Christmas Essentials

I've been so busy with work and preparing for the baby that I have not decorated our house for Christmas yet.  So last night I got to thinking what I have and what I would like to purchase.  Ryan is telling me no more holiday accessory purchases for this year but I think one ore two items (especially since so much is on sale right now) isn't out of the question.  We have a new house to decorate.  Not just one small apartment. 

Here is my list of holiday items that I love and items that I think are essentials. 

I'm not Jewish but I love the look of this Menorah.  It's beautiful and would add elegance to any room or table setting. 

Pottery Barn

For the mantle I'm partial to velvet stockings and the classic Reindeer stocking holder by Pottery Barn.

Decorating the house is one of my favourite holiday experiences.  It brings back memories and gets me excited for the month of parties, parties with friends, family dinners and time spent together. Candles, pictures of family and friends, a warm throw and mercury glass are all essentials in our house.  

Crate & Barrel

Crate & Barrel / Pottery Barn

The table setting is very important.  I had hoped to host dinner this year but my very big belly and exhaustion have held that off for another year.  It would also be breaking our family tradition and not everyone is ready for those changes yet.  Getting married and splitting my time between families has taken some getting use to for all, including me.  :)

Here are my table essentials:

Crate & Barrel

Can you believe I still have not used my china.  I may break it out on Sunday for brunch with friends or for dinner with Ryan.  It needs to be used!!! 

Kate Spade for Wedgewood

I will need to purchase the red table napkins at some point.  Love them! The white serving platters and bowls from Pottery Barn are practical and classic.

Pottery Barn

Another essential in our house is champagne flutes!  We love drinking bubbly.  :) 

And last but not least, this cheese tray from PB is ideal for serving delicious cheese and pate.  My mother-in-law serves a warm cheese dip that is to die for!!  Add a the silver bowl to the tray and voila!  A perfect serving tray. 

Work is a bit slower for me today.  I actually have time to breath and relax which is a good thing seeing that my belly was contracting all afternoon yesterday.  I predict my last 6 weeks to be uncomfortable but very exciting.  Tonight my friends Megan and Paula are hosting a baby shower for me.  It will be great to see some of my girl friends and talk baby items.  :)

Have a great day!! xoxo

Christmas Essentials

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

I'm in Kingston enjoying time with family and friends.  This will be my last post of 2009 because I'm headed to the UK for a two week holiday with my hubby.  We'll be visiting family and touring Scotland for 9 days and then enjoying the sites in London, England.  We are very excited!!  I can't wait to share the pictures with you when we return.  



For now, I will leave you with my Christmas essentials…


1. Champagne and orange juice for Christmas morning & Bailey's for Christmas Eve. 

2. Brand new comfy PJs.

3. A gorgeous Christmas tree decorated by mom who always does such a great job!

4. My family all together!  I missed Christmas Eve & morning last year.  We spent it with my in-laws (who I love) but it just wasn't the same.  I'm such a traditional girl and don't like change much. 

Here is a picture of all of us a few summers ago.  I don't have a more recent family picture with Ryan in it.

5. The famous Doyle stuffing/dressing.  It's honestly the absolute best!!! I'll give you the recipe later. 


6. Gifts for my family.  I can't wait to see their faces light up!! :)


7. A dog bone to keep Cooper occupied while we enjoy a drool free zone.  (This is him looking at my sister like she was crazy for leaving him out in the snow.  He's a big baby!)

8. White Christmas playing in the background.  I love Bing!  (Here is a shot of one of my favourite scenes.  It makes me giggle just thinking about it.)

That's all I can think of at the moment.  Most of this is trivial.  What matters is that we are all healthy and together.  I am very blessed!  I have a good job, a supporting family, a very loving husband (I can't believe we've been married 8 months now!), a cozy apartment, I can afford to travel and I have the best friends you can ask for. 

Thank you to all of you for reading my blog.  When I started this I had no idea where it would take me.  The last four months have been wonderful!  I look forward to what it will bring in 2010.  XO

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

A House that's Ready for Christmas

The day has gotten away from me already.  It's the last day of work for 2009.  I'm officially on holiday for 2 1/2 weeks in just one hour!  :) 

I've been dying to show you my aunt's house in Virginia.  Doesn't it look wonderful!!  Now normally I would say a little snow would be perfect but after a week of -10 (FREEZING COLD!!!!!!!!) I really want a hot green Christmas. 

Last day of work!! WOOHOO!!!! :)