You. Guys. It snowed in St. George last night! This happens like, twice a year so it is a BIG deal. Because of the giant hoard of furniture in my garage, I have to park outside which is usually not a problem. Today? Big problem. I had to scrape the snow off of my car with a spatula.
I thought that it would be fun to share some of my favorite holiday decorating tips, and answer a few of the FAQ from my White Christmas reveal today!
1. I was super surprised to hear that so few of you knew about the 2 different sized bulb trick because I swear I posted about it last year. But after looking through my archives I did not in fact do that. So sorry. First string your regular small twinkle lights, and then go back through with a few strands of frosted globe lights (these ones from Target are THE BEST!) Check out the difference between the top of the tree and the bottom.
2. The most questions by far came about the tree stand. Which is so hilarious. Our Christmas tree is a hand me down that is 15+ years old. I love it because it is so tall and skinny (a pencil tree). It takes up a lot of space visually but not in real life.
Every year we pull it out this dang tree stand and every year we swear we are going to buy a new one because it is so rigged.
Basically it is 4 pieces of wood that are shaped like this:
Nailed together with a hole in the center for the tree base. (The tree was feeling extra leany this year so that vertical board is keeping it in check.)
Also? It does a not great job holding the tree straight, so we have to secure it to the wall. Which is not a horrible idea for anyone to do, you need to be safe with little kids and pets.
3. I have learned a little secret on the set of a few magazine shoots that was new to me. I have started doing it all the time and totally understand why. Before you decorate anything, pull all of the existing things off of the surface (or out of the room) and start fresh. Even if you are staging it the exact same way, it will make the space feel more alive. and not so sleepy.
I swear by this process because it gives you a chance to reset your outlook. Start with a clean slate. This master reset is the perfect time to clean (admittedly not my favorite part of decorating, or life for that matter) It is so much easier to really do it when things are moved out of your way. Pull out the Swiffer (does anyone else love those “Morty!” commercials as much as I do? Old people are my favorite kind. Court thinks it is really weird.) Give your walls a good wipe down with a Magic Eraser.
4. String your ornaments on wire before you try and spray paint them. It will totally save your hands and give you a better finish. I have an abundance of floral wire because of my DIY Geometric Ornament obsession and it worked like a charm. Hang it waist high so that you can get above and below them.
5. I know, I know, this is is sort of like beating a dead horse in the decor world, but buy things that you can use more than once. As much as I love the whole holly berry traditional Christmas vibe, I am not going to spend $150 on garland that will only vibe with that style.
The garland that I used is from Joann’s (it is 50% off this week!). It is simple and can be used in any type of holiday theme.
6. Spray Febreeze before you light your favorite Christmas candle. Get rid of all the old smells that are just hanging out.
7. No one likes a Scrooge when it comes to your decorations. I get it. Blogland and Pinterest are full of over the top gorgeous Christmas decorations without a finger print to be found. This isn’t my reality, is it yours? Do you even want it to be? If your kids want to add something to your tree, let them. My girls made these Mickey and Minnie ornaments from left over PVC pipe. They are so cute and something that will always remind us of our DIY White Christmas.
8. Don’t just follow traditions, make your own. Meet Mortimer Mistletoe and Stella Snowflake.
They are the elves that started coming 3 Decembers ago to keep an eye on the Gubler girls. The best part is that they are as mischievous as they look. Always playing pranks on us and on each other. In fact, they were a day late coming to our house this year because apparently they were trying to smuggle a Reindeer to our house. Last night they put a piece of clear packing tape across Ivie’s door. A little foggy from waking up she got a face full of tape walking into the bathroom.
Picture perfect holidays are only as wonderful as you give them freedom to be.
A big cup of holiday cheer to P&G and The Home Depot for sponsoring this post!
I have a 3 car garage and park in the driveway too hahahaha!! My neighbors think I’m so weird.
Now I need to get myself to Target (they don’t sell the lights online)! Thanks for the awesome tip!
Yes, I am totally in LUURRRVVVEEE with your 2 sizes of Christmas lights and had I not already put up my tree the day before I read your post, I would’ve done it this year. I have already told my hubbin that we will be doing this next year, so thanks for the tip so that my tree can be as magical as yours!!! 🙂
I use two different sized bulbs too envy year!
You are a genius! I’ve always loved the look of a themed tree but don’t want it to be the same from year to year. You’ve just provided me with a ton of affordable ideas and ways to make it different every year!
OMG I about died when you talked about how you’ve been pranking your kids with the elves. What better way to spread some joy to their parents while you’ve got them at home for WAY. TOO. LONG.
Yes! I love the Morty commercials. Fun fact: They were coworkers (both teachers) and got married in their 60s. For some reason that makes it even cuter to me. They’re also really nice- they’re my grandparent’s neighbors.
Love your hacks, your tips, and your holiday-ness – awesome!! Thanks Mandi.
Those elves are hilarious! I can only imagine the type of antics going on.
Great tips! I was just forced to move some things around my house today, and having to clear the slate was so good for my outlook and what ended up where!
That’s nuts! I just switched out the lights on our garland over the mantle to the same large bulbed kind and I love it!! So fun and new 🙂
Laughed out loud at the tape on the door. Hilarious!
My favorite thing… Ho, ho, ho, yo. Brillz, baby!
Hi Mandi,
Your room looks lovely. I love all ghe minimalist things you do with the brass pipes. I have design myself a patio furniture with those pipes but i am too scared too try. Maybe in the spring!
Xoxo,
Mariella
I LOVE your tip for 2 different sized lights, so much that I ran out to Target to get the ones you suggested! I did notice on the box, however, a warning that they should not come in contact with anything that is flammable! I found some in the same aisle made by Phillips that are LED globes and safe for use on trees (specifically stated on the box). They aren’t the satin finish which I loved about yours, but these my husband will actually let me use!
Here is another trick I’ve learned. Wrap the trunk of your tree in yellow lights. Then put your regular lights on the tree branches as usual. The soft yellow glow from inside the tree is very pretty & adds another dimension to everything.
Nancy has officially blown my mind. <3 <3 <3
Love this! Tried to pin it with the pinterest button at the bottom of the post. Bad link…error message 🙁 I’m using an iPad, but don’t think that matters. Just FYI. Thanks for sharing your creativity!
I’m definitely trying the 2-size lights next year! I know your tree was a hand-me-down, but would it be possible to figure out where it’s from? Or maybe the box has a style name on it? I’ve searched high and low for a tree that shape for YEARS. I have a slim one, but the straight up and down look is what I really want. Please let me know if you have any info on it at all. Thanks so much 🙂
Tried the link for the globe lights from target, but it doesn’t work anymore. Are they frosted lights in the shape of a ball? Thank you.
You crack me up! And I drive through St. George twice a year-first on my way from AZ to WY in the summer, and then on the way back. Your ideas are so true and I love your sense of humor!
You are hilarious and I love you. Your style is perfect. It is so fun to check in and see what you are creating. You inspire me to just be my funky self when it comes to decorating and not worry about “perfection”. Thanks!