"Seasonal Decorating"

With October just around the corner, it's time to start pulling out those holiday decorations.  For many of us, the thought of cooler temps and pumpkin spice lattes sparks all kinds of excitement.  For others, the thought of dragging out pumpkins, cornucopias, trees and twinkle lights brings on a serious case of the hives.  Whether you're giddy with excitement or dreading it all, the seasonal decorating season is upon.  Not sure where to begin?  I'm sharing a few tips and tricks to getting your holiday decor just right.  

Hop over to the Charlotte Home and Garden blog to read the article.

Happy Fall Y'all!!

"All Through the House..."

It seems that with each passing year, my desire for simplicity during the holiday season increases. 

Now more than ever, I just can't seem to bring myself to unload all of the contents of those Christmas bins, stored in my garage, inside my home.  These days, I carefully sort through the items seeking out my favorites to display for the next month or so.  Today, I'm opening my doors to share with you my super-simple, pared down holiday home.

Sometimes it's the littlest treasures that bring you the most joy.  I love this sweet golden nativity.  I placed it at my entry and it's a wonderful reminder of the true meaning of the season.

As in previous years, my holiday décor is designed to work with my existing color scheme.  It's shifted over the years but I prefer it this way.  I makes me feel like it's the holidays but my home still maintains its usual flare. 

 

 

I added a touch of blue and white to the holiday décor this year.  Since my new collection has all but taken over, it was important to be sure to tie the Christmas tree décor in with it.  A few new blue and white porcelain ornaments from Ballard Designs and some strategically placed blue faux berries did the trick.

 

I'm obsessed with this fuchsia Christmas cactus.  Scored this baby at Wal-Mart and the intense pink stopped me dead in my tracks.  I'm just hoping I have enough light to keep these beautiful blooms going all season long.  Wowza!

 

 
Still need a big PINK bow for that boxwood wreath.  : )

I'm not big on switching out my collectibles for the season, so a reindeer here...

and a glitter noel there...

I really like keeping things simple.  I'm sure I'll be glad I did when January rolls around.

 

The office could use some greenery, but for now those precious ceramic trees and a pennant will do.

This year I longed for my keepsake ornaments to be in view, so I purchased this little pine tree at Wal-Mart as well and threw it in a basket and added lights.  It's wild but one of my favorite new additions.

In the kitchen, it was as easy as a few plants.  These red tulips add just the right holiday touch. 

   

And poinsettias are always a classic symbol of the season.  I chose yellow to work a little better with the existing color scheme. 

 

The bedroom is not to be overlooked.  I absolutely love having a tree to fall asleep to the flickering lights and warm glow.

 



I also pulled out the fall plaid pillows and worked them in here.  The simple addition of a monogrammed lumbar pulled it together quite nicely.

 

Finally, I added a few touches to the front porch including my vintage sleigh and a faux poinsettia. Note: My newly painted red door is still looking good!

See, holiday decorating doesn't have to be complicated.  I'll enjoy every simple addition to my home for weeks to come. 

Wishing you and yours the magic of the season...

"Holiday Decor Inspiration"

For the past couple of weekends, I've been working to pull out my "main" Christmas decorations.  I have to admit, after getting my garage organized, it was a much more enjoyable experience.  I managed to finish things up this weekend and thought I'd share it with you guys since you'll likely be doing the same soon (if you haven't already).

 

Let's being in my master, shall we?

 

It helps that I still love my bedroom.  Making it over was, by far, one of my favorite projects this year.  I decided to purchase a new tree this year.  I actually got rid of two very sad, small (and cheap) trees during the garage overhaul and I knew I wanted to find something slim that would fit in the space between my new wing chair and the console.  I blogged about my plans HERE on the Habitat ReStore blog.  I thought I might be able to thrift something, but gave up hope after a couple of weeks and purchased this one from Home Depot.

 

Home Depot

I like that it's NOT pre-lit.  I'm always so irritated when the lights begin to die on the pre-lit versions. 

Of course, wouldn't you know that I finally found a skinny tree at the Habitat ReStore this Saturday.  Figures!

 

 

Despite missing out on a deal, I do love the tree.  It's the perfect size.  I love the mixed metals and natural and neutral ornaments.  I'm thinking of adding in some ribbon.  There is a garland, but it's a little small and hard to see.

 

 

Besides the tree, I believe in keeping everything else fairly simple. 

 

I recall one year, pulling out a ton of Christmas decor and I sort of felt like I was suffocating. A wreath here, a stocking there and that's just about enough for me. 

 

I picked up this glittery wooden deer at the ReStore on Saturday and I LOVE it so much. It's the little things. 

 

Moving on to the living room...

 

 

For the most part, the decor is the same as last year.  I did add a few more ornaments.  Who am I kidding? That tree is packed!!

 

 

I don't think I could find a spare branch if I tried. Lol!  What can I say?  I like a full tree.

 

It wasn't really my intent to go so "matchy-matchy" on the pillows, but it just sort of happened.  Strangely enough, I like it.  Of course, the Tobi Fairley Santa pillows I won last year were a must, and since fuschia is already one of my accents, I just went with it.

My mini pumpkins are still hanging in there, so we worked them in too.  

 

I'm probably a little too excited about the sleigh bells I scored at a Goodwill in High Point for just 2 "bucks" (pun intended).  : ) They're the perfect accent on my large deer head.

 

As mentioned, everything else is pretty simple.

 



 

I'll have to keep you posted on these paper whites.  I'm pretty pumped about their progress so far.  I was inspired by Pam of Simple Details, who blogged about them recently.  They grow a little each day.  I can hardly wait until they bloom. The brass bowl is my favorite!

 

 

I'll likely add a few small touches here and there in the next couple of weeks, but for the most part, the big stuff is all done.  There's nothing better than enjoying this time of year and for me, the holiday decor is a huge part of that. 

 

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Until next time...