The only time I get to walk around the city is when we have people visiting and I’ll do my regular sightseeing tour. And I was really surprised, even perplexed by the lack of the holiday decor around Beverly Hills. I loved window shopping there especially around Christmas but this time the only windows that we up to par is Ralph Lauren’s.
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As the last Christmas decor inspiration board I decided to challenge myself with the manly decor. I can totally see all those bachelors out there struggling to bring in the spirit home while keeping it cool. The ultimate key to keeping Christmas decor modern and manly is stepping away from the traditional stereotypes.
Starting with the unconventional Christmas tree – keep the shape but in charcoal gray and sparkle, while bringing the greens in accessories. I love the Embossed Pine Candle from Restoration Hardware, it will also brings a smell of the holidays. Enriching the white/gray/black pallet with metallic sparkle will entail the festive mood and faux fur adds a tad of wintery comfort. And to top it of I added the intellectual games accents, which always make a bachelor look like a good catch :)
I’ve been in a crafty mood lately and I totally see a DIY project coming. What would it be? a yarn wreath, of course. I got so tired of the traditional tree branches look, and the yarn wreaths are so versatile – you can make them sleek and contemporary or go way out with ornaments, feathers and what not. And they are SO easy to do yourself too. Here are a few of my favorites from Etsy.
And how cute are these yarn balls, such a great contrast with shiny ornaments. 
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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?
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.
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for how-to click www.bystephanielynn.com
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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.
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3. Candies. You cannot go wrong with them!
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tissue paper is SO last year, drown my gift in candies!
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