Handmade Stockings and A New Way to Hang Them

I'm linking up with Donna"s Saturday Night Special Click below to see lots or creative and inspiring stuff.

click here

I made these stockings a few years ago out of two differently textured upholstery cottons. Then I found these cute little rusty ornaments at Michael's for $.99 and tied a different one on to each stocking so everyone knows who's is who's.

I got this idea from my brother and cannot take the credit, but I love this idea, it is simple and it is worth sharing.

I never wanted to place those stocking holders on my mantle for fear that an innocent toddler might get hit on the head by a cast iron object or crack a hearth tile or damage my wood floors. So every year I actually place nails in my mantle and then touch up in the new year - if I get to it.

So this year I bought this curtain rod which was white, painted it with Oil Rubbed Bronze spray paint (thanks Cindy for the tip), added a few curtain clips and then attached it to the underside of my fireplace surround. I like the way it looks and I might just keep it up all year.

I've been working on some new stockings for this year - out of sweaters of course! My to do list was just too long and sadly they all didn't get done - but I thought I'd show them to you anyhow.

Thanks for hosting Donna!

And Merry Christmas.

Beautiful Holiday Entertaining Ideas!

I have a bit of time on my hands lately as I seem to have put my back out! Having this happen right before Christmas is extremely unfortunate timing and I am unable to do anything. Really! After a few days of watching the laundry pile up, and the dust bunnies, kids socks, and toys collect all over the house I have now resigned myself to the fact there is nothing I can do about it. (No point even watching my home deteriorate before my very eyes.)

My hubby has sent me to bed and has rigged up my Imac bedside - now I can waste away my time in cyberspace.

So after much surfing I have found a few retro goodies for your holiday entertaining. These ideas are simple and can be easily executed with things you have on hand such as tin foil!

(You may Thank me later!) I hope you enjoy!

Check out this beautiful tin foil snowman centerpiece! Lovingly decorated with candy canes and lollipops. And what could be hiding inside those foil balls? Could it be Swedish meatballs, or perhaps they are mini jiffy pop popcorn surprises? My best guess is a chocolaty treat made with colored mini marshmallows and crispy chow mien noodles. Yum!

(Has anyone ever had those as kid?)

I love this idea for it's simple beauty. What better way to put out flatware for your guest than to creatively lay them out in the shape of a festive Christmas tree! Your guest will be talking about this one!

Why not leave the good china in the cabinet, forget about the environment, and start a new tradition this year by going completely disposable!

Did you know that you can finish up the look of your styrofoam plates and disposable plastic tumblers by simply placing a real glass plate or saucer beneath it? Use real metal flatware for an elegant touch. And the tinfoil angel sets the stage for an evening of festivities and fun.

For your next cookie exchange leave the cellophane and ribbon behind, these lovely take away foil serving dishes are where it's at this year. Plus you can say, "I made it myself!"

Ok, so I've had a little too much time on my hands........ but we've come a long way though haven't we?

Thank you - from me and my Christmas tree!

I have been having so much fun snooping around from blog to blog checking out all the amazing ideas out there. It only gets better when you actually remember those great ideas, and get the chance to put a few of them to good use. I really like the way my tree turned out this year and I can't take any credit for it - I have many of you to thank!

Inspired by Donna at Funky Junk Interiors - she has the greatest ideas. Love the burlap garland and the use of these old lanterns I found at the local thrift store. Thanks Donna for both of these great ideas, I smile every time I look at my tree!

Thanks to Ashley from Shanty2Chic, I love the way these little snow filled ornaments turned out - you are truly a genius!

I saw a designer on TV the other day put signs on her tree and that inspired me too. I put up this sweet little angel sign that I had for years and didn't know how to work into my decor.

An old chalk board went on as well. Once I actually find the chalk I might get my daughter to write a note to Santa on it , or a maybe a countdown to Christmas - we'll see.

I am now on the hunt for some old silver picture frames and I thought I might put old christmas photos of the kids in them and hang them on the tree as well.

Notice that you can't see the top of the tree in the photo - this tree is still a work in progress I suppose.

Thanks again sharing your great ideas with the world so me and my tree may enjoy them.