Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts

Friday, November 24, 2017

Project Design - Five Takes on Holiday Gift Wrap

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families! 
I'm thrilled to be teaming up with a few of my favorite bloggers to share our holiday gift
 wrap ideas. I love changing up my wrap from year to year, a pretty but simple look that
 doesn't complete with the tree and other Christmas decor is my favorite. It's super easy to
add a little dose of the same elements I use for wrapping to my decor to help the keep the
look cohesive and achieve a nice flow from room to room. 
Here are a few tips to create the look: 

Use neutral color wrapping paper
Use neutral patterned boxes and metallic tin boxes
Change color of ribbon from year to year, choose different textured ribbon
Use the same ribbon to help decor flow from room to room
Add greenery from your yard to embellish your gift 


You can't go wrong choosing a sheer texture, and if it has pretty detail, all the better. 
Costco is a great source for sheer ribbon, and a steal if you catch the end of season sale.
  Notice the printed box below right, I've had it for several years and it gets put under the
 tree every year. 


I used the green leopard ribbon and sprig of greenery on the backs of my dining chairs
to carry the color/pattern into that room. 


Last year I had painted my living room blush and used blush satin ribbon on my
gifts to tie the look together. 



Notice the black and white patterned box above, the pattern added a little pizazz to plain
 white wrap. 


Pine sprigs on the gifts, chair backs and brass container below and the blush
 satin ribbon on the wreath give everything a cohesive look.     


This leopard & plaid pairing is an oldie but goodie. There is the patterned box
again, and simple silver tins - I think they originally held chocolates. Save any
pretty boxes you receive during the year and simply add ribbon ~ not everything
has to be wrapped in paper. 


I coordinated the bow on the wreath in the next room to easily create a pretty flow. 

 
Be sure to check out my talented friends' beautiful gift wrap ideas:




 




Wednesday, November 1, 2017

My Five Favorite Tips to Tame the Holiday Crazy!


Happy November friends! The countdown to the holidays is on, only three short
weeks until Thanksgiving, then we blink and it's Christmas! For this month's My Five Favorites'
topic my blogging pals and I are sharing ideas to help keep the stress level low and fun level
 high during the holidays! It's my favorite time of year and I remember ONE year when I was
 SUPER organized, oh my gosh, it was so enjoyable!

Kris @ Driven by Decor
Lisa @ Shine Your Light
Jennifer @ Dimples & Tangles

I'm so excited to have Amy & Christy at 11 Magnolia Lane with us this month ~ they are
 organizing gurus and I'm certain they have some tricks up their sleeve to share!

11 Magnolia Lane

Not only are they awesome at organization, DIY and decor, but they have an Etsy shop as
 well. My favorite item I order every year is this chic gold vinyl monogram to put on the
 front of my calendar!


#1 - Black Friday
 $5 Fresh Wreath & Garland
Stock Up!!!

I gave you the scoop about this favorite Black Friday deal here. Home Depot sells
fresh wreaths and garland for $5!! I love to stock up (keep in your garage) to have on
 hand throughout the season ~ it's a simple gesture to brighten someone's day if they find a
 surprise wreath on their door step! I've used them to decorate inside and outside, as my gift
 for my Favorite Things Party, a hostess gift, to add some cheer to a housebound neighbor's
 gate. Over the years I've learned the garland is best left for outside decor, as it gets a tad
 crispy inside. :(  I don't think they're on anyone's radar because there's no line or crazy
 people clamoring for them.


#2 - Frozen Cookie Dough 
~ Neighbor/Teacher Gifts ~
 Not your typical plate of cookies

You guys are going to laugh at me, but once I timed myself to see how long it took to
make a batch of cookie dough - 10 minutes! My point in telling you is that this gift is 
so QUICK, easy and appreciated! And, you can do it in November! 
Who doesn't love having homemade cookie dough in the freezer? Pop it in the oven at a
 moment's notice if company drops by, for a snack, or a busy mom that needs a last minute
 treat for school. It's my favorite gift to give ~ I shared all the details, and tips for pretty 
packaging here.     


#3 - Worth It 
 vs 
 Not Worth the Trouble List

I'm such a list girl, I don't know how people make it through the day without one! 
Every year I make a list for the following year of what worked and what wasn't worth
 the time or effort. I found the list changes year to year depending on what stage of life
 your kiddos are in. I also have a book where I keep track of party details
(for about 15 years, a little OCD?) it helps jog my memory when putting together menus.
Date, Invitation, Guests, Food & Beverage Menu, and of course, what I wore.
 You can see at my Annual Girlfriend Party last year I wore winter white pants and
 cropped fringe sweater - monochromatic in case you're wondering. Hahaha!

  

#4 - Make Ahead
 Thanksgiving & Christmas Menus

If you think 'make ahead' means sacrificing quality and flavor, think again! Simply prepping
the time consuming chopping, dicing, making a sauce, etc. helps ensure a stress free day
 when you're hosting the meal. My parents always host a crowd of family on Christmas day
 and my mom and I spend a few hours the day before getting the table set and prepping all
 that we can. I'm sure you're not surprised I have a list of our menu last year, the initial 
indicates who brought which dish. (I know it's a LOT and a weird mix, but we all love food
 and accommodate if anyone has a favorite request, somehow the Tamales & Green Chile
 got left off the list, but it's tradition). 
   

A few years ago I shared our more traditional Thanksgiving dinner menu of
favorite tried and true recipes from past Bon Appetit magazines. I gave detailed
 tips what I prep the days leading up to the holiday. Stress free and delish!


#5 - Look Good! Feel Good!
How did this ended up #5, it should be #1

Take the time NOW to plan out a couple outfits you LOVE. It will make all the
difference if all else fails, and you're running around frazzled, if you have an outfit
planned that makes you feel fabulous.
Start with your Pinterest Fashion Board (you have one right?) Here's mine.
It's a great place for inspiration before you head out shopping.
I'd choose a couple outfits to emulate - comfy, casual for shopping or school and
 something dressy for church, party, Christmas day. It doesn't have to be an entire new
 outfit, although I'm sure you deserve one! Shoes, statement necklace, sweater or a pretty
 scarf to update some classics in your closet are perfect too.
Whatever makes YOU feel great!
Don't forget to schedule your hair and mani, pedi appointments now, if you haven't done so.


Be sure to check out my talented friends' favs too:

Kris @ Driven by Decor
Lisa @ Shine Your Light
Jennifer @ Dimples & Tangles
Amy & Christy @ 11 Magnolia Lane


Wednesday, November 30, 2016

My Fifteen Favorites - My Christmas Wish List


Hey friends, this month we've super sized our usual 'My Five Favorites' since
we're sharing our Christmas Wish Lists and it's much more fun to have a list of
fifteen than five, right? I have a combination of personal and home items, and I'm betting
 after I see my stylish pals' lists mine just may hit the twenty item mark!
Jennifer @ Dimples & Tangles

I'm sure you're all familiar with our darling guest, this month we're excited to have
 Courtney @ A Thoughtful Place sharing her wish list too!
I can't wait to see what treasures she's found. She's got a knack for pulling off that
 chic effortless style, whether in fashion or her design choices as she decorates her
family's new home ~ just check out her fab kitchen!!


  Ok, let's get started....
   
#1
Belted Wrap Coat with dramatic shawl collar.


#2
Statement Bib Necklace described as a warrior princess vibe,
 love it dressed up or down.



#3
Lots of fun colors and monogram styles!


#4
Free People Twirl Around Poncho
This is one of my favorite brands for sweaters, always cozy and unique details. 
This one is so cute from the back! 
(Nordstrom Rack is a great place to find this brand at a discount)

#5
Fleece Hooded Pullover with Mid Rise Compression Leggings
Have you guys tried any of Old Navy's activewear, they get tons of great reviews.


#6
The Lou Loafer in Animal Print Calf Hair
Looks like something French women would wear.  

#7
Bristal Ankle Strap Pointy Toe Flat
A girl can't have too many shoes ~ I like charcoal suede.

#8
North Face Tech gloves for exercising on chilly mornings.  

#9
This fun phone case makes me smile!

#10
Beautiful book is always on my list, pretty fitting, right?


#11
Anthro Capri Blue - Volcano Candle
This is the scent you smell in Anthropologie stores, pretty lid on this one.

#12
Mongolian Faux Fur Throw 
Yummy texture and machine washable ~ win!  
#13


The large tray is on sale, but it's big, would be great for a larger coffee table or ottoman.
If you recognize this from my fall home tour, I borrowed my friend's. :)

#14
Gold Hinged Metal Pull 
Am I the only one that thinks a few of these would be a great stocking stuffer?
They're fabulous and a steal!

#15 
Boho Kilim Nagar Indoor Outdoor Rug
SUPER excited about this one ~ I may have had to order it on Black Friday.
Fingers crossed, I'm hoping it works with my blush walls.



Stop by and check out these talented friends' favorites:

Jennifer @ Dimples & Tangles
Courtney @ A Thoughtful Place

Paint 

You can also find me on Instagram and Pinterest

Thursday, November 17, 2016

16th Annual Girlfriend Party ~ Invitations


My favorite tradition to ring in the holidays is my annual Favorite Things party
with 10 of my girlfriends. This is our 16th year, most of us met when our kiddos
were in preschool and this year several of them are college freshman!  
(Thankfully, mine is still home for another year!)
I love delivering a fun invitation to their mailboxes to set the tone, and get everyone
 anticipating the upcoming season. 

"Time for my FLOCK to get FESTIVE"
   

These sweet gold sequined bird ornaments were the inspiration for my theme:
"Time for my FLOCK to get FESTIVE."
I embellished them a few extra feathers. The gold polka dot envelopes and enclosure
cards were perfect tied on the package as the invitation. The party details are printed
 on the back of the card. I found everything at Hobby Lobby.

  


I used cellophane bags tied with gold cord and tucked in a sprig of boxwood
from our yard.


Here are previous years' invitations if you'd like to check them out and read
 more about the format of our party:

12th Annual Party ~ A Few of my Favorite Things
 15th Annual Party ~ Spread Cheer 


I'll be sure to share all the details after our party on December 6th.



Monday, November 7, 2016

It's Time to Plant Paperwhites


Hi friends ~ this is my annual reminder to let you know it's time to start
thinking about planting your paperwhite bulbs. I planted mine yesterday, and if
 you're hoping to use these beautiful blooms in your Christmas decor or give as a gift
 you'll want to get them started in the next week or so. 
They're super easy to force, I shared directions here

I bought mine at a local garden center (O'Toole's) they sell them loose for $1 each.
In the past I've also found them at Home Depot, Lowes, Walmart, Target and
 Ace Hardware, they're usually sold in a bag of eight, and sometimes pre-planted in
 a pot. I like the option of choosing my own planter, the possibilities are endless.   

Here's some pretty inspiration for you: 



 goodhousekeeping.com

 goodhousekeeping.com




I've shared fun ideas for planting in the past, 
if you need more inspiration you can check them out here and here.


Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Best Ideas to Steal from the Christmas Tours & Link Party

Hi all, thanks so much if you've been following along with the
 12 Days of Christmas Tour of Homes, and for your sweet comments about our home.
 Today I'm sharing my favorite details from the tours that are easy to incorporate.
 In case you haven't finished (or started!) your decorating yet there are some fun ideas
 to steal. We'd love to see your Christmas home in the Link Party at the end of
 this post, which will show up on all of our blogs today.

The details...

Just as every room needs a touch of classic black, so does a porch! 
Shine Your Light

Wreaths aren't just for doors and windows.
Evolution of Style

Spiff up black plastic pots with plaid wrap and gold trim from the
 Dollar Store. 
Provident Home Design Company

Simple centerpiece ~ burlap runner and candles interspersed in garland. 
Blesser House

Clever gift wrap created from calendar pages. 
 Life & Home at 2102

How fun are whimsical patterned Christmas sheets for the littles!
Dixie Delights

On my thrifting list ~ vintage ornaments and brass container.
The Pink Clutch

Think outside the box when adding fresh greens to your decor. 
Driven by Decor

Use an unexpected vintage statement piece on your dining room buffet. 
Primitive and Proper

Frame a favorite quote or Christmas carol.  
This is our Bliss

Gold gift tags do double duty as Christmas ornaments.
Simply Sarah Style

Style your coffee table by displaying Christmas cards in a pretty glass box.
Classic Casual Home

Use textured greens and pine cones to contrast with shiny metallic ornaments.
The Tale of an Ugly House

Wrapped gifts in a rustic container make a festive centerpiece.
This is Happiness

Don't save your special china,
bring them out for your family to enjoy everyday. 
Suburban Bitches - Tricia

Make a chic leather and buffalo check pillow from a Target placemat. 
Suburban Bitches - Erin

A story a day Book Advent Calendar.
Our Storied Home

Spruce up a piece of artwork with greens and an ornament.
Rough Luxe


Now it's your turn friends, we'd love to see your Christmas Home Tour!
Link up with everyone below.



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