feliz navidad.

Justin and I bought our perfect and first Christmas tree at Costco Tuesday night.  They had them for $29.99!  We also bought garland for the mantle and a wreath for the front door.  I just love the smell!

For decorating the tree we used ornaments my grandmother gave us. She used them each year and actually made them with her mother's costume jewelry.  They are so special. Justin put the white lights on and added some sparkles with sticks we bought at Michael's

Next it was time to decorate the table.  I used a cone shaped piece of wood with nails in it.  Again, something my grandmother used for years and handed down to me.  It was simple - just a bag of apples from Trader Joe's and clippings from the tree. So natural and seasonal.

My favorites...the banister and the mantle.  Justin and I used real garland to wrap around the banister.  I always wanted to use real greenery, but have never had the chance until this year.  I wrapped the garland and made the bows, but Justin wrapped the ribbon (from Michael's) around the garland. Oh what a sweet hubbs.

Our faux fireplace - ha!  We will just say mantle...we do have a mantle, but that is a mirror since we don't have an actual fireplace. I used real greenery and placed cinnamon pine cones for a nice 'organic' touch.  Candles at one end and Nutcrackers at the other, give the mantle balance.  The velvet stockings and star stocking hangers I actually found at Khol's.  They were all on sale for 50% off!

I look forward to the next 22 days that we get to enjoy our Christmas home.

Merry Christmas!