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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……..



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.




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.....









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



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



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?





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!!





More apples and lanterns I am starting to see a pattern in my thought process!!!



Boxwood, green apples and a lantern!! Love it!!!










How about a little whimsy? Instead of using green wreaths, grapevine wreaths were used to make this darling snowman. Very clever indeed!

I don't know about all of you, but writing this post has inspired me. First thing tomorrow morning I am going to start creating!!! Falalala ♪♫♪♫
"Enjoy the Process!" Of:

Creating beauty for your Holidays!

Kathysue

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Christmas “Words!”

A     B     C                            

I am just like the rest of you in blogland. I am always on the look out for decorating inspiration. Last year I found my inspiration for this years mantel.

It came in the form of a bookcase, but as soon as I saw it, I knew that it would be my springboard for this years mantel.

I found this inspiration on Emily Clark’s blog. It was her bookcase that was my inspiration!! Thank you Emily!!










Do you see them? Christmas Words!! that is it, I am going to have Christmas words in my decorating scheme for the Holidays!!



Unfortunately I could not find the wonderful variety that Emily has on her shelves, but I think I accomplished the look I wanted. I am done with my mantel and I will be showing it soon!!



I did more looking around to see how others used Christmas words, and to give you all some inspiration too……….








Wouldn’t this be fun to see as you entered your home!?








This is such a clever use of flash cards!







I love the word DREAM, after all isn’t that what we all do during this time of year, Dream of how the celebrations will go with family and friends. When we were children we would dream about what Santa would be putting under the tree for us!


The name of a loved one on a special gift! A perfect Christmas word.



I really need to find some of these wonderful teacups for my kitchen. What word would you spell out.



What a fun way to use Christmas words!!





I think this is such a clever idea, just use separate letters to spell out a word!








Simple Words!!






This has a more elegant touch with gold letters but then they used a word to make it feel more casual and fun. I think I would use Fa-la-la!♪♫♪









Twigs and wire, how simple and fun, great for a nature inspired décor.










Christmas words with lights!!




These words are in Swedish or Norwegian,I am not really sure which one, but what a fun idea. Spray paint all shapes and sizes of bottles and add Christmas words in black, love this idea!!






I will leave you with a little Christmas Word Snack……..




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When you think of Christmas, what words come to mind?


“Enjoy the Process!” Of:

Using Christmas words in your Holiday décor!

Kathysue

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




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.



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.


 

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: bhg.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….


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……..

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





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










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?!!




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“Enjoy the Process” Of:

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

Kathysue

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