holiday decorating

I am having a difficult time making the transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas this year. The leaves on the trees here are such vibrant colors of brown, gold, red, and green that I am finding that I am just not ready for the colors of December. The last few days I have driven by homes that are already decked out with lights and have brightly lit Christmas trees glowing through the windows. They must have elves living at their homes. I have been poring over the holiday issues of my magazines that are arriving daily and they are giving me lots of inspiration. I love the soft blues of this fabric wreath that Sweet Paul made for the December issue of Better Homes and Gardens. This would also be so pretty in soft shades of blue felt.

And just how cute are these little votives wrapped in blue velvet ribbon with a tiny pine cone spray painted white and then glued onto the ribbon? Just makes the table look so festive, doesn't it?

When I saw this spread in Better Homes and Gardens, it made me remember that Sweet Paul's Holiday Magazine is out. I took a quick look at it the day it came out, but there was so much going on at work and home that I haven't had a chance to really look at it again until now.

This is another gorgeous issue by Paul Lowe. Filled with holiday crafts, recipes and beautiful photographs, you can't help but get inspired by it. I just want to pluck one of those pudding cupcakes right off that cake stand! Isn't that faux bois background fabulous?!

I really liked this wreath composed of family photos. What a wonderful way to display both old and new cherished photographs of family members during the holidays.

Isn't this chocolate espresso flan to-die-for?! I really must make this!

You can find the December issue of Better Homes and Gardens on news stands now and you can view Sweet Paul's free digital holiday issue here. Happy Decorating!