Unless you’re busy planning Hanukkah parties, this weekend is a great time to pick out your Christmas tree, if you haven’t already. You’ve probably heard about the shortage of Frasier Fir trees due to unfavorable weather, so don’t be surprised to see high price tags on trees you do find. Before you head out to the tree farms or grocery store outposts, check out these tips from PopSugar to help you select the right tree for your home.

Rachel

It isn’t even December yet, but I feel like I’ve been planning for the holidays for months! Perhaps that’s why I got a kick out of this card today. Your family and friends probably will too – send one from Broadway Paper and share some of that holiday spirit.

Rachel

You’ve probably already seen the trendy holiday cards we found this season and have picked out your own favorites to send. Surprisingly, all my cards are written and addressed, waiting to be stamped and mailed out. Now I can cross one more thing off my list, though unfortunately it just keeps growing. I’ve managed to contain all lists, address, and important reminders to a binder, similar to this one from Russell and Hazel, which has helped me keep holiday projects, like my mailing list, straight when I'm on the go. Could one help you this year?

Rachel

I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that many of you have already finished your holiday shopping thanks to the after-Thanksgiving sales.

If like me, you’re not finished buying holiday gifts (or haven’t even started), brainstorm and organize now to save your sanity later.

Check out Organized Christmas and print handy (not to mention, free!) Christmas to-do lists that cover every topic imaginable – including gift giving. Use this chart to keep track of what you’re buying and who for – you’ll get the right gifts for the right person, ensure no one is left off your list, and maybe even stick to your holiday budget.

Rachel

P.S. The greeting card and holiday cleaning check lists, as well as the Christmas Countdown calendar, are definitely print-worthy, too.

What’s my favorite part of Thanksgiving, besides the family and friends and all that heart-warming stuff? The leftovers! I can’t wait for lunches of turkey sandwiches with homemade cranberry sauce. Yum!

Whatever your favorite leftover dishes are, be sure you have plenty of Tupperware to store it and cart it around in. Whether it's an old take-out container or something more high-end, you’ll be filling it up with goodness all week.

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday!

Rachel

It is only a few days before Thanksgiving, so I’m assuming you’re ready for the holiday, the dinner and the family, and if you’re hosting this year - that your home is ready, too. Decorations, desserts and extra seating are probably all in place to welcome guests, but don’t forget to have some yummy holiday scents on hand to spice up the air with a warm, inviting fragrance. Yankee Candle has a bunch of new fall-inspired fragrances like Spiced Pumpkin, Pomegranate Cider and Autumn Woods that will do the job perfectly. Not hosting the holiday this year? Bring one to your hostess to show you appreciate her time in the kitchen.

Rachel

With Thanksgiving looming and December close behind, we’re completely consumed with finding creative and inexpensive ways to make our homes festive. In the fall, it’s easy to decorate "green" with natural elements lying just outside our doors – it is as simple as picking up some colored leaves.

Specialty caterers and event planners are also taking cues from nature to make their centerpieces. Find inspiration from planners like Blue Plate in Chicago, who use designs like this beautiful log centerpiece from floral designer A. Vision. Local and sustainable, environmentally conscious decorations also gives everyone a break from turkey/pilgrim figurine overload.

Rachel

I’ve noticed cities upgrading their traffic lights from the iconic old-fashioned models to higher-tech versions – often times the new lights are horizontal rather than vertical, which initially threw me off when my hometown switched over earlier this year. Wonder what becomes of the retro-cool lights when they are replaced? Check out these modern lighting fixtures that are created from the discarded red, yellow and green glass lens. I think they are incredibly cool and would look great lighting the bar of a swanky café… or perhaps hanging above your hip new dining room table.

Rachel

Maybe you were too busy quilting this morning to catch this Washington Post article on funny man Mark Lipinski’s Quilter's Home. Quilting and knitting have moved beyond grandmotherly hobbies and appeal to a large audience of younger, hipper crafters, and to keep up with this new wave, Mark started a magazine that kicks quilting up a notch. Did you happen to read the article they referenced, where he channels a Civil War-era quilter who endorsed his magazine from beyond the grave? Hilarious. I’ve got to track down some back issues...

Rachel

Did you know that Ikea will take your dead light bulbs? Me neither. Since today marks that last day of Green Week here at NBC/Universal, I thought I’d leave you with this interesting list of 21 Things You Didn’t Know You Can Recycle. I came across it on Co-Op America, which is a great source for eco-friendly tip and information, so you can make every week a little greener.

Rachel

Do you sometimes forget to water your houseplants? What if simply washing dishes took care of your thirsty potted flowers? This brilliant design makes that possible – a plastic dish rack that fits around your favorite plant and waters it each time you hand-wash your plates and set them to dry. Yet another fab design to help cut your chore list in half.

Rachel

If your friends are forced to stand at your parties, half in conversation, half eyeing the room for someone rising for a drink refill, it might be time to invest in versatile pieces like this stool/table. This little birdie stump works double-time as a great side table and a place for friends to perch at your next party.

Rachel

Last night I attended the opening of New York’s first CB2 store – which if you’re a fan of Crate & Barrel and affordable home furnishings, you’ll agree it was quite an important event.

Here are some of my favorites designs:

For a small apartment, I think the petite Chet Sofa is perfect. It immediately caught my eye and would be great for visiting with friends, not so much for spreading out. The Briar Chair is a gorgeous modern take on the classic wing chair, but $700 is a little more than I would want to spend on it. If you’re looking for a simple, functional desk for your home office, try the white-frosted glass and titanium Trig Desk which is super affordable at $149, and add a Slim office chair – I promise it is much more comfortable than it looks.

Not in New York or Chicago? Jump on their website to see more designs and while you’re there, check out these awesome foil bowls that I just ordered.

Rachel

I just stumbled upon this adorable serving tray, and already I can think of so many different uses for it. Not only does it make a great display year round for favorite family photos, but it will be perfect for serving appetizers this Thanksgiving – which, if you haven’t noticed, is just around the corner. Use the tray to bring together the two most important parts to the holiday – food and loved ones – and you’ll be one chic hostess.

There are millions of air fresheners out there – but none like the one I received today. Homedics Brethe Air Revitalizer is like a mini-washing machine for the air around you. The thing is enormous compared to the small plug-in you probably use now. The round pod in which water fragranced with natural botanical extracts swirls around in, works like magic to clean the air of smoke, pet and cooking odor like nothing our office has seen before. The scent was little strong, so next time we won’t use as much of the extract, but other than that, we love it. (And some of us are begging to take it home.)

Have a great weekend.

Rachel

Today is the first day of the two-day Mexican celebration honoring the dead, which means the Mexican folk art I’ve collected from Love Shines, is particularly appropriate this week.

I’m fond of the pressed metal art inspired by Mexican design of the 1500s. Crafted in sterling sliver or tin, they usually have whimsical, religious or health-promoting themes and a charm that always get lots of compliments.

If you celebrate el Dia de los Muertos, how do you decorate?

Rachel