I’m a savor the seasons woman, (More on that subject in a future post.) I don’t like putting up my Christmas decor this early in November. But as a blogger, the rules are a bit different. Most bloggers are a bit like retail shops, they must get their “product” out early so that people like you and me have time to try new ideas, finish our holiday projects and get our homes decorated before the eggnog has to be served. So with that in mind, I’m offering just a small idea today. Getting started with neutral decor. If you are just beginning to decorate with neutrals, or just want a quick, easy and inexpensive idea, I have just the thing. Neutral candy canes. Yep. Neutral, go with anything. Not your Mama’s candy canes.

For several years, I’ve used all white candy canes at Christmas. I would order a case online from Spangler Candy. They lasted for a few years because I’m cheap and hey, they weren’t for eating and enjoying. NosireeBob. (Does anyone actually know nosiree Bob?)   Well, they WERE for enjoying, visual enjoyment…… you could look at them and admire them. I didn’t unwrap them so they stayed nice for a few years. I must confess however, they do not last forever. After a couple (maybe 4 if the weather is good) of years they start getting…..sticky, drippy and gross. Not the kind of decor you want to share. I knew last Christmas it was time to replace mine. I still have a couple of unopened, factory sealed boxes which I’ll put out this year but it’s time to order more. Guess what?? Spangler isn’t making them anymore!!! Oh my stars! What? I even emailed them to plead my case. Nope. No go. I got a polite response stating; “we are aware crafters like the white canes…….” Crafters???? CRAFTERS???? How about decorators and designers? WE like them too. sigh. If you too, are outraged by the lack of white candy canes, here’s Spangler’s info:

Spangler Candy Co.,   400 North Portland St.    Bryan, Ohio, 43506

email: info@SpanglerCandy.com

If you’re really serious you can call them at (419) 636-4221

It’s too late for this year but perhaps they will relent and make them for 2017. Meanwhile, I’ve found a replacement for my neutral candy fetish. Hot Cocoa flavored candy canes!!! Oh yes, the wonder of it. Nice and neutral. Cream and Brown. Dreamy. And maybe they even taste good…… Dunno. Cause at my house they ain’t for eatin. Oh no, they are for DE′COR, fancy, right?  So stick a few in a clear mason jar or any clear vessel and add some jingle bells and a bit of greenery. Use anywhere in the house……maybe not the bathroom, cause you know….. candy in the bathroom? um, maybe not. But definitely in the kitchen. And bonus!  you can smack the fingers of unsuspecting guests or family members who still believe candy canes are for eating. Oh, by the way, they are available at Target. In the candy aisle where normal people browse to buy…you know….candy. To eat.

PS. The genius of this is that you can use any color candy canes you like. Want green? They have them. Turquoise? Ditto. Still believe in the classic red and white? Bingo. It’s YOUR Christmas, have it any way you want. Hot cocoa anyone??

Spread the Joy!