The coral geraniums I brought inside this fall are blooming their hearts out, so I confined my holiday itchiness to outdoor decor, and reducing two years worth of Christmas cards to 3 inch circles with my new acme circle punch, before converting them to ornaments!

When the weather was still nice, DH and I did some maintenance in the ravine behind our house. We liberated an oak and some cedars that were being overwhelmed by the vines of riverbank grape. I used some of the vines to make rustic wreath forms, then shoved them inside the largest empty garden pots I had, to further mold their shape. I used the wreaths as the base for my outdoor decor. (#1 and #2) Recycled birch logs and burlap bows I’ve had since 2014. (The pine cones and gold balls will keep for another time. I like to mix things up every year.) Juniper, cedar, and holly from our property. DH put up the Christmas lights, but we won’t turn them on until December 1.

The paper ornaments (#5) are made from 6 - 3 inch circles folded in half, then glued together.

Maybe next weekend I will bring some greenery into the house. DH is/was a forester and wildlife biologist so nature or natural elements figure prominently. I like silver and gold and elegance! Reconciling the two styles is an (enjoyable) challenge. I’m not sure if we will do a tree, since we are just doing stocking stuffers this year. Possibly a smaller version (3-4 ft) on a table like the Victorians? We’ve skipped having a tree before, and nobody missed it.

Have you started with your seasonal/holiday decorating? Are you staying with the tried and true, or changing things up this year? What is inspiring you? Please post pics!