The Christmas Table

Christmas table 2014In order to get prepared for Christmas dinner, the first thing you need to do is decorate the table! As pictured above, I have a combination of nutcrackers, a glittery deer, birds, trees, and a ceramic town scene. While many people would only choose one of these elements as a focal point, I decided to use all of them! It gives the table more interest, and creates multiple conversation pieces via all the different decorations. There are an infinite number of ways to decorate your table. You can have one large centerpiece, decorate part of your table, create an ornate tablescape, or keep it simple by using a single, muted color. No matter what you choose, you’re sure to have a beautiful table that will impress and delight your guests!

The Christmas Tree

Each year I choose a different theme when decorating our Christmas tree. This year’s theme? Gold and silver! Every bulb on the tree has either gold or silver on it. In addition to the bulbs, we have other ornaments on display as well. They include new and old favorites, bought both at home and abroad.

Christmas tree 2014_ornaments

Below are close-up pictures of a few ornaments. I also use snowflakes in various colors to fill in any gaps not covered by ornaments or bulbs. The snowflakes can be found at big box and craft stores. I’ve found they’re a great and inexpensive way to add color to a tree. If you’ve already decorated your tree, I suggest loading up at the end of December (they’ll be on clearance) and save them for next year’s tree.

Ornament close up 1_2014

Ornament close up 2_2014

How do you choose your Christmas tree decorations? Whether you have a theme or prefer a more random approach, you’ll have a beautiful tree that reflects the holiday season!

Sparkles in the Darkness

Sparkling flower in the darkAs I walked by the Christmas tree one night, I noticed something shining in the darkness. The lights from the tree were causing the gold decorations above the window to sparkle in the dark! I thought it looked awesome, to I decided to take a photo. I love the colorful sparkles shining in the darkness! Not only is this a great way to add interest to a room, but it also reminds us that there is always light in the darkness (hang in there!). Happy Holidays!

A Well Lit Table

When people talk about illuminating their tables, they typically only think of candles. However, there are many different items you can use besides candles to create a well lit scene. On my table, I decided to use a ceramic Christmas café that lights up. The illuminated building is shown below.

Ceramic Christmas cafe

To give the piece more interest during the day, I also added a bridge and three pine trees (all ceramic). I created a pond using blue scrapbook paper and arranged the trees around its outer banks. As seen below, the illuminated building provides the perfect amount of light for the other pieces.

Christmas cafe_bridge_trees

Interested in a similar look? You can find plain ceramic pieces at most craft stores. You can either leave them unpainted like I did, or paint them how you’d like. Whether you use candles, illuminated ceramics, or a combination of both, you can create a table that’s both festive and unique.

Happy 1st Anniversary!

Christmas Tree 2014_anniversary postHello, and Happy Anniversary! It was one year ago today that I published my first post! My first post contained an image of my Christmas tree, so I decided to keep the theme for my 1st anniversary. Pictured to the right is a nighttime shot of this year’s tree. I hope you enjoy it and find inspiration in the photo. A big thanks to all of my followers and those who have liked my posts over the past year, and those who have watched my video. I hope you continue to enjoy my decorating tips and ideas, and that they help you find the inspiration you need to transform your place into a chic space!

Switching from Thanksgiving to Christmas

Above the painting_Christmas decorAs seen on the right, I decided to update the space above our painting for Christmas! To replace my Thanksgiving decor I decided to used a simple red bow and two glittery trees. I have an identical bow attached to a hutch on the opposite wall, so I wanted to decorate in a way that tied together the two sides of the room. If you don’t have two of the same decorations, you can also use decorations that are the same color. No matter what you decide to do, you can create a decorating scheme that ties together any space!

The Christmas Wreath

Christmas wreath 2014Throughout the year we have two matching paintings hanging on either side of our dining room window. However, when Christmas comes around I take them down and replace them with hand-crafted wreathes. This year’s wreath is pictured to the right! Unlike last year’s wreath, this one features red bows and bulbs in different colors. I use a plain faux wreath (found at craft stores) and decorate them differently each year. Try using items you already have (bulbs, bows, tinsel, etc.) to decorate your wreathes. Not only does this let you match the decor throughout your home, but also lets you create a unique piece each year. No matter how you decide to decorate your wreath, you’ll be sure to create one that looks great in your space!

The Aurora Borealis on the Ceiling

Aurora borealis ceilingShortly after Thanksgiving, as is tradition, our Christmas tree was up and on display. When I passed the tree one night I looked up at the ceiling and was amazed at what I saw. As the picture on the right demonstrates, my ceiling looked like the aurora borealis! Not only does this give our ceiling a bit of character, but it also makes a nice picture. You can easily take a similar picture by taking a photo of the ceiling above a lighted tree. Once the picture is taken, you can frame and display it on a shelf along with other winter-related items of a similar hue (bulbs, ornaments, snowflakes, etc.). With all the lights and colors of the season, it’s easy to take inspiration from what’s around you to create a decorating scheme that looks beautiful throughout the entire holiday season!

The Bird in the Backyard

Bird in backyard_unknownYesterday as I was working on my Christmas decorations I was alerted to visitors in the backyard. I looked out and was surprised to see a group of birds having a bite to eat. I’ve never seen this type of bird before (do you know what type it is?), so I decided to take a photo and put it on my blog. I love the different types of wildlife you encounter throughout the year! A photo like this would make a great Christmas gift for anyone that has a passion for birds or nature. Additionally, due to its neutral palette, a picture like this would also look great on a wall in any space. Be sure to stay tuned for great design ideas for the holiday season!

ANNOUNCEMENT: Check out the My Videos page to see my video on my new YouTube channel!

Enjoy Christmas until the End

Lighted Christmas treeHave you taken down some or all of your Christmas decorations? If so, you can still enjoy what’s left of the holiday season. Even though there are no decorations on my tree, I still enjoy the lights every evening. When you take down your decorations, try leaving the tree up until January 1st. The glow of the tree will remind you of Christmas, and welcome you into 2014.