Happy December! I wanted to share my no-stress “just enough Christmas decorating” but festive theory, good things at Trader Joe’s, favorite pajama gift ideas and more. It’s Five Faves time with Annie and Cindy.
Keep It Simple Christmas Decorating Theory
Take it easy and don’t stress yourself out with the Christmas decor. We did put the Christmas tree up (undecorated) before we left for California for Thanksgiving and we paid to have exterior lights installed (I think it’s worth it at our age).
So from here until December 25, I will do things gradually…fresh pine and magnolia leaves in places with ribbons, wrapping gifts, lighting an evergreen candle, setting a pretty Christmas table… I will show you as I progress.
But for now here is some pretty inspiration from Atlanta Home and Lifestyles:
TJ’s Cedar Balm Spray — Great For When You Have An Artificial Christmas Tree
My daughter, Alexandra swears by the fresh pine scent of this room spray available at Trader Joe’s.
Speaking Of Trader Joe’s (you grandparents may already know this)
We learned this from our granddaughter.
If you spot the featured hidden animal (in this case an ostrich), you tell a TJ employee and they reward you with a lollipop and stickers! Louisa and I were really into the search while Howard shopped!
Pjs Make A Great Gift
I love the breathable poplin cotton pajama sets at J. Crew, especially when they are 40% off. My daughter loves her super soft Lake DreamModal Ribbon Long-Long Set in Seaport Blue (25% off, other colors too). I have the J.Jill Relaxed PJ pant and matching top in petite small (30% off and lots of other patterns).
What To Watch On TV – The Family Plan 2 on Netflix
We liked it so much we watched original The Family Plan on the airplane coming out to California.
Outfit of the Week – Elevated Casual Holiday Party – Sparkle Jeans
I tried these flattering jeans on in the store and thought I would go home and order them in petite. The tiny rhinestones add sort of a “je ne sais quoi.” And now they are 40% off.
Well, they don’t come in petite but now they are on sale and I will spring to get them shortened.
The jeans, red shirred top and patent leather ballet flats are 40% off with the code Letsgo. The versatile pearl drop earrings are from Banana Republic. The Sezane belt is also patent leather and the oversized cashmere wrap is 50% off. The Mini Pouch in Suede is fun and 50% off. If you are going to a party, the Flamingo Estate Douglas Fir Vetiver Candle makes a nice hostess gift.
Fragrances to Try, Enjoy And Share
I was gifted this Maison du Roc Discovery Set, Extrait de Parfum which includes four spray samples of their layered signature fragrances. So my daughter, Alexandra and I each selected two. So nice to have with me now for travel.
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Let’s see what my friends have discovered this week:
MA! I knew nothing about TJ’s hidden animal challenge … but I’m headed over there later and will look. There room spray is exactly what I need to bring a little holiday spirit into our tiny temporary home. I love your gradual plan for holiday decorating … no reason to get frantic and stressed. Easier said than done. We pay a service to install our outside lights too … game changer! Those sparkly jeans are the best … obsessed. Safe travels home from California! xo
I love the Huntington Museum/Gardens, it is a stone’s throw from where my brother lives. I hope Louisa, you/family had a lovely tea time. Thank you for the holiday decoration encouragement — it can weigh on me until I get it done to my liking. This year, the primary thruway of our Upper MW neighborhood decorated in mid-November, 2-3 weeks before Thanksgiving; I’m not sure what changed that everyone decided to start “the Holidays” a week after Halloween! I aim for the first week of December, and am happy if I meet that goal!
Your family would also love visiting Descano Gardens this time of year for the Enchanted Forest of Light!
Thanks for the tip, Christine!
Mary Ann! I must try that Trader Joe’s Cedar Balsam room spray! Love your outfit of the week!! You look amazing in red!
xx
I want to get some too, Annie!
Good morning Mary Ann,
Always love seeing a CCH post in my inbox, they brighten my day. As usual, wonderful decor inspiration and fun gifts too. Adorable pic of Howard and Louisa heading to TJ’s to find the ostrich on the shelf, so precious! I’ll be thinking of you at Huntington as you partake in high tea in their gorgeous gardens. I was there recently and always am amazed at the beauty of the gardens. Be sure to hit the gift shop too!
Hugs!
I admire you so much, Gail!!
Enjoyed your writing and topics this year! You are very talented. Thank you
Thanks, Lynn. That means a lot to me. Merry Christmas.
Hi Mary Ann,
Thanks for a festive post! I am going to Sydney Australia for Christmas this year and bought those striped J.CREW pj’s thinking they are so fun and will keep me cool! Love your high tea with Louisa!! Gorgeous memories. Have a lovely week!
Have a great time in Sydney, Francesca. We were there a few years ago and walked across the bridge.
Those pjs are so cute.