Happy Sunday, and welcome to Dirt Road Adventures! This is where we review all the exciting events behind the scenes, on the website, and the sources of inspiration I discovered online during the past week. This weekly recap ensures you don’t miss any of our adventures.
Table of contents
You’ll not believe what happened.
This past week was spent frantically cleaning every nook and cranny and putting last-minute touches on the Christmas decorations.
We were outside at night checking the exterior illumination and replacing batteries and light bulbs. Adding more flicker candles and more batteries to the interior lighting.
Getting my hair and nails done, making last-minute runs to the grocery store, planning, checking our list twice, all to get ready for our annual Christmas party.
It was an exciting week because we love hosting and celebrating the Christmas season with our family and friends.
And then…. I woke up Thursday morning with a stopped-up ear, drainage, and pain on one side of my nose. I was sure disaster had struck, and I was sick.
All the work, food, and preparation would be wasted; yikes! So, off to urgent care I went, praying all the way, and was relieved to find I had a sinus infection that was most likely caused by all the dust I inhaled while frantically cleaning the house.
The disaster was avoided because I caught it quickly and, after a few douses of antibiotics, was feeling back to normal, whew! And the party was a success and so much fun. We were sorry that a few people were unable to attend, and we hope they recover and are able to enjoy the rest of the holiday season in good health.
As usual, everyone is in the kitchen.
Unless they are all on the porch. I think we need a bigger sofa. LOL
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Adventures at the End of the Dirt Road
This is a look back at all my adventures this past week.
In case You Missed It
Adorable DIY Reindeer Christmas Decor: Amazing Recycle Idea
Do you like to decorate with reindeer Christmas decor? Y’all, I’m obsessed with them this year. Wait until you see what I made with recycled toilet paper rolls. I’ve been using a lot of reindeer this year and couldn’t resist one more DIY reindeer project. The idea behind creating this adorable and inexpensive craft is interesting. Let me tell you how it all started.
Deck The Halls: 100 + Festive Ideas For Decorating For Christmas
Are you ready for this? If you are looking for festive ideas for decorating for Christmas and more, you are in the right place. We share over 100 ideas to help you Deck the Halls in style with affordable options. You’ll see our favorite DIY projects, entertaining, and table decorating ideas. We’ve got you covered if you need ideas for decorating inside and outside the house. You’re in the right place if it is anything related to decorating for Christmas ideas, holiday recipes, and more.
Create Sparkling Sea Glass Christmas Trees in Simple Steps
Want to add a touch of coastal-inspired beauty to your holiday decor? These sparkling sea glass Christmas Trees are easy to make in just a few simple steps. This tutorial will teach you how to make a standing sea glass Christmas tree and a unique sea glass Christmas tree ornament. Even if you don’t have a coastal home, you can create the illusion of a shimmering ocean view as you decorate with these shades of blue and green ornaments.
Cozy Country Porch: Winter Wonderland Budget Tips
If you are looking for budget-friendly ways to create a Cozy Christmas Porch with Winter Wonderland Decorations, you will love these tips and ideas. I’m sharing how I decorated my Country Winter Wonderland front porch with Dollar Tree Snowflakes, repurposed and reused Christmas decor, and other cheap tricks.
How to Dry Fruit for Dried Orange Garland & More
If you’d like to know how to dry fruit for Christmas decorating, here is how I’ve dried oranges for years, and it’s super easy! You can easily dry sliced or whole oranges to craft Christmas decorations for ornaments, wreaths, garlands, and more. You’ll also see several ways you can use your dried fruit to decorate your home this Christmas.
Create A Rustic-Chic Greenery and Pheasant Feather Centerpiece
Are you looking for a unique greenery centerpiece for Christmas? See how to easily make this DIY centerpiece using fresh greenery and pheasant feathers that will wow your guests. This Christmas centerpiece idea is perfect for dining, entry, and coffee tables. It’s a budget-friendly project, especially when using fresh-cut greenery and a repurposed container like mine.
Adventures off the Dirt Road
Why Didn’t I Think of That?
Each week, there are so many wonderful blog posts, and I’m sharing some of my favorites with you today.
There are so many creative ideas, and I’m always asking myself, “Why didn’t I think of that”? LOL
These are such cute rustic DIY Christmas Ornaments.
Now, I want to go back to Waco, TX, and stay at 1928 Hotel. See why.
I want to make these adorable Gingerbread Houses.
Check out these indoor gardening ideas.
Coming Soon
You saw the DIY Greenery and Feather Table Centerpiece I used on my Christmas Party Table but not the entire table.
This week, I’ll be sharing how to host a Charcuterie Christmas Party, appetizer recipes, and more from the party.
In addition, you’ll see the best of our Thrifting with the Gals series for 2023 and more.
What’s in my Cart…
It’s all about Christmas shopping now, and I’ve got several gift guides for those last-minute gifts. Click the image below for details.
Anne
Sunday 10th of December 2023
Oh no! So glad everything turned out and you were able to enjoy your party!
Rachel
Monday 11th of December 2023
Anne, Me Too! I was so worried. But it all worked out, Thankfully.
Mary from Life at Bella Terra
Sunday 10th of December 2023
Rachel, I am so happy you were able to get some antibiotics and feel better before your party. I completely get the frenetic and frantic rush before an event as we had a big one last night. Thank you so much for sharing my paper mache gingerbread houses~so fun to make (and an easy DIY for me!). Merry Christmas to you, sweet friend!
Rachel
Monday 11th of December 2023
Mary, Thank you and they are so cute. Glad you had a good event.
Gail Cunningham
Sunday 10th of December 2023
Rachel,
It looks like so much fun was had at your party! I wish I was one of your friends on that couch...there's nothing better than a house full of loved friends! Now take a rest!!!
Rachel
Monday 11th of December 2023
Gail, I'm still recovering for sure. Thanks for stopping by.
Cindy@countyroad407
Sunday 10th of December 2023
So glad everything went well and you were feeling better! Ear/sinus stuff is worse than surgery sometimes! Your home looked great and you looked beautiful! To me, Christmas has started once we have a party. Happy Christmas Rachel!
Rachel
Monday 11th of December 2023
Cindy, Yes, the rush to get ready for the party, allows me to relax the rest of the season. Merry Christmas!
Wendy
Sunday 10th of December 2023
I am so glad you are feeling better. That was a scare. Your party looks amazing!
Rachel
Monday 11th of December 2023
Wendy, It was so much fun and I'm so glad I didn't have to cancel.