I've told you about my collection of tiny deer, my surprising love of hot pink wool blankets, and my even more surprising need for glitzy hot pink Christmas decorations. Amazingly, The Purl Bee has combined those loves into one perfect winter project. If I had any knitting skills, my deer would be frolicking under these sweet hot pink and white trees as we speak.. More

This past weekend we hosted a holiday brunch. Since it was a holiday soiree, I wanted to make it extra festive without spending a lot of money, because I'd rather spend $60 on a train set for my son than on cute but chintzy party decor. I also wanted to keep it as sustainable as possible, so I stuck to the motto: DIY, use nature, and use the stuff I already have. Bingo bongo, I did all my decorating for the cost of one tacky plastic punch bowl. Check out how after the jump! More

While the rest of the world argues over white lights vs. colors, big lights or small, twinkle or steady, some of us face pressing lighting issues like, "should the lights go on the tree, or in the fireplace?" If your holiday spirit can't be restrained by the bonds of tradition, read on for eight aesthetically pleasing (or just plain fun) options for out of the ordinary holiday lights: More

My favorite part of the Holidays is giving presents to friends and family. Finding that perfect, thoughtful gift for someone special is an amazing "ah-ha" moment. Equally important to me is the wrapping paper. I want it to reflect something about the recipient's tastes and show how much I care. Plus, I love channeling my inner Martha Stewart! I've found three DIY tutorials for all you crafty folks that like taking gift wrap to the next level. Nothing too fancy or expensive-just personal, resourceful and fun! More

I can't believe it's already mid-December! Where did 2011 go? While I'm not quite ready to accept the fact that 2011 has nearly passed, I am willing to contemplate which calendar I intend to purchase for 2012. Adding beauty to function, this etsy roundup is all about introducing a touch of graphic art to your home or office. The perfect present for a friend or yourself. More

I've designed my winter cards, gathered my favorite cookie recipes, double-checked my nice and naughty lists, and yet still no snow! Get it together, San Francisco. Until I head back to Chicago in January, I'll have to make do with handmade and man-made snow, even if it comes in a can... More

Doesn't it seem like you're supposed to have 20 parties to attend, a ton of gifts to exchange, and a bunch of decorating to do during December? It's been my experience that some years December is filled with lots of holiday-related fun, but some years it's not. Some years the holidays are bittersweet, and some years they're downright tough. I think we've all been there to some degree, so here are some ways to help keep the holiday blues at bay. They're mostly free, entirely eco-friendly, and hopefully more fun than sighing into your tea every time a Christmas commercial comes on TV. Yep, I've been there too. More

Let's face it — the holidays aren't always a delight for all of us. Whether it's financial stress, love or loss, or any number of life's small (or large) misfortunes, the holidays can feel like more of a burden than a blessing. Well I'm here to help you buck up and de-Scrooge… More

In the December issue of Wired magazine, the editors test-drove a new gift recommendation service, GiveEmThis.com, that uses your Facebook account to find the perfect gifts for your friends. They got gift recommendations for celebrity "friends", but I decided to test it using myself. After all, I'm the best judge of what I'd like to get, right? More

Gift giving and receiving season is in full swing. The writers at Practically Green came up with five ways to get rid of and get new (to you) stuff this season instead of buying new. More