Happy Sunday, and welcome to Dirt Road Adventures: Preparing for Christmas. Each Sunday, we review all the exciting events behind the scenes, on the website, and the sources of inspiration I discovered online during the past week. This weekly recap ensures you don’t miss any of our adventures.
Could I get a show of hands? How many of you are already decorated for Christmas? How many of you are looking at a scene like this?
This is the current condition of my front porch.
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Table of contents
Adventures at the End of the Dirt Road
This is a look back at all my adventures this past week.
Do you ever feel you are already behind?
We returned home on Tuesday last week, and by November 1st, I already felt behind on everything I still needed to do for Christmas.
I have so many projects in my head, and I’m trying to make them happen. In the meantime, I need to pack up all my fall decorations. I need to order my Christmas Party invitations, plan the party, clean the house, decorate the house, get myself organized, and the list goes on and on.
Does this sound familiar?
Preparing for Christmas
I love preparing for Christmas because it’s my favorite time of the year. I love decorating each year, but sometimes I wish I could be happy duplicating what I’ve done in the past. However, I’m a creative person; I always want to make a change, and I’m always looking for the next great idea.
I have several of my projects completed, but for each one completed, I have at least three more in my head.
Also… I have one major project that Brad and I plan to tackle before Thanksgiving, and I can’t wait for you to see what we’re doing.
With that being said, everything in my house is topsy-turvy! The fall containers are half filled, and all the Christmas is stacked on my front porch. I hope to report a much more organized farmhouse by next Sunday.
Holiday Shopping Guides
I’ve completed some of my shopping for the Christmas Party and Gift Wrapping. I thought I’d share some of my favorite finds to help you with your essentials.
Look for Gift Guides Coming Soon!
In Case You Missed It
How To Use Fresh Greenery for Christmas DIY Projects: Best Tips
Are you ready for some more sustainable and eco-friendly DIY projects? I’m sharing how to use fresh greenery for Christmas DIY projects, such as Christmas boxwood mini wreaths, cedar ornaments for packages, and tree decorations.
DIY Decoupage Oyster Shell Christmas Ornament & Fun Craft Idea
Looking for a fun oyster shell craft idea? Check out these decoupage oyster shell decorations. You can easily add a custom napkin decoupage to make oyster shell Christmas ornaments for your Christmas tree, add them to a garland, or make them for Christmas gifts.
How to Repurpose Old Christmas Decor
Don’t you love changing your holiday decor each year? But what do you do with last year’s decorations? And what about all those new styles when you have boxes and boxes of the old style?
How To Make A Dried Fruit & Herb Christmas Garland
See how to easily make a unique, sustainable dried fruit and herb Christmas garland. I’ve made several dried fruit garlands for previous holidays, but this one is my favorite. Plus, it’s easy to save and reuse the following year.
Easy Napkin Decoupage Christmas Ornaments
If you want unique ornaments for your Christmas tree, you need to make these decoupage Christmas Ornaments made using napkins.
Create Amazing Christmas Reindeer With Budget Dollar Tree Items
Have you seen the acrylic reindeer at Dollar Tree? They immediately sparked my creative side, and if you are looking for a way to add a touch of luxury to your holiday décor, I have a budget-friendly, cheap solution. With just a little creativity and effort, you can easily create amazing Christmas reindeer that look high-end from Dollar Tree. If you want glamorous reindeer, you will love this DIY high-end option for budget-friendly holiday decor.
Adventures Off The Dirt Road
Why Didn’t I Think of That?
Each week, there are so many wonderful blog posts, and I’m sharing some of my favorites with you today.
There are so many creative ideas, and I always ask myself, “Why didn’t I think of that”? LOL
Mary’s Fall Harvest Wreath is so unique. I never knew artichokes flowered like this.
Get ready to embrace the fall season with Kim’s Fun Love effect ways to Celebrate the Fall Season.
See why Wendy recommended Baking Pinecones before adding them to crafts.
Check out Tammy’s cute DIY Fall Napkin Rings.
Looking for Thanksgiving Table Inspiration? Check out Stacy’s Rustic Tablescape Ideas.
What’s in my Cart
Here are a few things that I’m looking forward to receiving this week.
- I had to have these to complete my banister decorating.
- This iPhone accessory just arrived, and I love it.
- These are so authentic looking, and I plan to use them on my Christmas Centerpiece.
- I’m so excited for this to arrive because it’s part of our latest DIY project that I’ll be sharing soon.
- I have already run out of this stable item for the season. More on the way.
- These are going to make the house smell so good for Christmas.
Click on any image to see my favorites for Christmas at my Amazon Storefront.
Coming Soon!
You are in for a treat this week. I’ve joined with 6 talented bloggers to share our favorite Christmas Ideas. You’ll be amazed at all the creative inspiration.
- Monday, November 6 – Best DIY Christmas Projects
- Tuesday, November 7 – Christmas Tree Ideas
- Wednesday, November 8 – Best Greenery Ideas
- Thursday, November 9 – Porches, Front Doors and Entryways
- Friday, November 10 – Christmas Home Decor and Decorating
- Saturday, November 11 – Best Gift Wrap Ideas
- Sunday, November 12 – Set the perfect Christmas Tablescape
I can’t wait to see what you think. Have the best week.
Kim
Sunday 5th of November 2023
I'm with you! So many projects to do and there never seems to be enough time. Looking forward to this week. Thanks so much for sharing my post on fun ways to celebrate fall! Here's to the best week, Rachel! xo
Rachel
Monday 6th of November 2023
Kim, Thanks for stopping by.
Renae
Sunday 5th of November 2023
My house is a mess with all things Christmas buckets. But, my heart is happy.
Rachel
Monday 6th of November 2023
Renae, Yes, it's a fun time of year.
Wendy
Sunday 5th of November 2023
Oh Rachel! I can totally relate. I am just about to jump into the attic and bring the bins down. It is not easy being a creative one. You always have so many great ideas to share, and we love them all. I did not get to my Saturday post this week, I too, feel so behind. On top of it, we decided to have the house painted, WHY? Cheers to both of us getting a lot done this week! XO And a big hug for sharing my pinecone post.
Rachel
Monday 6th of November 2023
Wendy, We are also in the middle of a major project here just before the holidays. WE are crazy..
debra@commonground
Sunday 5th of November 2023
I'm still hanging on to some Thanksgiving decor, but Christmas is waiting in the wings! Nice to see that we all feel a bit of pressure this time of year with seasonal decor. Loved your reindeer diy. Happy Weekend!
Rachel
Monday 6th of November 2023
Debra, Thank you. I am so glad you like them.
Lorri
Sunday 5th of November 2023
I love reading your blog and enjoy seeing your decorations for all the different seasons. I'm not a blogger but I can commiserate with you about the boxes full of decorations. I live in Canada so we had our Thanksgiving already but I know when it is your Thanksgiving ..it is time for me to decorate for Christmas🥴I love your greenhouse so enjoy looking at how you decorate it no matter what season..I do have greenhouse envy😋Have a productive week..I know you will get your projects done...enjoy doing them!!! 💞
Rachel
Monday 6th of November 2023
Lorri, I appreciate your kind words. Thanks for taking the time to comment.