Decorations [lack thereof]

A couple of weeks ago, the day was warm and I ventured out to the stick pile behind the barn. I picked out three particularly good looking ones and drug them inside.

Turns out Kb didn't have an opinion.

So I picked the best one and stuck it in a bucket. Can I just say that I love these little, metal buckets? We acquired them the summer of our wedding. We were doing the decorating ourselves and were going the rustic route. For my dad's birthday dinner, we ended up at Texas Roadhouse. They've got those buckets of peanuts there on every table. While we were eating, someone remarked that the buckets would be a great addition to the decor at the reception. My mom had the nerve to ask the manager where they get there buckets. Slightly ashamed, I had already gone out to the car. My mom came out to the car with a big, old grin. She was cagey at first, reluctant to let on. But then, she spilled. It just so happened that the restaurant was replacing their supply of buckets the very next day. All my mom needed to do was show up and they would load the car with buckets. They were just going to throw them out!

(Jennifer Van Elk Photography)




We used those buckets for everything from flower pots to kids' craft containers. Anyways, now the bucket has graduated to a Christmas tree holder.

Ok, it's not a real Christmas tree. Currently, I'm not big on Christmas decorations. I've put together a few things, but decor seems to be something that you acquire over the years. I could easily purchase a load of Christmas frills, but it wouldn't have much meaning. It wouldn't have a story.

I made the stars last year. Since we burn or recycle our trash, I wasn't sure what to do with used aluminum foil. So I cut star shapes out of cereal box cardboard and covered them with the once crumpled up foil. They shine nicely. Last year, I also made the paper garland. I cut up some sparkly paper, punched holes, and put a sting through. 

This year, I discovered that the big piece of wood I hung on the kitchen wall serves as a very nice mantle. It displays our embarrassing number of Christmas cards...we don't get out much.

Let's just pretend the black light switch covers are not there.

We have a wreath! I found those fun, white balls in a box in my mom's basement. My mom works at a funeral home, and oftentimes, the winter flower arrangements contain some sort of frilly decor that gets discarded after the funeral. My mom can't bear to see it wasted so it ends up in a box in her basement. That's also where I got the garland on my "mantle." Is that creepy?

There are a few other decor items displayed somewhat haphazardly. That candle? Brings back some fun memories at a certain bridal shower. hehehe...  The little tree and fake snow were ingredients to a craft that was supposed to be presented to my mom for her birthday yesterday. It didn't work out (Santa, please bring a hot glue gun), but it repurposes well!

May your decorations be imperfect and full of stories!