What Worked & Didn't Work On My Christmas Mantel

 

Decorating is a process!! It takes some adjusting to get the look we are trying to achieve. Some things work like we envisioned and some don’t work.

I am about to show you what worked and didn't work.......

I started out with an all white base!! I really liked the clean, fresh look.

As pretty as all white can be, I have to have color in my life!! I had envisioned using my black and white striped ornaments with the all white.

(Last years mantel in black and white)

I just knew it would look amazing!!

Black and white always look great together, right?

Wrong!!!

Apparently I like black with white, not white with black.

When there is more white than black it did not look right to me.

REGROUP!!!

Color!! I need some color!! But, which color. I tried them all believe me!! The only color I liked with the all white mantel was RED!!!

This years mantel is in Red and White!

 I added the basket and the pinecones for texture.

Apparently I can not leave well enough alone because I thought I would add just one more thing to the mix.

An Addition:

I saw this image and saved it on my Pinterest boards……

I love this look! I just knew the addtion of some colored ribbons would make the mantel pop!!

In came the ribbons. Red, white, kelly green, and lime green……..

Shall I use multi-colors?  OR  Just the greens and white? 

Multi-colors Wins

Pretty? I thought so! But! I woke up the next morning, and it did not pass my first thing in the morning test!! (If I don’t like it first thing in the morning the out it goes)

So OUT  with the ribbons !!

The next addition was planned from the beginning so that was my next step!

To be continued…………

 

Christmas Paper & Ribbons= Presents!!

   

The next thing I need to get serious about is wrapping Christmas presents.

STEP ONE

I went out to my garage to look at my Christmas papers and I pulled the papers that I thought would look good with the way the family room mantel is decorated this year!(pictures coming soon!) I like to coordinate!!

These are the papers that I will be using this year……

As you can see I am using a black, and white color scheme with a touch of red in my wrapping paper.

The awning stripe is what I like to call my… 

“Signature Wrap!”

 

I use the striped paper all year long, and just switch up the bows to go with the occasion.

By using a mixture of sparkly, iridescent, shiny, and matte finishes it keeps it more interesting.

Choosing wrapping paper is just like choosing patterns in a room and adding different textures.

Now that I have them chosen it is time to put them in their basket that I keep by the tree. It now becomes part of the décor……

I use a vintage French Market basket!

STEP 2

The next step is choosing ribbons to go with the papers….

I like to keep my ribbon in a basket with a handle so I can transport it easily to my wrapping area……..

You can see I am using a mixture of patterns, and solids in red, white, black and maybe just a touch of green with red edges.

Now for the fun part, wrapping. When I wrap a gift I love to think about how the recipient will love what I got them,(or at least I hope that is what happens!)

This is the very first gift I wrapped today!! See the green peeking out of the red satin ribbon?

It is a double faced satin ribbon, my favorite kind. This does have a very fine wire, but not one that will make the bow look stiff. I don’t like a stiff bow!!

 PROGRESS

I made a little progress today……

I sure hope they love what I got them!! I still have more to wrap, but I put a little dent into it today!

QUESTION

Do you co-ordinate your papers and ribbons like I do?

 ONE MORE THING

I have one more trick up my sleeve for my packages, more on that later. So stay tuned…..

“Enjoy the Process!” Of:

Wrapping up pretty packages for your friends and loved ones!

 

My Favorite Christmas Ideas For The Week

   

If you haven’t noticed yet, I am crazy about this time of year. I feel like a little kid, and being able to decorate is a Christmas present to me.

I thought I would show you some of my favorites I found this week.

Of course it has to do with CHRISTMAS!……..

Shall we start at the entrance?…..

Source: google.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

When I see something like this it really makes me wish we had snow in California!

Source: goodlifeofdesign.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

I am really into stars this year. I love the organic feel of this star.

Source: blog.styleestate.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

This has been around for awhile, but I think it deserves to be seen again. 

Take the top off of your ornament, hot glue it on a mirror round and use the opening to place flowers and,it becomes a mini a vase. 

I like the idea of doing this for a name place card at each tablesetting.

Source: blog.styleestate.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

This is so simple! That is what I love about it. Anyone could do this at home with things they already have on hand.

Source: sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

Little brush trees placed in old door knobs as a stand. ADORABLE!!

Source: goodlifeofdesign.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

Glam up your votive with a sparkly buckle and satin ribbon.

Source: yourcozyhome.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

By twisting red and white pipe cleaners you get a candy cane look. LOVE!!

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

How perfect for your Christmas kitchen!!

Source: bhg.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

I haven’t priced toothpicks lately, but I think this is so pretty and older kiddos could help make these!

These are just a few ideas! If you would like to see more of what is inspiring me this year, go to my Pinterest board for Christmas HERE!!

I need to check out my gift wrapping board because today is gift wrapping day!!

♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫

Fa-La-Laing as the day goes by and I am……..

“Enjoying the Process!”