Last Minute Christmas

theglitterguide.com

For all of you super busy people out there who think they are out of time to decorate for Christmas, think again!  I put together a few ideas that are no fuss but have maximum appeal.  First on the list is fresh greens.  This mantle above is stunning with just vases full of greens and white flowers.  All it takes is a trip to the grocery store and you have to go there anyway.

m.styleathome.com

You can purchase fresh garlands at many stores and all you need is a strand or two of lights.  This will take you all of 15 minuets to complete and how beautiful are the results?

theinspiredroom.net

Again, fresh wreaths can be found all around and all you need to do is replace a picture on the wall with a hanging wreath to feel festive.

dreamywhitesonline.com

A bowl of pretty ornaments on the coffee table is understated but looks like Christmas.

shabbyfufu.blogspot.com

Let's be real, it takes time to go pick out a tree and set it up at home.  Just do it and skip the ornaments.  All a fresh tree really needs is lights so it looks lovely at night.

fresh greens and flowers for the mantel: check

garland on the banister: check

fresh wreath: check

bowl of ornaments: check

simple tree with lights: check

All done!

Have a beautiful weekend everyone!

A Tommy Smythe Christmas

Tommy Smythe sarahrichardsondesign.com

Designers Tommy Smythe and Lindsay Mens Craig designed this gorgeous condo.  There are a few things we can all learn from the good taste displayed in the Christmas decor of these images: simple is best; fresh greenery is all you need.  I am in love with the grey and gold scheme of the above room!  

mynottinghill.blogspot.com

www.cbc.ca

www.cbc.ca

Which do you prefer? The upscale grey and gold scheme or the black, white and red?  

Pastel Christmas

This year I've been seeing a lot of lovely Christmas decor staring soft, shiny pastels.  They have a girly, retro vibe that I just love.  I don't think the boys in my house would go for it but I can admire it anyway and perhaps talk someone else into giving this beautiful look a try.

vintagewhitesblog.com

decor8blog.com

vintagewhitesblog.com

sarahrichardsondesign.com

neutralheaven.blogspot.com

Isn't that enchanting?

Today, I'm off to help set up for a birthday party for an adorable three year old girl.  This weekend we are taking the kids to see A Christmas Carol play at the local theatre company.  It should be a wonderful weekend.

The Writing on the Wall {or in this case the mirror or glass}

We made it to Friday folks!  I'm very happy for many reasons:  I have less homework this week so I can catch up with Lori hopefully (I miss her!) Also, we are decorating for Christmas on Sunday.  I know it is before Thanksgiving but we celebrated last weekend.  I've been seeing more beautiful writing using chalk pens on mirror or glass lately and I think if can be beautiful.  Now, when I do it not so much but if you have beautiful writing and basic art skills you should try this one out.  It reminds me of old fashioned store windows and it's sweet.

curiousdetails.com

nellyvintagehome.blogspot.com

inthefunlane.com

youaremyfave.com

 Am I the only one decorating for Christmas right now?  Let me know if you also cheat ever so slightly.  I figure it's part of the fun of being grown up.  I make the rules.  

Have a fantastic weekend everyone.

Thanksgiving Through Christmas Decorating

thisisglamorous.com
(Start with the mantle decor and add the pretty basket with gifts later)

While life is pretty busy for all of us this time of year and we all want shortcuts, we don't want it to look as though we have taken shortcuts.  Since Thanksgiving and Christmas are so close, why not start decorating for Christmas before Thanksgiving?  Now, I think there are a few tricks to this so that it looks appropriate:  Lot's of greens and candles to begin with (perhaps with a few pumpkins) and after Thanksgiving you can add all the tree decorations and pretty sparkly elements or just keep it simple and natural.  Also, pine cones are the perfect accent for fall to winter decorating.  Here are a few images that inspire me to get started but help my efforts last long after the turkey and stuffing are devoured.  

triciafoleyinthecountry.blogspot.com
I love this image and it is appropriate for Thanksgiving all the way through the New Year.  Maybe accent with sparkly lights in the garland or leave it simple.

yourcozyhome.blogspot.com

petit-jardin-secret.tumblr.com
Candles are always festive.  Just add mini white pumpkins for Thanksgiving.

cat-arzyna.tumblr.com
These moss stars are lovely and could work for Thanksgiving through the New Year as well.

ideasdecor.net
This table is just perfect for any winter celebration.

bespokeonly.tumblr.com
Again, beautiful greens and candles.

familyholiday.net
Start with pumpkins and then add the trees after Thanksgiving.  It just doesn't get any easier or more beautiful.

sagolikasinnen.blogspot.no
For me, this is the perfect, everyday dining environment during the holidays.  It could easily be dressed up for a special gathering.

traditionalhome.com
Here is the perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas hostess gift.  Why didn't I think of this?

Fresh greens or really good imitation garlands are the key to pulling off these looks.  They are inviting and simple and beautiful.  

Happy Decorating!

Merry-Almost Christmas

Whose ready for Christmas? I'm not. Not yet, anyway. I was good about getting (almost all of) my shopping done early this year, but I still haven't really wrapped anything. I haven't made Alli's nutcracker yet, like I do every year. Rebecca and Ty came over yesterday and helped me set up my new rug and they worked on the kitchen island- I can't wait to show you pictures, becuase it is looking pretty fantastic. For now, though, with it being Christmas eve and all, I thought I would leave you with a few pretty images. Merry Christmas!

image via Mandy Cave Watercolor

image via 

image via Rentokil

Is it just me, or does that look like
Gerald McBoing-boing peeking out the window?
Image via See What Jade Sees

I love me some Maurice Sendak.
This was one of my favorites to read to the
Cat when she was little.
image via See What Jane Sees

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

Creative Holiday Wreath Display

r_iver32 via instagram

Don't you just love instagram?!  It is so much fun to follow favorite blogger friends and designers and see their everyday inspirations.  One such designer I follow is Sarah Richardson.  Recently, she asked her instagram followers to snap a shot of how they style a wreath and hash tag it #showsharesarah.  Above is my offering:  A simple pinecone wreath in the center of my mantel mirror.  She is going to choose her favorite pics to share on her website sarahrichardsondesign.com.  There are quite a few lovely pictures that her followers have submitted and I have been enjoying browsing.  I hope mine makes that cut...how fun that would be!

I decided that I would do a little post on fresh ideas for holiday wreaths today, since wreaths have been on my mind of late.

designsponge.com

evelynandrose.blogspot.com

mybestfriendcraig.blogspot.com

elementsofstyleblog.com

inspired-design.tumblr.com

countryliving.com

desiretoinspire.net

camillestylesinc.com

pinimg.com

weewestchester.com

myhomeideas.com

Some interesting ideas, right?  There are so many creative people out there.  

Any ideas you are loving right now for wreaths?