Brighten up your Email! Join our newsletter for weekly inspiration. Your Email Δ Get Ready to Decorate! Can you believe it? There are only 10 weeks until Christmas! Now’s the perfect time to start planning and prepping so you can truly enjoy the holiday season without all the last-minute stress. Let’s kick off the countdown with some festive inspiration. Take a look at our Seasonal Décor page and shop for a few must-haves —like the stunning Norfolk Pine Natural Touch Garland (available in 5 ft. and 15 ft. lengths) and a coordinating wreath. Add some beautiful ribbon to tie it all together, and you’ll have your home looking merry and bright in no time! To make things easier, we’ve mapped out a 10-week plan to keep you organized and on track. Let’s break it down so you can focus on one thing at a time and still have all the fun without the frenzy. 10 Weeks Until Christmas: Your Holiday Prep Checklist Week 1: Start gathering ideas for your overall holiday theme. Take stock of what you already have and decide what new decorations you need to refresh your home. Norfolk Pine garlands and wreaths are perfect starting points. Start thinking about where you’ll place them in your home! Week 2: Order everything you need to create this beautiful Norfolk Pine garland (either 5 ft or 15 ft) and bells, twinkle lights, along with some beautiful holiday ribbon to complete the look. Week 3: Plan out your holiday parties, gatherings, and any events you’ll be hosting. Send out invitations or save-the-dates! Week 4: Decorate early with your garlands and wreaths – here’s a link to our favorite DIY garland, accessories and wreath. Get a head start by putting up your greenery, you can always add the ribbon later, but your space will now be festive for Thanksgiving too! Week 5: Finalize your gift list and get started with shopping. Our Secret: Pick up a few extra items for hostess gifts (we will feature our gift recommendations on 11/11) and stocking stuffers (our list goes live on 11/18). Week 6: Make sure your outdoor decor is ready! From lights to door decorations, now is the time to make the exterior of your home festive. We love these starburst sphere lights. Week 7: Organize your holiday baking plans. Check your pantry and gather recipes for cookies, cakes, or any festive treats you plan to make. Come back to our site throughout the season to see what we’re baking. Enjoy Thanksgiving, and check out our Random Acts Of Kindness Challenge – get your family involved! Week 8: Start wrapping gifts! Stock up on wrapping paper, ribbons, and tags. Try out some of our best DIY wrapping ideas for a beautiful finishing touch. Week 9: Finalize your holiday menus and grocery lists. If you’re hosting, make sure to confirm any special orders, like a holiday ham, turkey or roast. Week 10: It’s the final countdown! Double-check your decorations, gifts, and menus. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of the season! By starting now, you’ll have everything prepped and ready, so you can fully enjoy the magic of the holidays! Click the link below for our 2024 Holiday Inspiration… Seasonal Décor
Entertaining
Time To Tailgate…
Savoring the Last Days of Summer and Embracing the Fall Frenzy… As the laid-back days of summer begin to wane, we find ourselves gearing up for our busy fall schedules. Students are heading back to school, parent meetings are filling up the calendar, and carpools and activities are ramping up. But with this shift, we also get to enjoy the excitement of fall sports, cooler weather, and of course, it’s time to tailgate! Tailgating is one of the best ways to celebrate the beginning of fall. It combines our love for sports with the joy of sharing fun outings and good food. To make tailgating coordination simple, we have created school-specific boxes that contain essentials to make event preparations easier. Here are some essentials for a successful tailgating event: Food and Snacks: The heart of any tailgate party is the food. We love preparing pulled pork slider sandwiches that are always a hit. We make ours with smoked port butt, apple slaw and pickles. Here is our go to “secret rub” –Rendezvous Famous Barbeque Dry Rub Seasoning. Pair them with a variety of salads, chips, and snack mix for easy munching. For something sweet, mini trifle cups and cookies are perfect treats that everyone will enjoy. Tailgate essentials: Folding tables, tableclothes, covered serving platters, serving trays, plates, napkins, cups, utensils (serving and eating), drink dispensers (hot/cold), condiments and plastic wrap/containers for easy clean-up. Team Spirit Décor and Attire: Show your team pride by decorating your tailgate with accessories like pennants, banners, and paper products that feature your favorite team’s logo and color scheme. You may want to wear team jerseys, t-shirts, or even themed accessories. At tailgate parties, some diehard fans get creative with their game day attire, adding a fun and festive atmosphere to the event. Comfortable Seating and Shade: Make sure to bring plenty of chairs and a canopy or tent for shade. Don’t forget blankets later in the season. Tailgating can be an all-day affair, so comfort is key to enjoying the festivities. Games and Entertainment: Keep everyone entertained with music and classic tailgating games like cornhole, ladder toss, or a simple football toss. We also add chalk for the kids to customize the ground in your space. These activities are great for keeping the energy high and the spirits lively. Coolers and Drinks: A well-stocked cooler with a variety of beverages is essential. Include water, sodas, and your favorite adult beverages to keep everyone hydrated and happy. Make sure to have wipes, towels, and garbage bags in your tailgating box to keep your area clean and make packing up is easier for everyone. As we embrace the cooler weather and the thrill of fall sports, tailgating becomes a cherished tradition. It’s a time to come together with friends and family, celebrate our favorite teams, and enjoy the delicious food that makes these gatherings special. We created a Tailgate Essentials Checklist to make your game day preparations easier. So, as you pack up your tailgating gear and prepare for the fall frenzy, remember to savor every moment. The return of fall brings with it a sense of excitement and community that makes this time of year truly special. Here’s to successful tailgating, unforgettable sporting events, and a fantastic start to the new season! It’s time to tailgate and cheer on your favorite teams!
