Merry & Bright Holiday Home Tour-Part 2

December 9, 2015

Welcome to part 2 of the Merry & Bright Holiday Home Tour. It has been such fun to partner with my 8 fellow bloggers to bring you lots of holiday inspiration.

If you’re coming over from Love Your Abode thanks for stopping in and if you’re one of my regular readers, thanks for your continued love and support! Did you see all the amazing details in Yuni’s decor this week?! WOW, I didn’t think she could top last week but she sure did.

This week on the tour we’re focusing on our entertaining spaces and how we celebrate the season. Entertaining is such a joy and this year will be extra special since my brother now lives in Atlanta and my mom is coming for Christmas.

When I think of holiday entertaining I think of family dinners at a beautiful table so I got a jump on things and set my table for a Merry & Bright Christmas dinner. Playing off the color theme from my Christmas tree decor, I created a classic red & white tablescape with a few fun touches.

***One of the special touches to my table are these DIY placemats I made featuring a Merry & Bright printable art piece from Christina’s Etsy shop, My Love Note Designs ! I’ll be sharing the how-to and more details on the placemats tomorrow so stay tuned.

I wanted a lush looking centerpiece so I used a greenery candleholder in the center of the table. To dress it up, I added mini ornaments and decorative ornament sprays.

And to add layers to the table, I used three different linen pieces—a white tablecloth, a wide red and white stripe runner (made from simple cotton fabric) and a solid red runner from HomeGoods.

I hung a wreath on the mirror and added the metal Noel sign in the middle. I made the bow from ribbon I picked up at Michaels.

I layered each place setting starting with the DIY placemat, a red charger and white china. The Merry Christmas plates are from HomeGoods.

My vintage gold silverware and brass candleholders add a touch of metallic shine to the table. The holly leaf candleholders were a flea market find–one of my favorites ever!

These cute red and white check bags came from the dollar spot at Target and I’ll be filling them with small gifts/treats for everyone at the table. (p.s. I added the rhinestone M sticker to personalize it)

So the console table on the back wall wouldn’t feel left out, I created a beautiful flower arrangement using a mix of fresh and faux flowers and greenery. More on how I made the arrangement later in the week.

Another special touch at the table are the chair cones I tied to the back of each chair. I’ve had these metal cones for years and this year I filled them with a cedar spray, a piece of garland and mini ornaments.

Entertaining at our house also involves a cocktail bar so I added a few holiday touches to our gold bar cart.

The Merry & Bright wall plaque is from Kirklands. I saw it online and had to pull some strings to get my hands on one. I added the cedar sprays, bow and ornament clusters to make it just a bit more Merry & Bright.

And because no holiday is complete without hot chocolate, I snapped this last night as I was addressing my DIY Christmas cards.

Here’s another glimpse of my tree. I made a few changes to it since last week and replaced the chalkboard I had over the table with this mirror I had stashed in the garage. I just love this entire vignette.

And you see that cart next to the table with wrapping paper in it? I’ll be sharing that little project on Saturday. So fun and easy!

I hope you’re enjoying the Merry & Bright Holiday Home Tour. The fun doesn’t stop here…the next stop is OMG Lifestyle Blog. You’re going to love what Elaine has to share this week and if you missed her decor from last week, you can check it out here.

And you definitely want to check out all the other bloggers on the tour…

Confetti Style (yours truly)

OMG Lifestyle

Design Asylum Blog

Refresh Restyle

Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

I’ll be back next Wednesday, with part 3 and the tour finale. We’ve got more holiday decor to share and I’ll be doing a wrap up of my Merry & Bright Holiday Home!

You can see part 1 of my tour here.

5 Minute Holiday Doormat

December 3, 2015

I change out my doormats seasonally but when it was time to put one out for Christmas I realized I didn’t have a holiday themed one that went with this years decor.

What I had was this basic $4.99 doormat I purchased from Ikea last summer. It was tucked in a corner of the garage most likely waiting to be UpStyled.

Some Scotch Blue painters tape…

A can of Rustoleum Extra Cover Gloss Spray Paint in Apple Red…

and in five minutes I had a holiday doormat with a classic design.

Now that’s what I call holiday decorating on the cheap!

Holiday Gift Guide: Fashion Gifts

November 25, 2015

Clothing is one of the most gifted items at Christmas but that doesn’t mean you have to gift a basic sweater, a simple pair of gloves or a bundle of basic socks. Why not gift fashion with ultimate style. Here’s my His & Her Fashion Gift Guide and every item is $50 or less!

Plaid and Ponchos are two of the hottest fashion trends this winter and this Plaid Poncho is chic in every way. $38.00

These Stone Drop Hoop Earrings are definitely a one for them, one for me gift items. Available in 5 stone colors $46.80

This Reversible Faux Leather Tote w/Wristlet may just be the perfect handbag and it’s available in 6 color options. $48.00

Need a great gift under $10 then this Giant Birds Hill Tribe Clutch is a winner! Only $6.99 and available in a ton of pattern/color options.

Layered or along, with jeans or slacks, this Jacquard Check Pullover Sweater is red-hot. $29.99

I adore this Pearl Snowdrop Keychain and think it would make a beautiful bag charm too! $48.00

This Faux Fur Hand Warmer is such a chic way to keep your hands warm. $29.00 available in 6 fur colors

Because every girl needs a few statement necklaces in their wardrobe. This Tribal Inspired Layered Necklace is such a fabulous look at it’s only $13.90.

Help him keep warm and cozy with this Luxury Plush Robe. $49.00

The perfect gift for all the men in your life Leather iPhone Slip Wallet $39-$42 available in 4 colors

The perfect go with anything Plaid Woven Scarf. $35.00

You may want to get him one in every colors–1/4 Zip Sweater Vest. $29.70 available in 7 colors

For those times when a baseball hat is just too casual–Flecked Tweed Fedora $35.00

He’ll love this classic Silver Plate Personalized Pocket Watch for years to come. $45.00

Put a little pep in his step with Happy Socks. $12.00 per pair

Happy gifting!

Decorate Your Mantel For Christmas: Tips & Techniques

November 23, 2015

Hello friends. I hope everyone had a great weekend. After spending the end of last week decorating for a client, I was happy to see the weekend come. I did some Christmas decor shopping for a another client, hung out with my brother and got all of my holiday linens pressed. Anyone else out there hate ironing as much as I do? All in all, it was a good weekend and I was able to squeeze in some of my own Christmas decorating.

Speaking of decorating, today’s post is all about decorating your mantel for Christmas. It’s part tips & techniques and part inspiration. Enjoy!

One of the exciting parts of my design business is decorating homes for Christmas. Just about every home I decorate has a mantel or two and even though every one of them has a different style and design, I use the same techniques when decorating them for Christmas.

Here are my tips for decorating your mantel like a pro:

…

Read the Post

6 Tips for Decorating Your Christmas Tree Like a Pro (Throwback Thursday)

November 19, 2015

It’s Throwback Thursday so I’m republishing one of my most popular holiday how-to post…

How To Decorate Your Christmas Tree Like A Pro!

source

When my store was open, one of the most attended workshops I did was called Decorate Your Christmas Tree Like a Pro. While everyone has their own style when it comes to decorating their tree, everyone also wants to know the tips and techniques that designers used to create those over the top trees. Well, today I’m going to let you in on our secrets….

1. DEVELOP A THEME–Every great design project starts with a theme, even decorating a Christmas tree. Having a theme will ensure all the elements work together and that the tree has major impact. Your theme can be as simple as decorating with only red ornaments or as elaborate as creating a rustic yet elegant lodge themed tree. And, even if your tree is decorated with different ornaments collected over the years, that too can serve as your theme! Whatever your theme is, it will serve as the foundation for your overall decorating plan.

source

2. LIGHTS FIRST–Lighting a tree is time-consuming, but doing it right makes all the difference in how your tree will look in the end.

* Start at the top of your tree and wrap the lights from the inside trunk towards the outer tips of a branch. Once one branch is covered, create two or three big loops of lights on that same branch back towards the trunk. Move to the next branch and repeat the process. Continue working your way around the tree, covering all the branches. Don’t forget to plug your lights in periodically to make sure they all work and the all the branches are covered well.

* You can adjust the density of the lights by wrapping the lights closer together or further apart.

source

3. ADD RIBBON OR FABRIC–While most people add ribbon to their trees, fabric is a great alternative. Ribbon, bows or fabric pieces will provide a backdrop for our ornaments and can be added to your tree in several different ways. One method is to drape the ribbon from top to bottom, tucking it into the tree at intervals. This will create peaks and valleys and create added dimension to your tree decor. Another great trick is to layer several different ribbons together and creating big loops with cascading tails (see top photo).

If you are using bows on your tree, make sure the size and scale of the bow is in keeping with the overall size of the tree….8 to 10 medium size bows on a 9 ft. tree is enough!

source

4. ADD DIMENSIONAL PICS OR SPARYS–This one element will do more for your tree than anything else will. Take glitter pics, feather stems or floral stems and place them around your tree randomly. Not only are your creating layers with your tree, but you are adding texture and dimension. On large trees, several styles of pic and be used together while on smaller trees it is best to use a single pic style in mass.

source

5. LAYER, LAYER, LAYER–Now it’s time to start adding ornaments. Don’t just place your ornaments on the surface of the tree, layer your ornaments within the tree branches. Place solid colored ornaments deep into the tree and hang the more colorful and ornate ornaments on the tips of the branches.

And remember,

Vary the shapes of sizes of your ornaments

Vary the color tones, using shiny ornaments along with matt and textured finishes

Adding solid color ornaments will help ground the tree and create an element of consistency within your theme

Cluster small ball ornaments together with a wire and hang them in groupings for added impact

source

6. THE TOPPER–The top of your tree should really make a statement. Create a unique topper using pics and flower stems, several large bows put together or go add a whimsical element that supports your theme. If you have a traditional topper, use pics at the base of the topper to frame it.

source

A few other tricks of the trade…

* Use ornament spinners to add visual impact to the tree. These little gems plug into one of the light sockets and spin lightweight ornaments.

* Curl the tips of your artificial tree to give it a whimsical touch.

So there you have it, the ins and outs of decorating a Christmas tree like a pro!

Inspiration: Christmas Entertaining With A Color Twist!

November 18, 2015

If you can’t tell from recent post here on the blog, I’m really getting in the Christmas spirit. Today I’m bringing you an inspiration board I created for a colorful holiday party.

The concept for this party was a casual, chic party table with a twist on traditional Christmas colors.

Here’s a look at each item and tips for creating your own festive holiday table!

Whenever I can’t find cloth table linens to fit a theme, I turn to wrapping paper. With just about any design and color option available, wrapping paper is a cost-effective and simple way to dress your table. TABLE RUNNER: Snowy Tree Wrapping Paper

Most table settings I create incorporate a charger plate. Chargers help to add impact to a table and are also part of the layering that every table setting needs. I recommend you buy a set of gold, silver and red chargers so you have colors that will work with every table setting your can imagine. CHARGER PLATES: Gold Charger with Fluted Edge (my favorite gold charger design)*

One of the basic tabletop items I think everyone should own is a set of classic white dinnerware. White plates will give you tons of flexibility to mix and match patterned salad/dessert plates and bowls. DINNER PLATES: Round White Dinnerware *(you can’t beat the price of these plates)

Novelty salad plates are an easy way to bring pattern to the table for the holidays or for any season. I love to pair square salad plates with round dinner plates for visual interest. SALAD/DESSERT PLATES: Green and White Chalkboard Christmas Plates

Entertaining is so much easier when you have the right serving pieces. A tiered stand can be used in lots of different ways and works just as well on a table as it does on a buffet. SERVING STAND: Gold Two Tier Stand

Holiday entertaining by candlelight is a must in my book and these Christmas tree shaped candles are the perfect accent to compliment the paper runner design. CENTERPIECE DECOR: Pearlized Christmas Tree Candle **(these would make a fun hostess gift too)*

Gold flatware is just one of the elements that helps to add a touch of glam to this tablescape and it ties in with the other gold accent pieces which helps to create the theme. FLATWARE: Gold Flatware (I also love the design of this silver flatware set)*

I like the idea of placing wine in an ice bucket versus placing the bottle on the table. When not used to hold wine, the bucket could hold flowers or even be used as a serving bowl of a salad or bread. ICE BUCKET: Hexagon Ice Bucket

Colorful glasses are a great investment and will add that bold pop of color that every table needs. These glasses accent the green in the runner and salad plates so that the table has three different pops of the key accent color. STEMWARE: Green Wine Glasses (HomeGoods always has a great selection of colorful glassware)*

Pattern mixing is key to bringing your holiday table to life. The gingham plaid dinner napkins provide a great contrast to the oversized pattern of the paper design and further highlight the navy color. LINENS: Blue Check Dinner Napkins (these would be easy to DIY if you can’t find your color)*

When it comes to a centerpiece, I use items that will add height, style and a unique touch to the table. These gold reindeer do all of that along with adding that glamorous touch the decor called for. DECOR: Gold Reindeer Decor (the fur collar is removable so you could change the look from year to year)*

So when it comes to setting your holiday table, do you have any tricks or tips you use? Leave me a comment and let me know.

I’ll be sharing my own holiday table soon. Stay tuned.

The Look For Less–Monogram Christmas Ornament

November 17, 2015

via

It’s beginning to look a bit like Christmas around my house. I’ve pulled the Christmas pillows out, started decorating here and there and will get my tree set up and decorated this weekend. If you’ve read my blog for a while you know that I change my tree theme each year. A majority of the decorations are pieces that I already own but a few new pieces get added each year.

Two of the key components on my tree will be monogrammed ornaments and lots of red which was partly inspired by the tree decor above.

Last year I purchased a few of these beautiful blown glass alphabet ornaments from Pottery Barn at $7.50 each and had plans to add a few more to my collection.

But yesterday I stumbled across the almost identical monogram ornament at JoAnn’s on sale for $3.99. While the details aren’t exactly the same, these ornaments will still give me the look and feel I want the tree to have.

I’ll be sharing my completed Christmas tree decor with you on Dec. 2nd as part of a blogger holiday home tour I’m participating in so stayed turned.

p.s. In case you like the idea of monogram ornaments on your tree, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorites to share with you.

Kirklands—Chalkboard Monogram Ornament $6.99 / Zazzle–Personalized Monogram Keepsake Ornament $24.50 / Zazzle—Ceramic Holly Monogram Ornament $18.95

Anthropologie—Woodshop Monogram Ornament $ 9.00 / PB Kids––Glitter Alphabet Ornament $3.00 / West Elm—Beaded Letter Ornament $3.00

Decorating With Books (when you have a ton of them)

November 16, 2015

…

Read the Post

Plaid and Ponchos are two of the hottest fashion trends this winter and this Plaid Poncho is chic in every way. $38.00

These Stone Drop Hoop Earrings are definitely a one for them, one for me gift items. Available in 5 stone colors $46.80

This Reversible Faux Leather Tote w/Wristlet may just be the perfect handbag and it’s available in 6 color options. $48.00

Need a great gift under $10 then this Giant Birds Hill Tribe Clutch is a winner! Only $6.99 and available in a ton of pattern/color options.

Layered or along, with jeans or slacks, this Jacquard Check Pullover Sweater is red-hot. $29.99

I adore this Pearl Snowdrop Keychain and think it would make a beautiful bag charm too! $48.00

This Faux Fur Hand Warmer is such a chic way to keep your hands warm. $29.00 available in 6 fur colors

Because every girl needs a few statement necklaces in their wardrobe. This Tribal Inspired Layered Necklace is such a fabulous look at it’s only $13.90.

Help him keep warm and cozy with this Luxury Plush Robe. $49.00

The perfect gift for all the men in your life Leather iPhone Slip Wallet $39-$42 available in 4 colors

The perfect go with anything Plaid Woven Scarf. $35.00

You may want to get him one in every colors–1/4 Zip Sweater Vest. $29.70 available in 7 colors

For those times when a baseball hat is just too casual–Flecked Tweed Fedora $35.00

He’ll love this classic Silver Plate Personalized Pocket Watch for years to come. $45.00

Put a little pep in his step with Happy Socks. $12.00 per pair

How To Decorate Your Christmas Tree Like A Pro!

Whenever I can’t find cloth table linens to fit a theme, I turn to wrapping paper. With just about any design and color option available, wrapping paper is a cost-effective and simple way to dress your table. TABLE RUNNER: Snowy Tree Wrapping Paper

One of the basic tabletop items I think everyone should own is a set of classic white dinnerware. White plates will give you tons of flexibility to mix and match patterned salad/dessert plates and bowls. DINNER PLATES: Round White Dinnerware *(you can’t beat the price of these plates)

Novelty salad plates are an easy way to bring pattern to the table for the holidays or for any season. I love to pair square salad plates with round dinner plates for visual interest. SALAD/DESSERT PLATES: Green and White Chalkboard Christmas Plates

Entertaining is so much easier when you have the right serving pieces. A tiered stand can be used in lots of different ways and works just as well on a table as it does on a buffet. SERVING STAND: Gold Two Tier Stand

Holiday entertaining by candlelight is a must in my book and these Christmas tree shaped candles are the perfect accent to compliment the paper runner design. CENTERPIECE DECOR: Pearlized Christmas Tree Candle *(these would make a fun hostess gift too)

Gold flatware is just one of the elements that helps to add a touch of glam to this tablescape and it ties in with the other gold accent pieces which helps to create the theme. FLATWARE: Gold Flatware *(I also love the design of this silver flatware set)

I like the idea of placing wine in an ice bucket versus placing the bottle on the table. When not used to hold wine, the bucket could hold flowers or even be used as a serving bowl of a salad or bread. ICE BUCKET: Hexagon Ice Bucket

Pattern mixing is key to bringing your holiday table to life. The gingham plaid dinner napkins provide a great contrast to the oversized pattern of the paper design and further highlight the navy color. LINENS: Blue Check Dinner Napkins *(these would be easy to DIY if you can’t find your color)

Kirklands—Chalkboard Monogram Ornament $6.99 / Zazzle–Personalized Monogram Keepsake Ornament $24.50 / Zazzle—Ceramic Holly Monogram Ornament $18.95

Anthropologie—Woodshop Monogram Ornament $ 9.00 / PB Kids––Glitter Alphabet Ornament $3.00 / West Elm—Beaded Letter Ornament $3.00

Holiday entertaining by candlelight is a must in my book and these Christmas tree shaped candles are the perfect accent to compliment the paper runner design. CENTERPIECE DECOR: Pearlized Christmas Tree Candle **(these would make a fun hostess gift too)*

Gold flatware is just one of the elements that helps to add a touch of glam to this tablescape and it ties in with the other gold accent pieces which helps to create the theme. FLATWARE: Gold Flatware (I also love the design of this silver flatware set)*

Pattern mixing is key to bringing your holiday table to life. The gingham plaid dinner napkins provide a great contrast to the oversized pattern of the paper design and further highlight the navy color. LINENS: Blue Check Dinner Napkins (these would be easy to DIY if you can’t find your color)*