Picnic by Ellie

For the Hostess

Hi there! I hope all of you had a lovely holiday and weekend. We had a great time and (with lots of help) the dinner turned out just fine. Plus we got to do some early morning outlet shopping on Friday. Who doesn't love $10 sweaters and half-priced Christmas ornaments? Totally worth it.

I haven't begun decorating for Christmas just yet. (I'm making myself wait for December.) But I am starting to put together and plan gifts. This year, I really wanted to make special hostess gifts to give out on our travels. I thought this vintage "Praise for the Cook" cookbook, a vintage candy tin filled with fudge or peppermint sticks, maybe some jars of preserves with fabric-covered lids and a tin of cocoa would make a sweet gift for the cook of the family. Maybe even attach gift tags or cards with these little painted wood clothespins? Hmmm...

Have a great day, everyone!

Prep Time

Like most of you, we are in the middle of the hustle and bustle that comes with hosting Thanksgiving. This year we're hosting both of our families and we're really looking forward to having them here. It's not very often we get to see them...let alone in the same room!

I love gussying the house for the holidays. It takes your mind off of cooking that turkey! Aaaargh! (How the least talented cook in the family got to host Thanksgiving is a question I'm still asking. Oh dear, I hope it goes okay. Oh dear.)

I'll try to check in before Thursday, but in case I'm up to my ears in giblets, have a very happy holiday, everyone! I wish all of you a warm, peaceful weekend.

Love,
Ellie

How to Boost Blogging Production

Phew. Oh, it feels good to be back. And just in time for the holiday season! I love seeing all of the holiday projects and pictures in the blogosphere. Keep them coming!

It's official. I've been blogging for a year now! It's funny, I never in a million years thought that I'd have a blog. As I've said time and again, I'm normally quite a shy person. But in this blog I've found so many like minds, so many inspiring people, and so much encouragement to keep doing what I'm doing. I can't describe how much this has meant to me.

That being said, in the past I haven't been able to spend near the amount of time I would like blogging, keeping up with blogs and emails, thrifting, and working on projects to show you. But that's all changed. I'm excited to finally have more time to devote to Picnic by Ellie, something I've wanted for a while. I'm in the process of sprucing up the workroom (snaps to come once this overcast weather lets up a bit!) and gleefully shining and polishing Picnic by Ellie to be ready for the new year. I have so much to show you and so many exciting changes on the horizon after the turn of the year, so stay tuned! Here's to another year of blogging!

P.S. Isn't this ad funny? It makes me want a smart scarf/typewriter combination...