Decorating for the holidays - a glimpse of the mantle

I feel like I am way behind in my decorating for the Christmas season this year. This past weekend we bought the tree and the kids put in the lights after I explained a technique I have used for years - they are in training :). And then they hung most of the ornaments themselves. 
Meanwhile, I tackled the mantle. One could be really creative here, choosing to go bold, colorful, simple, organic or vintage. I try to change things around every year.

I went with a traditional Christmas color scheme using items I have owned for at least a year. It is definitely colorful, festive and whimsical and it was truly organic in that it just evolved. Here is a glimpse of it.

The rest I will share with you on Monday. 
But I would like to remind you of what I did last year.

Another glimpse of this year's mantle.

Please do stop by on Monday, Dec 16th, when I will share what I have done with the mantle this year for Christmas.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often. 

Decorating with elements of nature during the festive season

Adding touches of nature throughout one's home while decorating for the festive season is a must. Aside from the obvious Christmas tree or two there are numerous ways to decorate with foliage in a big way or with little touches. This not only balances the various colors of the season and the abundance of sparkle and glitter that is to be expected at this time of year,

but nature also does have a calming effect during what usually is a hectic season for most.

 

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For the outside of our homes, the presence of nature in different forms creates a great first impression and can be a reflection of the indoors. It certainly adds wonderful curb appeal!

Traditional Exterior by Boston Photographers Mary Prince

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Planters are an obvious choice to complement whatever you choose to use and they work throughout the year .

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They certainly make a bold statement for the outdoors.

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From Christmas trees in any room...

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...and mini potted plants..

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..and wreaths of all sizes...

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...with or without a mantle.

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Combining some element of nature in your decor this season welcomes all to your home and creates a warm environment within for friends and family, no matter what climate one might live in.

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Traditional Porch by Brooklyn Photographers Rikki Snyder

Garlands for a fabulous curved banister is visually stunning in any foyer..

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...or over a mantle...

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Eclectic Living Room by Webb City Media & Bloggers Michelle Edwards

...or framing a perfect view through a picturesque window in the dining room. I love that there is a swag to this garland!

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Something I have tried myself in the past. A garland wrapped around the dining room chandelier.

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The little touches...place settings with a touch of green helps balance the sparkle all around and makes for an inviting table....

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..and white is the perfect winter color. It can enhance and add a delicate touch to all that glass and silverware.

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A touch of foliage here-and-there.

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It can be simple. Just a hint..how perfect.

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And one can be so creative. How pretty is this!

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Traditional Dining Room by Mooresville Building Supplies Lowe's Home Improvement

No matter what your style...

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or color preference...

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..elements of nature come in different forms and colors and decorating with some during the festive season - indoors and out - provides an essential, happy balance.

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Don't you agree?

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.

White lights & decorating the kids' rooms for the holidays

As all the seasonal decorations are being brought down from the attic and I decide what will go where I thought about what I might do differently this year. Over the past year I have been working on my kids' rooms off-and-on - redecorating and reorganizing. I thought about surprising them with a string of white lights to brighten up a corner of each of their rooms. 

Coincidentally, as they helped me string white lights outside the house this past weekend, both of them separately said they wondered what it would be like to have lights in their rooms  - there goes my surprise!

This is what I did with 100 mini white lights in each room. 

The floating bookshelves in Isabel's room in her reading nook as shared with you some months ago (daytime, without the lights).

I thought this was the perfect area to illuminate as she loves reading and also I thought it would be fun to light up a corner!

I just placed the lights atop the books.

This is with the ceiling and bedside lights off.....

and on..

And then we have Emily's room, recently shared. Do you notice the stacked snowmen by the bean bag? It was in a "to donate" pile last week but she grabbed it for her room instead.

...random pattern with the lights...

This strand of lights was a little difficult to keep up as the art pieces kept moving with the weight. This needed two sets of hands and with Emily's help I got it to stay. 

 

White lights are inexpensive and add a festive touch anywhere. Be creative with a string or 2 of lights this season - white or colored.

The lights only stay on when the girls are in their rooms.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.