Hello! I built 2 huge nutcrackers for our outside holiday decor. Each one is about 9 feet tall - they’re huge. I’m afraid they’re going to tip over, hurting someone or ruining my work. Any idea how I can stake them into the ground? The bases are two 24” wood rounds secured with 2x4s and screws. The three big pieces are pictured below. Also, any ideas on adding a spotlight to light them up? Is an up light better? Thanks!

Oh dear. I too have one of those ceramic trees, and I have the perfect spot for it. Alas it was made by my ex-SIL and I have such unpleasant feelings and memories of her, I can't put it out without being reminded. It's so odd...I get along with mostly everyone, but she just sets me on edge with such unpleasant feelings. I know the zen in me says to put it out and explore and be with those feelings, but I just can't...I want decorations to bring me joy. We'll be decorating this weekend and will do pretty much the same as every year. My old wreath on the front window needs replacing, which I've ordered but have yet to receive. Hopefully soon. The angel is a counted cross stitch done by my SIL who had the most incredible patience for tiny stitches. She also did incredible beading. Here are some close ups: Photo a neighbor took of our barn that made the cover of the local paper when we had one...

We are hoping to find a service/designer to work on our interior Christmas decor this year. Anyone done so or have recommendations? We are in Lincoln Square in Chicago.

What a treat, thank you, Gizmo. I’ve passed his house many times (taking a shortcut) and it’s so charming. I saw his IG account the other day and was enthralled with his main tree … it made me want to chuck ours and get a flocked tree covered in tinsel. :) I sometimes get holiday decor at the store he mentioned (his other tree) — At Home. It’s a warehouse full of goodies. Used to be called Garden Ridge. Anyway, what beautiful decor full of character. I love vintage, too, it’s so nostalgic, warm, and cozy. He’s done a wonderful job with it all. I just want to curl up with tea, a good book, Christmas music softly playing in the background. Wonder if I could invite myself over? :D The Santa cups/bottlebrush trees on the jars are a great touch. So creative. And his mantel — wow! DH loves vintage ornaments … we get some every year at our local antique mall, usually in their original boxes. They go on our main tree. I’ll bet Leben is a frequent shopper at the same store! I’d like a tour of his house during non-holidays, too, I love his style. This has been one of my favorite videos. Allison, there’s a beautiful old house not far from me that has a similar old sleigh out every Christmas. I love it. I’m thinking of starting a bottlebrush collection, especially vintage ones. I only have this one so far, on my hutch with my snowman village on my old cake plate. The rest of my holiday decor leans more elegant, with a touch of rustic … this hutch is my nod to nostalgic and folksy: My DH made the 1937 Ford above from a kit, Metal Earth brand.