1. Winter has just begun but we are already dreaming about spring gardening. Hadley wrote about some cool planters Erica found: “Oooh, I love these! They’re so cool looking! I’ve actually never heard of Obleek before…but I’m an instant fan! Let the countdown to spring begin… :)” See the planters we love, here!

2. We need chair upholstering advice! As Jamie says: “I have two chairs I want to reupholster but have no clue how to do it or where to start. I need advice too.” Click here to share your chair wisdom.

3. We are all about the easy holiday dinner. Christine says: “Our Christmas dinner tradition is a beef brisket slow cooked in the oven inside a foil pouch. It needs very little attention and there is no clean up!” Click here for some suggestions for leftovers and to share your plans.

4. We love bringing food as a gift, but what about the plate? Do you leave that too? Cassie has a suggestion: “My husband’s family has a “family plate” that someone painted at one of those Paint your own pottery places. It actually has a little poem about sharing the plate on it. It gets passed around at all the family gatherings and left for the next host/hostess.” Click here for more gift food etiquette.

5. This year, the holidays need a lot of creativity.. and less spending. As mkhall says: “I’ve cut way back. I’ve overextended myself this year, and have some plans for 2009 calling for a small reserve of cash. I haven’t lost my job (yet), but for a change I am erring on the side of caution.” Click here to tell us how you’re managing your budget this season.