Holiday Help!

You can thank Haley for this post. However, I will admit that it got a little out of hand...

I was perfectly happy just putting out a few red candles for the Holiday Season and being done with it. My family balked at the idea - not taking into consideration that I had just unpacked our entire house and was not looking forward to unpacking Christmas decorations-- just to put them away again in a few short weeks (I know, I'm a whiner!). Well, you can see who won out. But, I'm seriously lacking in some areas and that's where you come in. I need your ideas!!!

I decided to put little picture frames on the tree (some still need pictures in them!) I got these at Kohls a few years ago. They always carry them this time of year. I'm thinking I need to add more to the tree. I'll let the girls put up a few ornaments to help fill in areas too. Do you see the picture hanging on the wall to the right of the tree? My friend Ann would gift wrap this with a bow and hang it back up. I may do this too since it's so visible. Thanks for the tip Ann!


Here's a close-up of one of the small frames. It's a pic. of Ashley on a merry-go-round.

This is where I need big time help. My mantel gets lost with the height and mirror above it. I still have room behind the stocking holders (about 8") What should I do here?
I was thinking bows on my horn collection, but you know I'm not too fussy. Do you think red berries would help them look a little more festive? Or perhaps hang them from a long ribbon? Maybe, I should come up with some more and sort-of make a collage?

I think I rather like how the holiday reading basket turned out. In the past, I've just stacked the books near the fireplace and they would always end up scattered everywhere. The basket is filled with winter themed books and Christmas stories that the girls love to snuggle up with and read. The bow is a fringed scarf that I lovvvve.

I've got my Christmas Countdown socks hung up on the stair railing. Don't ask me if they're filled with anything... I'm so bad at this, but they're cute to look at!

I couldn't resist putting these up. In case you can't tell, they are reindeer snow globes. The girls made these at a party we recently went to . The face and nose part is their footprint and the antlers are their handprints. Too clever!

I found this silverware mitt at Target. The girls will be able to set the table fast and easy with these.
I'll just sit back and eat all these MnM's waiting to hear all your great ideas to help spruce up the place. Don't take too long-- company's a comin' this weekend!