A few months ago a co-worker gave me her collection of Coastal Living magazines when she cleaned out her den. I had a flight the next day, so I tossed a few of them in my carry-on bag...turned out I was so entertained on the flight, I was sorry when we landed. I love the magazine. Fresh clean looks that work with the Florida lifestyle.

This month on their website coastalliving.com they have some wreath ideas. Making your own wreath is one way to save on holiday spending. I bought my wreath at Costco this morning, before I saw these pictures, but I may just at least wire a few starfish into the evergreens. I don't live at the beach, but I'm on the New River watching boats pass by all day, so it feels like Florida living.

Aren't these great? Which one's your favorite?

Many years ago I had a twiggy grapevine wreath on my door. I saved it, and now every year I get some leftover branches where I buy my Christmas tree, and weave them into the grapevine wreath. Voila, a free wreath!

With Thanksgiving late this year, and the boat parade looming this weekend, I ran out of time.

Maybe next year, if I start earlier, I'll hot glue some shells onto the grapevine wreath. Coastal Living is not a Florida magazine, but it sure works in Florida.

If you love to decorate for the holidays, what bigger indulgence can you have than a tree by the pool? Coastal Living did one with turquoise balls to match the pool color. I don't usually like trendy 'color du jour' holiday ornaments, I'm a red, green, silver and gold traditionalist, but this turquoise is MEANT to be poolside, isn't it?

Tell us about your holiday decor. Any ideas you care to share?

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