My family starts decorating for the holidays shortly after Thanksgiving. But I feel like the stockings always get overlooked. We're supposed to hang them by the chimney with care, right? Are you a traditional stocking lover, or do you prefer something more casual or whimsical? — Michelle from Stuttering Shell
These are the stockings my family owns (red with green trim and green with red trim). I love that these stockings are a good size and that they're not too elaborate or fussy. The velvet texture is just the right touch. After all, you want your tree, not your stockings, to steal the show.
Polka dots and stripes done in various shades of green and red felt make for a contemporary design. These are definitely a fun take on the traditional Christmas stocking.
Instead of monogramming your stockings, why don't you personalize the stocking holder instead? I love the idea of using a favorite photo to indicate which stocking belongs to each person.
The contrasting pompom on the toe of these stockings is ridiculously cute. If I didn't buy new stockings last year, I would totally scoop these up for my family.
I have never seen a stocking holder like this before, but I like the idea of not having to put holes in the mantel or using those heavy, cumbersome stocking holders. At least this rack guarantees that your stocking will never fall off of the fireplace.
This stocking screams anything but traditional. It is semi-reminiscent of a court jester, but I love its bright colors and glittery look. If you decorate for the holidays with bold, bright colors, then this is the stocking for you.
My dogs have their own Christmas stockings — after all, they shouldn't be excluded from all of the holiday fun. I love the look of these needlepoint stockings from Orvis. They're a must-have for any dog lover.
Here's another unique stocking holder. These could be left out all year or used for other things, like holding wreaths. The wrought iron look would fit in well with all kinds of decor.
These whimsical stockings from Ballard Designs are fun and funky. Plus, you can personalize them for free! If you're not a traditionalist when it comes to holiday decor, these might be perfect for you.
For those who want something more than a plain stocking and love whimsical design, these stockings from Garnet Hill are just right. Each family member can have their own design, and they all coordinate well with one another.
This stocking holder frees up your mantel for more holiday decorating. You can personalize each holder with a picture too. I love the idea of keeping stockings near the fireplace, but slightly aside from the fireplace at the same time — especially if you use your fireplace in the wintertime.
Here's another option for pets. With a simple silhouette and a monogram, you've got a stunning stocking to hang by the fireplace for your favorite four-legged companion.
There is something warm and comforting about a hand-knit Christmas stocking. It is simple in design yet elegant in look. These are definitely worthy of being hung by the fireplace.
Lanie Brown Letter to Santa Pocket is super cute! I found girly stockings in my step-daughter's sorority colors, filled them with goodies to help get through finals and mailed them right after Thanksgiving. The girls were excited that Christmas arrived early in their apartment!
Ann Smitt My favorite stockings are the handmade kind or the 'in a pinch' use of 'dad's' grey with red toe winter socks. Whichever stocking you hang I hope you find it filled with love and good will Christmas morning.
pimms1967 My grandmother made the stockings for my parents and us kids, the Bucilla felt kit kind and we love them, still use. Years ago I was the maid-of-honor for a close friend, for one of their wedding presents I made them Xmas stockings (sewing machine pattern style) using coordinating fabric but different colors for each, and they loved them. I have another friend who is having her first baby any day now, for her baby shower gift I bought a cute Xmas stocking and stuffed with goodies, I didn't know if they would think of it when Xmas came around. My sister knows how to do Hardanger (Scandinavian needlework), and she used to make stocking for gifts with the cuff being Hardanger, very pretty, and she did ornaments too. I tend to like the felt style and/or more homemade ones (or look homemade).
Julie Bruton I love these stockings we got when we lived in Turkey. They are made from old kilims. I love that these beautiful hand-woven kilims are able to be remade into something beautiful for our home.