On this post, some of my holiday decor, gift ideas for guys, and simplifying the holidays!
It’s our weekend roundup with Juliet and Elizabeth.. It’s been a crazy week. I had three posts and that was a lot for me..
How are you doing? Are you finding the time to enjoy some of the things that make the holiday season bright? I am talking about little friend gatherings, maybe making cookies out of your mom’s old Betty Crocker Cooky book like me?
Skip stuff and do less!
Yes you can. We women do too much and we often put the pressure on ourselves when we needn’t. It’s better to have a few holiday coffees out with pals close to you, than say yes to all the gatherings. It feeds the soul to make your family cookie recipes with a cup of tea and holiday music, and perhaps skip the fancy care packages that put you over the edge.
It’s better to write a few Christmas cards to far away relatives and old friends than a list of 200 with a ‘perfect’ family photo. Take a drive to see the holiday lights with a hot cocoa and skip hours at the mall getting everyone the ‘perfect’ gift. Find the things that feed your soul this season and honor the memories that have meaning. Be with your people and do less! I’m telling you, so many of my friends are feeling the pressure now. Why is it we insist on doing the same year after year? These are old traditions and we can change them.
Robin of Gliding through Sixty, who I adore, recently shared on her Instagram what she does now with her adult children. She takes each for a lunch and a beer, and then a day of shopping with her. Those gifts get wrapped up later and they still get surprises in their stockings. I thought that was smart. I think once children are older, we no longer need to break our necks to make all the gifts surprises.
Here I sit on the second week of December with one tree partially done, another still naked. Our fireplace garland holders broke, and I can’t find the ribbon I use for my tree, along with other decor. I did order a card, but only because I had a nice photo of my guys for once. This year I picked the first card I liked and radically edited my list of addresses.
One thing I find maddening about Christmas decorating, is the removal of the regular decor to make room for all the ‘holiday’ bits. Where I put that stuff is often random, and guaranteed I may not find some of it until April! I read somewhere to put those items you remove in the same boxes you store the Christmas decor, that way you’ll know what goes back out. Smart!
I want to order this from Target below to replace my shopping basket .. I need taller to hold the wrap. This is such a good looking basket….
I put away my blue ceramics on the kitchen shelves and added my little houses on my open shelves which have battery tea lights that twinkle. I love them at night. I also added a mini tree..
On my kitchen table I am using a runner I found a few years back at Homegoods. Previously, I had colored bulbs in the wooden bowl, but this year I opted for natural branches mixed in with a few faux ones and pinecones. I also added a plaid throw on a chair. (Similar bowls here.)
This is my color scheme this year, a sort of multi-color tweedy feel. Maybe it was the influence of the the UK travel! I found this ribbon for the tree here at Michaels.
My grandma’s jewel tree picture is out along with some brush trees on the bar. All the sparkly things seem to go well here with the mirrored backdrop.
I’m still working on my wreaths which sustained some damage from the winds. I am changing it up and adding lemons from my yard for a California feel. I will hopefully get to that and my pink tree next week!
I did add pink poinsettias to my front porch baskets..I adore the pink ones and they are hard to find. I grabbed these at my local Ace Hardware.
My big tree has the new tweedy ribbon because I can’t find last year’s gingham. ( Story of my life.) I also added a few more of these modern glass bulbs that sort of have a glow when then tree is lit. I find them here and there. Some were brought at Ladera garden ( more below about them.) My cat Marlo, goes under the tree and meows as she misses the tree skirt, which she spent many years hanging out on. I added a lambskin throw so she now has a place under the tree! (Small basket here.)
Guy Gifts
I’ve done this regularly and as I have all men in my family, I feel like I have a good grasp of what they like. Each is so different, but these are things that my guys, ( ages 22 and 25), and Max would want! I hope these are helpful! I will add to this as I see more things..Photos are linked with some descriptions.
Our Cookie Exchange
If you missed it, we did a virtual Cookie exchange, the idea of our baking goddess, Elizabeth. Everyone had some delicious and very pretty cookies. You can go to my post for all the links. Mine were Aniseed Almond Snow Drops and they are fast, pretty and yummy. They are sort of a mini pavlova and light and chewy.
Local Shopping..
I have to give a shout out to two great local spots! This week I was lucky to do a holiday shopping and dinner in Portola Valley. This was organized by my friend Jeanne who does this every year with girlfriends and it is a such nice way to enjoy the season. We start at Ladera Garden and Gifts in Portola Valley. It’s the most lovely garden center with the best home decor, and gifts! I found presents, cute little mini trees for $5- (like the one on my kitchen counter above), and pretty ornaments at a nice price. I love the people they are SO sweet and do gorgeous wrapping on your gifts for free.
Next door is dinner at the wonderful Portola Kitchen, which has to be one of my favorite restaurants. It’s got a terrific menu, excellent food and service and fun cocktails too. The two together are a great lunch/shopping day for the season. Visit them this season if you can. It’s not far from Stanford Shopping Center, which brings me to this….
Next Monday Jeanne and I will be hosting a holiday shopping+ 20% off at Rails!
Come by Stanford Shopping Center THIS Monday, the 11th, my pal Jeanne and I will be there at the pretty Rails Store, located near Bloomingdales, 11:30-2, to help you shop for gifts for your family, the men in your life, or a holiday top or festive outfit for you.. There is a great holiday collection here and all the men’s collection here. If you miss us and are at Stanford, they will honor the 20% all day if you mention the blog! We hope to see some of you there and they will have treats too! Love this store and seeing the clothes, you’ll understand why we love them.
On last week’s weekend post, I shared the second part of our Edinburgh stop, what I packed for our UK trip of 10 days, a charming remodel with alpine flair in Tahoe’s Sugar Bowl, and Christmas jewelry bling.
This week Cindy and I also did Signature Style on Holiday Looks if you need some fresh ideas.
Have a lovely weekend!
Kim
Please stop by Juliet and Elizabeth’s blogs..
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
PINECONES AND ACORNS
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I became a Rails shopper on your recommendation and bought some pretty pieces for my daughter and myself when we were in SF earlier this year. But no Rails in Chicago! So wish I could join you at your event in Stanford! Love the gift ideas for guys; I needed that! Thank you for another charming post.
Susan that is so nice to hear! They have such nice things. I wish you could come too. Hope the gift ideas help!
Happy Holidays!
Thank you for giving women permission to take shortcuts this holiday season. I think you are the first and maybe only Instagram influencer to do this. Thank you! As well a lot of people are sad and lonely during this time of year. Loneliness is now affecting a disproportionate number of Americans. Especially seniors. How can we reach out to those neighbors and friends.
Leslie, thank you. Just been feeling it myself too.
You are so right….I think there are many lonely people and this time of year makes it even harder.Great point we should be checking on those older friends and neighbors. I know they love cards and treats and to be included in things! My dad does.
xo
Your tree is lovely and I think the soft spot for your cat is great. The shopping and dining in Portola look inviting.
Thanks Linda ! Yes so fun shopping and dinner over there. If you live nearby, it’s a special spot.
Your home looks absolutely lovely. My cat Nala loves our Christmas tree skirt too. She looks so cute sitting under the tree on it. She is better than any gift that would be under the tree! I bet Marlo looks adorable on the little rug as well.
Christmas blessings to you and your loved ones.
Linda aren’t they so cute about loving being under the tree? I love that name Nala. Aw they are the best gift.
She is loving it and makes me happy.
Happy Christmas to you also!
Thanks so much for all the time you put into this, Kim! I really look forward to your posts.
As someone who blogged for years, I know how much work it is!
My question is about your sofa in the photos by your tree.
Do they have slipcovers?
I have been putting off getting a new sofa but definitely want one with slipcovers that can go in the washing machine with no problem. Are yours from Pottery Barn? Those are the ones that I keep eyeing, but haven’t pulled the trigger. If so, would you please share the type of material you used (White Denim? Performance? Etc.) because the choices are overwhelming. Or if they are not from Pottery Barn, please share the info.
Thanks! Your home looks so lovely.
Cyndi
Hi Cyndi and thank you about the blog! Really appreciate it. It totally takes more time than it appears! I’m sure you know..
So about the sofa, it is a RH ( Restoration Hardware) Cloud sectional. It has covers that can be removed and washed and I believe it’s like cotton duck which is a heavy white cotton, almost denim feeling.
They are pretty easy to care for and I usually spot clean them, or in the case of a bad spill, just take a cover of a cushion to my local dry cleaner.
That said, I have to be honest, I am not crazy about this couch. It is too deep, and the cushions, even though I didn’t get the all down couch and got the poly fill/down, require a LOT of constant fluffing. Also to have back support, you need more pillows . I have looked at the Pottery Barn ones and they seem to have more support. That is my issue .. the covers are easy to maintain and with a house of guys, stay pretty nice looking. I use a lot of throws and faux fur throws in the winter. I hope that helps!
Thanks so much.
Kim,
Thanks for another wonderful post. As you know, I especially love your gift ideas for my son and husband (and daughter too!)
Your outfit with the shimmery silver skirt and great black bag is fabulous and has a cool edge to it.
I quickly picked the first holiday card this year too and edited/dumped some addresses. It felt liberating – ha.
You are doing great. Take a large lovely breath and enjoy what is finished and what doesn’t really need to be “finished” with decorating and such.
Have a beautiful weekend!
-Karen L.
Hi Karen! Gosh thanks I feel like this year it was hard to find as many cool things, but I will add to this!
Wow thank you about my outfit! I think it’s the skirt.
Yay you about the cards too.. and less addresses!
Aw you are so sweet.. I need that. Thank you I hope yours was wonderful too. xo
Kim! I love all your home decorations … through all the frustrations and misplacements it looks beautiful and it’s so much more important to spend time with family and friends … and of course bake all the old favorites as you say. I gave up doing a card last year and I’m not sorry. Although I do love receiving them! It’s a conundrum. Loved our cookie exchange this week and got a lot of great ideas. I’m glad Marlo set you straight about the tree skirt situation. We went to a basket collar too and wasn’t thinking that the old skirt provided such a cozy spot for pets to enjoy the tree decorations. Hope you and Jeanne have fun at Rails on Monday … wish I lived closer because I’d love for you two to style me for the holidays. It’s hard to believe we’re in mid-December. Yikes. Well, it’s time to slow down, do less and appreciate the beauty of the season. xoxo
Thank you Juliet! Yes the baking part is fun for me and I know so many who have let the card go!! Its can be more tree than it is worth.
Yes had to rectify that tree skirt situation! She seems happier now. We wish you could come to the Rails event! Hoping sometime.
It’s barely mid-December and we need to take a deep breath. x
I love seeing everyone’s clothes and holiday decorations! It’s uplifting. Please don’t feel sorry for me but my circumstances are crappy. Putting it mildly. I’m alone, my husband is deceased so yeah holidays can be painful. I do have four parrots and two semi-feral cats and they’re great!! Keep sending me these emails. Thank you, Lisa
Hi Lisa, I am so glad you took the time to leave a note. I hope the blog feels happy. I know a lot of women who are alone now and I know this time off year can be really hard. Take care of yourself. I’m so glad you have your kitties and birds. My cat is my buddy all the time too.
Sending you hugs and hoping the holidays have some bright spots too.
Kim,
Your tree is stunning! I love a flocked tree! I think next year I am going to get one. I have wanted one for years but keep putting it off. I love your new ribbon and color scheme. I am sure that Marlo is loving her new sheep skin.
I am with you on the doing less. Less is more! That old adage holds true for many things in life and most especially the holidays.
I personally think that that is something, the decision to do less, that comes with age. You realize the really important things and people in your life. Instagram and social media fuel the ideas and fan the flames that if you are not baking 25 cookies, hosting cocktails parties, dressing to the nines with a full face of make-up to run to the market to get your last minute gifts, hiding your Elf and tracking down a $600.00 tree that you cannot find and maybe not afford, then throwing out all of your old stuff and buying new that you are less than…That is a load of BS. YOU/ME/WE are amazing no matter what the house looks like or the tree or if we buy one gift or none.
Ok, rant over.
I concur about decorating, I hate to displace my other stuff because I have no where to put it.
The cookie exchange and the brooch post were a lot of fun for us and our readers! We need to do more of these sorts of things. Maybe next a soup “party.”
Have a wonderful time at your girls day with Jeanne and at the Rails gathering!
Enjoy your weekend Kim!
xo
Thanks Elizabeth, I love the look of the flocked and this one reminds me of my grandmother’s house! She always had a pretty flocked tree and gold ornaments! Gosh I agree and women have so much pressure on them don’t they? Instagram and all don’t help! I worry more for younger women as most of us don’t care as much as we get older. We are more about pleasing ourselves!
A soup party is a fun idea! I wish you could come to Rails ! xo
Love your gift ideas! I also have a few nephews the same age. I decided to put together “camping” bags. I bought LLBean Canvas Bags (sturdy and classic, on sale for Black Friday), filled with Coleman Speaker-Lanterns (very cool, I bought one for glamping!), Carhart beanies, Stanley camping mugs + coffee, candy and cash $$. Pretty sure there will be no returns!
Valetta what a fantastic idea! Love this so much.. You must be the favorite auntie ever! I have to copy some of those ideas!! Thank you so much for sharing.
Hi Kim,
I love and embrace the concept to do less and stress bucket less. Looking at all you have been doing and yet to want to get done is HUGE to me. You have taken on LOTS, and three postings on the blog. STOP, take time out to give yourself a great big hug.
Your home looks so welcoming and cozy. Your tree looks beautiful. I bet at night time with lights out everything looks cozy and peaceful. Since we are at that certain age in our life we have scaled way back I just put out a few things and just have our Christopher Radko ceramic tree out with an old world Santa, lights, candles, a old tree door wreath we have had for at least 24 years. All these things are meaningful snd hold sentimental meaning. We have two Poinsettias too. I’m happy with very little.
I love Jeanne’s track pants, they look so comfortable. Can you share where if they are still around where I can find them. I live now in what I call “public pajama” type of super casual laid back clothes. I used to be fancy like you girls. Because
RA (such nerve) has found away into my ankles and feet I have to live in my extra wide sneakers.
Yes, yes, yes, it’s about connecting with girlfriends that matter in your life. One of my dear friends that left our community moved to VA last summer. They came back to AZ to buy a second home this year. I get her till April. My other dear friend moved from our community too four years ago but only 20 minutes away. She is coming to see me next week, we get to share the table for Thai luncheon. Robin will take food home to celebrate her “none husband’s birthday celebration.,” along with my home baked cookies.
Some men say that they don’t celebrate whatever it is, no cards needed etc. I don’t believe that do you? Everyone needs love paid attention to them, especially on their birthday. I will see to it that he matters.
Love your pretty pink poinsettias. Wow, that was a great find. Good for you Wonder Woman.
I hope Rails is a good turn out. To have you present is a gift to many.
Thanks so much Katherine! I know feels like a lot.. After next Friday I am taking a few weeks off the blog.
Oh gosh Christopher Radko! My aunt collected them too. I think she has a lot… and the ceramic tree! I love the old world Santas too.. I have a few of those. Your holiday decor sounds lovely and just right!
So many have asked about Jeanne’s track pants. She said they are a few years old. I will keep looking for something similar online! I have ones like that from Tory Sport and they are so comfy. They no longer make those either..You need comfy and cute!
I’m so glad you have some fun things slammed and nice pals! That is everything. Agree, guys say they don’t care, but you know they really do love gifts and attention!
Have a lovely week . xoxo
I love your tree and those BEAUTIFULglass ornaments. The colors are spectacular and I’m on the hunt! Thanks for sharing your home and ideas. I’m always excited when your blog link lands in my in box!
Valerie you are so nice! Thank you. Love those colorful ones too. They are not easy to found on the internet! I see CB2 had a few…None in the bright colors. I paid around $11 each and they are hand blown. I think most are from Ladera Gardens!
Thanks for your reply! i’ve been searching and found some similar on
sunsetandco.com . They are called Bubbleballs. Also, a friend of mine purchased glass balls and put acrylic paint inside. They look really good and may be an alternative.
You have a pretty tree. We just had our girlfriend’s holiday luncheon at Chez Panisse in Berkeley with a bit of shopping afterwards and it was great. Will need to visit Ladera next time I’m nearby Stanford Center.
Thanks Kim for another interesting post. Enjoy the reason for the season.
That sounds so fun Sheila! I haven’t been up there in a long time. Aw thank you and happy holidays to you too!
Great weekend post…you covered a lot! Nice gift ideas, still need to buy my son-in-law something. Last Christmas my daughter bought me the women’s version of the Lululemon shirt, (Swiftly) I loved it so much she is getting me another this year. It’s great for walking when it’s not too hot or too cold.
Love the pleated skirt you bought. So pretty and festive!
My daughter is 35 now and between her working and two kids we do not spend much time together like we used to. The last few years for her birthday we have a girl’s day and I take her shopping for clothes and we go to lunch. It’s one way to squeeze in some time.
Your tree came out so nice, I love those glass ornaments. I noticed them in some home tours. You have such great shops near you, so lucky to live where you do.
Merry Christmas!
Linda
Hi Kim! You tree is beautiful, and I love all the other seasonal touches you have added. I am trying to keep things a little more low-key this year. Just adding natural elements to the home — greenery, pinecones, oranges — and lots of ribbon! Loved your holiday outfit post and it was so fun joining you for the cookie exchange! Wish I lived local and could visit you at Rails today!
Molly, I adore your natural elements! Was so fun doing the exchange with you all.
I wish you could go to Rails too. Have a beautiful holiday! xo
Such a beautiful, festive post Kim … you’re like a Christmas Angel or fairy sprinkling happy thoughts and pretty things into our lives!
Definitely something we all need at this time of year!
Thank you so much for emphasising the things we should really be focusing on and the importance of not pushing ourselves towards unattainable perfection at this time of year.
I’ve no idea why we all pressure ourselves so much but I’ve tried hard this year to go out and enjoy time with family and friends and simply pack away some decorations for another year and keep it all relatively simple.
My Christmas wishes have already come true 💫 decorating our Christmas tree with my granddaughter … she’s only four but we used a step ladder and she’s decorated it beautifully 💕 Then this afternoon I’m able to go to see her as an Angel in her school nativity … I feel so blessed.
Your tree and your home look so beautiful and welcoming ( as always 😊) and I hope that you’ve given yourself sometime to relax by your fire after such a busy time over the last week.
Rosie xxx
Rosie you are the nicest. I’m so glad you took time to go enjoy and let things go. Decorating your tree with Isla and seeing her in the Christmas play sounds so special. Those are the best things about all of this aren’t they?
I’m enjoying some downtime now too. Have a beautiful Christmas with the kids!! Thank you for all your sweet comments ! xo