Unknown says
I have my teenage son carry in the 12 blue bins and start to empty them and then fill them with whatever I take from our home. We have a 115 year old home in northern Michigan ,and I love to use all my vintage/antique/hand-me-down decorations to make it beautiful. But I always have a need for help from Lowe's! Whether it's lumber or screws or drill bits or light bulbs, I love going there. Thanks for the opportunity!
Teresa@magazineyourhome says
I like to decorate my mantel first while listening to Christmas Carols, I lay a bed or fresh evergreens then add white lights and my nutcrackers. I hang a wreath on the door then start on the Christmas tree.
Blondie's Journal says
Everything is so pretty, Courtney. I'm wondering if the garland from Lowes is already made or if you assembled it from pieces. It is gorgeous!
XO,
Jane
Courtney says
Yes- the garland is from Lowes~ it's a 20 ft garland and is a mixed variety of greens. I also added a few pieces of ligustrum and holly to tie in with some of the other decor on the front porch area. Love it.
Unknown says
This year I did some outside painting.
Unknown says
I get ready buy reading blogs and scanning Pinterest. ????
Katie Mansfield says
I've been painting a room and the banister. I want those nagging projects done before I start to decorate for the holiday. Thanks for having a giveaway, Courtney. I can't wait to see your makeovers.
Cheryl says
I take all the decor off the mantel and tabletops and create a winter wonderland inside with white lights, greenery, pinecones, glass and flocked decor – starting the day after Thanksgiving!
longtodolist says
I obsess about all of the work and my 5 tons of decorations! It doesn't help me to get ready, but I do it every year so I guess you could say it's a tradition of mine.
Kathy says
I do the top to bottom left to right cleaning from baseboards to chandeliers. We're painting door frames this year – a project that I confess should have been done a very long time ago. Also, for some reason I like to clean the windows at this time too. Thanks for hosting this giveaway! Have a blessed Thanksgiving, Kathy
Dana - http://chocolateandsunshine.com says
What don't I do? Decorate trees – fresh and artificial for most rooms; and search for every possible nook, table, mantle that could also stand some holiday spirit. I started a week ago and I'm still working on it. I bought a wreathe today at Lowe's. I could use the gift card for the fresh tree I want this week-end. Your home is beautiful.
Unknown says
We have shampooed the carpet and going to refinish our kitchen hardwood floors! Love how you have decorated so far!
Anonymous says
My husband put up light outside and I break the boxes of indoor decorations!
Unknown says
I have been planning in my head and on paper… the day after Thanksgiving , we put up the trees and the outside lights. I can hardly wait! I did my first tree today… one in a chapel locally . Always my first tree to do of the season.
I can hardly wait for the reveal of your decor.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Nita Stacy says
Lots to do to get the house ready for the holidays. This year I painted the living room because I just could not take another year with my XMas tree in that room the color that it was. But I still need to paint the dining room. I'll be cleaning the whole house of course and putting up trees in the living room, dining room and maybe the bedrooms too…oh…kitchen too. I've had a kitchen faucet for almost a year now waiting for me to install in the kitchen. I really need to do that. So many things to do…This time of year I'm always mad at myself for not getting it all done in the summer.
Kristen Pare says
Purge. Clean. Paint. Winterized the house
flower girl says
I have a notebook that I put ideas and areas I want to decorate in. It has really helped. I also use Pinterest to pin all my ideas.
sweet violets says
Clean everything, purge, and put away all other decor……..then decorate with collected memories……then bake every day…..the whole house smells so good from that and all the candles!!!
ebe says
I make sure that there is one nativity scene per room to remember why we celebrate Christmas.
ebe says
I make sure that there is a nativity scene in each room to remember why we celebrate Christmas.
Susan M. says
I pull out all the balsam candles and Christmas music, haul the boxes down from the attic and immerse myself in the process while enjoying the smell and sound of Christmas.
capsgirl1 says
I must start with a good house cleaning and a general sweep through of the house getting rid of things I don't really need anymore. The day after Thanksgiving I start with a fresh wreath on the front door taking down all of the fall décor on the porch area. I fill lanterns inside and outside the house with fresh cranberries and greenery, wreaths with twinkling white lights, window candles, then the boxes of decorations are opened and the Christmas tree is decorated with both old and new items. After all of the decorating, the baking begins!! Blessings to all!
Dorene says
Lots of Christmas lights, and all the candles come out!
Dorene says
Lots of Christmas lights, and all the candles come out!
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says
Purge and make room for all the decor. Get the lights up outside and start to deck the halls inside. Hugs, Marty
carol jane says
First I clean and do a little painting, just to freshen things up. Then I start to decorate!
Amy McClatchy says
I clean and decorate and cook. And apparently I am going to lowes to get fresh garland for my front door;)
Di says
I'm so excited this year about decorating and seeing everyone else's decor and ideas! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
Your front door looks very welcoming for the holiday season, Courtney! Love the reindeer wreath hanger. I get ready first off by putting some Christmas music on. I'll be doing that Friday before I even crack open the first bin and get started on my decorating.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Unknown says
I take out all my decorations and start decorating before Thanksgiving! We either are going to Disney World or my older kids are coming to visit and I want them to see the house all ready for Christmas. They love that I go all out for it! My favorite holiday!
Unknown says
I take out all my decorations and start decorating for Christmas before Thanksgiving. We are either going to Disney or my older kids are coming to visit and I want them to see the house decorated! My favorite holiday!
jennyhenny says
I love natural decorations like greenery and pine cones. This year I hope to make most of my decorations homemade with the children!
The Charm of Home says
I love getting the home ready for the holidays! I am putting garlands and lights on everything! I love the flocked look of the evergreens so I have been experimenting with that this year. Lots of fun things to do it has had me in a good mood! Oh, and already lots of baking and good smells!
Sherry
Jo says
It's Christmas for me when the crèches come out of their storage containers. This year we're renovating so we might not have a tree but the holy family will be on display someplace in the house. Jo @ Let's Face the Music
Theresa says
I get my home ready for holiday decorating by "clearing the decks". Empty tables and shelves make it easy to get everything decorated fast.
Tammy says
I always clean and rearrange furniture to get ready!
Stacy says
rearrange the furniture, get out the Christmas tree and wonder where in the world I'm going to put all these decorations at!
Unknown says
Fresh cedar garlands, decorating the tree with our little ones, and a thankful heart-xo
Cindy says
Oh gosh, that wreath hanger is adorable! I will be keeping an eye out for one at Lowes for sure! The wreath is so nice too. I'm sure it must smell divine…
Cindy
Mitchypoo says
It's not actually Christmas time at my house until the first batch of peanut brittle is made! I love your flocked tree in mercury glass.
Mary Gardner says
We give everything a good cleaning and decorate the tree and add lights on the outside of the house!
Jean @ www.thebackyardbungalow.com says
I shop at Lowes…no seriously! I picked up 7 fresh garlands to decorate my house which will be on the Butte Symphony Holiday Home Tour. I love Lowes because they have a military discount, too!