Saltwater Sounds Weekly: The Week Before Thanksgiving

Welcome to Saltwater Sounds, a collection of ideas, tips, and inspiration. This is where 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

Happy Thanksgiving

For my friends who live in the U.S., are you ready for Thanksgiving and all the holiday preparations that go along with it? Are you hosting or going to someone else’s home?

I used to host Thanksgiving every year until my daughter Katie passed away 5 years ago. Now we go to a Friendsgiving just a few blocks from our house.

This is my friend Lori’s house at Thanksgiving last year. It is the coziest home and it was built in 1920 just like ours.

I do miss hosting the holidays, but there is something to be said about making only an appetizer and a couple of pies and enjoying the day with good friends.

And the food is AMAZING!

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Black Friday

Do you shop the Black Friday sales? If so, are you an online shopper or do you line up in front of the stores waiting for them to open?

I’ll be posting my favorite brand deals on the blog so be sure to check it out. I’ll also be updating my list each day as deals change throughout the holiday weekend. And don’t forget about Cyber Monday.

Be sure to shop on Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25th this year. This is a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities.

Decorating for Christmas

I did it! I’ve finally finished decorating for Christmas.

I have to confess, my house was a complete disaster for a week, but the downstairs is clean and decorated as of Friday. I am really pleased with how it came out this year. Wait until you see my dried hydrangea Christmas tree!

I’ll share more next week but haven’t had time to take pictures yet. I went with a green and neutral theme in my cottage living room this year. I’m waiting for a new rug from Revival Rugs which should be here soon. This will be my third rug from them.

Revival Rugs

Speaking of Revival Rugs, they are having a “SHOP MORE, SAVE MORE” sale through Nov. 27th.

Here are the discounts you can receive:

Choose from area rugs and runners, including washable rugs, one-of-a-kind Moroccan, wool, and jute rugs.

I just ordered a hand-made wool rug from Revival that should be coming in a week or so. I also have two of their one-of-a-kind vintage rugs that I absolutely LOVE!

Creating an Entryway

I found the rug in the picture above at HomeGoods. My goal was to try to make this space feel more like a true entryway.

Then I added a small table with a lamp and a wicker chair to the space. I’ll show you the view from the other side next week.

The Gift of Gratitude

I was in the process of making chicken tortilla soup for dinner the other night after I finished decorating my living room for Christmas.

Christmas music was playing and the pumpkin spice latte candle was burning. My boys, Jax and Ollie, were sitting on the window seat watching me.

I glanced up as I was working and witnessed the most beautiful view of the bay. The water was like glass with a perfect reflection of the gorgeous autumn-colored trees.

The overwhelming gift of gratitude filled my heart. I embraced the moment and was reminded of how blessed I am. It was an important reminder for me to take time to enjoy and appreciate these special moments, even during the busy and hectic holiday season that is about to begin.

FROM THE BLOG

Add Vintage Charm to Create a Classic Christmas Tablescape

Are you hosting a family dinner this holiday season? I’ll show you can create a classic Christmas tablescape using vintage collections from the local flea market or an antique mall… CONTINUE READING.

Quick and Easy Cozy Christmas Cottage Kitchen Decorating Ideas

Do you feel overwhelmed when thinking about decorating your kitchen for the holiday season? I’ll take you on a tour of my decorated kitchen and show you some quick and easy Christmas decor ideas for your kitchen spaces…CONTINUE READING.

MY FAVORITE INSPIRATION AROUND THE WEB THIS WEEK

Here’s an easy and creamy scalloped sweet potato recipe for the holidays.

I love these Christmas shelf decor ideas for the kitchen.

Here’s how you can make a life-size nutcracker for your front porch.

See what you get when you use upcycled old books with dollar Tree Christmas ornaments.

These are beautiful ideas for decorating a sparse Christmas tree.

And so is this blue and brass decorated Christmas tree.

Here’s a simple and natural Christmas centerpiece made with dried oranges.

If you love gingerbread houses as much as I do, here are some wonderful ideas.

I’d love to hear from you! 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,

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