Christmas at Sweet Rose Farm and other Community Opportunities

Last holiday season, we did a beautiful drive-through event for our annual toy drive, but this year, we are back to an in-person celebration. I cannot wait to host this amazing night in December, where we collect toys to be distributed to little ones and families in need. Our celebration in the past included warm drinks, yummy food, and even a special guest himself, Saint Nicholas! We have even more special surprises in store this year, and are so excited. Please join us on December 5th, here at Sweet Rose Farm to bring your new toys to be distributed in our community, and enjoy a beautiful evening! The event will go from 4:30-6:30pm, and will feature Fat Kid Food Co food truck, as well!

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One of the best resources to find out what is going on in our little valley is What to Do in Southern Oregon, which is an event page. It shares all the latest and greatest things for families to do, whether it’s the candy cane hunt at the Commons, or community events like the Jacksonville parade. If you are looking for ways to celebrate the season, it’s perfect!

If you’re looking for additional ways to give back this season, besides the toy drive, be sure to check out the local Salvation Army, which has many opportunities to donate to those in need. One of their biggest needs right now is non perishable food items, which you can donate to them directly or help fund the effort on their WEBSITE.

Dishes to Make Your Tablescape Shine

I’ve shared here before that setting a beautiful table is very important to me. I think the table is really at the heart of the home, and gathering with loved one is something that is very special to me. I know that this year, many people aren’t able to have their traditional gatherings with all their friends and family, but I want to emphasize that you can still make it special. And a gorgeous table always starts with dishes. Although they may not be the stars of the show, the right dishes can make a table setting stand out, and make a meal into a true occasion. Here are my picks for gorgeous dishes that you’ll want to treasure for years to come:

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Mendocino Collection from Pottery Barn: These are the most gorgeous shades of cream, blue and neutrals. They have the look of artisan stoneware, but the durability of everyday dishes. The ivory color has little flecks of brown and black, and is a very timeless style. The set has 16 pieces (a setting for four) for $151, so while it’s not as affordable as a set from Target, it's higher quality and a truly worthwhile investment.

The Emma Collection from Pottery Barn: It doesn’t get more classic than this set. It’s classic white color is bright, clean, and crisp. It has a tiny beaded edging all the way around, which adds interest to each piece. It pairs perfectly with holiday colors like red and green, and would be perfect for a farmhouse style home or table setting because of its pretty charm. Pair with classic stemware and a holiday tablecloth for a look that’s unfussy and always looks polished.

Fishs Eddy Collection from West Elm: This is such a classy set of dishes. It is really glamorous, and has a gold and black edging that harkens back to the Great Gatsby! It’s a perfect splurge if you want a stylish, posh set of dishes and a very elegant dining set. It’s not as versatile as the everyday styles above, but if you want a showstopper for your table setting, this is the way to go. Pair with bold red florals and white and black linens for a high-impact, dressy look.

White and Gold Entertaining Collection from Target: This collection is obviously budget friendly, and ideal if you want these dishes to be your holiday-specific ones. They’re also inexpensive so you can get a few sets to compensate for any broken pieces as the years go by, and store them when they’re not in use. The white and gold is very classic and simple, and goes with just about any decor style that you come up with. If you’re the type to throw dinner parties, they will add an extra little bit of flair (and you can even let the kids use them!).

Want to make your table even more special? Learn to how to arrange your own flowers (yep, even if you’ve never done it before) by watching simple tutorials on YouTube! Now is the perfect time to learn a new skill!

Minimalist Christmas Decor at Target

As most of you know, I love decorating for Christmas! But what I love about the holidays is when there are non-traditional pieces that incorporate neutrals! It makes it fun to try new trends and ideas when it comes to holiday decor because it’s often less expensive and can be changed out year to year. Besides the adorable collection from Magnolia, Target has some real winners this year…I may or may not have checked them out when I was picking up groceries! What I love about their new collections are that they are much more understated and simple than some from past years. Here are my picks for some gorgeous new items to add to your collection:

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These adorable mini trees: What a cute little set of trees! They are affordable, and the little matte black planters that they come in go with ANY holiday theme perfectly! They don't scream “Christmas” but feel festive, cozy and polished. I love the clean feel they give a tablescape or mantle. Buy all three for a great little set!

This matte black sign: This would look amazing in any living room, hanging on a door inside or outside, and for the price, you can pick up more than one! These look great on any neutral colored wall, or even hanging on a front door in place of a wreath.

This wooden, farmhouse style sign: This isn’t as minimalist as some of the rest of the collection, but it would be perfect in a living room or dining room, in place of regular decor, or even outside (it’s not weatherproof, so it would have to be a covered patio type location). I love the black and white tones, and the cute print! It looks much more high-end than it is.

This candle holder wreath is my favorite piece in the entire holiday collection: How gorgeous is this? It’s understated, beautiful, and super simple. It’s just lovely, and it looks like something from Pottery Barn. Matte black makes a perfect accompaniment for patterns like buffalo check or a soft plaid. Two of these would look perfect as as symmetrical decorations on either side of a mantle or tree!

Cozy up for Christmas

When I step into the door after a long day, there is nothing I love more than feeling the warmth and comfort of home. Especially at Christmastime, coming home to a cozy (even if it’s not perfectly clean!) living area is one of the best things ever. Not only is a beautiful home aesthetically pleasing, it creates peace for your children and loved ones. I once heard it said that our home is an extension of ourselves, and that certainly holds true for me. I love hosting, planning, and inviting people into our home. Here are a few things that make our home extra comforting:

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-A mix of adorable mugs and the best cocoa: I am a big fan of matching mugs, like these cream colored ones from West Elm (find them here), but there is something really nostalgic and fun about getting out special Christmas mugs over the holidays. Most of us have a few collected here and there, but if you don’t, you can get a collection started with these gorgeous ones from Anthropologie (HERE). I like to put all the mugs in a pretty holder, and then place them next to a big pot of homemade cocoa. Here is a perfect recipe: 

Ingredients:

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

3/4 cup white sugar

1 pinch salt

1/3 cup boiling water

3 1/2 cups milk

3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup half-and-half cream

Directions:

Combine the cocoa, sugar and pinch of salt in a saucepan. Blend in the boiling water. Bring this mixture to an easy boil while you stir. Simmer and stir for about 2 minutes. Watch that it doesn't scorch. Stir in 3 1/2 cups of milk and heat until very hot, but do not boil! Remove from heat and add vanilla. Divide between 4 mugs. Add the cream to the mugs of cocoa to cool it to drinking temperature. (Recipe via Allrecipes)

-Add in a good book and the perfect blanket: There is a reason everyone loves those soft throw blankets…they are great for curling up with the family to watch a movie or read a book, and there are so many options, that you can easily find something to match your decor, or choose a more holiday-themed one for Christmas. HomeGoods is a good place to find throws for under $30, but I especially love the longevity of the ones from Pottery Barn (like this one). 

-Light the best holiday candle: Those bath and body works candles are delicious smelling, but there are so many pretty, organic options these days. I love to support small businesses, and Etsy has a large selection of soy candles that are better for you, and that smell wonderful. Most are made with beeswax, and I like to choose ones with balsam or vanilla scents at Christmastime! Here is one of the best ones (click here).