the tree, etc.

It's up, it's up! The Christmas tree is up! First we had to get one. Enter walmart, and we opted fake, an investment, but, don't fret - my mom got us a woodsy-piney candle to make up for it.

(also, please excuse the photos, I'm borrowing my mom's Canon Rebel, and I have absolutely NO idea how to use it)

I was feeling very traditionally classic with a hint of country this year. I just wanted to see some good ol' red and green, plaid and burlap. The burlap may be the only touch of country, but I just really wanted to use it as the skirt.

and a bow! I didn't want to commit to anything too serious for the tree topper, I couldn't make the decision, a star? an angel? a snowflake? too many choices, so I bought a roll of this flannel-y ribbon and topped it off with a big ol bow. It turned out great in my eyes!

I made most of the ornaments this year. It's a good starter kit, if I say so myself. I took this idea and made some bright green and lime colored ornaments.

I was on the line between making my own gold glitter ornaments and just buying ones on the shelf, then with everything at Hobby Lobby 50% off - it was totally not worth the time it'd take to craft my own. Sometimes, ya gotta go with your head.

Since Blake and I got married the weekend before Christmas last year, we got our fair share of Christmas ornaments as gifts and as I took them all out this weekend, I couldn't have been more happy about it. Here's one - bride and groom.

I glittered up some Dollar Store toys with some Mod Podge. I got a little lazy trying to attach a hanger, so this year they just sit on the branches. Maybe next year I'll make them official hanging ornaments.

I also bought felt to make the banner/garland. 4 for $1.00. I cut isosceles triangles and then hot glued them to a string of thick twine alternating white and red flags. It feels perfectly classic and home-y to me, I love turning the tree on every evening after work!

Here is my little helper elf, Dakota.

and, the big picture.