A Holiday Decorating Essential

November 10, 2011

For most of us, Christmas decorating is a couple of weeks away, but for me lots of prep is underway now.

A big part of my design business this time of year involves decorating clients homes for Christmas. AND, in preparing for this I stock up on 3M Command Hooks, which is one of my essential holiday decorating tools.

If you are not familiar with Command Hooks, or if you’ve never used them before, you’ve been missing out. Command Hooks are truly priceless when it comes to putting up Christmas decorations inside and outside your home (and for general decorating too!)

The beauty of Command Hooks is that they will mount on any smooth surface and can be removed without damaging the paint, wall paper, paneling etc.

I use different sizes when I’m decorating a home and love that Command Hooks come in different finishes and are so easy to apply.

The mini clear hooks are one of my favorite products and are perfect for hanging ornaments from a window or anywhere you need the hook to really disappear.

During the Christmas season in my store, I used Command Hooks everywhere to hold up garland around a mantle and to hang wreaths on walls and doors. Here are a few holiday photos from the store last year where Command Hooks were used.

Command Hooks were placed on the corners of the mantel and the garland was secured to them with floral wire. This garland was pretty heavy and the hooks did a great job in preventing the garland from slipping.

In this mantel arrangement, the bow and ornaments surrounding it were attached using Command Hooks.

This is a clients home and we used Command Hooks at the top of the window and then hung the bow, greenery and ornaments from them.

Command Hooks are so versatile and make decorating at the holidays really easy.

via pinterest

The hooks are perfect for hanging wreaths in an area where you wouldn’t want to place a nail, like this staircase.

via pinterest

Command Hooks work great on a front door, hanging a holiday sign. I’ve even used the bigger hooks outside to hang garland around my front door.

via pinterest

The clear hooks are perfect for hanging garland from a mirror or window frame!

via pinterest

So, as I get ready for a slew of house decorating, I wanted to let everyone in on one of my essential holiday decorating tools and why I love COMMAND HOOKS so much. You might just want to try them out for yourselves, I promise, you’ll be HOOKED!

Do you have any “can’t live without” holiday decorating tools you use? I’d love to know.

Fun Fall DIY Projects

September 9, 2011

The cooler temperatures here in Atlanta really have me in a fall mood. Even though the temperatures will increase a bit this weekend, I just can’t fight the desire to stay indoors and get crafty making some decorative things for fall.

If you’ve got the fall bug too, check out these fabulous and easy autumn inspired DIY projects. It’s the perfect time to get a jump on your fall decorating.

(click on the links for full tutorial info and source)

Felt Flower Wreath tutorial from Little Things Bring Smiles

Pom Pom Pumpkin from Domestifluff

Fall Decopague Pumpkin from Midwest Living

Framed Fall Letters from TaterTots&Jello

Sewn Leaf Bowls From MarthaStewart

Sweater Vase/Candleholders from UnderTheTableandDreaming

Fall Leaves Glass Hurricanes from 320 Sycamore

Be Thankful Pillow–BetterHomesandGardens

I hope you have something fun and crafty planned this weekend!

The Makings of a Fall Wardrobe

September 8, 2011

I mentioned in yesterday’s blog post, that I had to stop by a mall during our weekend road trip to pick up a few things suitable for 62 degree weather. While shopping for items that I needed, I was totally in tune to the fall looks and started creating a list of items and looks I WANTED for fall.

For me, fall will be all about COLOR, TEXTURE, PATTERN, DETAILS AND ALL THINGS PLUSH AND COZY. Here’s the looks I hope to be sporting for the season…

I love long skirts, even though I’m on the shorter side of the growth chart (5’2″). While the horizontal stripes in this skirt are not my favorite, the combination of a long skirt, a great pair of boots and a sweater may be my go to outfit for fall.

I Love Scarves! Solid, plaid, patterned…you name it. For fall, I plan to wear a lot of solid colored scarves and give them a bit more style with the addition of a vintage pin. I’ve found some really great scarves at TJMaxx, Old Navy and Macy’s.

I worked for Eddie Bauer (all things cold weather) for 11 years and developed somewhat of love for outerwear. A few years ago I purchased a bright red wool coat and hope to add something bold and orange to the mix this year. Color makes me happy, even in the dead of winter. This particular beauty is by Burberry and is available at Nordstrom.

So, we all know about my handbag obsession. Just looking at this clutch makes my heart go pitter patter. Love the animal print and compact size. A must-have for fall!

via Shopstyle

I’m loving the tie neck blouses that are being shown for fall. I remember wearing these “back in the day” and can’t wait to relive this style moment.

What girl doesn’t love (faux) fir? I have a couple of fur collars (handed down from my mom), that I’m planning to add to simple cardigans and blazers for fall.

via Nordstrom

This boot is definitely on my list. I love the rugged heel with the more stylized flap and buckle detail. Vaneli Jancey Boot available at Nordstrom.

Classic cardigans are already a wardrobe staple for me, but I want to add a few new colors to my line-up for fall. Deciding what colors is the hard part.

I’m waiting a few more weeks to hit the stores and really begin my fall shopping. And, I’m sure I’ll add a few more things to my shopping list before then.

Have you starting shopping for fall yet? What’s on your list?

unless noted above, all images via Pinterest

Best of Etsy: Fall Finds

September 7, 2011

Sorry I was MIA yesterday. Our little road trip and visit with family had me somewhat preoccupied. The trip was nice, despite the fact that I totally under-estimated the weather (62 degrees) and had to stop by the nearest mall to pick up a few cold weather items.

Since I’m officially in a Fall state of mind, I’ve pulled together some fabulous finds from Etsy for you to enjoy.

Faceted Glass Acorn with bead cap–WhysperFairy

Fall Paper Wreath–SimpleJoysDecor

Handpainted Fall Leaves Gourd Bowl–NatsKreations

Knitted Fall Scarves–CraftsbyManuella

Felt Handbag–SusanbFlanagan

Fingerless Gloves–EweniqueEssentials

Upholstered Fall Leaves Chair–RubbishRehab

Autumn Accent Pillow Cover–Pillowville

Cardinal Stationery Note Cards–FionaDesigns

Fall Flower Necklace–WickedRuby

Are You Ready?

September 5, 2011

While it’s only September 5th, I’m ready for the temperatures to drop and the leaves to change. While we may not be able to control the weather, we can begin to make changes within our home to usher in Fall.

Infusing a bit of Fall into your decor is as simple as this…

Add in a few warm, spice tones. Changing out pillows on the sofa is a quick and easy way to transition for one season to the next.
Add layers with throw blankets. Pull out a textured, plush throw and drape it across the arm of a chair or the foot of the bed.
Change out some artwork. Replace bolder pieces of art for pieces with warmer, richer colors. Try framing decorative fabric, wrapping paper or scrapbook paper in inexpensive Ikea frames.
Look at replacing a white or neutral lampshade with a black, dark brown or linen shade.
Change out your area rugs or add one if your floors have gone bare all summer. Rugs will make a space feel cozy and more intimate.
Paint–while time-consuming, painting your walls or just one accent wall in a fall inspired color will add instant warmth.
Light the candles and use beautiful bunches of fall flowers to enhance your tabletop arrangements.

For those of you like me, ready for summer to fade away and those of you that may not have embraced the idea of Fall yet, I think these images will add fuel to your fire.

Enjoy and be inspired which ever side of the fence you’re on.

Love the orange pillows and how easily they work with red accents.

This room is pure warmth and coziness. Love all the textured pillows on the sofa and that fluffy rug.

The orange accents really give the space added style, while making the color palette rich and warm.

So simple, but so cozy!

So beautiful how orange, brown, citrus green, off-white and a pop of red work together to give this space depth.

Love all the textures!

Cool colors and warm colors create a beautiful look! The orange pillows tie it all together.

All it takes is a single pop of color.

Such an eclectic mix of color and pattern–stunning!

A single color carried throughout the room–lovely!

Love how this small corner was turned into a stunning art display, set off by the pumpkin walls.

Even a play room can have a sophisticated fall feeling.

Love the rug. I can see a sisal for spring/summer and this gorgeous pattern for the fall/winter.

Texture, color and layers…it’s that easy!

Are you ready for Fall? What changes will you be making with your decor?

all images via pinterest. For more inspiraton check out my Pinterest boards here!

Bits of Inspiration–The Last of Summer

September 2, 2011

We’re setting off an a little road trip this weekend, trying to take advantage of the last days of summer. Along the way, we plan to do a little of this…