The Thompson Christmas Bucket List: Wrap Christmas Gifts

There is something wonderful about wrapping Christmas gifts. I am a gift giver. I love picking out something that brings a smile or pure joy to someone. It is definitely my love language...so Christmas is a special time of year for me! I truly love giving gifts to anyone and everyone!

This year I had a little {dog} elf helper to assist in my wrapping! With baby girl Salem going to bed between 8pm and 9pm, I had my workshop set up in the master bedroom in case she woke. By the light of our newest Christmas tree, I was able to spread holiday cheer!

Aspen Michael's Big Boy Room

One of the biggest changes that we had to make when we found out we were expecting baby #3 was to  turn our guest room into Aspen's big boy room. I absolutely love bunk beds for little boys so we decided to go with them. With Adelaide's big girl room, I wanted it to have a sophisticated feel. Not too girly, not too baby-ish. Something that she would grow into. For Aspen, I wanted something a little more playful and boy-ish. A transportation theme was a must given the Collins family business and all! From the tee pee to the artwork and the bedding to the small details, I truly love everything about Aspen's big boy room!

Truth be told, he & Adelaide love it too...they play in it often already!

don't mind the mis-spelling...Adelaide loves to play with her brother's name train

Chanel No. 25: A Surprise Dinner Party

Our family has had a slew of "big" birthdays this year. And well I think that they all called for "big" celebrations. Surprises make them all the more fun too!

My baby sister, Taylor, turned 25 on April 6th. To throw a party for her would have entailed 500 people so we opted for an intimate dinner party for 30 people. One big table for the most important people in her life (minus a few who couldn't join us!). 

She has always loved Coco Chanel quotes and she is a bit of a fashion icon herself so I figured this was a perfect fitting theme. I found the cutest perfume bottle invitations on Etsy. Everyone loved them...even the Chanel rep in the mall! I gathered Coco quotes, printed and framed them to scatter throughout the table. The woman who did the invitation made glittery perfume bottle confetti that we sparkled around too...and a few strands of pearls made the table complete. Amanda made an adorable banner: Chanel No. 25 that we hung from the mantle.

We set up a perfume sample making table where guests could make their own perfume scent to take home. What is a party without a fun activity and gift to take home?! 

On the place settings, each guest had a special menu with the evening's dinner as well as an adorably boxed cupcake mix to take home too.

The cake was from Plehn's Bakery. Not only was it gorgeous but it was delicious too! I had a piece of vanilla and chocolate. Do not judge me. Pink champagne was served as guests arrived and toasted the birthday girl when she walked up the stairs to this glorious surprise.

Happy 25th Birthday Tay/Aunt Bees!