Good Life of Design

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

A Nature Inspired Christmas!

I have been looking around for inspiration for all of you and I have noticed that it appears to be the year of a nature inspired Christmas this year.

I claimed that natural kraft paper will be the wrapping of choice for many this year so it is only natural to do a nature inspired décor to go along with it.

Many of you live in the part of the country where you can go out your back door into the woods and cut fresh greenery. There is nothing better than fresh cut greens the smell is wonderful.

For those of us that have to find ours elsewhere such as nurseries we might be a bit more limited in our findings. Always remember those long garlands can be taken apart and the pieces can be tucked here and there to add a touch of green.

PINECONES

Source: onthesurfaceblog.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Pinecones are such a wonderful textural element to add to your décor. I love it when they are mixed with a little bit of sparkle.

Source: Uploaded by user via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

I know many of you love antlers! In this image the antlers are added to this lush garland with greens, pheasant feathers and pinecones. My friend Marty found pheasant feathers for a good price over at Oriental Trading Company. You will get 24 feathers for $10, that is the cheapest I have ever seen them.

Source: desdemventana.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Source: classicchichome.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

I think the simplicity of this cloche arrangement is perfect!!

FRUIT

I also love when fruit is used in garlands or wreaths. I love to see the Williamsburg decorating. Their use of fruit and greens is amazing.

Source: brooklynlimestone.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Source: earthboundwinglessdream.tumblr.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Tobi Fairly did an amazing job in keeping with your color scheme by using citrus in her garland.

SUCCLULENTS

Another trend I am seeing is the use of succulents….

Source: digsdigs.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

I think these are so clever and fun!!

SHELLS

If you love a Coastal Christmas, the use of shells can be equally as festive as shown in this garland……..

Source: georgicapond.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

For those of you who like the unusual, how about this…….

Source: a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

I fell in love with this unique look. I think she would be stunning in an entry hall.

Source: Uploaded by user via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Source: sjarmerendejul.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Will you be using some of what nature has to offer you for your Christmas decorations this year, or will you be going towards the sparkly side, like me?!!

“Enjoy the Process” Of:

Adding a touch of nature to your Christmas decorating and maybe a little sparkle for good measure!!!

Kathysue

Don't forget to go here and leave a comment to be eligible for my Christmas giveaway from Destination Dinners!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

A Sneak Peek and A Christmas Gift Giveaway!!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here!! I just love, love this time of year and I am like a kid when it comes to Christmas.

The lights, the music, the smell of pine and cinnamon!!! I love it all.

I spent Saturday, and part of Sunday doing a little decorating. I got my mantel done, and the tree is up and ready for all the family ornaments. I am totally enjoying the process. I love to take my time and cherish each moment.

I am giving you just a little sneak peek of what I have done for this years mantel. Along with this sneak peek I am also going to announce a Christmas giveaway…….

I did a post on a fun, and unusual gift that anyone would enjoy. If you like to cook or eat, this gift is for you.

Destination Dinners has offered to give one of my readers one of their fabulous recipe kits…….

Source: destinationdinners.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

The recipe kit will include the recipe, and all the necessary special spices, and flavorings that you will need to create an exotic meal from around the world.

All you have to do is leave a comment to let me know you want to be in the random drawing for the recipe kit. If your name is chosen I will get in touch with you to see which kit you would like so I can let Destination Dinners know what you would like to have. Destination Dinners will ship your recipe of choice to your home!!!

If you do want to take a peek at their website you can go to the members only page, and sign up and you will recieve all the special offers that they have, it is for members only and it is free!!

That’s it!! Just leave a comment, and a way for me to contact you! No gimmicks easy peasy, lemon squeezy!!

Good Luck To You All!!

Kathysue

Friday, November 25, 2011

Add A Little Sparkle To Your Gift List

It is official, “Let the Games Begin!” Now that Thanksgiving is over we can begin the Christmas festivities in full force!!

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving but I must admit I feel a bit like a stuffed turkey this morning!! The crockpot pumpkin pudding was a big hit and I highly recommend it!! (recipe here)

With only 30 days until Christmas I know that what to buy your friends and loved ones is on all of our minds.

There will be parties and gatherings to attend and hostess gifts that will need to be purchased.

I was perusing Zgalleries site this morning, and if you want some glitz and glitter this is the place to shop.

I love the way they always have a color story every year. This year it appears to be sparkly whites and reds with a few touches of blue.

I thought I would share a few ideas for hostess gifts, or if you are like me and make Christmas socks for adult children a few of these would be great stocking stuffers as well.

This first item would be a welcomed site by any hostess……