December Anticipation: Just Around the Corner!

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend, and that those of you celebrating Thanksgiving enjoyed plenty of good food and great company. I am giddy with delight; my favourite time of year is nearly upon us! And what better way to get in the mood than by browsing through the December back issues of my trusty magazine collection?

Before I can get completely into the holiday spirit, I need to revisit the projects and goals that I planned for November. Good news: I kept my promise and started to pretty up the bedroom! We (by 'we' I mean my husband and father-in-law) painted the ceiling a deep blue-black with a high gloss finish, and the walls a cool cement white. Next up is some new lighting--I'm picturing something like the space-age chandelier in the image above.

Another item to cross off: we hung some of the artwork that had been lingering in storage! The hallway now looks charming with a grouping of four vintage fashion drawings. I'm still itching to get a big, bold, colorful piece up over the sofa, and I recently purchased an antique gilt mirror that needs to be mounted in the hallway. It's a never-ending to-do list and I love it!

Now onto the good stuff! This year we're traveling to visit our families for Christmas, so I'm not sure how much decorating we'll do in our own home. But it would be nice to give a nod to the season--perhaps with some strategically placed greenery and a few colorful ornaments. I adore the vibrant global sensibility of the vignette above.

My number one way to ring in the holidays? A major bake-a-thon! Yesterday I stocked up on butter, sugar, flour---the works---and I've got my list of recipes all planned out. As usual, I'd like to have my goody packages mailed out well before the 25th, and as usual, I doubt my ability to make it happen. But isn't the hustle and bustle part of the fun?

Of course the most important part of the holiday season (other than charity, goodwill, and all that jazz) is the presents! It's such a thrill to hunt for the perfect gift for everyone on my list. I have oodles of terrific stuff planned for us here, too, including gift guides, decor inspiration, and tons more---so let the holiday season begin!

Tell me: what's on your agenda for December?

Image Credits: 1. Inside Out Christmas 2009 2, 3, 5. Domino December/January 2009 4. Inside Out Christmas 2008 6. Martha Stewart Living December 2007

Comments

[jen laceda]

Hey Anne,
Yes, Christmas is 'round the corner...that's why...

Also, if you are a photography buff, I have a giveaway at my 2 blogs. Prize package worth over $500. Hope you and your readers will consider joining!

-Jen from Les Filles Giada et Cairo and Folie à Deux

[stephanie]

I love December! Ice skating, holiday movies, mittens and secrets!

I wish I lived closer, because a partner in crime for massive holiday baking would be so much fun. I can't wait to see what you make (and the new bedroom!)

xo

[Susan]

oh I love December... that first photo is a dream! love the details :)
have a lovely day, xoxo

[robin pulsifer]

loving these images, they are getting me in the mood! i'm into lots of sparkly trees this year, from outside to inside, little to big, all about the christmas trees this year. :)

[Jaime]

Glad you were able to cross off some of the to-do list! My December list includes shopping for gifts (of course), hopefully getting a new job, and starting a diet for my stepbro's wedding in January!

[Joanna]

That is the coolest gingerbread house I've ever seen!

[callie grayson]

Great post! Cannot wait to see photos of the end of your bedroom project, so far it sounds amazing!!

I am getting items ready for a Holiday Faire, where the proceeds will go to a charity. Getting excited, some of the items I will have to make for myself!!!

Happy Week to you!
xx
callie

[Erin @ SYL: Slipcover Your Life]

Loving the super dark paint color in the first image...

[caroline - patagonia gifts]

oh the first pic is absolutely perfect! I adore the holiday season. It's the best time of the year! xo

[Jessica]

This year I decided to wrap all gifts in matching paper and ribbons - but the last photo is making me question myself!

[Maryam in Marrakech]

oooh, Anne, hope you will share your home progress on your blog! All this week I am posting bits of my home in Marrakech on my own blog - maybe come see?

[simplesong]

just gorgeous. love the quieter moments of this month.

[Vintage Wedding Rings]

Really found a very good corner for house decoration here, There are so many good preparation going on for Christmas and looks fantastic...gifts and house decoration here. I have collected many gifts for children and have got some jewelry from Vintage yard for Christmas and my sister wedding next month...

[dsi r4]

Hey very nice decoration items here I have found on and very happy to see this all from you. Really very nice blog by you. Thanks...

[kelly]

Love those cookies... seems like a San Francisco Ginger neighborhood is in order for next year.

[yajia]

http://www.annesage.com/blog/2009/11/giveaway-2010-letterpress-calendar-from-linda-harriet.html

[1gb usb flash drive]

Hi Guy's,
Cannot wait to see photos of the end of your bedroom project, so far it sounds amazing!!