Happy new week to you all. I am slowly starting to decorate our house for the holidays. My candy store is set up (see here). And now all the rest will follow.

Hyacinths. I love hyacinths. They are high up on my list this week. And clear bulb vases. Simple and beautiful. And very Swedish to me.

And branches. I love bringing mother nature inside. A branch with moss on it would be heavenly, but so far I have only dragged one home and no moss.

Our past weekend was very busy. Getting the tree and all the lights and many decorations up is always a spectacle worth paying to observe at our house. But once all the things have actually made it into the house, we go easier on each other with peppermint hot chocolate and good holiday jazz to put everyone in a good mood (an annual tradition).

This weekend I found this vintage (hand made) lamp house at a local Antiques Gallery. I am not really into seriously cute things but the kids always love having a small winter village and I thought this house would play a lovely part. I also found this paper ribbon tree at the same place for $5.

Here is another thing I am bringing into the house this year. The perfect welcome greenery for visiting guests, with just a few lovely clip-on birds.

And paper whites with pine cones. I love the smell.

It is not going to happen this year, but how lovely with just simple wreaths on the windows.

Another busy week here. Hope everyone is happy and not too stressed.

Love to you all.

Images: no. 1 via Country Living. no.2 via Skona Hem, no. 3 via Haute Design, no. 4 via Skona Hem, no. 5-10 via Splendid Willow. no. 11 + 12 via Canadian House & Home, no. 13 via Skona Hem.

Phew, what a wirlwind week! I have so much going on right now (will tell you more next week!)  and I just need to get the holiday gifts off my chest. So, here is my last list. And once again, no dreams or pretending– everything on my list (s) are things I truly like and can see myself going for.

2011 Color-A-Month Daily Planner Box Set.

A chatty Ohh La La Recycled Felt Applique Pillow.

Back Lace Boot. (Gorgeous!).

Petal skirt.

Felt Peace Sign Wreath (14″ diameter).

Is it crazy to give holiday decor as gifts? I don’t know, but I wouldn’t mind being on the receiving end of this Burlap Sack Advent Calendar.

Recycled Glass Balloon Vases.

Amethyst tealight holder. (Very nice for a little bit of glamour!).

Love this vase from Tiffany. (Simple, beautiful and, to me, almost Swedish looking).

I always have a tough time finding perfect gifts for the Mr. I really had to dig deep on this one.  But here are a few ideas.

On at least 3 occassions I have been talking about framing old vinyl covers (for sentimental reasons as well as for great art). It turns out that Pottery Barn is now selling wood gallery frames made specifically to protect and display vintage records and album covers. (You need to take out the mat if you want to display the cover).

Leather IPad Cover.

Monogrammed leather journal (for the bedside table).

Monogrammed leather Catch-all (my hubby desperately needs one!).

Penguin water carbonator. (It should really be on MY list!) Perfect for those who want to eliminate the need to purchase soda/sparkling water.

Patagonia wind-proof gloves.

Ugg Men’s Shearling Slippers.

Professional immersion blender.

Stainless milk frother. (You will get a home made latte in seconds).

Belstaff Roadmaster Jacket. (Nice design and waterproof. Made in Italy).

And for him or her go shopping for some antique prints (E-bay is one good source). Beautiful and something that will never lose its value.

There you have it. My gift idea contribution. I hope you did not fall asleep!

Wishing you all a lovely weekend!

And make sure to visit next week when I have a fun thing to announce! (It will hopefully explain why I have been such a lousy blog friend lately).

Last image via Skona Hem.

You are probably all yawning when I share my gift idea lists with you this week. But I don’t care! This is all therapeutic for me and it gets my own shopping juices flowing. I only list things that I am genuinely interested in getting personally, not just the dreams folks! (Although that is nice too!). So here are few things I am eyeing  for my own children — ages 3, 6 and 8.

“The NY In A Bag” from Muji has been around for a while. But this is the first time I am contemplating getting it. Love it!

A hopscotch rug. Great to keep the young ones busy on rainy days and pretty enough to make it part of the overall house decor!

Adorable windup little birdie that tweets.

Mini workbench.

“Sunday drivers“.  (Haha! Too cute!!!)

Saucer sled and helmet.

Every kid needs a globe. (I grew up with a very similar Illuminated world. And I absolutely loved it).

Wooden Two Tier Treat Tray. (Just because I don’t care for a lot of plastic at our house).

An over the door Basket Ball Hoop.

Fire House Collection. (Wood of course).

Cotton Canvas Teepee. Fun & cozy hang out.

Adorale Tee for a girlie girl.

Mirror tipped ballet flats. So pretty.

I have two more lists to share ith you this week. Perfect gifts for her and perfect gifts for him. I hope you find some inspiration as well.

Hugs to you all!

Image no. 1 via Country Home