DIY Holiday Wreath Ideas

I've been looking for some DIY wreath ideas to spruce up the house--but I'm trying to go for something that says "Welcome" instead of "isn't it a bit early to be decorating for Christmas?"--I love the idea of these paper wreaths made from trashy old novels or more of a structured magazine roll wreath.

This subtle leaf wreath from Sunset is fabulous, and I'm in love with this yarn wreath!

If I do end up hosting Thanksgiving this year, I'll be ready...

To Host or Not to Host?

Thanksgiving is fast approaching (along with a slew of other holiday happenings) and while we usually host the festivities, this year we're frankly pooped. All of the shopping, cooking and cleaning are starting to wear on us, and we're trying to encourage some of our other friends to act as host this year.

I think it may have something to do with my perfectionist streak--I love to have everything 'just so' before guests arrive, and that usually involves cooking everything myself. Believe it or not, I miss the days of the kids' table--being able to just show up, eat myself into a semi-comatose state, and wish there was something else to watch besides football on television. But, I will certainly miss setting myself a pretty table...