A decorative scene featuring a wooden block with the words "Merry and Bright" in cursive, a nutcracker figurine dressed in red and black, a pomegranate, and green leafy plants on a red cloth.
Text logo reading "South House Weekender" on a soft, watercolor-style blue background. "South House" is in uppercase serif font; "Weekender" is in a larger, cursive script.

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What I Can’t Let Go Of:

When you love what you’re doing, it’s not like really working!

Life’s magic is all about perspective.

Sure, it’s late December, and I’m totally worn out. My days are packed with cutting, sewing, and shipping โ€“ endless hours that would normally feel exhausting.

But then I think about something incredible: every stocking I create becomes part of a family’s most cherished traditions.

Those thousands of families who’ll gather around, hanging the stockings I’ve carefully crafted? They’re my inspiration.

Each stitch is a thread connecting to someone’s holiday memories, and that thought? It gives me wings. The tiredness melts away, replaced by pure joy.

To all my stocking families: You’re the real magic. THANK YOU! โค๏ธ

On the Blog This Week


A collection of vintage-inspired clothing pieces and fabric swatches in neutral tones. Includes buttons, textured cream-colored fabrics, striped patterns, and a pair of soft, ornate grey Christmas stockings perfect for adding a touch of festive charm.

First Ever Christmas Stocking Sale

Yes, it has been all consuming.

But, I’m taking more sale orders for January shipping — think of it as gifting yourself stockings early, or as checking off the first item on the list for the 2025 season!

Have you told yourself, “next year, I’m going to start earlier”? Here’s your chance — and save serious money, too!

Remember, these tips are exclusive content for my creative community.

They will be in the Saturday newsletter emails only

(and sometimes in the FB and IG stories for my followers there).

It’s just one way I can say thank you to all those who support me time after time!

Don’t worry, you too, can become a House Mate!

Look at All the Cute Gingerbread Village Ideas
I Found For You!

For Hanging on Your Tree

My delightful and super talented friend Wendy, from WM Design House created these adorable 3D houses to make for your tree.

Don’t panic — easy peasy with Wendy’s Free Printable.

Or use on a wreath, or lined up on a mantel or in a garland … you get the idea!

Close-up of a gingerbread house ornament with white icing details, hanging on a Christmas tree with a brown ribbon. A pinecone and an open book are visible in the background, along with soft yellow lights.

A decorative gingerbread house ornament with intricate white icing details sits atop a Christmas tree. Snow-like accents and a large ribbon with lace edges adorn the scene, creating a festive and cozy atmosphere.

For the Top of Your Tree

I never thought of using a gingerbread house as a tree topper, but I’m glad Donna at an Organized Season did.

Honestly, I’m stealing being inspired by this idea to make several to use in other spots around my house!


For Your Table

And the crazy talented Jen at Midwest Life & Style turned dated thrifted houses into “gingerbread” for a snowglobe wonderland centerpiece!

A gingerbread house decorated with white icing sits inside a glass jar. The jar is topped with a red and white striped ribbon. Evergreen branches and berries are in the foreground, with a lit candle in the background.

closeup of a ceramic Christmas house painted glossy white in a Christmas tree

Gingerbread Not Your Thing?

No worries? I took similar thrifted houses and turned them into tree decor that fit my color scheme better.

I hope you’ve been enjoying the weekend!!! Thanks for hanging out with me a bit,

Smiling face of Diane under a signature that reads: With My Merry Best, Diane

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2 Comments

  1. Hi Diane! I can only imagine how busy you have been making your beautiful stockings! I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas! Thanks for much for sharing my gingerbread tree topper and let me know if you make some of those cute houses! Blessings, Donna

    1. Yeah, Donna! I’m just glad I have such creative friends with wonderful projects that I know my followers love to discover. Happy 2025!!!