BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Mini Moments: December 2015

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Mini Moments: December 2015

With all of the year-end hoopla and twelve-month recaps, I usually forget to share a few of my favorite memories from the merriest month of all. Here are some of my beloved snapshots from December:

  • Kicked off the month at the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas concert. The first half was a little dry with opera singers and unfamiliar classical music, but they energized the room with beloved carols after intermission. The gospel choir was amazing.
  • Wore my favorite holiday earrings. I found these darling Kate Spade studs on eBay a few years ago and I look forward to wearing them every Christmas. It looks like there are a couple on eBay for reasonable prices here and here. I also adore this year’s pair of festive studs.
  • Mailed our first photo cards. I’m normally one for handwriting notes in traditional cards, but I’m getting lazier with old age! These Modify Ink cards allowed us to change the colors of the design to personalize our greeting. And match our outfits.
  • Tucked my hair in my turtleneck for an ever-so-chic faux bob!
  • Coaxed Bacon out from between the clean sheets. Fresh laundry is by far his guilty pleasure.
  • Unpacked dozens of ornaments, including this nutcracker we picked up in Belgium last year…
  • …and vintage ornaments from antique stores and the attic of my childhood home. (I’ll never know why the previous owner left such treasures behind!)
  • Adorned myself with pieces from Julie Vos’ “Pegasus” collection. Learn more about the designer’s inspiration here.
  • Took a stroll on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus for the first time since I graduated in order to take these photos.

Let’s be friends on Instagram @bedknobsandbaubles! 

The Weekend Guide

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First off, I want to apologize for being a shoddy blog friend over the last few weeks. I’ve been so busy with work and holiday hoopla that I haven’t made time to catch up on your blog posts and Instagram feeds. I’ll make amends soon! In the meantime, leave comments to share what you’ve been up to, the most amazing holiday gifts you’ve procured, or the booziest cocktails that are getting you through the season!

LEARN
Every Christmas season, I realize how out of practice I am with handwriting the moment I start signing cards and addressing envelopes. I have no idea how I ever managed to fill an entire Blue Book during college exams without such extreme cramping! Who’s the culprit behind this holiday tradition? Find out here.

SIP
We picked out our Christmas tree on Wednesday and plan to decorate it tonight with cocktails in hand. I’m thinking this s’more-inspired drink is in order.

APPRECIATE
If you haven’t watched the “Instagram Husband” video by now, you’re missing out. It’s a shamefully accurate representation of what we put our non-professional blog photographers through! There’s also a hilarious Tumblr to follow.

MAKE
This pom pom garland is an easy DIY project. Make one for the holidays if you’re feeling ambitious or save the idea for a festive New Year’s banner. It’s also an adorable project for a baby shower.

LISTEN
Serial. Season. Two.

LAUGH
While I’d love to own everything in the Williams-Sonoma catalog, many of the items are ridiculous. #BarkYeah

EARLIER THIS WEEK
A selection of gift ideas for teachers and coworkers (basically, thoughtful without being personal).
25 of the best barware this holiday season.
Style steals under $50 and $100.
Broke out my favorite party shoes for the holidays. (They’re on sale here.)

FIVE UNDER $55

25 Cocktail Essentials

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A bar cart has been at the top of my must-have list for a couple of years now, but I can’t bring myself to actually ask Santa for one — they’re so expensive! However, that hasn’t stopped me from adding plenty of mixology accessories to my wish list this year. I’m all about this pineapple ice bucket, a decanter that looks more expensive than it is, and these quirky cocktail napkins. I’d also love to add this koi vase to display cocktail stirrers.

Whether you’re buying gifts for a cocktail connoisseur or outfitting your own bar cart for the holidays, scroll through the slideshow to discover 25 of the chicest cocktail essentials this season.

 

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The Weekend Guide

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WATCH
It’s easy to go overboard with holiday spending. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you continue shopping for yourself and loved ones this month.

BAKE
As far as I’m concerned, December means it’s time to add peppermint to just about every dessert. I’m anxious to make these indulgent brownies.

ADMIRE
This slideshow features 27 photos of the best White House decorations and memories.

SIP
Mulled wine is an easy — and festive — drink option.

WRAP
There’s never a shortage of elaborate gift wrap ideas around the holidays. You can keep your over-the-top designs. I love this elegant option with a simple bow and monogrammed ornament. Can’t find alphabet stickers in time? Try it with bakers twine in either red or gold and a jingle bell, both available at Target.

PLAY
Which one of your friends always tells the same damn story? Put it to a vote with “Who’s Most Likely To…” The game looks like a fantastic ice-breaker with a new group of people, as long as they have good senses of humor!

EARLIER THIS WEEK
Here’s what I spent my money on in November.
A few beloved snapshots from last month.
The eyelet dress I’d like to wear all of the time.
Stocking stuffers for $25 or less! (Dave uses the shoe cleaner on his sneakers.)
Anthro’s adorable holiday window.
15 of the best colorful faux fur scarves.

FIVE UNDER $55
Scroll through for this week’s best budget finds:

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