Hello, it’s Sunday Favorites with Mary Ann and Cindy. I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving. I have just a few favorites to share today. But mostly, I want to say thank you for stopping by to read a post, leaving a comment, following me on Instagram, or connecting in some way! I am truly grateful! Because of you, I get to do what I love doing so much and call it my job! From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making it possible!
Advent Candle Centerpiece
I have made several versions of an advent wreath centerpiece over the years, but this year’s version might be my favorite, and it’s so simple. I used this candle from Terrain, but you can find several options, if you search for a Danish Advent Candle.
I’m using a bowl that I’ve had for years. I’m sure you have something you can repurpose. I love mixing something I have on hand with new tiny succulents, clippings from seeded eucalyptus, or cuttings from evergreens, mixed with baby’s breath and a package of filler from Trader Joe’s.
Here’s what you will need to make a simple advent wreath candle bowl (with options)
- A dish, tray, bowl, saucer or ashtray (all depends on the size you want to make your centerpiece)
- A glass cylinder vase to put inside if using a larger bowl
- Small stones for drainage (if using plants)
- Small plants or evergreen/flower clippings
- Potting mix
- Floral foam or chicken wire (if using clippings/flowers)
- Cone advent candle
How to assemble your simple advent wreath
- Place a small candle holder in the shallow dish, tray, or bowl.
- Add a layer of small stones, like pea gravel, around the candle holder for drainage. If you’re using a tray with clippings, you can use floral foam or chicken wire.
- If using small plants, add some potting mix on top of the pea gravel or water.
- Nestle in the tiny plants around the candle holder, filling in with some potting mix.
- Insert the candle, and add some clippings like eucalyptus, baby’s breath, and evergreens.
- Light the candle each night, marking down the days until Christmas. (It goes without saying, but never leave a candle burning unattended, especially if using evergreen clippings).
A Very Simple Option: Using a Plant Saucer or a Vintage Ashtray
Use a small candle saucer or tray like these from Terrain, and add some Baby’s breath. Or use a vintage ashtray like this one from Shop Most Lovely Things.
You may also like these previous posts on creating a modern advent candle wreath.
DIY Advent Candle Wreath using coffee mugs, number of decals, and traditional colored candles in pink and purple.
How To Make a Beautiful, Modern Advent Centerpiece, where I used a vintage preserve pot and four pillar candles.
My New Remi Rug From Quince
A few weeks ago, I discussed a new rug in this post from Quince. It arrived weeks earlier than expected, and we love it! It’s beautiful! The color, the quality…it’s gorgeous. And it’s $599 for an 8 x 10. It comes in several sizes, including a runner.
Brooches are popular again, and we love it!
If you don’t have a brooch or several from a mom or grandmother, you can buy new. They look vintage, just like you found them in your grandmother’s jewelry box.
I’ve seen them at the flea markets in Paris for the last few years, but I never seem to buy one. So, if you don’t have one from grandma or can’t get to the flea markets in Paris, Anthropologie has a lovely selection. They look vintage, and they are around $40.
Starting at top right: Crystal & Pearl Drop Brooch // Pearl Heart Flower Brooch // Dimensional Flower Brooch // Blossomed Gem Brooch
Christmas in New York City
If you find yourself in New York City this time of year, check out our post on 12 Must-See Things in New York at Christmas – There’s nothing like New York at Christmas! You’ll also want to check out this post to find the best desserts in New York City, including the best hot chocolate!
Jones Road Beauty
I recently tried the mascara from Jones Road and was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. I have added a few items from Jones Road over the past year, including the mascara! It has over 11,000 4.5-star reviews! And I appreciate that Jones Road is reasonably priced. The mascara is $26.
Mary Ann says
Those brooches are beautiful. I’m going to pull out mine!
Diane E Ruebel says
Hi Annie,
The Advent candle from Anthropologie is a clever twist on the traditional Advent Wreath. I’m going to order one for my desk to light every morning of Advent.
Ordered Quince sweaters for sons and my husband. My daughter in law and granddaughter will each receive a scarf which spoke their names while shopping in Paris. I can hardly wait for the pink cup from your shop to arrive. It will go in the Scripp”s students care package for her first finals.
Hugs from Mercer Island,
Diney
annie diamond says
Hi Diney! Your DIL and grandaughter are in for a treat with a scarf from Paris! How lovely!
I hope your package arrives soon! I love hearing that it will be going into a care package…filled with candy perhaps?
xo
Annie
Sydney Haskell says
I enjoy your Sunday favorites with Mary Ann and Cindy! Your rug is gorgeous and adds so much to your wonderful cozy room. Your design esthetic reminds me of my grandmother s farmhouse when I was a child. I’m 80 so this may give you pause. The feeling, colors and curtains on the kitchen buffet dresser give me a warm hug. Thank you for sharing.
annie diamond says
hello Sydney- I love that parts of my home remind you of your grandmother’s farm house! Thank you for taking the time to share that! I hope you have a lovely holiday season!
Annie
Nancy Burton says
I just love the idea of the advent candle!! My grandchildren are going to love doing this!! Such a great idea that you have made so beautiful!! Look forward to making one for our table!
annie diamond says
Hello Nancy! What a lovely thing to make with your grandchildren. Perhaps a walk to forage evergreens first!