so it begins

it's november, and that means i'm still trying to contain christmas decorating, for scott's sake. :-)

however, it's getting harder, as the daily emails from various websites are starting to come laden with christmas ideas, like the one above. i kind of like the gift-wrapped boxes idea. i have plans to put my tall, skinny artificial tree - which was so perfect in my apartment - on the front porch, strung with lights and a few securely attached ornaments. wrapping some boxes like these might also be fun - they say to put a brick in the bottom so they don't blow away. i wonder if i could find pretty vinyl or something that would coordinate, because paper- or fabric-wrapped cardboard boxes would not last long, the way it tends to snow and then all melt here in wyoming.

by the way, all these photos and inspirations are from myhomeideas.com - one of the best email newsletters i get.

i liked the way these indoor garlands go all the way to the ground - thinking of trying something like this on my bookcases that flank the wood stove. or maybe across the wood beam that separates the front room from the tv area. then, i could also hang christmas balls down out of the garland across the space. that would be very pretty, and i have no shortage of them.

i like this wreath with the wire-rimmed felt ribbon words. and the glittered chrysanthemums. i have a wreath that roommate amanda made that i will probably hand on the front door, but i could maybe put something like this on the gate to my patio.

speaking of patio, i think this is really pretty. maybe, once i get to redo the patio, i could do something like this. those are just net lights draped over the table, and i like the paper lanterns hanging from above. it looks very cozy, even though it's covered with snow. i could do something like this on my current table on the front porch, but i was considering moving it for the winter, to make space for the tree, etc.

and then, also for outside, i think this is a pretty idea for my front steps.

right now i have my christmas decorating planned for thanksgiving weekend. scott will be headed to thermopolis with bob to drop the heifer calves off at the feedlot for the winter, so i will have a chunk of time to work on things like this. i hope, before he leaves, that scott and i have a chance to go pick out a christmas tree together. i'm very much looking forward to having a real christmas tree again!