NewlyWoodwards

an unconventional home

The couple’s guide to staying married during renovations

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We crossed the threshold in our first home and took it all in. Walls were missing, doors were covered in graffiti, and 5-year-old chicken bones were hiding behind cabinets, waiting to be uncovered by some uninitiated renovators. (That would be us.) Ryan and I turned toward each other with wide eyes – What had we got ourselves into? […]

A dinosaur Christmas tree

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I feel like many parents (myself included) feel a lot of pressure to create the perfect holiday magic for our kids. It’s all on us. It’s enough to make us crazy trying to do all the things, see all the Santas, hide all the elves, buy all the gifts, and craft all the glorious glittered perfection. […]

4 ways to display photos and holiday cards this year

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Do you need a simple way to display holiday cards and photos at Christmas? Try one of these simple ideas. Are you amazed by the sheer speed of the holiday season? Gifts to buy. Trees to decorate. Stockings to fill. Parties to host. I love it all. I do. But, it’s about more than all the STUFF […]

It takes a Christmas village

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When the holiday season hits, I get a little sentimental. Do you do this, too? I think about all the magical things I remember from holidays as a kid. Gifts under the tree on Christmas morning. Family dinners. Even the one year when we drove to Florida on Christmas Day. My brother and I watched movies on […]

Festive kitchen decor for the holidays

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Friends – don’t overlook the kitchen when you are decorating.

Because I know you spend time in the kitchen. I know your guests gather there, too. (Because, duh, food.)

Throw up some bows on the cabinets. Display your Christmas dishes. Hang an advent.

A new Christmas tradition: Fancy family dinner table

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There’s something special about setting the table. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it signals that time together at the dinner table is important.

Henry must agree, because when I set up the table for Christmas, he asked who was coming over for dinner. When I told him that this was just for us, he grinned from ear to ear.

It’s good to feel special. And a beautiful table helps make your family feel special.