Events by Ellie

The holiday season always seems to creep up so quickly on the unsuspecting twenty-something. We're just finishing up college, our heads stuck in our textbooks and computers, resumes, extracurriculars, jobs. It's hard to find the time to sit back and really take in what's going on around you. Today, I decided it was time to start preparations for the holiday season. Granted, Brennan and I don't really celebrate Christmas in a traditional sense, but we do celebrate the season and take time to share it with our loved ones.

Now, I don't know about you, but I have a fantastic table next to my front door to collect my keys (because I constantly lose them), cell phone and various other things that don't really have a permanent home in our condo. I also like to keep little trinkets there for guests during each season (e.g. for Halloween it was a skull candy dish). The winter holiday season is not to be neglected either.

This year, I have taken one of the wire baskets I always keep there, jazzed it up a bit and filled it with some tasty new treats of the season (pictured above). Michael's is having a large sale this week on holiday ribbons (50% off)! I made my way over there and spent the $1.50 on a roll of thick, wire-edge ribbon. I wove the ribbon in and out of the metal and tied a festive bow in the front. Upon finishing the ribbon, I filled the dish with Hershey's kisses in Irish Cream and Mint Chocolate. *Yum!* Tada! Instant holiday cheer right as you walk in. An added bonus: when the holiday stresses get you, you can take comfort in knowing that there is some delicious chocolate waiting for you (and your guests) when you walk in the door! And if you don't have a entryway table, add the accent to your coffee table for those nights of Charlie Brown and A Christmas Story.

Stay tuned for more updates this week on shopping deals, holiday gift ideas and decorating tricks!