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The Gracie Lee Hot Mess Christmas Tree

December 13, 2016 By Talya Tate Boerner 5 Comments

Gracie Lee Xmas Tree

Yesterday was one of those idyllic sort of days because I spent the entire day baking and decorating my teeny two-foot tabletop Christmas tree. I’m calling it my Gracie Lee Hot Mess Christmas Tree. I decorated it totally vintage 1972, just as Gracie Lee would have done (and don’t ask me how I know, I just do).

Tomorrow night, I’m hosting a book club party discussion of my book, The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee. So, of course, a Gracie Lee tree was in order, complete with icicles, delta cotton, a paper chain, and whimsical handmade ornaments. (Many made by my kids.) I packed lots of memories on this little tree, proving you can have fabulous without ginormous.

Yes, hot mess Gracie-style, and I love it.

Gracie Lee Christmas tree!

A marketing idea for my author friends— I donated ten copies of my book and a “Cocktail Party with the Author” as an auction item for a local fundraiser. Not only was this a fun way to donate to a wonderful cause (in this case, Tommy’s Nite Out) but this was also a good way to generate buzz about my book. See how I did that? Winner-winner.

[tweetthis]Fun way to generate #book buzz and give back! @syppublishing #author #marketing [/tweetthis]

So, tomorrow night is the cocktail party and book discussion. I’m excited this particular book club not only purchased my auction item, but also chose to redeem the party during Christmas! I’m still working on my menu, but so far I know it will include chocolate crinkles and cheese crackers (recipe coming) along with amazing roasted nuts I bought at the Cattywampus Co-op a few days ago.

It’s beginning to feel like a Christmas party!

Party food for Christmas

Confession— I gave in to the Christmas light thing. A couple of weeks ago I was adamant that I wouldn’t do any outside lights, but with a party and a bah humbug porch, well, I couldn’t have that. Of all the things I am, I’m NOT a Scrooge.

Even so, I kept it simple. I strung red lights around the two front porch windows which involved nothing more than a step ladder and an extension cord. Easy peasy other than the fact that, in typical fashion, one string of lights worked when I initially checked it, yet only half-worked after I hung it. How/why does that always happen?

Twelve sleeps y’all!

[tweetthis]My hot mess Christmas tree #vintage #GracieLee[/tweetthis]

Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

P.S. Today is my daughter’s 28th birthday, my first born, the day my life changed forever and for the better! So, this time 28 years ago, I was in hard labor. This morning my stomach hurts from eating so many of those chocolate crinkle cookies last night. Thought there was some humor to that LOL. Happy birthday to my beautiful daughter.

Happy Birthday KELSEY

Musical Pairing:
Lynyrd Skynyrd, Christmas Time Again

Filed Under: Holiday, Reading & Books, Simple Pleasures Tagged With: Christmas tree, decorating with vintage items, holiday decor, Holiday Party, The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee, vintage Christmas

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Comments

  1. Barbara Tate says

    December 13, 2016 at 9:44 am

    I believe that is your best tree ever, Gracie Lee !! Love it, especially the snow. I noticed Nana’s crocheted ornament near the top. That is the only ornament I have on my tree so far.

    Reply
  2. Dorothy Johnson says

    December 15, 2016 at 4:36 pm

    Love your little tree. Sorry I’m late in commenting, but Happy Birthday to Kelsey, a little late! I love the book and party donation idea.

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      December 16, 2016 at 7:00 am

      Thank you Dorothy!

      Reply
  3. debbie says

    December 16, 2016 at 6:51 am

    That tree is so you—err Gracie Lee! Here’s hoping ALL of your lights are shining bright. Merry Christmas, friend.

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      December 16, 2016 at 6:59 am

      Thanks, Debbie! Merry Christmas to you and yours.

      Reply

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Talya Tate Boerner


Hi! I'm Talya. Writer, Reader, Arkansas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener, Author of

THE ACCIDENTAL SALVATION OF GRACIE LEE (2016)

GENE, EVERYWHERE: a life-changing visit from my father-in-law (2020)

BERNICE RUNS AWAY (Now Available!)

Click to BUY NOW!

Talya Tate Boerner books
Gene, Everywhere

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