Happy Holidays, everyone! We're leaving today to do our annual Tour de Georgia. Perry, Oglethorpe, Montezuma, Canton, Jasper--just a few stops on our list. We'll probably drive about 400 miles and never leave the state!
No time to decorate your freshly-baked (or freshly-bought) gingerbread men? Just sprinkle them with sugar crystals, like Sweet Paul did here (he also posted a gingerbread recipe, too).
I try to keep my wrapping paper scheme simple--this year it was supposed to be red, brown, and white. But then of course I ran out and had to throw in some silver, too. I wrapped my special little gifts in the gorgeous hand-printed paper by Rifferaff.
I think it's easiest when you choose a single ribbon and use it on all packages. I ordered two widths of red and white striped grosgrain ribbon from Ribbon Factory--good price and quick delivery. I'm sure I'll order from them again next year.
Decorating with candy is always a good option. Eddie Ross does a great job, and I'd love to have a bowl of those beautiful mints from Sea and Jae (found via Simply Seleta). And how great would these lollipops look just all by themselves?
Who knew sugar could be this pretty! If I had these, I'd probably actually use less sugar because I wouldn't want to mess them up. From Poudrier rose, via this is glamorous.
Since we are tabling that trip to NYC, I'm just going to have to try theses fragrances by ordering online. Le Labo Fragances Discovery Set: Ambrette 9, Fleur d'Oranger 27, and Bergamote 22. 
I'm more of a table runner than a full-on tablecloth girl--less chance of having to do some serious stain removal if it doesn't have to be too close to the dinner plates. This one would be nice, and proivde a little modern contrast to the family silver and goblets. From amenity, via Design Crush.
I'm a little behind this year--so far I'm 1/6. Looks like it's going to be a busy weekend, since all I've done from my annual list is drink hot chocolate. And that gingerbread house is probably not going to happen until I have some live-in help.
{image: better homes and gardens}
So I'm all out of ideas. So the last one, a perennial favorite, the iTunes gift card. Buy it anywhere and wrap it in a big box. 
This idea (from Martha) looks pretty easy: use old cards to create monograms for packages. Probably would make passing out gifts on Christmas morning a little bit easier, too.
This wear-it-until-the-string-breaks-and-your-wish-will-come-true necklace would make a sweet gift for a sweet friend. $26, by Dogeared Jewelry.
These will be my package labelling tools: a red Sharpie, manila tags, and red and white twine. To make this even easier, you can buy a set of 100 tags and 15 yards of twine right here ($7.50), from Etsy seller Artful Images (that is where I got the pics).
My current favorite photo album is the Kolo Cortina Lux, available here for $24. Fill it with a few photos of Christmases past and it would make a very thoughtful gift.
Instead of trying to get to the post office, I just ordered all of my Christmas Card stamps online. Seriously, it is worth the $1 shipping fee. 
A variety of these tiny bowls are available from Etsy seller Paloma's Nest for $18. Or personalize your own for $20.
Dear Trey,
