friday fixations: advent calendars

Even though we're already a few days into December, I keep coming across beautiful versions of advent calendars. I just had to throw together a few of my favourite ideas from this year.

Source: ohhappyday.com via idle on Pinterest

I love love this idea! I'm so mad at myself for not thinking of it first, actually. I saw the tree at IKEA (clever guys) a while back and instantly fell in love with the concept, but then I stood there forever pondering what on earth I could do with it. It goes without saying, though, that I would not go through the trouble of ordering felt ornaments online. I'd make them myself or I might even use paper for the ornaments with Christmas to-dos written on the back so I could easily change them out every year (or leave the tree as is because that's beautiful too).

Source: minieco.co.uk via idle on Pinterest

These pyramids are so modern and funky! I kinda want to take the numbers off and just use them as neat tree ornaments. (It makes me sad to think they'll be opened for what's been hidden inside.)

Source: kickcanandconkers.blogspot.com via idle on Pinterest

This isn't originally an advent idea. It's just some paper trees hung with washi tape, but I thought they would make a really cute advent calendar. Just write a fun suggestion on the back of a tree and hang. I wouldn't even number them, I'd just turn them over at random. I also really like how they're stuck on a door. It enters the territory of modern wreath, too.

Source: mrprintables.com via idle on Pinterest

If you aren't into the traditional nativity scene, this'd make a nice edition to an empty table top. While I adore neon, I wish the colours were a little more festive (neon green and neon red? I dunno). There is a black and white version which would look extra cute if you found a tiny someone to add a little colouring pre-assembly, though.

Source: klotzaufklotz.de via idle on Pinterest

You can purchase this advent calendar, but all you really need is a long piece of wood and a drill bit and you'll be in business. I can see this sitting in the middle of a table as part of a centerpiece.

Source: hgtv.com via idle on Pinterest

Pro: You can fit a ton of fun stuff in a take-out container! Con: Take-out containers take up a ton of table space! Maybe you could use those cute little mini containers instead.

Source: craftstorming.com via idle on Pinterest

Finally, I thought it was really cute to make your calendar entirely out of cookies. (There's also a gingerbread version.) But, to be honest, in our house, I don't think they'd make it to 25!

There are a few more ideas on my Christmas Pinterest board and, if you missed it, don't forget to check out my advent calendar this year. I still think my origami balloons are the cutest!