holidays

xmas: tiffany twisted 8 December, 2010

So my Christmas tree is up but not decorated yet. While taking a breather, I went browsing for more Christmas inspirations. Tiffany blue decor is one of my absolute favorites and it makes me want to store two sets of  xmas decor so I could switch them around every year. It’s crisp, chic and is calling for a girls night out.

I kept it simple with toys, just 2 tones but played with textures: the combination of matte vs. gloss as well as pearl beaded ornaments. The easiest transformation bring ribbons, you can also layer silk and velvet ones. As for the tabletop, classics are in. I love how golden rims of the porcelain plates play off the sparkle of champagne. So Holly Golightly!

1. White and Turquoise Christmas Tree; 2. Two-Tone Turquoise Ornament (set of 4) – $4.50; 3.  Antropologie pearl ornament – $12;  4. Etched Mercury Cachepot – $10-$19; 5. Tiffany Entrance; 6. Silver-Plated Julep Cup – $24; 7. “Sparkle” Cake Dome & Pedestal – $190; 8. Dress It Up Ribbon – $12; 9. Marta Stewart Present Wreath; 10. Wine Enthusiast Flutes (set of 4) – $69.99; 11. Markham Capiz Placemat – $88; 12. “Milano” Dinnerware (4 plates) – $220.

 

xmas: folk affairs 6 December, 2010

Another inspirational board for your holiday decoration needs. I absolutely LOVE the simple folk theme as it shows that great design is not necessarily the expensive one.  It wakes up the craftiness in me, how fun would it be to actually have a pre-Christmas ornament making party with all of the friends.

Felt has been transforming the design world for quite a while now and my heart just melts when I see the cute little felt ornaments. Etsy is a great resource for those. Lots of woods and aged bronze give a real warmth and soul, while knits make you want to snuggle and cuddle (can’t get over the simple greatness of scarf wreath!).

Would you go for the simple Christmas? or does your heart crave the lavishness?

1. Scalloped Trees – $39-$79; 2. Millinocket Moose Ornament – $16; 3. Felt Wreath; 4. flora coaster tags pk 5 – $9.50; 5. Keepsake Bird Ornament; 6. Rattan Stars – $29-$39; 7. Rustic Bell Ornaments Set of 6 – $9.36; 8. Recycled Paper Garland – $28; 9. Mercury Animal Ornaments – $6.99-$9; 10. DIY Scarf Wreat; 11. Music Sheet Votive Holders – $36; 12. Natural Cocktail Napkins with White Monogram – $18; 13. Ceramic Imari Bowls – $59.

gift wrapping ideas – part 1 4 December, 2010

Driving by the shopping center in jealousy today, I know that all of you, wise plan-ahead people, are doing your holiday shopping these weekend (i’ve never seen that parking looked SO packed). So I’ve decided to bring  some gift wrapping ideas for your full satisfaction.

There are a few ideas that particularly speak to my heart.

1. Newspaper/Music Notepaper Wraps are my all time favorites. So casual, these are budget-friendly solutions and look so lovely with creative trimmings.

via country living

via country living

for how-to click www.bystephanielynn.com

via oh hello friend

2. Brown Bag Paper is another great last-minute idea. It is such a great back drop for an ornament, botanicals or practically anything cutesies you might fancy.

via compaicreative

via gingerbreadsnowflakes

3. Candies. You cannot go wrong with them!

via country living

tissue paper is SO last year, drown my gift in candies!

via country living

dreaming of a white christmas 3 December, 2010

That’s it, I can’t wait any more so I’m opening the season of Christmas/New Year’s decoration posts. Yay! Oh, this is my favorite time of all since you don’t need an excuse to go all out in home decor. So I’ve prepared a series of posts on different decoration styles.

I decided to start with the white icy feel. It’s easy to make it look too cold and austere with all of the glass and glitter. The key is to play it off with fabrics: my to-go choices area white knits and crochet (i love the combination of beaded and crochet pillows below). Another way to mix up the white cleanliness is to layer it up with vintage. For the mood board below I used vintage mirrored glass ornaments and white wash vintage china, which brings a nostalgic and warm ambiance.

So what are you thoughts on the white-on-white decor? Would you go for it?

1. Silver Antiqued Glass Ornaments – set of 4 – $27; 2. Winter Berry Branch Wreath – $64.95; 3. Crystal Beaded 16″ Pillow – $49.95; 4. Chrysanthemum Pillow 18″ – White – $49.95; 5. Sequin Animals – set of 3 – $14.99; 6. Optic Finial Clear Ornaments Set of Four – set of 4 – $15.80; 7. Down The Rabbit Hole Centerpiece – $798.

<set images via here and here>