I have created an advent calendar for the last six years. I almost didn’t make one this year because Madeline is away, my kids are big kids, and I thought I was out of fresh ideas. Then I happened to take a pass through the dollar section at Target and was immediately inspired and decided to make one and give one!
I’ve displayed our advent calendar all over the house, but this year the red and white checked bags on the black and white stairway with a few sprigs of fresh boxwood was just too easy to pass up. I recently “met” Amanda (@smallacornsamanda) who started the hashtag #botanicalforagersunitedsocietyinc She uses foraged botanicals all over her house and her shop. Did I mention her shop is is New Zealand? I’m dying to visit Small Acorns, but for now I’ll just be inspired by Amanda –even though our seasons are complete opposites. She’s currently enjoying peonies while I have Juniper and boxwood.
This sweet little painting is an original by Kiki and Polly called “Winter Coats.”
I used small cloth bags in red and white check, (these would work too), a spool of twine and packages of chalkboard clothespins. It was just too simple to pass up and since everything was in the Dollar Section at my local Target store, the price was right. I also packaged one up in a box that I spray painted the inside gold and will be sending this to a dear friend. Are you making one this year?
Here’s a glimpse at our advent calendars for the last six years. There’s so many on Pinterest too!
1. Take-out boxes, bags and twigs 2. Literary inspired advent calendar 3.White paper bags on a chalkboard advent calendar 4. White paper bags on white painted stone fireplace 5. The brown paper bag advent calendar on chalkboard 6. Metal buckets on our mantel in California
So while you go to Target, I’ll drop the other one I made at the post office to be sure it arrives before December 1st! Happy Thanksgiving!
Amber says
November 24, 2015 at 10:13 amThis is so darn cute! I foresee a gingham bag shortage at Target! I hope my target has some. Happy Thanksgiving, Annie!
Hayley says
November 24, 2015 at 12:31 pmhi lovely lady im struggeling to think ofwhat to put in my advent calander for different days, would you be able to give me any ideas? this looks amazing!! x
annie says
November 24, 2015 at 6:41 pmHi Hayley,
Well it really depends on how old your kiddos are…when they are little it’s pretty easy. Dollar store Christmas stuff or candy. I’ve also done notes for things we’ll do during the holidays like ice skating in central park, bake cookies, pizza and movie night…stuff like that. Hope this helps! Happy Thanksgiving!
annie
hayley says
November 24, 2015 at 7:03 pmthankyou this helps heaps! xx
happy thanksgiving!
pam says
November 24, 2015 at 3:00 pmAdorable, as usual Annie! ILY the Dollar Section!
Sheila Irwin says
November 24, 2015 at 6:06 pmWow Annie, not only do I love this, but I am so impressed that you have MADE one every year! I bought one re-usable (wood) one many years ago and have used it every year since. I was getting a little bored of it so I just bought a new one at HG that I was going to add a couple things to. Now I’m thinking maybe I should be making them every year! So inspiring!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Sheila
http://www.maisondecinq.blogspot.com
annie says
November 24, 2015 at 6:49 pmMaking them is easy, but finding little gifts as they get older is tricky (and expensive)! But it’s a fun tradition at any age! Happy Thanksgiving Sheila!
xo
annie