Manzanita Trees

My grandmother had branches from a Manzanita bush that she decorated for holidays. It was painted white and she would hang Easter Eggs and Hearts and Snowflakes on it to match the season.

And one day, without me knowing it, she threw it away!!

I have been on the hunt for a Manzanita branch ever since. And this weekend I am actually someplace where I might find one. And I found this pink centerpiece made from Manzanita on Hostess with the Mostest:

I think it is a sign.

I think if I find one I will have to paint it black for Halloween. And then I will be forced to put up Halloween decorations, even though I really should be packing!

Drum Ornaments

My grandmother had a white Manzanita bush that my grandfather had made a stand for. It made a great tree to decorate for holidays. Hearts on Valentine's Day, Eggs at Easter, Bells at Christmas. I really need to take a trip up north and see if I can find one for me. I always find ideas that make me wish I had one.

These drum ornaments from Martha is one of those ideas. You decorate inexpensive little boxes with ribbon and glitter, and then attach a piece of ribbon to hang them with.

We are heading up to the Grand Canyon this weekend. I will have to keep my eyes open for Manzanita.

Country Halloween Take Two

So not only is there a Country LIVING site, but there is a Country HOME site. And I love it even MORE! (Big Rock...remember)

This might be my favorite. I have a thing for ghosts this year. And although this looks like it might be a fire hazard, I think it is still worth a shot!

You cut shapes out of black paper and hang it in your windows! Doesn't get much easier (or much cuter!!) I am pretty sure they sell black butcher paper at most teaching supply stores.

This is an old Christmas tree. My Grandma has an old Manzanita bush she does something similar with for Easter and Christmas (it is white...but that is what spray paint is for). I have a whole tree in my back yard that looks like this! It isn't as cute.

Rocks and paint! Could it BE any easier?

And this might be the MOST brilliant idea. At least for me. (The chair, not the dog). Toot's was born on Halloween. So in a few years we will be having Halloween birthday parties with lots of little kids covered in frosting and sticky treats drinking red punch. And these cute ghost furniture covers might just save my furniture!