Saltwater Sounds: The Countdown to Thanksgiving

Welcome to Saltwater Sounds, a collection of ideas, tips, and inspiration. Here, I share everything happening in the world of Shiplap and Shells, what’s to come, and the inspiration I’ve found from other bloggers around the web.

This and That

November brings a season of gratitude, cozy homes, and warm hearts. And, of course, Thanksgiving in the U.S. is just around the corner—only 18 days away! Are you ready?

Thanksgiving holds a special place in my heart. When my daughter Katie was with us, we always hosted the holiday at our home. Since her passing six years ago, we’ve embraced a new tradition of sharing the day with dear friends.

Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year? What is your favorite holiday dish or dessert?

For me, it’s all about the dressing…oh, and let’s not forget the mashed potatoes. If you’ve peeked at my “About Me” page, you already know I have a love affair with anything involving potatoes!

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. My blog also contains other affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

My scarecrow’s days are numbered now that I have holiday decorating on my mind. I would have already started if it wasn’t for the fact that I need help because of my new knee.

“Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.” – Unknown

Some people are true fall enthusiasts, savoring every last golden moment of the season. But as bloggers, we often find ourselves diving into Christmas decorating before Thanksgiving—it’s just part of the job!

This year, I’ve already started pulling out the bins of Christmas decorations from storage. With a few physical limitations, I’m taking a more gradual approach and decorating in stages. First are the garlands and Christmas trees, both big and small, which I’ll begin placing throughout the house to set the festive tone.

For this Christmas, I’ve chosen a dreamy palette of aqua blue, soft green, and cream—a combination that feels both fresh and calming. As always, I’ll weave in plenty of greenery and vintage treasures to create that cozy, timeless charm I love.

Poulsbo is one of my favorite places to shop for Christmas decor. I’m so sad I missed the Holiday Open Houses this year. I always get so much inspiration from stores like Details Home and Garden and Red Plantation.

Here are some of the pictures from past years.

In My Cart: My Favorites This Week

I’m so proud of my two incredibly talented friends who have so much to offer this holiday season!

My friend Danielle from Daily Splendor has curated the most beautiful holiday collection, featuring garlands, wreaths, Christmas bells, and ribbons.

I absolutely love my Classic 3-Piece Garland Set and 10-Piece Bell Set from her collection, and I can’t wait to show you how gorgeous everything looks once my decorating is complete.

Danielle also has a helpful blog post with tips on how to seamlessly connect garlands—such a lifesaver for holiday decorating!

Another dear friend, Kristin from White Arrows Home, has recently written an inspiring book titled Adventure Awaits: Following God’s Direction to Discover Your Dreams.

Kristin is not only an accomplished writer but also a podcaster and the creative mind behind the blog and lifestyle brand White Arrows Home. Her passion for encouraging women and helping them find connection and direction shines through in everything she does.

If you’re looking for inexpensive Christmas decor, check out these Hearth & Hand items:

One of my favorite places to shop for holiday decor is Terrain. Here are a few things I love:

It’s Candle Season

Antique Candle Co. has launched a new fragrance, “Home For The Holidays” By Madison Vining.

Home for the Holidays smells exactly like coming home for the holidays. It is wrapped in the cheerful scent of orange peel and sweet citrus, with cozy blends of balsam fir, cedar, and sandalwood. Home for the Holidays captures the feeling of nostalgic family traditions.

And don’t forget… you can still get a deal on your candle purchases:

From the Blog

Using Natural Elements for Cozy Christmas Decor

Are you looking for the charm and coziness of nature this holiday season? I’ll show you how decorating for Christmas with natural elements can create a beautiful and rustic holiday feel… CONTINUE READING.

Simple Ideas for Christmas Decorating on a Budget

Did you know you can create a cozy and festive atmosphere without breaking the bank? In this blog post, I’ll share some budget-friendly Christmas decorating ideas to help you transform your home into a winter wonderland… CONTINUE READING.

Cozy Christmas Decor Ideas for a Rustic Natural and Neutral Style

Are you looking for decorating inspiration for the holiday season? In this post, I’ll share some cozy Christmas decor ideas with neutral colors, rustic accents, and natural touches like greenery, wood, and soft fabrics that make your space feel effortlessly festive… CONTINUE READING.

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

This salted bourbon pecan pumpkin pie looks absolutely delicious!

Here’s a beautiful Thanksgiving table centerpiece idea.

27 Fun Ideas for Hosting Thanksgiving.

Set a heartwarming Thanksgiving table with neutral colors and natural elements.

The ultimate guide to hosting a Thanksgiving pie party.

How cherishing November can slow down life’s fast pace.

Check out this luxurious Archipelago villa in Sweden.

How To Tie a Christmas Bow.

Make a faux tree smell real with these DIY Christmas tree scent sticks.

How to make a faux vintage aluminum Christmas tree.

I’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment and let me know what you’d like to see on the blog. Thank you for being here.

Until next time,

Wishing a wonderful week ahead,

Follow Me for More Inspiration

Shop my Amazon Storefront, LTK sources, and favorite home decor, garden, and lifestyle products. When you purchase from one of my links, I earn a small commission, which helps me continue sharing all the content you expect on my blog.

Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LIKEtoKNOW.it. Do you like gardening? Join my Facebook Gardening Tips & Tricks group.