Christmas Morning Cozy

Christmas morning is something that we all look forward to, but maybe no one as much as us moms (and dads). We love seeing the faces of our children or our loved ones light up as they unwrap gifts and gather together. It is a special moment that I wouldn’t trade for anything! But over the years, I have learned how to streamline and simplify our Christmas decor and the way the morning unfolds, in order to be present in the moment. Here are some of my best tips: 

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-Do a breakfast or brunch prep the night before: Of course we all love fresh cinnamon rolls or eggs and fruit, but many of these things can be prepped early on. I recommend cutting any fresh fruit (except bananas) the night before and putting it in a glass snap top container. Add a few drops of lemon juice to prevent any browning, and slice the bananas the morning of, which will keep them from getting soggy in the dish. For yeast or cinnamon rolls, they are easy to do the night before with just the dough or prepped in a glass pyrex, and bake them the morning of so they’re fresh and warm! Even raw eggs can be mixed with chopped veggies, cheese, and heavy cream, and put in a Tupperware overnight to be turned into an easy scramble in the morning. 

-Move a trash can into the general gift-opening area, along with scissors! You will be able to really enjoy the gift-opening if you aren’t having to hop up and down a million times to get the things you may need. Of course, you don’t want a trashcan in all your pretty photos, so either use a little basket or tote, or move it out of the frame :) 

-Set your table to be the place to gather after or before gift openings: The more comfortable your guests feel, the longer they will linger, and you will get the easy, beautiful and restful morning you long for! I like to layer my table with lots of different textures, and linens that are washable if little ones are going to be dining with us. That way, you don’t need to worry about things being too ‘fancy’ to enjoy. Opt for neutrals, and leave enough space for people to move around and chat. Always have an extra place setting set aside, in case an unexpected guest arrives and needs a place to sit! 

-Cue up the playlist: Have friends and family put together some of their favorite holiday tunes before the big day, and put them into a super fun playlist! Have it ready to roll (and put it on repeat) before the festivities get underway, and set the mood with a scented candle, a crock pot of cocoa (add lids to cups for little ones to avoid spills near all the presents), and plenty of pillows or floor cushions for all the people you love!

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.

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).