holidays: Christmas flashback...

One of my favorite traditions for Thanksgiving Break is decorating our Christmas tree on Black Friday (instead of dealing with crowds at the mall). Having been raised by a Southern Living and Better Homes and Gardens loving mom, I've been decorating themed trees since high school. This week I've been looking back at my Christmas decorations from our first four Country Townhouse trees, and thinking about what this year's theme will be. I love seeing how we've combined some of our favorite decorations over the years - and how my photography skills have improved!

2011: Homespun with red cardinals, burlap, and kraft paper.

2012: Victorian theme (not that you can really tell?) with white poinsettias.

2013: Rustic with burlap, glitter stars, and chalkboard paint ornaments.

2014: Virginia theme with Colonial inspired plaid, cardinals, and gold ornaments.

Do you choose a theme for your holiday décor? 

What ideas are you loving this year?

Midnight In Paris NYE Tablescape & a Blogoversary Giveaway

This year we have decided to have a very low-key New Year's Eve dinner at home.  The crafter in me couldn't resist getting creative with a tablescape for the holiday, though!  I'd already decided to turn my chalkboard chargers into "clocks" for the occasion and tried my hand at writing my numerals like those seen on French market signage.

Then I had the idea to use my 2" scalloped circle punch to create some giant confetti... kind of like champagne bubbles  I used some leftover gift wrap, gift bags, and glitter tissue paper from Christmas.  My brain started working overtime... French numerals... sparkly gold and silver bubbles...

Midnight in Paris!  I remembered the Eiffel Tower I received from my Cupid Swap partner, which has been holding bracelets throughout the fall... and gave it pride of place in the center of the table, accompanied by a couple of faux mercury glass candleholders and a bottle of bubbly.

Just because we'll be watching Ryan Seacrest in our P.J.'s doesn't mean we can't have a fancy table setting, right?

I just love all the sparkle!

Happy 2014, friends!

Linking Up With:

Masterpiece Monday at Boogieboard Cottage

Share It at The Winthrop Chronicles

Catch as Catch Can at My Repurposed Life

Feathered Nest Friday at French County Cottage

Flaunt it Friday at Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Frugal Friday at the Shabby Nest

The Scoop at Stone Gable

My dear bloggy friend Shoshanah of From L.A. to LA is hosting a 5 year blogoversary giveaway and one of the prizes is ad space here on Beyond the Aisle.  You can enter right here!

$35 Starbucks Gift Card courtesy of  From L.A. to LA Finding My Virginity Not in Jersey

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