TGIF, 12/10/10 Edition

(Walter Erhard Christmas print via Endo)

Happy weekend!

The weather has surely been frightful this past week here in Philly, and I'm planning on keeping warm indoors as the weekend approaches.

Also on tap:

• Enjoying ourselves at Adam's work party at the National Constitution Center
• Taste-testing our appetizers and desserts for next week's holiday party (!)
• Gift wrapping, thanks to clever ideas I found around the blogosphere

What exciting things are you up to, readers?
How is your decorating coming along?
Are you overdosing on Christmas yet?

'Til next week, friends.

Holiday Projects from Around the Interweb

(Clever, Cheap Wrapping ideas via Casa Sugar)

Are you at a loss when deciding what projects to focus this holiday season? I've gathered some pretty ingenious and unique ideas from around the blogosphere in hopes of inspiring you.

Here's a round-up of some of my favorites:

Purl Bee's Felt Bird Ornaments:

(via Purl Bee)

Eat Drink Chic's FREE (!) Typographic Gift Tags:

(via Eat Drink Chic)

Elsie Marley's Paper Tree Ornaments:

(via Elsie Marley)

Real Simple's Unstructured Multi-color Wreath:

(via Real Simple)

Katie did's Ingenious Holiday Carol Garland:

(via Katie did)

I've had the holiday carols garland in my files for practically 6 months now, and am still hoping to make it.

Do you have any clever holiday projects that you're dying to share? Please do!

The Dakota, 12/8/10

(via All About Jazz)

Thirty years ago today, John Lennon's life was brought to an abrupt and tragic end as he returned to his home at the Dakota building that overlooks Central Park.

The New York Times published an article yesterday about the life Lennon lead at the Dakota, as just another famous tenant who attended dinner parties and doted after his baby son, Sean.

(via The New York Times)

To this day the Dakota embodies the later years of the man who once called his band "more popular than Jesus" and his transformation into a New Yorker.

The building represents a tragedy,

(via The New York Times)

but nearby exists a memorial that, even in the shadow of the Dakota's dark history, shines brightly.

(via New York Photos)

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree!

I thought I'd share with you some of my favorite ornaments that adorn our Christmas tree. While none can be classified as family heirlooms, they are definitely special to us.

About four years ago, I became inexplicably obsessed with vintage mercury glass clip-on bird ornaments. I searched Ebay high-and-low for these beauties, and walked away with about a dozen (for a very low price, I might add).

This delightful little yellow bird is my favorite.

For a similar avian friend, try...
Mercury Bird Ornaments, currently $55

(via ShopGoodwill)

Adam and I have a pet that I've never talked about here on Meet Me in Philadelphia, a 23-year old turtle named Scooter. In honor of Adam's longstanding love for his pet, I gave him this Jonathan Adler turtle ornament a few years ago.

For your own holiday animal, try...
Jonathan Adler's Owl Ornament, $28
(via Nordstrom)

or these Silk Turtle Ornaments, $6

(via Global Goods Partners)

Mom gave me this toadstool ornament last year. I love this quirky touch to my Christmas tree.

For a similar look, try...

Red Cap Mushroom Ornament, $22

(via Jayson Home and Garden)

What are some of your favorite ornaments?

Christmas Craft, Round 2: Pompom Garland

Last week, Meg over at Elsie Marley held a week-long series in which she offered easy-to-follow tutorials on how to make the most lovely handmade ornaments. I stumbled across her blog when I saw this straw and pompom garland craft and was instantly smitten with every single project she has in her extensive blog archives (seriously, check out her talent here).

Her straw and pompom garland got me thinking that I could make something similar with materials around my apartment. So today I share with you my version of the pompom garland!

I started with three basic supplies:

• red wool yarn (I used Paton's Classic Wool in a cranberry red)
• 3 strands of wooden beads/garland I swiped from Mom's
  
• red/white paper straws (I used Jack & Lulu's Stripey Straws)

I also had a long-unused pompom maker in my craft drawer and set out to make some pompoms of my own.

After making several pompoms (make that several thousand...), I snipped the string the wooden beads were strung on and cut the paper straws into smaller pieces (about 2" long).

Without a plan, I began stringing. I settled on a pattern and strung and strung and strung (not a bad activity while watching old 90210 episodes).

For each of the 3 strands I created unique patterns. Each banister of my apartment has a different configuration of beads, pompoms and stripey straws.


I also got around to hanging our stockings. Adam and I didn't have stockings of our own, so we decided upon Hable Construction for Garnet Hill's Elegant Eyelet Stocking in ivory (*they were on sale for $22 last weekend!*).


There's one banister left to finish in our apartment, but I love the results and even loved the mindless activity that didn't require too much focus to finish.

Hope you like it!
How are your Christmas crafts coming along?

TGIF, 12/3/10 Edition

("Hanging Wreath" by Wayne Pate)

The first weekend of December is here! While I slowly started decorating the apartment this week, we'll really get our place Christmas-ready this weekend because...

...oh by gosh, by golly, it's time for mistletoe and holly!

I'm also hoping to:

• start and finish a few Christmas crafts
• plan the menu for our holiday party
• pick up a West Elm rug for our "den"

Before we head out for the weekend, I wanted to share some news from around the design blog world. For one, Wayne Pate is offering free shipping in the U.S. through December 31st. I have his "Urns" print in my living room and love it! Here are some more of Wayne Pate's designs that would make perfect presents this holiday season:

("Bouquet" by Wayne Pate)

("Teapots" by Wayne Pate)

("For the Birds" by Wayne Pate)

Secondly, for readers in the New York City area, the 2010 Martha Stewart Holiday Craft Sale is tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 4th from 12-6PM. If you're in the neighborhood, definitely check it out. Wonderful artisans such as Rifle Paper Co., The Purl Bee, and Kiki & Polly will be there selling their fabulous wares.

All the important details:

Starrett-Lehigh Building
601 West 26th Street, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10001

Whether you're decorating or partaking in other holiday activities, I wish you all a wonderful weekend. Adieu, readers.

Phantastic Giphts for Philly-philes in Your Liphe

(via Philadelphia Weekly)

Did you get all that? See, if you live in Philly like I do, you have to replace all 'f's with 'ph's. It's, like, a local law or something. Have I got a great gift list for you--one dedicated to the Phillyphile we each know and love. Ready?

AHierloom's Pennsylvania Cheese Board, $40. Notice the heart by Philly, where it should be.

(via AHeirloom's Etsy)

Tony Luke's Frozen Cheesesteaks, $27.95 for 10. If you're not local and can't check out the fresh flavor of Oregon Ave., check out your grocer's freezer, also available online.

(via Tony Luke's)

Philadelphia Wine Tote by Map Tote, $13. This city has some unparalled BYOBs. This tote highlights the neighborhoods that support this Philly restaurant custom.

(via Map Tote)

Art in the Mechanical Age's Root Liquor, $36. Imagine alcohol had never been taken out of root beer. Well, stop imagining because now you can sample it yourself. Old City's own Art in the Mechanical Age revived this blend and it's popular throughout the area.

(via Art in the Age)

Walter Isaacson's Benjamin Franklin: An American Life, $13. This man not only invented pretty much everything (I'm still convinced he had the idea for Facebook long before Zuckerberg did...), he also shaped the nation and certainly this city. When you're next in Philly, up your game and leave a Franklin on his grave instead of the usual pennies.

(via Amazon)

Garces Restaurant Group Gift Card, price varies. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Philly has some great restaurants and Jose Garces's places are leading the pack. Personal fave: Chifa at 7th and Chestnut.

(via Garces Restaurant Group)

Bruce Springsteen's "The Promise: The Darkness on the Edge of Town Story (3 CD/3 DVD), $72. Bruce and the working class tradition of Philly are a combination made in rock-and-roll heaven.

(via Amazon)

Tjsebald's Skyline at Night Onsie, $10. Because you've got to start your kids off right...

(via Tjsebald's Etsy)

Would wouldn't enjoy a touch of Philly waiting for them under the Christmas tree?!