Create : Christmas Table

Our church does this fabulous women's event called Christmas Gathering. Think Oprah’s favorite things church style.

There is a store of various Christmas items to shop through, dinner, and a show with free giveaways.

The dinner tables are open to women to sign up and decorate – incentive being you can reserve it for the night you are coming.

Here are some of the tables (excuse the indoor florescent light pictures)

Tartan plaid, pine cones, and antlers – be still my heart. I love the mix of outdoors and traditional Christmas décor.

Coffee filter flowers, pretty books, and some traditions Christmas items bring vintage Christmas to life!

Christmas Trees were a big hit – easy to place out on a table, takes up decent amount of space, and stores away nicely!

So there you have it – a little centerpiece inspiration!

Do you decorate your table fancy for Christmas dinner? Place cards, anyone?

0

Create: Stumped

I was needing inspiration this morning – you see last night I scored two small (maybe 3 in high and 9 in diameter) wood stumps.

As of late I have really liked the idea of using logs in my décor – I couldn’t tell you why – but I have been very attracted to faux bois (wood grain) and tree stumps of all sizes. Seeing those two (FREE!) stumps sitting there I just knew they belonged in my home.

Here’s the problem though – they are small and there are only two. I usually like to decorate in odd numbers rather than even, so two is throwing me for a loop. Not to mention they aren't large enough to be substantial, such as a side table or stool.

So, what else is a girl to do but search the interwebs for inspiration.

Maybe candle holders? I really like this picture because I LOVE the idea of a potted Christmas tree! That could very easily become a fabulous DIY – fake tree, cheap pot, and some twine!

here

here

here

here

here

Cake plate, painted!!!, mason jar holder, centerpiece – so many ideas! To me, wood really feels fitting in fall and winter décor but these pictures are making me realize it can easily be used year around. Gotta love a good versatile, FREE, find.

Anyone else out there on the wood/stump train? Maybe you have been caught up with my other obsession… pinecones?!?!

3

Create : Christmas Wreath

So - do tell - how was your holiday?

Did Thanksgiving treat you well? I had a great little break from life, enjoying family and time off.

Last night I got an extra kick in my step and decided to decorate for christmas - including a Christmas wreath.

            

I think it really sasses up my front door. And to think - it only cost me $2.50!

How you ask??

Take on straw wreath from a garage sale at only $0.25 and add to that a red garland from after Christmas sales last year at $1.00 - there you have a good base to start with.

I liked it simple with no ornaments but had left over red ornaments from the Dollar Tree and decided to add them to the bottom of my wreath.

It really doesnt take much to create a fun wreath. Most of the time I am able to find stuff already on hand to dress up my door.

The bold red really pops off my white door and stands out from the street - adding a little christmas cheer to all those driving by!

          

The wreath holder was pretty plain jane - you know the black metal ones you can get from about anywhere for $3.00 or so. I added some fabric scraps and glitter ribbon to make it look a little more festive - I might actually leave it up for all my wreaths year around. 

The imperfections are what I like most - wayward threads and a little bunching make me like it even more. Gives it a handmade flair - or so I tell myself

      

Considering the ribbon ( from Michaels) and the scrap fabric were all on hand, this upscale cost me nothing. If you didnt have any of the above at home it might run you about $3.00 - breaking the bank, I know!

So, have you started adding Christmas cheer to your home yet??

0

Hard to Believe

Its so hard to believe that a year ago my house looked like this:

Master closet

Dining room looking into the living room

Garage with my lifes possessions

Living room looking into the kitchen

Now the Master

My how fast a year goes by! Most days I forget what my house USED to look like – how dated it was at one time. Some of these rooms aren't even recognizable to me – I had to think about which room it might have been.

I still remember that feeling – I had just spent all this money becoming a homeowner and, at the time, all I had to show for it was a very cold construction site. My family and I spend last thanksgiving MOVING all my stuff into the garage. Christmas was spend ripping up carpet and expanding walls. New Years eve there was no big party or midnight kiss – that was a day completely engrossed in paint.

I don’t think I have ever worked so hard in my life (besides on that front flower bed:) and all the while my parents were right there with me. Slugging through it without a complaint one.

Looking back reminds me just  how grateful I am that they are my parents and that I got to do this along side them.

2

Create: Scarf Organization

As the temperatures continue to fall into winter my scarf collection seems to take over my wardrobe.

I love how easily you can through a scarf on to a plain Jane outfit and give it a little more oomph. What I don’t like about scarves is trying to put them away.

During the warmer months I keep my scarves in a plastic tub under my bed but as they get used more frequently that tub starts to look like a war zone.

When I was at Target yesterday I grabbed a pack of shower curtain hooks (that close completely) for $1.25

Add those to a plastic hanger I already had on hand – and we are in business

The good thing about these curtain hooks is that they squeeze shut, ensuring they wont fall off the hanger after the scarves are added.

I folded each scarf in half and then threaded it through the hook so that they weren't dragging the ground. I could have easily split this amongst two hangers but decided to cram them all on one instead.  Hang them in your closet or coat closet and there you have it – organization!

I am thinking about doing this same trick with my belts!

2

Capture : B&S Engagements

Spending a Saturday morning capturing two great people really makes waking up early worth every bit of lost sleep.

These two are so great and I must say… take some super cute pictures

Enjoy!

2