I am in Christmas lovin’ overdrive (I’m sure you are too). I just can’t get enough… and wait until you see what I have in store for you! (Get it… the barn? So clever.)

I don’t know what to talk about first! Gifts? Baking? What to wear? …Holidays literally give you the perfect excuse to go all out and have some fun. Go ahead, wear some flair, add some sparkle, or don that ugly sweater- I won’t judge. It’s time to shine! And in the off-chance that you haven’t had as much time to do Christmas research as I have this season, I’ve put together a few of my favorites.

Let’s start with the party. It’s a season of celebration! I love this play on a “cheese” board. Camille Styles has transformed that inspiration into the assembly of a festive “cookie and candy” board!

How much cuter is that than the traditional tray? And yet, so simple! You can mix store bought and homemade. (Or all store bought… I know you’re busy.) It’s perfect for an office gathering, cocktail parties with friends, or watching Christmas movies with your fam!

Next, let’s talk gifts. First of all, I support shopping local. There are so many unique options, often including works from local artists and artisans that you just can’t get anywhere else. Secondly, you know my love of Amazon. They just make it so darn convenient! Lastly, for creative ideas that you haven’t even thought of, my go-to is UncommonGoods.com.

Hot Toddy Mugs? They got ’em.

Uncommongoods.com has an extensive selection of beautiful handmade pottery, even as specific as, for the knitter in your life, this “Birdie Yarn Bowl”:

How adorable is this bedding for the kiddos?

Seriously, for hot sauce lovers, gem stone collectors, fanatics of retro games, or people looking for guitar socks… UncommonGoods.com has a plethora of ideas and gift options. (And no, they are not a sponsor… but I wouldn’t turn them down. You know what I’m sayin’.)

I know that some of you are crafty (in the best sense of the word). I’m really not. But if there was a cute project that would be fun to do with the kids this year, to keep or pass out as gifts… it would be this homemade “Vintage Truck in Mason Jar Snow Globe’ from itallstartedwithpaint.com. (For directions click on the link to the left.)

Adorable.

Ok, so now you know what you are serving or bringing to share. You have some great gifting selections… what are you going to wear? Well, if you are a man looking for a suit, you will have to find a different blog. As a mother of 3 boys, I empathize with the difficulty of the search. For the rest of you, my new favorite… (drumroll please)… is chicwish.com!

Okay, so maybe your occasions don’t call (necessarily) for something dressy. (Maybe they call for something ritzy to the nines, what do I know?) All I’m suggesting is give Chicwish.com a try. (Also, not a sponsor.) They boast “Indie Design in Onepiece dresses, Top clothing, Outers and Bottoms – Retro, Indie and Unique Fashion.” And even better, their prices- especially with their on-going sales, are affordable! #SeasonalWinning!

Alas, perhaps the whole scene isn’t for you and you’re just looking to get the heck out of dodge? MyDomaine.com has put together “7 Winter Vacation Ideas That Are Better Than The Beach”! Now although I can’t verify this to be true, I have to admit that I wouldn’t mind putting it to the test.

Hope you are all enjoying the season!

See Colleen, I don’t get all of my inspiration from Pinterest… Just the featured image, courtesy of BestofChristmasToys.com