We're still waiting for fluffy white stuff to fill the air, and that means there's still time do your outside decorating sans snowshoes.  In the northwoods, Mother Nature eventually takes care of much of the decorating – nothing like a fresh snowfall at dusk at Pinehurst Inn (Bayfield), with warm lights glowing inside, to remind us of the beauty of the season.  At the Cobblestone B&B in Birchwood, the antique cross-country skis remind us of fun after the holidays.  These 'snowy reminders'  from a few previous seasons are just what we need to get motivated. [caption id="attachment_931" align="alignright" width="200"] Old wooden cross-country skis are a fitting tribute to the founder of the American Birkebeiner (the largest X-C race in North America) Tony Wise, who grew up in this home, now the Cobblestone Bed & Breakfast. Innkeeper Mary Lou knows how to keep the chill out with breakfast next to a crackling fire on a wintry morn.[/caption]

There are a few more unseasonably mild days in the weather forecast ... time yet to hang Christmas decorations outside without danger of frostbite!   If you’re in need of some fresh Christmas curb appeal ideas, here's another from one of  Wisconsin’s most stylish B&Bs.  Pedal'rs Inn - Wales, looks lovely each year by following the practice of sticking to one theme – that being the Norman Rockwell look – rather than mixing metaphors (no inflatables of Rudolph next to Victorian sleighs here).  Innkeeper Dee notes the wreaths, bows, and garland aren't the only green for the season; the lights are energy-sparing LED. [caption id="attachment_920" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Nostalgia beckons at the Pedal'rs Inn. Once inside, the tradition of heartfelt hospitality warms you - just like the fireplace in each bedchamber.[/caption]

Why is it that most of us neglect to take advantage of those last mild days of autumn to hang Christmas decorations outside?  No, we wait until the mercury registers freezing, flurries fill the air, and the north winds whip to finally get to this task.  If you’re in need of some fresh Christmas curb appeal ideas, here are a few from some of Wisconsin’s most stylish B&Bs.   Westby House Inn - Westby, keeps it elegant and simple by stringing thousands of white lights matched by fresh balsm garland and warm lights glowing in each window.  And there's nothing like a fresh snowfall at dusk at the Westphal Mansion - Hartford, with warm lights glowing inside, to remind us of the beauty of the season.   [caption id="attachment_923" align="alignleft" width="300"] Come right inn, shake the chill off! The Westby House Inn, just 20 miles south east of LaCrosse, surrounds you with Victorian architecture complimented by contemporary comforts. With 15 years of B&B innkeeping experience, Mike & Marie know how to treat their guests![/caption]