My Essentials For Christmas Decorating

November 17, 2018

Hi friends. I hope everyone had an amazing week. I was running in overdrive all week and still didn’t get everything checked off my to-do list. Needless to say, I’m so happy the weekend is here. Other than decorating for a client on Sunday, I’m hoping of a low-key weekend at home.

If you follow me on Instagram you know that I’ve already started decorating my home for Christmas. I’ve got a few more things to do and then I’m calling it done. I’ll be sharing sneak peeks of my decor next week and then the big reveal will be on November 28th as part of the Merry & Bright Holiday Home Tour.

As I’ve been decking the halls, I’ve gotten a few questions about what elements I think are key when decorating for Christmas. In today’s post I’m sharing my decorating essentials plus giving you a look at some of my holiday decor from past years. I hope my tips help make your home extra festive this year!

Christmas 2016

If you ask me, the most important element when decorating for Christmas is CREATING A THEME FOR YOUR DECOR. The theme can be based on anything–colors, a pattern or a specific design element. In 2016 my theme was A Bright & Bold Christmas and I used a mixed of colorful ornaments as the foundation to my decor. And last year I used my favorite colors, red and hot pink as my theme. Whatever inspires you, use that as your theme.

Christmas 2017–Pink Satin Ribbon // Red Stripe Ribbon (similar here)

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The second most important element when decorating for Christmas is beautiful RIBBON. Ribbon is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to add color, pattern and texture in your holiday decor. And there are so many ways you can decorate with ribbon. I typically use ribbon on my tree and love adding it to my mantel decor as well. And beautiful ribbon is always part of my Christmas gift wrap.

2017– Gold Ribbon // Holly Leaf Ribbon // Wrapping Paper from HomeGoods

Tips For Decorating With Ribbon

Wired ribbon is best on Christmas trees because it’s easier to control the movement and positioning between the branches.
Non-wired, satin ribbon is great for making soft, single loop bows to hang on garland or a wreath. If you want a full, multi-loop bow, use a 1 1/2″ to 3″ wide wired-edge ribbon.
For added dimension combine two different styles of ribbon and tie a double bow or hang them together on your tree. To create visual impact, combine two different patterned ribbons together like a plaid and geometric.

Christmas 2017 // Pink Ornaments–Amara Living

2016

Christmas 2014–Harlequin Ribbon // Tartan Ribbon–Hobby Lobby

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Next on my essential holiday decor list is ornaments and not just one specific type of ornament but a VARIETY OF ORNAMENTS. If you look at Christmas tree decor on Pinterest, you’ll see that the most beautiful trees all have one thing in common, variety. Decorate your tree with ornaments in different sizes, shape, material and finishes to create a dynamic tree.

Christmas 2011

I also like to decorate with ornaments around my house, placing them in bowls or under glass cloches. It’s a simple decorative touch that’s perfect for a coffee or console table.

Christmas 2016

Christmas 2017

Tips For Decorating With Ornaments:

Your Christmas tree will really sparkle if you incorporate shiny gold, silver or glass ornaments that reflect the lights on the tree.
Wire small ornaments together in clusters of three so they stand out on your tree.
Incorporate ornaments into your bookshelf displays as a fun holiday touch.
Anything that can hang securely on your tree can be considered an ornament. In 2015 I hung framed photos and decorative cardboard coasters on our tree as ornaments.

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Whether real or faux, GARLAND is definitely an essential decorative element that you want to use when decorating for Christmas. In addition to hanging garland on the mantle and stair banisters, I like to drape it around mirrors, on the sideboard and over the headboard in our bedroom.

Christmas 2015

2017–Red/White Pillows–Ikea // Wreath Pillow-HomeGoods

2017

Tips For Decorating With Garland:

If you use faux garland but want the scent of real, add a few fresh greenery pieces into your garland. Fresh sprigs will also add texture.
Add embellishments like ornaments, decorative pics or magnolia leaves to enhance your garland.
Instead of running garland straight along the mantle, swag it to create visual movement and softness. Place ribbon or bows at the scallop points to highlight the lines of the garland.
When using fresh garland on a tabletop, always place a tablecloth, runner or piece of fabric underneath to protect the table surface.

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Another element that I like to add to my holiday decor are UNEXPECTED TOUCHES like framed holiday prints and holiday decor in the kitchen. Small touches here and there will make your entire home feel festive.

Christmas 2016

2017

Christmas 2014

Christmas 2017

Tips For Adding Unexpected Touches In Your Christmas Decor:

Decorate the areas that have the most visibility in your house. If you have family or company coming for the holidays, add festive touches to the guest bedroom.
UpStyle pillar or jar candles by wrapping them in holiday themed craft paper.
Tie a simple bow to the lid of ginger jars, on lanterns or tall candle holders.
Replace a few pieces of artwork around your home with a Christmas printable or holiday patterned gift wrap.

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The last item on my decorating essentials list is PRETTY WRAPPING PAPER. I like to coordinate my paper and ribbon with my theme so the gifts look extra pretty under the tree. I use a variety of paper designs and ribbon styles that tie back to the colors and patterns on my tree. And I add embellishments like a small ornaments, vintage jewelry or craft supplies to make each gift unique.

2017

2017

Christmas 2016

Christmas 2014

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For creative gift wrap ideas and tips, check out my Gift Wrap 101 Guide. And if you’re in Atlanta, join me on Dec. 1st for my Gift Wrap Workshop with Steve McKenzie’s and Verde Home. You’ll find all the details below.

‘Tis the season and happy decorating!

The Best Christmas Tree Scented Candles

November 14, 2018

When we lived in Seattle I was all about natural Christmas decor. Every year we’d go to a Christmas tree farm to cut down a tree. And I would drape fresh garland on the mantel, along the staircase and around the front door. Despite all the needles I had to sweep up, I loved the smell of fresh greenery at Christmas.

When we moved to Atlanta, we decorated with a fresh tree for a few years but it wasn’t the same. The tree dried out faster and the fragrance was never as good. Fifteen years ago we made the switch from real to faux decor and I found other ways to bring a Christmas scent into our home. Candles were the answer!

Here’s a round up of my favorite Christmas Tree scented candles that will make your home smell like a fresh cut tree. And in case you’re wondering, I’ve burned every candle on my list so they are all ConfettiStyle approved!

My Favorite Christmas Candles

Williams Sonoma Winter Forest ($19.95)–Like all of the products from Williams Sonoma, this Winter Forest candle has a long-lasting scent and burns clean (none of that soot build-up). And at $19.95 this candle is a great gift basket item.

Bath and Body Works Fresh Balsam ($24.50, sale $14.50)–There are so many great candle scents from Bath and Body Works and the Fresh Balsam is definitely at the top of my list. The smell is amazing and the price (currently on sale for $14.50) makes it a great value for the size. I buy this candle in multiples and burn it all the way through February when it’s still cold out.

Thymes Fraiser Fir ($50.00)–When it comes to Christmas Tree scents, this candle is pretty legendary. It’s a little more expensive than the others but the quality and fragrance make it well worth the price. And if candles aren’t your thing, I also recommend their fragrance mist and diffuser.

Illume Balsam and Cedar($28.00)–I love the collection of Balsam and Cedar candles from Illume. The scent is wonderful and they sell classic jar and tin candles as well as decorative containers like mercury glass.

Nest Birchwood Pine ($41.96-affiliate link)–Nest candles are one of my go-to luxury gift items. The jars are beautiful and the Birchwood Pine fragrance is soft but strong at the same time.

Aunt Sadie’s Tree In A Candle($21.00-–affiliate link)–I discovered this candle when I had my home decor store. The retro packaging is what initially drew me to the line but once I burned a candle, I was totally sold. The scent is awesome and the candle burns really clean.

DIY Mason Jar Matches

Now that you know what my favorite holidays candles are, be sure to read my post on How To Burn Candles The Right Way so you get the best burn from your candles.

Unique Christmas Decor Finds To Make Your Decor Extra Special

November 5, 2018

Happy November friends! Can you believe that there are only two months left in the year and only 50 days until Christmas? Boy has this year flown by. When it comes to Christmas decorating, I know there are two camps–put it up early or wait until after Thanksgiving. No matter where you are with decorating, I wanted to share a few awesome holiday decor items that I’ve come across recently. From tree decor and gift giving, to entertaining and mantel decor, I’m sure you’ll find and item or you that you’ll love. And while you’re shopping my picks, have your gift list handy because many of these items make great gifts too!

Favorite Christmas Decor Finds

Monogram Ornaments–I think these monogram ornaments are so darn cute! I bought a handful to use as gift tags on presents but think they would also be fun napkin rings. If you like these, you’ll want to get them soon because I think they are going to sell out fast.

Flat Stocking Holder–Finally a stocking holder that won’t compete with your holiday mantel decor. And if you don’t have a mantel you can use them to hang stockings from a console table or bookshelf.

Buffalo Check Tree Skirt–This black and white check tree skirt is an easy way to add a fun twist to your Christmas decor no matter what your holiday color theme.

Aerin Heart Ornaments–I would buy this set of heart ornaments and break them up into individual gifts for special friends or clients. The set would also look great in a pretty bowl as everyday decor.

Piles Of Patches Christmas Stocking–This stocking took my breath way. It’s so pretty and unique! I love the 3-d elements, fabric mix and the vintage feel that it has.

Ornaments Salad Plates–Every few years I buy a new set of holiday salad plates as an easy way to pair with my classic china. I love the fun vide and colorful pattern on these ornament plates.

Letter To Santa Christmas Mailbox Ornament–Whenever I teach a gift wrap workshop, people ask me for creative wrapping ideas for money gifts. This mailbox ornament from the Hearth & Hand collection at Target would be great to hold folded up bills or a check. Just add a gift tag and hang it on the tree and no one will suspect there’s a treasure inside.

Holiday Wreath Christmas Pillow–It’s really had to find a holiday pillow that not all red and green but still feels like Christmas. I love the embroidered wreath on this velvet pillow.

Joy Napkin Wrap–A few months ago I shared a JOY napkin ring from Frontgate on the blog and so many of you loved it. Unfortunately it’s no longer available but I found this option that’s just as fun. It’s available in a gold and silver finish.

Mercury Glass Trees–Just add a string of lights or flameless candles inside these mercury glass trees for an instant centerpiece on a side board or mantel.

Felt Ball Garland–This felt garland would be so cute on a kids tree or draped along a staircase. I’d also use the garland nestled into a plain glass vase or candle hurricane.

Velvet Ribbon–This velvet ribbon would make great bows to hang on a tree, garland or to use for gift wrapping.

And speaking of ribbon and gift wrap, do you want to take your gift wrap game to the next level this holiday? If so, I’d love for you to join me for my Creative Gift Wrap Workshop on Dec. 1st, hosted by Steve McKenzie’s and Verde Home. Full workshop detail below. Space is limited so get your tickets today on Eventbirte.

Be sure to tune in all week as I’ll be sharing more holiday inspiration and decorating ideas with you.

Weekend Wrap-Up | Seasonal Delights & More

October 27, 2018

Cheers to a lazy weekend! The hubs and I got up and ran a few errands this morning and now that we’re home, we’ve been watching gory movies on the SyFy channel. I hope I don’t have a bad dream tonight.

Anyway, I wanted to pop in and share a few seasonal favorites, fashion finds and decor inspiration from the week. I hope you enjoy!

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FALL & HOLIDAY DECOR INSPIRATION

I spotted this tassel Christmas stocking at Anthropologie and immediately thought about how easy it would be to UpStyle a plain stocking with yarn tassels.

I love this seasonal Thanksgiving tablescape from Minted. The layering is perfection.

For those of you that decorate for Christmas in traditional red and green, these gorgeous ornaments are for you.

These beaded ornaments would make fun wine bottle or gift tags.

Great Thanksgiving traditions the make the most of the day.

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FALL & HOLIDAY FASHION FINDS

When its cold outside (like today) you’ll most likely find me wearing yoga pants and a sweatshirt. I love a sweatshirt that has a little style to it and recently picked up this cute striped sweatshirt. It’s so cozy and I love the puff sleeve.

This tartan plaid shirt would be fun to wear to a casual Christmas party.

I don’t shop H & M that often but they’ve got some really cute clothes right now. And you can’t beat their prices. This cute nordic inspired sweater and this mohair blend sweater are two seasonal faves.

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OTHER GREAT STUFF

This new retro designed monogram mug from Anthroplogie would make a great Christmas gift. The matching coasters are awesome too.

A great roundup of 50 amazing home decor items on Amazon.

I see this all the time. The 3″ Decorating Mistake That Everyone Makes.

I couldn’t agree more about one of my favorite decor color combos.

DIY Embroidery Hoop Christmas Wreath

December 4, 2017

Happy Monday! Today I’m popping in to share a quick and simple DIY Holiday Wreath with you.

A few weeks ago I was unpacking book in my office and came across some embroidery hoops I bought at Goodwill last year. I don’t remember if I had a project in mind when I purchased them but there they were. One of the hoops was really large and I immediately knew I could use it to make a holiday wreath.

Here’s the supply list and the easy steps for making this wreath.

Embroidery Hoop Christmas Wreath

Supplies:

Large Embroidery Hoop–you can find these at craft stores but also check the shelves at your local thrift store.

Decorative Paper–The paper will need to be wider than your embroidery hoop. I used a piece of polka dot wrapping paper cut to size for my wreath banner.

Faux Holiday Greenery–You’ll need about 4 or 5 depending on how full the stems are. I used a mix of greenery types to create a natural look.

Sharpie–You’ll use this to hand letter your holiday message. If you have a crafting machines like a Circut or Silhouette you can create a decal for your banner.

How To:

Step 1: Cut a piece of decorative paper about 2 inches wider than your hoop and about 5 inch tall. You can leave the edges of the paper straight or use craft scissors to create a decorative edge. **adjust the size of your banner to fit the size of your hoop.

Step 2: Open the embroidery hoop and insert your banner between the inner and outer pieces of wood. Cut away any excess paper behind the hoop.

Step 3: Attached the faux greenery stems to the top of the embroidery hoop using floral wire to secure it. I arranged my greenery off-center for a more artistic look.

Step 4: Hang your wreath on a door (interior or covered door) and enjoy! My wreath is hanging on our guest bedroom door.

Merry & Bright Holiday Home Tour, Part 2–‘Tis The Season

December 7, 2016

I’m back with part 2 of the Merry & Bright Holiday Home Tour and today I’m sharing more of my holiday decor with you. If you’re coming over from Debbie’s blog Refresh ReStyle, welcome. And if this is your first time here at ConfettiStyle, I hope you’ll come back often.

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Read the Post

Oh Christmas Tree–Merry & Bright Holiday Home Tour part 1

November 30, 2016

I’m back today with another awesome blog hop. It’s the Merry & Bright Holiday Home Tour that I host with my blogging buddy Kellie from Design Asylum. This is the second year for the tour and we have an amazing line-up of 12 bloggers taking you on a tour of their holiday homes. If you’re coming over from Meg’s blog Green With Decor, welcome! I ‘m happy you’re here.

The Merry & Bright Holiday Home Tour takes place over next three weeks with today being the first in the series. We’ll be sharing more holiday cheer on Dec. 7th and Dec. 14th so mark your calendars.

Enough with the details…let’s get this party started!

Today I’m showing you my Christmas tree as well as a couple of sneak peeks at some of the other holiday decor that you’ll see next week.

If you remember a few weeks back I shared the inspiration for my holiday decor. It was this Poinsettia themed wrapping paper from Paper Mart.

Every year I change my tree decor and this year I decided to go with a theme that is perfect for the Merry & Bright Holiday Home Tour. The red, pink and green in the paper set the tone for my tree decor with a few additional colors thrown in to spice things up. I’m calling my tree the Merry & Bright tree.

During the day the bright colors make me smile and in the evening, all lit up the tree is just as beautiful.

Since the background of my inspirational wrapping paper is black, I decided to use two different ribbons on the tree. One is a black and white plaid and the other is a two-sided red and green satin.

To keep things simple, I used only solid colored ornaments in different colors, sizes and finishes. And I layered the ornaments from the inside out to give the tree a full look.

Bar Cart (thrifted) // ‘Tis The Season Sign from HomeGoods (similar here)

Fun Plaid Ribbon // Ornaments collected over the years

Here’s a little glimpse of some of the gifts I’ve wrapped so far. Next week I’ll share all of my wrapped packages with you as well as some fun gift wrapping ideas.

This green bubble ribbon makes an appearance in several areas of my decor and is so beautiful as a bow. Did I mention that I love making bows!

Bubble Embossed Satin Ribbon // Disco Ball Ornaments

Ornament Art

Next week you’ll also get to see my new blue and white bedroom decor which I’ve decked out for the holidays.

Oh Christmas Tree, oh Christmas Tree

We’ll friends, that’s my Christmas tree. I’ve got more decorating to finish up this week and can’t wait to show you more of my holiday home.

Now it’s time to head over to The Home I Create and check out Linda’s beautiful holiday decor.

And be sure to stop by all the participating bloggers to see how they’ve decked out their homes for the holidays…

Design Asylum // Love Your Abode // Refresh ReStyle // Life and Style At 60 // Positively Southern

M. Jones Style // Chic On A Shoestring Decorating // My Life Well Loved // Green With Decor

ConfettiStyle (me) // The Home I Create // Wife In Progress

I’m also excited that one of my favorite wrap, ribbon and paper goods companies has joined on as a sponsor for this years Merry & Bright Holiday Home Tour. Throughout the tour the participating bloggers will be showcasing Paper Mart ribbon and gift wrap products to inspire your holiday decor.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

I’d like to thank Paper Mart who graciously supplied some of the wrapping paper and ribbon featured in this post. As a designer and avid gift wrapper, Paper Mart is one of my go-to source for quality wrap ping paper and paper products. And I love sharing my favorite resources with you. All images and opinions in this post are mine.

Preparing For The Holidays (and reducing holiday stress)

November 14, 2016

Can you believe that there are only 41 days until Christmas? This weekend the magnitude of my holiday to-do list set in and I began to panic about everything I need to get done. When that panic set in I knew I need to sit down and strategize my holiday season. With pen and paper in hand, I outlined a strategy to take the stress out of the holidays and put the joy back in.

I know many of you can relate so today I’m sharing my tips for a Stress-Free Holiday Season.

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PLAN YOUR HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

Planning is key to getting things done this holiday and finding time to enjoy the season. The first thing to do is pull out your calendar and jot down all the activities you want and need to participate in. Plan time to enjoy holiday traditions with family and friends and block out time to just relax.

tip: pull out your favorite board games and put them in a basket where they are accessible and will encourage play time.

CREATE A DETAILED GIFT LIST

If you haven’t started your gift list yet , it’s time to sit down and create one. Spend time online looking for the perfect gift and do some price comparisons. Plan to shop on Small Business Saturday (Sat., Nov. 26th) to support your favorite local businesses. When planning your gift lists, gather store coupons so they will be handy when you head out to shop.

tip: many stores have already started offering Black Friday Deals so shopping early can reduce stress and save you some money.

And to make things even easier, I created a fun Gift List printable below for you to use.

Download Christmas Gift List

GET THE GUEST ROOM READY

Hosting guests during the holidays doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you plan ahead. Stock up on petite size toiletries and snack food for your guest to use and enjoy. Wash sheets and towels and placed them in a linen closet or accessible storage area. Create an essential list for your guest including phone numbers, house alarm code, wi-fi password and local points of interest.

tip: place a basket in your guest bedroom to hold extra blankets and pillows so guest don’t have to come asking for them.

STOCK UP ON NECESSARY COOKING SUPPLIES/FOOD ITEMS

Don’t take the chance that your grocery store will have everything you need days before Thanksgiving and Christmas. Plan your holiday menus and shop now for all the necessary supplies. Stock up on items like beverages, frozen food and spices so you have enough to last through the season.

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DECORATE YOUR OWN WAY

Decorating during the holidays can sometimes feel like a challenge–who can make their home the merriest. One way to take the stress out of the season is to decorate your way. Decorate as little or as much as you want and don’t feel bad if you don’t get it all done. This is the time of year when the focus should be on spending time with family and friends and remembering all that we have to be grateful for.

tip: if the idea of decorating a tree has you cringing, don’t do it. Hang a few garlands and wreaths, put out a few Christmas pillows and call it a day.

PLAY MUSIC

Music is proven to have a calming effect so during the busy holiday season turn on some tunes and enjoy the season through music. Create a holiday playlist in iTunes that includes your favorite Christmas songs and make it a point to enjoy at least 30 minutes of music each day.

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KEEP YOU HOME CLUTTER FREE AND ORGANIZED

It’s easy to let clutter and chaos take over during the holidays. Create storage areas of holiday wrapping paper, supplies and cards so you have a designated place to store things. And spend 10 minutes every day walking through the house so that task of doing major cleaning is more manageable.

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Preparing For The Holidays…RELAX & ENJOY

The most important tip I can share for reducing stress this holiday is to relax and enjoy the season.