Christmas Tree Ideas

Happy Friday friends!  Thank you for the great feedback on my last Blog Talk post! That question is truly important before starting your own blog and one I wish I would have asked myself when I began blogging.

With Christmas decorating just around the corner, now is the time to snag a faux (or real) Christmas tree, whatever your preference is!  This year I'm leaning toward a faux tree after dealing with some dry trees, dropping needles, and little bugs. I think I'm ready to make the switch!

Before diving into these beautiful and inspiring Christmas Trees, a few recommended places to check out Christmas trees online, with GREAT search features for height, width, pre-lit or no, flocked (which are going out of stock quickly!), etc. are:

Hayneedle 

Wayfair (real and potted Christmas trees available)

Amazon (recommend Balsam Hill)

Joss & Main

I can't wait to start decorating our cozy little beach house for the holidays! 

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I hope these help spur some ideas for your own Christmas tree this holiday season! I can't wait to decorate our home for the holidays!

Last but not least, below are some favorite items to decorate your Holiday home! Also, many online retailers have already launched many Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals!  It's easy to get overwhelmed, so go in with a LIST and a BUDGET!! You got this!! :-D

Don't forget the reason for the season and to have fun with all of it!

Wayfair: up to 80% off! (woohoo!)

Joss & Main

Overstock

Amazon

xo,

Anneke

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HOLIDAY HOME PICKS

Coastal Interiors: Cozy Reading Nook

Hi friends! Thanks so much for your amazing response to my first my first Gift Guide of the season supporting small business owners!  As retailers has "unleashed" the mass of their own guides and sale, even I was becoming overwhelmed. With that said, I'm happy to delve into all that and narrow things down for you!

As we approach the weekend and the holidays have officially kicked off, I have to say I'm LOVING this season and embracing the JOY of it all.  I'm choosing to be very intentional with my time and making room for family fun with less stress and more balance - I have to say this book, The Miracle Morning (have you heard of it?),  has been eye-opening for me in making this happen!

As for today's mini-design, I have a cozy reading nook in mind, curling up with that book, next to a fireplace, and enjoying a cup of hot cocoa.  Bliss am I right?!

The seasonal wreath adds a pop of green next to some of my favorite colors of navy, black, white and gold.  I'd love to know what stands out to you first and if you have any questions - ask away in the comments!

SHOP THE LOOK

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Thanks for stopping in today! 

xo,

Anneke

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Holiday Gift Guide: Etsy Shops and Supporting Handmade

Happy November!  I'm excited to be kicking off a "slow release" of Gift Guides for the Holiday season and couldn't think of a better way to do that than by highlighting some amazing small business owners and handmade goods.

By the way, if you're looking to create Coastal Christmas, see more from Etsy shop owners HERE -  

These handmade, often custom items really need the time to be ordered and created! Most etsy shop owners do not take last minute orders and close shop to enjoy the holidays with their families.

Now is the time to send in your orders to get custom, handmade gifts for your friends and family.

With that said, from here on out, every gift guide created and posted on the blog will be easily found on the page linked through the button below AND I'll be updating when necessary and as possible - bookmark for easy reference!

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Up first is this custom handwriting bracelet. You guys! I about died when I saw this!!  What a special treasure for anyone, but the example of a father to his daughter is amazing.  If you didn't know, I lost my dad to a heart transplant rejection when I was just 20 years old.  A bracelet like this with his handwriting and a note would mean the WORLD to me!  Custom gifts like this truly keep giving over time.

Another custom option is creating jewelry with a fingerprint or multiple fingerprints.  I love how this necklace is also the shape of a heart.  If I had a necklace like this with my kiddo's and husband's fingerprints on it, I'd probably never take it off! Here is another option that includes custom handwriting as well. So cool you guys!

Ok so if you LOVE the tassel trend like this necklace here and all things colorful, you'll love Nest Pretty Things Shop in Vermont!  There is the trendy aspect, but uniqueness as well.  Check out another one of their beautiful amethyst necklaces below!

Etsy is such a phenomenal resource for finding handmade handbags, totes, camera bags and more.  This wool messenger bag above caught my eye and is a great gift option with a padded laptop holder - especially if you're going big and gifting someone a laptop!  Also, can I just note that I love, love LOVE those cool, nautical stripes on the inside!

Anything customized if a sure-fire winner when gift giving.  This customizable anchors phone case is just one of 270 options that can be made to order.  These are great stocking stuffers too!

Speaking a monograms - how cute are these monogrammed keychains with a little tassel action on the side?!  These are an affordable price point with a lot of style and great holiday gift or stocking stuffer!  They also come with a gift box option that I'd highly recommend - one less thing to worry about.

Have someone that love's to decorate for the Holidays and is an amazing host?  Now's the tim to order custom wreaths as a way to say Thank You and Happy Holidays! This 16" Bay Leaf Wreath will go with any style of home decor. 

Have new little niece or nephew in the family this Christmas?  A custom monogrammed quilt is a great gift and may turn into their favorite blanket from childhood. ;-)  There are a lot of options on Etsy with different fabrics to choose to your liking.

If you're looking for more Home Decor gifts like these soy candles above, I'd encourage you to check out these stylish decor items under $30 - too many great options to share here on my blog, but worth a browse! 

One last thing that caught my eye is this ADORABLE Seaside Spreader Set. What do we do more during the holiday season than spend time in the kitchen and eating good food with friends and family? I love this reminder in a coastal chic way to spread peace, cheer, love, and joy!

I hope you've found this Gift Guide helpful and it gets you thinking about supporting local shops, handmade goods, thinking outside of the box for Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers!

xo,

Anneke

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12 Holiday Dresses Under $100

What I love about November 1st is the feeling of officially ushering in the holiday season.  In this month of Thanksgiving, I am reminded of how thankful I am for Christmas. ;-)  It's truly my favorite holiday.  While Jesus is the reason for the season, I love how this time brings friends, family and strangers alike together to celebrate life together. 

If you have some upcoming events that call for a little cocktail dress wardrobe, this is a great place to start getting ideas for those nights at work parties, charity events, date nights, and even mommy daughter dates to the Nutcracker.

Also, sometimes we like to chat LIVE about these things on Facebook so I invite you to join the fun!

OK! So, for under $100 each, one or more of these will carry you through the season and beyond! High fives to that!

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1. Classic Fit and Flare Dress

Up first is this pretty little lace fit and flare dress is gorgeous in this Evergreen color, but comes in 12 color options total at only $88.  It's a classic shape with a modern gorgeous lace pattern.

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2. Lace Fit and Flare with Cap Sleeves

Another lacy option shown in a beautiful aubergine color (one of my FAVES), this fit and flare version has the slightest cap sleeve to it with subtle eyelash lace edging.  This dress is $98 and comes in 11 color options.

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3. Tea Length Hi-Low Dress

If you're looking for something with a little more length and stylish flare, this Hi-Low Dress is a beautiful option that comes in red, navy, and black for only $82.  Pair it with strappy heels and some statement earrings and you're ready to celebrate!

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4. Long Sleeved Lace Fit and Flare Dress

If you love the fit and flare style of dresses and the lacy touch, but longer sleeves, this dress is for you.  It comes in classic colors Oxblood and Black at $92.

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5. Gorgeous Black Shift Dress with Fancy Collar

Also available in white, this beautiful black shift dress has a slight bell sleeves, forgiving waist line (indulge in those tasty treats stress free!), and gorgeous embellished collar. I love the longer sleeve, simple classic shape, and touch of glam.  This dress comes in at $99.

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6. Scalloped Sequin Dress

If you have an upcoming holiday party that calls for some fun metallics, this scalloped sequin dress is the perfect fit.  Although the dress is lined, the longer sleeves are sheer, just fyi.  This is a great dress for the holiday season at only $45.

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7. Red Strapless Lace Gown

Love at first sight with this gorgeous gown! With the bright red color, it's sure to be a show stopper! At $88, it is fully lined with a thigh high slit so if dancing's your thing, you can still bust some moves. ;-) 

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8. Metallic Sequin Sheath Dress

This black and gold sequin dress is just $88 and will take you from girl's night out to your family gatherings and a night on the town. It's perfect for those of you that prefer a v-neck style and asymmetrical lines.

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9. Off the Shoulder Red Dress

This dress is a simple and stunning choice with a bit of edge in the neckline.  It is $70 and features a back hidden zipper, wired neckline (no shifting!), and is fully lined.  The red is perfect for the holiday season and would look beautiful with a trending sparkly choker necklace.

10. Long Black Lace Gown

If you're looking for a more formal option at an affordable price, this gown (currently available for $60) is a beautiful option.  When looking for more affordable options on fancier dresses like this, lean toward items that have higher star ratings and great reviews!

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11. Sea Blue One Shoulder Ruffle Ball Gown

Anything in this beautiful cobalt blue color is a winner in my book!  Add that gorgeous one shoulder ruffle detailing and this dress is a great option at only $49!  It's a nice step away from the classic black without going into the warmer red colors. 

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12. Lace Strapless Dress in Forest Green

If you lean toward this beautiful green color, this strapless dress with lace detail is a great option and $99 (and currently 25% off with code OMGYES).  You can pair it with classic black or gold heels and accessories or gold bold with some color!

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I hope this helps you ladies kick off some pre-party shopping and find the perfect fit for your needs!  I know this may seem like a lot, but I've tried to pair things down after going through literally hundreds of items!  That's the research loving part of me coming out. ;-)

Below are some more dresses and ideas for "finish the look when it comes to shoes, bags, and jewelry.

DRESSES

JEWELRY

SHOES

HANDBAGS

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***Current Home Decor Pre-Season Kick Off Sales

Joss & Main - In Demand Furniture, Lighting, Blankets, and Thanksgiving Table items on sale

Overstock - Up to 70% off Home for the Holidays steals (great place to find rugs!)

Pottery Barn - Up to 60% off all rugs, 20% off flatware, and Free Shipping

Serena & Lily - Up to 30% off select rugs

One Kings Lane - featuring a FANTASTIC Coastal Christmas sale, including my fave silver crab figurine for only $28

Thanks for catching this massive post ladies! It's quite the roundup, but I wanted it to be easy to find and all in one place!  Happy shopping and have a BLAST at your holiday parties beautiful friends!!

xo,

Anneke

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