HOLIDAY 2019
WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY THE HAPPIEST OF HOLIDAYS AND A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR!
EM MORF EVOL HTIW
The holidays are here....
Who else is excited that the holiday are OFFICIALLY here? The holidays have to be my favorite time of the year. I love breaking out our Christmas decorations and decorating our house, and of course the look of my kids faces when Santa Claus comes to town and they open their gifts under the tree. But most of all I love the spirit of Christmas and what the holidays bring: good will towards one another.
The holidays are a season of giving back, giving to others and most of all creating memories. This year has been full of so many amazing memories and milestones that wouldn't be possible without you guys. So this year I wanted to create a gift from me to you in the form of a one stop shop e-book. In this guide you will find holiday decorating tips, outfit inspiration and most of all gift ideas for everyone on your list.
So from our family to yours we hope you have the most wonderful holiday season, and an amazing New Year filled with joy and happiness! with love,
Lauren
how to use the guide... To use the guide is SUPER EASY! This guide is fully interactive to help make for an easy user experience with a touch of a key. From highlighting shopping links with a shopping cart icon or highlighting specific text to take you to specific blog posts or printable.
You can also jump from section to section easily by using the table of contents located at the beginning of the guide. Click a section you are interested in and the guide will jump immediately to that page.
After you view the guide you can also download the guide to either you computer or cell phone. This allows the guide to be taken with you on the go as you decorate the perfect tablescape or check people off your list this holiday season.
Table of Contents
HOLIDAY DECOR
PAGE 6
- HOLIDAY TABLESCAPES
PAGE 7
- EASY TABLESCAPE TIPS
PAGE 11
HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING TIPS - CARAMEL APPLE CIDER SANGRIA RECIPE
PAGE 12 PAGE 13
- THE BEST SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE RECIPE
PAGE 15
- HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING TIPS
PAGE 17
HOLIDAY PHOTOS
PAGE 18
- EASY HOLIDAY PHOTO IDEAS
PAGE 19
- EASY TIPS FOR FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT
PAGE 21
- EASY WAYS TO DISPLAY HOLIDAY CARDS
PAGE 23
HOLIDAY STORAGE - EASY HOLIDAY STORAGE TIPS
HOLIDAY GIFT WRAPPING - HOW TO WRAP THE PERFECT GIFT
HOLIDAY TREE DECOR - HOW TO DECORATE A KID-FRIENDLY TREE
HOLIDAY BEAUTY HOLIDAY STYLE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES
PAGE 24 PAGE 25
PAGE 26 PAGE 27
PAGE 28 PAGE 29
PAGE 30
PAGE 34 PAGE 37
- FOR KIDS 0-2 YRS OLDS
PAGE 38
- FOR KIDS 3-5 YRS OLD
PAGE 41
- FOR KIDS 5-7 YRS OLD
PAGE 43
- FOR THE BEAUTY LOVER
PAGE 44
- FOR HIM
PAGE 47
- FOR HER
PAGE 49
- FOR THE HOME
PAGE 50
holiday
DECOR
Holiday tablescapes are one of my favorite parts of the decor. We host Christmas at our home every year, so I love having the table festive for the occasion.
This one has to be one of my favorites. The white and gold color scheme is simple, elegant and festive all in one with the votive brass antiqued candles to help give this table a romantic and dreamy feeling.
Topped with fresh greenery and flocked greenery this table is festive and fun!
This farmhouse Christmas Tablescape has to be one of my all time favorites. From the fresh greenery runner to using pieces of wood slices as the charger plate and burlap napkins almost as place setting runners- this table is perfect and cozy.
To accentuate the table, I added levels and layers with candlesticks and votives around the center of the table.
Each table setting was topped with a fresh spring of spruce and a cinnamon stick tied with a gift tag as our name cards.
Simple
TABLESCAPE TIPS
1.
AIM FOR LAYERS:
From adding a simple charger
underneath your plates to adding a napkin with a festive name card- layers help make any table elegant and put together. 2.
USE A FLORAL ARRANGEMENT OR FRESH GREENERY:
I
love using fresh greenery to any table. It gives the table a bit of a pop and you can decorate your table around the arrangement or greenery. 3.
ADD A TABLE RUNNER:
I have a bunch of neutral, textured
table linens that I’ve collected over the years, and I love that they go with EVERYTHING. You can also use fresh greenery as your table runner like I did in my white and gold holiday tablescape or even add a bit of burlap if you have it on hand. For a quick burlap table runner by cutting and fraying a strip of burlap. 4.
ADD CANDLES :
When in doubt add candles. Candles
always make the table more dreamy and romantic. 5.
USE WHAT YOU HAVE ON HAND: P l a c e
settings can be
super simple. I love to wrap napkins with a piece of twine and stick a Christmas tree clipping for some greenery on each one. You can also throw some cinnamon sticks in there if you have them for a little something extra.
holiday
ENTERTAINING TIPS
caramel apple CIDER
SANGRIA
RECIPE
INGREDIENTS NEEDED - 1 750ML BOTTLE OF MILD WHITE WINE - 1 CUP CARAMEL FLAVORED VODKA - 8 CUPS APPLE CIDER - 2 APPLES, CORED AND CHOPPED
1 STIR TOGETHER THE WINE, VODKA, AND APPLE CIDER IN A LARGE PITCHER.
2 ADD THE CHOPPED APPLES TO THE PITCHER.
3 SERVE COLD OR OVER ICE!
** FOR BEST RESULTS: LET SANGRIA SIT OVERNIGHT FOR OPTIMAL TASTE. **
the best damn SWEET
POTATO
CASSEROLE
I promise you this will hands down be the BEST DAMN sweet potato casserole you will ever make. Equal parts sweet and savory this recipe will be the hit of any dinner table this holiday season!
CASSEROLE INGREDIENTS - 1 1/2 CUP WHITE SUGAR (I BUY ORGANIC) - 1 TSP. VANILLA EXTRACT - 6 TBSP MELTED UNSALTED BUTTER - 1/3 CUP MILK (ANY MILK WILL DO, I'VE USED DAIRY-FREE) - 2 EGGS, BEATEN - 3-4 SWEET POTATOES (PEELED, THEN COOKED OR BAKED)
TOPPING INGREDIENTS - 1/3 CUP BROWN SUGAR - 1/3 CUP FLOUR - 1/2 CUP COCONUT SHAVINGS/FLAKES - 1 CUP CHOPPED PECANS (I CHOP THEM IN A FOOD PROCESSOR) - 7 TBSP MELTED BUTTER
INSTRUCTIONS BOIL (OR BAKE) SWEET POTATOES UNTIL THEY FEEL SOFT WHEN POKED WITH A FORK. MIX ALL CASSEROLE INGREDIENTS TOGETHER IN A BLENDER (OR FOOD PROCESSOR) AND POUR INTO A 9X13 CASSEROLE DISH. MIX TOPPING INGREDIENTS TOGETHER UNTIL MIXTURE BECOMES CRUMBLY, THEN SPREAD OVER SWEET POTATO MIXTURE. BAKE AT 350F FOR 35-45 MINUTES, UNCOVERED (UNTIL TOPPING IS GOLDEN BROWN. I START AT 35 AND GO UP FROM THERE).
holiday
ENTERTAINING TIPS
1.
BUY FOOD AHEAD OF TIME :
Trust me it is so much easier to be
prepared when you think of a menu in advance. It will also save you endless trips to the store and the LONG holiday lines.
2.
THROW TOGETHER A SIMPLE TABLESCAPE:Â Y o u
can make a
gorgeous tablescape with things you already have. For a quick runner grab some burlap and fray the ends. Don't have burlapyou can always grab candles, ball ornaments, pinecones and ribbon to make for a quick and simple tablscape. 3.
LIGHT CANDLES :
Candles always seem to help set the mood
and make a holiday dinner more special. 4.
PLAY MUSIC :
Christmas music just seems to help set the
ambience during the dinner. You can stream Spotify or Pandora to keep the music flowing all evening long. 5.
LIGHT A FIRE :
Give your home a cozy feeling especially if it is
cold outside, and light a fire at the fireplace. Not a fan of wood? You can always set candles up in your fireplace for a little bit of a cozy vibe. 6.
GRAB WINE OR A SIGNATURE COCKTAIL :
Nothing gets
conversation flowing like a great bottle of wine or a delicious signature cocktail. 7.
RELAX AND ENJOY:
The biggest tip is to enough yourself and
have fun. Holiday dinners are meant to be fun and full of memories with your friends and family.
holiday
P H O T O
I D E A S
THE FUNNY CARD:
This probably has been one of our
THE MEMORABLE MOMENT: This holiday card
favorite kids of cards to send and is always a HUGE
contains a special moment, like the birth of a baby, a
hit with our friends and family. Just be yourself and
wedding photo, or some other amazing life event or
goof around- I promise you'll get the best photo. * It's
memory that happened during the year that you want
also a great way to make a pregnancy announcement
to share with everyone.
too. **
A SWEET FAMILY PHOTO: This has been our go-to A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: This kind of card is
holiday card idea over the last few years. We usually
great for announcing big news like engagement,
take a professional photo we had taken from a family
births, pregnancies, etc... The holidays make it a great
photo session sometime during the year and turn it
time to share some big and exciting news with
into our holiday card. Sweet and simple !
everyone.
holiday
PHOTOSHOOT
TIPS
EASY TIPS FOR FAMILY
holiday photos
Looking to take family photos this year? These 3 simple tips will help make planning the photo ffrom what to wear to how to pose much easier!
HIRE A PROFESSIONAL : Trust me when I say this- HIRE a professional or a ask a friend who is great with a camera. When you have small kiddos it can be really hard to get the shot. So try and hire out or ask a friend so you don't have to wrangle with the tripod and timer to get the right photo.
COORDINATE YOUR OUTFITS: This is SUPER IMPORTANT. While you don't need to be dressed up or fancy, you at least want to go with the same color scheme. It just makes everything look more put together in the photo. I try to find my outfit first and then dress everyone around my outfit accordingly.
HAVE LOW EXPECTATIONS: Never and I repeat NEVER have high expectations for a family photo shoot especially if youo have kids. Odds are you won't get everyone smiling and looking at the camera at the same time. So just be yourselves and everything just falls into place. Usually the best photos are the ones captured when everyone is just being themselves and shot in the moment.
E A S Y
W A Y S
T O
D I S P L A Y
holiday cards
EASY WAYS TO DISPLAY
holiday cards
Who else REALLY loves to receive holiday cards? For me there is something special about holiday cards, plus good old fashion snail mail is always a plus. In our house we LOVE to display the holiday cards we receive. Below are 3 EASY ways to display holiday card!
STRUNG ALONG THE MANTLE: You can grab your favorite glitter garland and attach your cards to a few clothespins to give it a easy holiday look.
ATTACHED TO RIBBON: Just grab a bit of burlap and hang it anywhere. Attach cards with clothespins as well. Love it along the door frame or stair railing.
ON A LITTLE TREE: We have a ton of little trees around our house that aren't decorated, holiday cards make the perfect accent to a little tree. Such a unique and fun way to display cards!
HOLIDAY STORAGE TIPS
holiday
STORAGE TIPS
Am I the only who wants to purge ASAP the minute the holidays are over? Below are some EASY holiday storage tips to help keep you organized for the next holiday season!
USE ORNAMENT BOXES: Storage boxes are a HUGE must especially if you have breakable ornaments. We use clear ones to help see what is inside easily.
USE CLEAR BINS: Trust me clear bins are the way to go. You can see inside to easily find the decor you are looking for.
STORE RIBBON AND GIFT WRAP IN APPROPRIATE SIZED BINS: We grabbed small bins to help us store ribbon and flat, long bins to help store rolls of wrapping paper.
ALWAYS STORE BINS IN A COOL, DRY PLACE: Storing your decor in a cool, dry place will help keep things in good condition and ready to be used for many years to come.
T H E
how to wrap
P E R F E C T
G I F T
holiday
GIFT WRAPPING TIPS
Who else loves to wrap gifts? I love to spend alot of time on wrapping gift so that I can get creative and make each gift unique to each person. Below are a few of my favorite gift wrapping tips!
MIX AND MATCH YOUR WRAPPING PAPER:
I personally love to have at least different styles of
wrapping paper that all compliment one another. You can pick a theme and wrap each person gift with different paper (perfect if you have kids and want to know who's gifts are who's immediately).
LAYER ON THE RIBBON: Get creative with ribbon. Layer on various ribbon styles for a unique look. Twine is also ALWAYS a great option- you can wrap a few times around for a pretty basic and simple look.
ADD ORNAMENTS: I love adding a sweet ornament for a special touch as a gift topper. It also doubles as a gift that the recipient can use for their tree next year.
GET CREATIVE WITH GIFT TAGS: Gift tags are the perfect way to get personalized. One great idea is a chalk tip marker to draw a fun gift tag.
ADD SOME SPARKLE OR GREENERY: This is a great add-on and so simple to do. Grab a bit of greenery from the craft story and add a bit of tree trimmings to any gift with a ribbon.
A
how to decorate
K I D
F R I E N D L Y
T R E E
Christmas
TREE DECOR TIPS
Have little ones but love a beautiful Christmas tree? Below are my top tips to help getting the best of both worlds a gorgeous Christmas tree that is also kid-friendly!
PICK YOUR TREE: We pick a fake tre since it is SO much easier to deal with and you dont have to worry about water or the needles. We love
THIS TREE a ton and have used it for years. Best part- it is pre-lit.
PICK YOUR BASE: I love a great base. We have been using this galvanized metal base to help hid the fake tree stand. Not only does it look cleaner it is also a bit more mangeable with the kids.
DON'T USE BREAKABLE ORNAMENTS:
This was the hardest thing for us since we love to collect
ornaments. So until the kids get older we are a non-breakable and shatterproof ornament family. We also love plush, soft balls that help add some texture to the tree without being breakable.
FINISH WITH A TREE TOPPER: Got to love a great tree topper. We are OBSESSED with THIS ONE as it just add a bit of sparkle to the tree.
OPTIONAL: ADD SOME RIBBON OR GARLAND: This is totally optional, but is a great way to add some personal style to the tree. Just grab a few rolls of ribbon and just fill in any open space with it.
holiday
B E A U T Y HOLIDAY STYLE GUIDE
A
FEW
OF
MY
FAVORITE
BEAUTY
PRODUCTS
holiday
BEAUTY TIPS
1.
AMP UP YOUR LIPSTICK: O n e
of the biggest ways to make
your holiday makeup look more put together is a little bit of a bolder lip. 2.
ENHANCE YOUR EYE MAKEUP:
You don't have to go full out
smokey eye but sometimes add a bit of depth to your crease can do wonders and give your makeup look a bit of oomph instantly. 3.
LINE YOUR EYES: A d d i n g
a bit of liner to your top and bottom
lashes can also help give your holiday look a bit of sass. **
-
TIP
If you aren't a huge eyeliner wearer you can always add a
little shadow to your lash line to help give the look of a subtle eyeliner. 4.
ADD A LITTLE HIGHLIGHTER: I
swear that sometimes adding a
bit of highlighter to the face can instantly brighten your face. Just add a little pop of highlighter to the tops of the cheeks bones for a instant enhanced and brighter look. 5.
SMILE :
The key to any great makeup look isn't about makeup it
is about how it makes you feel. Nothing says confident and beauty more than a smile. So show those pearly whites this holiday season and always remember to
SMILE!
holiday
S T Y L E HOLIDAY STYLE GUIDE
EASY
holiday
STYLE
When it comes to holiday style- Are you festive? Or are you more casual? Depending on the event or mood, I tend to vary in my style for the holidays. Below I am sharing a few holiday looks thaty are perfect for every occasion.
CASUAL + COMFY
CASUAL + FESTIVE
I love a great casual look, this one is both comfy and
This look is one of my favorites, especially because it
casual and perfect for those SUPER cold holiday
is out of my comfort zone (I am not usually a red
outings. The
Spanx faux leather leggings are the
perfect way to add a bit more sass to the look,
great cozy sweater and topped with
paired with a
North Face Down Vest and Sherling
wearer). But it is equal parts dressy and casual as I
velevt pants with a fitted turtleneck and
paired
topped the look with this awesome
reversible
my favorite
poncho. You can add knee high boots or a pair of
Lace-Up Boots.
your favorite heels to dress it up a bit more all while staying comfortable.
EASY
holiday
DRESSY & COMFY You guys this
Midi Sweater Dress is absolutely
STYLE
DRESSY & FESTIVE I love this look and how it is festive and dressy
so gorgeous and incredibly comfortable (also a
all while staying comfortable (comfort is key,
great nursing option). Paired with a pair
right?) This look pairs
leopard booties and a few key
velvet pants with the
velvet strapped v-neck cami.
of
most gorgeous
accessories- this look is simple yet elegant for
Just add a pair of
any holiday gathering!
and your
comfortable block heels,
favorite accessories and you are
ready to be festive at any holiday gathering.
EASY MATERNITY HOLIDAY STYLE
When it comes to being pregnant around the holidays it can be a bit rough. However, it is the perfect time to be super comfortable, casual yet still minimal and dressy. Remember comfort is key- and if you are an expectant mother, postpartum mother, or have to chase around the little ones all day- this outfit for the holidays is perfect.
GRAB A PAIR OF FLATS: Trust me flats are the way to go, especially with little kids. These ones are super elegant and feminine as they have a ankle wrap and are a gorgeous blush velvet.
LONG AND FLOWY SHIRTS: I love sporting a long and flowy shirt that can be worn under a cardigan or even a pull over sweater. I usually grab a light color so that I can pair it with a darker pant (like these pants) and give the look a little contrast.
ADD ACCESSORIES: The easiest way to dress up any look is to pair your favorite necklaces and earrings to this look. I love a great tassel earring and this bead wrapped necklace to add a bit of festive sparkle.
holiday
G I F T
G U I D E S
FOR KIDS 0-2 YRS OLD
FOR KIDS AGES 3-5 YRS OLD
FOR KIDS 5-7 YRS OLD
FOR BEAUTY
FOR HIM
FOR HER
FOR THE HOME
happy holidays
HOLIDAY 2019