Simply Stated 76

Week November 13-19: This week was all about our monthly virtual supper club. We shared an easy DIY project, a yummy recipe, a beautiful tablescape, and a delicious menu.

Since Thanksgiving is next week we moved our monthly virtual supper club up a week so be sure to check out the ideas and inspiration we shared.

We were back to our regularly scheduled program on the blog this week and wrote four new articles.

However, we were also working hard behind the scenes on content and video creation.

There are several brand collaborations that we finished up this week and we can’t wait to show you the amazing companies we’re working with!

We also decorated Anne’s outdoor gazebo for Christmas and it’s pretty incredible if we do say so ourselves...just wait until you see it.

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AnnMarie’s Week

Do you remember last week when we let you in on our little blogging secret about decorating our homes for Christmas?

We don’t always have it all done before we start sharing with you and that’s because we often share last year’s decor.

So this is what my entryway looked like yesterday, more than halfway through November.

Not a Christmas decoration in sight.

And actually, not even a single fall decoration can be seen either.

Can you believe I styled this area last spring and it’s stayed exactly the same since then?

Yup, even though my job is a decor blogger and content creator sometimes things just don’t get finished…or done…or even started.

But I’m happy to say my foyer doesn’t look like this today.

I spent all day decorating this space and I love how it looks now!

I put this beautiful tree together from King of Christmas a couple of weeks ago but haven’t done anything else with it.

Today, I spent some time fluffing the branches.

I sure am glad they sent me these gloves… a total life saver or should I say hand savers!

This is a big change for our family because we’ve always had a real tree in our family room.

And that real tree is decorated with meaningful ornaments that we’ve collected over the years.

It’s not a perfectly styled Pinterest-worthy tree but it’s always beautiful to us because it’s filled with memories.

However, over the last couple of years it’s been getting more difficult to find time to go cut a real tree down together as a family.

Plus the prices of real trees have gotten outrageous.

Anne and I were excited to work with King of Christmas again this year and I got to choose a larger tree that’s perfect for our family room.

Tell us…are you team real or faux?

Anne’s Week

I started this week at my parent’s home in Maryland. We had a great visit, including going to church together where I got to connect with some families I used to babysit for.

We went to lunch afterward at Pappas restaurant, home of the best Maryland crabcakes (according to Oprah, a Maryland native). They were divine!

Then I got to set up a Christmas s’mores board for one of our monthly supper clubs, and my parents really enjoyed being part of the fun!

We also spent some time while I was there working on cleaning out several more spots in their home.

On my way back to North Carolina, I got to see my sister, one of my mother-in-laws, and one of my daughters.

A few weeks ago I shared a before picture of my daughter’s family room. It was cute but lacked a little coziness with its bare floors.

This week, not only did we add a beautiful, cozy rug from Boutique Rugs but also her very first Christmas tree!

Denny approves and absolutely loves his cozy new spot.

Seeing how excited my daughter was about her room looking more homey truly warmed this mom’s heart.

Yesterday was the last home football game for Virginia Tech.

My daughter and her roommates joined us for our tailgate and we finally got a picture of the four of them together before a game!

My son and his girlfriend and one of his closest friends from high school and college joined us too. The Hokies were playing NC State, their alma mater.

I completely failed and forgot to have someone take a picture of all of us together!

But I did get this picture at the end of the game as my son consoled his sister who was having some big emotions.

Obviously, she was hoping for a win, and that didn’t happen. But more than that, the next time she sits in Lane Stadium she’ll be an alum.

This was her last game sitting in the student section (she joined us after halftime when her roommates left), and it’s a bittersweet feeling.

Today, she’ll be coming home for Thanksgiving break, and we’re going wedding dress shopping for my other daughter!

Talk about a whirlwind kind of week!

This Week on Simply2Moms

This week was all about our monthly virtual supper club.

We shared an easy DIY project, a yummy recipe, a beautiful tablescape, and a delicious menu.

If you’re hosting this holiday season then you may be looking for some new ideas to set you’re table and wow your guests.

These DIY wood bead napkin rings are easy to make and dress up any linen napkins.

Save a ton of money by making them yourself in no time for your next gathering.

AnnMarie styled her kitchen table in a casual rustic but elegant theme for Christmas.

Wait until you see the rest of our friend’s gorgeous Christmas tablescapes.

You’ll get so many ideas for your own holiday table.

Check out this amazing s’mores charcuterie board that Anne styled at her parent’s house last week.

Have you ever seen so many options? Yum!

You have to see the delicious s’mores combinations you can create for a fun evening around the fire.

The ladies from our supper club knocked it out of the park this month coming together to create the best menu for your Christmas dinner.

Everything from the cocktail and appetizer to dinner with side dishes to dessert!

Amazon Early Black Friday Deals | Christmas Decor

Since we’re in the midst of decking our halls around here we thought you may be as well.

If you’re in need of any new decor Amazon is a great place to find beautiful Christmas decorations.

You can get it shipped quickly if you’re a prime member and even score some amazing deals for their early black Friday sales.

If you’re not already a Prime member click this link and sign up for a free trial membership.

Amazon Early Black Friday Deals | Our Favorites

We’re so excited that some of our favorite Amazon finds are on sale this week too!

Those cozy slipper slides that we both have are 50% off! So grab a pair for everyone on your list and don’t forget to add a pair to your cart for yourself!

More Ideas and Inspiration From Our Friends

With so many of our friends sharing ideas for the holidays we’ve found some incredible things to share with you this week. Check them out below:

These creative ideas for Christmas tree toppers.

This pretty nativity scene centerpiece.

A beautiful woodsy Thanksgiving table.

This gorgeous Christmas centerpiece you’ll love.

These incredible DIY Christmas ornaments.

An awesome round-up of vintage Christmas decorations that never go out of style.

If you have any questions or suggestions, contact us or leave a comment below.

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