Shop All Year for Holiday Decor

Personalized stockings from Ballard Designs were an after holiday purchase in 2010. They were practically giving them away.

If you want to spend a ton of money on Christmas decorations hit the malls in October or early November when nothing is on sale, but if saving money is your goal, shop year round for items to add to your collection of holiday decor.

You do not, I repeat, do not need to get up at 4:00 AM the day after Christmas to find holiday decorations on clearance. I like to wait several weeks to hunt for bargains. I found dozens of ornaments at Michael's last year for 90% off by following this strategy.

Bargain ornaments were used to fill apothecary jars and glass bowls that I placed throughout the house.

Consignment shops and thrift stores are exceptionally good spots for picking up bargains on Christmas decorations year round. Plenty of donations are made to thrift stores immediately following the holidays when people are packing up their decorations. But don't forget, lots of us do a major purge as part of our spring cleaning or to get ready for a summer garage sale.

Over the summer I spotted the brass vases seen on the top shelf for $6 at a consignment store. I specifically bought them to pull out for the holidays.

If vintage holiday decor is your style be sure to hit your favorite antique malls shortly following the holidays. You're likely to see plenty of charming vintage ornaments and baubles to use for years to come.

Country Living

Last year I picked up my new favorite decoration, a silver nutcracker, at my favorite antique mall. The price? $3. I love that little guy!

Discount stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Stein Mart, Home Goods and Tuesday Morning carry blingy accessories year round. It might not be what you want for every day, but a bit of shine and sparkle is a necessity for the holidays, right? Mercury glass, a must have for the holidays, is one of the easiest things to pick up at discounted prices at these type of stores.

TJ Maxx always has a selection of mercury glass pieces beginning in early fall. I found a set of chunky candlesticks for $14.99. (I'll be using these all year long!)

A final note, save yourself time and gas by shopping for after holiday bargains online. That gorgeous tree skirt or tinsel tree you were coveting in December might be on sale in January.

Do you have a story about a favorite holiday decoration score? I'd love to hear about it.

A Sweet Welcome

Via Pinterest

Whenever I entertain during the holidays or the winter months I like to offer guests a piping hot drink when they arrive. My go-to drink has always been hot mulled cider, but after seeing so many ideas for creating a hot chocolate bar I just might need to break with tradition.

I'd offer a variety of toppings and stir-ins

Via Pinterest




Via Pinterest

Marshmallow snowmen would be a hit with younger guests.

Chocolate dipped marshmallows would be a must have for my hot chocolate bar.

Good Housekeeping

I'd give guests the option to stir their hot chocolate with an edible stirrer.

DeliciousDelicousDelocious.blogspot.com

Could there be a more perfect dessert for my hot chocolate bar than these hot chocolate cupcakes from The Cupcake Blog?

No one would mind going out in the cold if they were sent home with a sweet parting gift, dark hot chocolate mix

All of these images make me want to host a party as an excuse to have a hot chocolate bar. Let's think...

-Neighborhood cookie exchange

-Post ice skating party

-Tree trimming party

-Cookie decorating party

-Football party

-After Christmas movie marathon





Can you think of any other occasions that might call for a hot chocolate bar?

Gray Skies Go Away!

The tree is trimmed, the stockings are hung by the chimney with care, but the combination of a marginal camera and overcast weather is preventing me from getting a decent shot. I promise to post pics as soon as the sun starts shining.

Hope you have fun plans this weekend.

Have Yourself a Healthy Little Christmas

You hear the same story this time every year: The average American puts on 5-7 lbs during the holiday season. It's hard not to what with the trays of Christmas cookies at the office, fried appetizers and egg nog at the neighbor's holiday open house and Grandma's special pecan pie on Christmas Eve. Nothing but junk food every time you turn around. This year arm yourself with a few go to festive recipes that you can bring to holiday gatherings or serve at your own celebration so that you'll have options when you get to the buffet.

Top zucchini rounds with a slice of tomato, sprinkle with a small amount of blue cheese then bake until cheese melts.

Reader's Digest

Try Bite Sized Greek Salad

Nestle olives in a wreath of rosemary

Traditional Christmas colors highlight this healthy black bean salad.

Arrange assorted cheese cubes in the shape of a Christmas tree and embellish with herbs.

Trick the kiddies into eating their veggies this season with this fun snack: Sugar snap peas boughs, a cheese star and a pretzel trunk.

Canadian Family

Now if only someone would come up with a zero calorie gingerbread cookie we'd be all set!

*Images via Pinterest unless otherwise noted.