2026 The Year of Explore!

Long time, no blog! But hopefully 2026 will allow for weekly blogs (my goal is every Wednesday), and to “explore” a myriad of topics–not all related to fiber.

As we begin 2026, many of asked you where I get my holiday decorations, how do I store them, and just how do I decorate with them. Today we will explore . . .so get a cuppa and relax!

First, one of the things I learned from a young age is to shop after Christmas for my decor at some of my favorite thrift shops, small decor shops, florists and department stores. Before Christmas I do support them and follow them on Facebook, email or their website. This allows you to learn when their “after the holidays sale is.”

Make a plan. . .not set in concrete but a plan! Whether you are only looking for next year’s holiday gifts, holiday gift wrap, greeting cards etc. or adding to your decor with a specific theme in mind, a list is always the best resource. It keeps you focused but also allows you to go off script should something wonderful fall in your lap.

My list this year was not large but focused–vintage Holiday table linens, accent pieces to my Winter China by Lenox–Winter Greetings, napkin rings, and always on the list vintage Putz Houses, Radko ornaments, and vintage Holiday pins!

First stop was Safe Haven Thrift Store in Wells--a No Kill Shelter for cats. All of the proceeds from the sales in the store go to the cats. Good reason to shop here!

Christmas was half off and when I walked in the door–Winter Greetings dessert plates–a set of 4 for $24 which meant $12. Immediately handed them to Ron to hold like they were gold! I did not have a set that size and had been on the lookout for them.

Next I scoured the vintage pins, nothing exciting; the book section was half off and got two Vintage Golden Books for Christmas at $1.00 each. Love to stack the books and top them with a candle or snowman etc. On my second trip around the store, I found a beautiful tree pillow, still had the original tags. Loved the colors and it was by Martha Stewart–not on the list but at $3.00 I could not leave it there.

Next stop was Hearth and Soul in Kennebunk, ME. Right on the Main Street and a coffee shop a few doors down (good to entice husbands with). Their sale was 40% off and while I had been in the store and purchased before Christmas, I had a good idea of what I wanted—ornaments, snowmen, angels etc. Many gifts for next year so no pictures.

Then a stop at the coffee shop to refuel and onto Home Goods in Biddeford. This was the first time we had been in a Home Goods and really loved it. Ron went right for the Danish Shortbread cookies and Panettone while I scoured the shelves. Found some wonderful greeting cards for the Holidays leaning towards New Years as I don’t always get my cards out at Christmas. Loved a lot of things like a hand painted compote for $7 but if not on the list it was left on the shelf.

After scouring through the boxed cards, I noticed two sets of beautiful napkin rings. One was beaded to look like pine and berries while the other white flowers or snowflakes. Very sparkly! The napkin rings were on my list to be used not on napkins or table settings but on the trees. Yes, on the trees! I tuck them in the boughs or put them on the branches to secure them. The napkin rings cannot be too heavy and must sparkle so when the lights shine, they do too. Each set was $3.00

The napkin rings