Good Life of Design

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

My 2010 Christmas Kitchen

I received an early Christmas gift from Mr. Flu bug so I will be giving you all a glimpse of last years inspiration around my house. I will be back as soon as I feel a bit better.............

Christmas Kitchen in black and white:

You all have seen my kitchen dinette with its black and white color scheme.

I also carried it into the kitchen with just one little touch of red. I used red in the adjacent family room so it was a perfect little tie-in!!

Here is a picture of my dining room just for a reminder of the direction I am taking this year.

Right across from this table you will see this….

Here are a few close-ups

Now you can see just a small touch of the red that I will be introducing into the family room.

A few more tiny red touches. I have my silver Revere bowl full of scented pinecones and pomanders made out of limes. This bowl smells delicious!!

I put my crystal bottle stoppers in some of my glassware. I loved the repetition of the black stripes!!! Plus they look so sparkly and I do love sparkle at Christmas time.

I purchased two of these balls at Pier I. I thought they might work on the table, but they just said too much for that setting. I think they are perfect inside my cupboard.

How about some Jingle bells for your cupboards. I used napkin rings around my knobs for a festive little touch.

One last picture of my mini cypress trees with just a very small dash of sparkly glitter………

The kitchen is a warm place to be at Christmas time. Mulling spices in the Crock pot and the red lacquered tray ready for tea or coffee.

Candles are lit on the window sills. I have my crystal chandelier dimmed so it looks like candlelight. I just enjoy being in there so much.

Even washing dishes is fun this time of year!!! Boy I wish that feeling would last all year long!!

Merry,Merry Christmas from My Kitchen to YOURS!!

Kathysue

Sunday, December 4, 2011

CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY!!

Helen Tiltson!! Congratulations!

For those of you who still need a great hostess gift or something to go along with a gift for the entertainer go to Destination Dinners for a wonderful selection of gifts that are probably something different than any other gift they have ever received! It will come in a beautiful red presentation box...........

http://www.destinationdinners.com/pages/RECIPE-KITS.html

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Outside Christmas Decorations

The first thing most people do when they start their Christmas decorating is hang a wreath on the door. I usually start decorating on my front porch too.

This year was a little different for me, I actually started with the mantel, and the tree. I am now on my way outside to start the process out there.

I am thinking of an all white and green color scheme with maybe a touch of red. I just have to find all the right elements to work with.

I went to the local Home Depot and Lowes and was a bit disappointed in the offerings they had.

I want natural live elements for my porch so I was looking for a pretty real wreath. I did luck out by going to Costco, where they had a 28in. Douglas fir wreath for $14.99. I picked up a couple of garlands at Lowe’s since they were the only one around here that had any.

I am going to take a trip to Trader Joe’s early in the morning to see what they have to offer.

I am not sure what I will do outside. Probably something very simple and traditional,hopefully in white and green with a touch of red.

I did look on Pinterest for some inspiration that I thought you all might enjoy seeing too……..

Source: athoughtfulplaceblog.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

I love the zinc planters on each side of the door. I don’t have zinc planters, but I could still do something similar to this. I also like the subtle touches of red.

Source: 5thandstate.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

This is so beautiful! I love all the natural fresh elements used here. My friend Debra is a master at container gardening. If you need ideas be sure and visit her blog 5th and state, you will love it there! here are a few more of Debra’s winter containers.....

Source: 5thandstate.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

I find it hard to pick out a favorite they are all so beautiful and lush!! I told you Debra is a master!!

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

This is not an outdoor arrangement, but I think it is a great combination of materials that could be used outside!

Source: brooklynlimestone.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

I am really liking the look of the green apples in the wreath. I could pair this wreath with the arrangement in the third picture, they did not use apples but the element is the same color as green apples! Hmmmm?! My creative juices are starting to flow!! Are yours?

Source: google.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Source: room-galleries.myhomeideas.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

This is really nice!! I think the lantern hanging in the middle of the wreath is so fun!! I love lanterns and this would be a fun new way to use one on my porch!!

Source: bhg.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Galvanized French buckets are a wonderful texture against the green and the shimmer of the blue and green balls. I love this. I can just see this in the planter with my other plants. I really need to try this somewhere. I have two French buckets!!