More of Our Christmas Home...

Our great room wasn't the only place that got the holiday treatment this season.  I love to spread the Christmas cheer throughout our whole house...including our master bedroom.  I don't decorate much in there, but the few additions I make sure enhance the cozy feeling I get while snuggling in bed. Everything is better with some string lights...am I right?!

Do you guys decorate your bedrooms too?!  What is your favorite area of the house to decorate? Don't forget to check out our great room all decked out here! :)

Our Christmas Home Tour | 2014

Ahhhhhh, it’s that time of year again….the Christmas edition of Lindsay's Blogger Stylin’ Home Tours has arrived!!  

It’s one of my favorite blog hops!!  If you settle in to check out each post, you’ll surely see why.  It’s a fantastic collection of holiday cheer.  All of the participants set the bar so high and leave me with so much inspiration!  I mean, did you see Diane’s home?!  If you are coming here from In My Own Style, then you know it is just stunning!!!  I’m talking magazine-worthy, people!  For real...she was featured in BHG’s Special Interest Publication Christmas Ideas!!

Seeing homes like hers, and all the others on the tour, can cause me to dream up some pretty lofty decorating ideas in my head.  There is just so much beauty that can be created...I can't help but want to transform our holiday home into something new each year.  Of course, this goes against not only our budget and our storage capabilities, but also against my whole "less is more" way of living I'm trying to focus on.

Thankfully, there are ways to get a fresh look each year without going out and buying all new decor. Last year our home was all about the traditional red (with some black, white and sparkle, of course). This year, I wanted to continue my love of bright colors for the holiday season...so I focused on pink!!  I was a little nervous that hubby wouldn't be a fan, but I can safely say, he approves. :)

So how can you transform your decor without breaking the bank?  I do it in a few ways:

1) Buy a base of decorations that are "neutral" for you.  And no, that doesn't mean they have to be a neutral color...they should just be a basic color (or colors) that you will use for many years.  For me, I have a base of gold, silver, white, black and disco ball decorations/ornaments that make an appearance every year.  From there, I can add other colors, or just stick to those few to create my scheme. If you look online and in your local dollar stores, you can find shatterproof ornaments in almost any shape and color.  The ornaments won't be something you'll pass down to your children, but they sure will make a statement on the cheap! :)

2) Have a good base of greenery.  I use faux garland, wreaths and trees in our home and then swap out what I swag them with to create a new look each year.  I never buy anything full price and always look for sales.  Michael's usually runs a 50% off sale on their Christmas decor, and there are great online wholesale craft and Christmas shops to purchase wreaths, garland, etc.  Of course, you could use real greenery here too....we've just opted for the fake stuff in our home.

3) Put a bow on it.  Ribbon is one of my go-to's to create a cohesive color scheme throughout a space.  You can add it to almost anything to tie elements together.  Plus, it's relatively inexpensive.  Michael's frequently runs big sales on ribbon, and I stock up then.

4) Create small DIY projects.  Whether it's making a wreath, painting an abstract art piece or sewing a quick table runner...I don't shy away from doing a small DIY project that will add a little something to our decor.  These small dollar projects can sometimes add high impact to a space.

5) And when in doubt, spray paint it.  I'm never afraid to spray paint something to make it work for me.  It's a powerful weapon to have in your decorating arsenal. ;)

Using several of my tips above, I created a simple, and pink, holiday home this year!!

I hope you enjoyed what you saw, and definitely keep the holiday fun rolling by heading to Iron & Twine. Michelle's home will not disappoint!!

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Full Tour Schedule:

Monday, December 8th:
The White Buffalo Styling Co.
Inspired by Charm
Bliss at Home
Thistlewood Farms
Charming in Charlotte
Number Fifty-Three
Julie Blanner
Cuckoo 4 Design
Eclectically Vintage

Tuesday, December 9th:
My Fabuless Life
Scout & Nimble
Primitive & Proper
Sand & Sisal
DecorChick
The Chronicles of Home
DIY Playbook
This, That, & Life

Wednesday, December 10th:
Desert Domicile
Design Post Interiors
Southern Hospitality
In my own style
>>>>>> Retro Ranch Reno <<<<<<
Iron & Twine

 Thursday, December 11th:
Jones Design Company
Finding Home
Jen Rizzo
Home Stories A to Z
Dimples & Tangles
Simple Stylings
Run to Radiance
The Thriftress

Friday, December 12th:
Inspired Room
Beneath my Heart
DIY Showoff
Just a Girl
Rain on a Tin Roof
Eleven Gables
Burlap and Lace
Sarah M. Dorsey

Friendsgiving Blog Video!

Yesterday I shared the super fun collaboration between me and my good friend, Dina, the Dish It Girl.  We had a blast using our passions for decor and food to create a little Friendsgiving dinner.  If you want to see some behind-the-scenes action (and what I sound like in person....eeeeeek), check out the YouTube video below!!

And I know you'll want the recipe for that UH-mazing fig and Cabernet cranberry sauce after watching, so head here to grab it!!

Thanks for teaming up, Dina...and again, Happy Thanksgiving to you all!  I'm so thankful for each one of my readers and friends! Xo!

Thanksgiving Tablescape & Dish It Girl Food!

I love this time of year.  It's all about gathering with loved ones, and celebrating all we have to be thankful for. Unfortunately, the stress of planning a gathering can occasionally get in the way of the enjoyment it should bring us.  So to keep things simple, just remember there are two key components for a successful celebration: 1) good food and 2) fun decor.  The good company you keep is just a given in this equation. ;)

Hubby and I hosted a little "Friendsgiving" dinner this past weekend.  I supplied the decor, and thankfully (for this not-so-skilled cook), my good friend Dina from Dish It Girl, brought the good food along!!

When it comes to dinner parties or hosted holidays, I like to keep things relaxed and casual.  I don't worry about proper place settings...making sure my water glass is properly spaced from my plate, if my silverware is appropriately laid out, etc.  Instead, I focus on creating a table that is practical, comfortable and pretty to look at. :)

In the past, I used traditional colors at my Thanksgiving table, but this year I wanted to continue the colorful and playful theme I already used in the rest of our great room.

Like most projects I complete, I did this tablescape on a budget and even included a few DIYs in the mix.

My runner was a simple strip of fabric I carefully cut, making sure to remove any rogue strings from the edges.  The acorns were a past project that I updated this year to match my color scheme.  

I found the faux pumpkins and pine cones at Michael's.  I updated them with some brightly colored spray paint and acrylic paint.  The wooden candle sticks were a beat up clearance find from Target that I gave new life to with, what else, but more spray paint!  

I found the tea light holders and mason jars (just remove the lids) at Michael's during a 50% off sale, and the coordinating cloth napkins were only a few dollars from Home Goods.

I know it's not a typical Thanksgiving table you'd see every day, but that was my intention.  I really wanted to step outside my comfort zone and try to put a colorful spin on the holiday. :)

You know what else wasn't typical?!?  Dina's food!!  It. Was. So. Good.  She spoiled us with herbed turkey breast, sausage stuffing mushrooms and fig and Cabernet cranberry sauce.

Yes, that's right...fig and Cabernet cranberry sauce.  It was delish!

Head to Dish It Girl right now to get all of her amazing recipes!  Your taste buds will thank you. ;)

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***And HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!  I'm so very thankful for each and every one of you!  Xo!!***

Blogger's Favorite Holiday Giveaway!

Well helloooo there!!  I know it's been quite a while since I popped in to the blog, but you know how it goes...life happens, and I needed to focus on myself and my health for a while.  No hard feelings?! I sure hope not because I'm making it up to you guys with an amazing giveaway!

With the holidays quickly approaching (how is it mid-November already?!?!?!), it's totally understandable that many people have gift-giving on the brain.  Mallory from Charming in Charlotte asked me, and 8 other fantastic bloggers, what our favorite stocking stuffers are for the holidays. 

1- Sephora Collection Palette in Nude:

The Holiday's are the perfect time to step up your makeup game and this Sephora eye shadow palette is my go to for Holiday parties. The colors last and are warm and perfect for winter tones. I also think that it makes the perfect stocking stuffer or gift for your girlfriend.  -Mallory, Charming in Charlotte

2-  Geometric Pillow Cover + Your Monogram and 6 Diamond Ornaments:

At Christmas, I'm all about adding little bits of sparkle around the house.  I've had a set of these oversized diamond ornaments for a few years, and when I recently came across more at a local store, I thought you might like some too!  They really stand out and shine with the lights on the tree.  Also, I love a good monogrammed pillow, and one in a designer look-alike fabric for Christmas is even better!  This is for the covers only, and I will monogram the center with the winner's initials of choice.  -Jennifer, Dimples and Tangles 

3- Animal Plates by Rachel Kozlowski for West Elm:

As most of my followers already know, I love including animals into my decor and I just adore the animal plates by Rachel Kozlowski for West Elm. To me they are the perfect combination of quirky chic animal decor and I have an entire wall full of them in our kitchen (which you can see HERE). There are some colored and neutral plates. I like them all and they make me happy when I look at them. -Julia, Cuckoo 4 Design

4- Nate Berkus Metal Wing Bowl: 

I am a sucker for all things Nate Berkus and this angel wing bowl is no exception! It’s such a unique and affordable piece and the gold seals this deal. It will be an amazing conversation piece on your holiday entry table or for serving treats at Christmas dinner!  -Summer, Simple Stylings

5- Suzanne Wristlet and Tassels: 

I love this wristlet because it is the perfect size for a kid-free night out.  I spend so much time lugging lunch boxes, diaper bags, jackets, sippy cups, and whatever else is thrown in my hands that I love to go out with as little as possible.  It has enough room to hold the essentials: lipstick, my phone, and a credit card and it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.  I added the tassels because, let's face it, everything is better with tassels!I grabbed couple of these for Christmas gifts and I love that I could play around with color combinations so they will perfectly fit the recipient!  -Beth, designPOST interiors

6- King Gold Gilding Wax: 

I am giving away a jar of Gedeo King Gold Gilding Wax and a set of Threshold agate coasters for the lucky winner. I will run a DIY on the coasters and send the supplies for the winner to DIY their own coasters. -Emily, Eleven Gables

7- J. Crew Crystal & Gem Cluster Necklace:

I love heels and a dress as much as anyone, but my favorite way to dress lately for the everyday is in classic, casual silhouettes with a bit of sparkle to add some interest.  This necklace is currently on heavy rotation in my wardrobe!  It's as perfect for a Tuesday afternoon as it is for a Saturday night.

-Jennifer, The Chronicles of Home

8- Marquise Crystal Statement Necklace: 

The minute you brought up a favorite things giveaway, I immediately thought of jewelry.  I have what some may call a "slight obsession"...especially when it comes to statement necklaces.  They are such versatile pieces.  They can be the finishing touch for a dressy outfit or add an unexpected pop to casual attire.  To me, they are a must-have for any girl!

-Gabbi, Retro Ranch Reno

9- Everyday I'm Hustlin' Hat: 

I chose this because it's on my own wish list! I love the trucker style of this hat, and love to wear hats!  I also love the sentiment and I think it's one we can all relate to, especially around the Holidays!  -Cassie, Primitive and Proper

10- Steve Madden Buffalo Plaid Infinity Scarf: 

One of my favorite gifts to give is a chic scarf.  With all the pretty designs, sizes, materials, and colors it makes it easy to find one to fit everyone's style.  I love how adding a scarf to a simple outfit makes a huge statement and adds an instant pop of color.  It's a fun, classy, versatile accessory that makes a great gift!  -Becky, This is Happiness

I don't know about you, but I'd love to see all 10 of those items under my tree and in my stocking this year.  And for one lucky reader, Santa...errr, I mean Mr. Delivery Man...will be dropping each one off right at your doorstep.  All you have to do is enter below!  Good luck!!

Now tell me...what's your favorite stocking stuffer for the holidays?!

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