How I Hang my Christmas Stockings

It's the Christmas season and I am in full on decorating mode. Christmas trees, lights, and glitter are EVERYWHERE! Every family has their own Christmas traditions. Maybe you gather around and exchange gifts with your loved ones on Christmas Eve. Or your family wakes up at the crack of dawn Christmas morning to see if Santa came. Or maybe you rush to your Christmas stockings to find them packed full of goodies...

and then realize they were too heavy for the mantle and ended up on the floor. Sorry - not the cutest visual.

Today on the blog I'm filling you in on my decorating idea that is guaranteed to keep those Christmas stockings safe and sound... Santa approved!

A couple years ago, I said goodbye to our fireplace mantle and moved our Christmas stockings to our staircase. Not only did the stockings brighten up our entryway, but they stayed put - no matter how heavy they got Christmas morning. AND BONUS - our family's 5 stockings didn't block our view of the fireplace anymore! (Seriously... this Minnesota girl LOVES her winter fires!)

To make my Christmas Stocking staircase display, all you need are:

1. your family's stockings

2. as much garland as you want

3. and ribbon

For my display, I use four different garlands. My burlap ruffle garland acts like my anchor. My other garlands simply wrap and twist around the burlap, making my display full and whimsical.

FIRST, I lay out my garlands and gather the end. This is what I will attach to the start of my banister.

NEXT, I take my ribbon and tie my garland to the banister. The ribbon I use is a wide felt ribbon - I don't use glittered ribbon because I don't want to scratch my banister. I continue gathering my garland and securing it to my banister every couple stairs until finished.

NEXT, I attach my Christmas stockings. To do this, I use a skinnier grosgrain ribbon. Starting at the base of your staircase, tie up your first stocking. When attaching your stocking, tie your ribbon around the ENTIRE garland and banister - you want to make sure your cute stockings are visible and not being covered by your chunky garland. Continue moving up your staircase until all your Christmas stockings are hung.

The striped ribbon is holding my Christmas stocking to the railing. Notice how I went around the entire garland.

No matter how you decide to hang your stockings this holiday season, may you and your family have a blessed Christmas.

Stay merry my friend!

Remember to check out my Instagram @smalltownme

Love Emily.

Chic gifts at every budget

You know that friend? That friend who seems impossible to shop for because she has everything? I think everyone has a friend like that. Here's the deal... don't stress about finding the perfect gift... don't you remember what your mother taught you? It's the thought that counts. Seriously - it really is.

I love giving gifts. I'm always on the hunt for things that are unique while still being practical. Giving someone a gift that I know they'll use brings me joy. You don't want your gift to be forgotten... you want the recipient to use it and love it.

Today on the blog I'm giving you chic gift ideas for all your friends... even that friend who is impossible to shop for. And I'm giving you gift ideas for every budget.

Finding the perfect Christmas gift for under $20 is easier than you think. Here are some fun ideas to help get you started. These pancake mixes make the cutest holiday gifts. The retro packaging is everything! Tie on a cute wooden spoon or spatula and you have a darling gift perfect for a friend or teacher... or use as a hostess gift. Thoughtful and useful, not to mention cute.

Another fun idea I've done in the past is get one of these chic mugs with my friend's initial. I threw in a faux plant - and no wrapping required. The presentation was everything!

This cute little sunglass care kit is a must have for everyone. I use mine ALL THE TIME! Throw this set into a mini christmas stocking. This set comes in a variety of colors... so coordinate it with your christmas stocking - how chic is that!

Masks - an essential item these days. I found these mask chains and I'm in love with the Chanel vibes. They come in a set of 3 for under $20! Give the entire set as a gift or separate them out - I love how thoughtful and useful this one is.

And yes. Sprinkles. These are actually a staple in my family's pantry. The container is so chic and they even come with a little wooden scoop. Use these cuties on sugar cookies, cupcakes, or my favorite... ice cream.

Chic gifts under $50... are you ready for this? This sunglass case is on my wish list for this year. The box unfolds for storage of 4 pairs of sunnies. How awesome is this for travel?

Let's talk about this pink mit. This is my favorite makeup brush cleaner I've ever used. The kit is two sided (hence the double thumbs) and is covered with a variety of textures so you can scrub and clean the makeup grime away. My favorite is the texture between the thumb and mitty so you can squeegee the water out of your brush. I love this thing!

These purse inserts may seem like an uneventful gift, but they are EVERYTHING! I use these in all of my handbags to help maintain their shape. Satin, quilted, and so lux... they make for such a practical chic gift that your friend is sure to use for years to come.

And this mask. Silk. Lux. And comes in the yummiest colors and patterns. Something your friend probably wouldn't buy herself. Love this!

And gift ideas for under $100. These fox fur earmuffs are so incredibly cute on! In these Minnesota winters, the air can get so bitterly cold. Sometimes you don't want to put a hat on because... hair. I love throwing on these earmuffs - it's amazing how much warmer you feel when you block the wind from your ears.

I am a sucker for limited edition anything. This candle is so cool and chic - and it smells incredible! What I love about this, is after the candle is use up, your friend can clean out the container and us it to store her makeup brushes or pens or whatever else she wants.

This water bottle - another thing on my Christmas wish list! I love the chic design... and the fact that it's self cleaning. SELF CLEANING! Are you kidding me? This water bottle has a purifying UV light that activates every two hours. The light actually neutralizes up to 99.9% of harmful, odor-causing germs. Plus it's so cute! Can you say game changer?!!

This Silkie hair wrap is another thing on my Christmas wish list. Your friend will wear this chic hair wrap at night to protect her hair while she sleeps. No more hair breakage when she tosses and turns at night. Brilliant!

This compact mirror is a great addition to anyones handbag. It's tru-lux light system simulates natural sunlight... perfect for fixing your makeup on the go. My favorite is the ring on the back which makes it so easy to hold and maneuver.

Lastly, I'm completely obsessed with these earrings. This artisan makes her jewelry out of authentic designer buttons. The quality is excellent. I have given these as gifts and the receipeints are always over the moon about them. I also wear them regularly - a total jewelry staple. If not for your friend, grab a pair for yourself!

I hope you found some gift ideas to help fill your list. Tis the season to make merry!

Happy shopping!

Remember to check out my Instagram @smalltownme

Love Emily.

The Holidays at Home

The holiday season is vastly approaching and plans for this year are taking a major shift from year's past. Christmas parties are already being cancelled. And you know what - I'm ok with that. This year's gatherings will be a little smaller... a little more intimate. We'll still be celebrating with friends and family, but in a much more casual setting. We'll be celebrating in the comfort of home.

It won't matter whose house I'm at this holiday season - my home, my parents, or my friends... I still want to look festive. Today on the blog I'm going to give you some outfit ideas for being comfy and festive at home for the holidays.

If there's one thing I love wearing, it's a full skirt. Thrown on with a cute sweatshirt or sweater, you will instantly look festive and holiday ready. I also love a mid length tulle skirt because it's so functional at home. Whether I'm hanging on the couch or sitting on the floor opening presents with my kids, a tulle skirt will lay well and give you the comfort (and coverage) you need so you can focus on your company rather then wardrobe malfunction. These tulle skirts are CRAZY affordable at under $30.

I love the thought of throwing on a sheer top with a fitted cardigan. Such a girly edgy vibe. I'll be pairing this with a tulle skirt and lug sole boots this Christmas season.

The great thing about a tulle skirt is that you can rock pretty much any footwear you're in the mood for - trendy sneakers, booties, and of course, a killer pair of heels. I love pairing a girly skirt with a cute combat boot for a little edge.

To classy up your holiday outfit, try throwing on a sleek pair of dress pants with a dressy sweater. I'm in LOVE with these dress pants. They pull on, have a fit identical to yoga pants, and are incredibly high waisted. Perfect for all those cute cropped sweaters. One way I love to style these pants is to tuck in my sweater and throw on a lux leather wrap belt. You can find my leather belt here.

Another holiday classy option is to pair a long dress with a sweater. Think about all your summer maxi dresses. Now consider layering them with a sweater. Cropped or long, this look is so on trend right now. This leopard print dress is a set that comes with a cropped sweater to wear over the top... and I'm in love! I just ordered this set and plan on pairing it with my lug sole boots. Classy with an edgy vibe.

It's super easy to be holiday cool while still dressing comfortable. These faux leather leggings have been a staple in my closet for years. They are so easy to dress up or down and can be styled in countless ways. Here, I have them paired with a cool sweatshirt and glitzy sneakers. Or try wearing on oversized sweater vest with a button-down shirt. I love the elevated minimalist vibe of this sweater vest... and it's under $30!

I've also linked my go-to leather leggings for another trendy cool option. Both leggings are interchangeable and will bring an edgy vibe to any outfit.

Lastly, let's talk dressing holiday casual. A comfortable pair of jeans with an unexpected sweater will elevate your outfit from casual drab to holiday fab. (sorry... couldn't help myself). A classic v-neck tee paired with a grandpa sweater will keep you cozy and on trend. Or throw on a white button-down and bulky sweater vest. I found this cable knit sweater vest for under $30! Be sure to edge up your outfit with a cute pair of lug boots.

So whether you choose to dress chic or casual... classy or cool, be sure to tag me in your holiday posts - I can't wait to see all the festive looks you put together!

Happy shopping!

Remember to check out my Instagram @smalltownme

Love Emily.