Feeling A Little OFF Balance!!

Are you feeling a little off balance? I think this time of year that happens quite often.

I am not going to pretend that I have all the answers. Nor will I say it never happens to me.

I will say this however, I really do fight against it. I try really hard to keep my Fa-la-la spirit going♪♫♪♫

There are a few things that have helped me through out the years. Probably nothing too new or earth shattering, but just practical ways of doing or looking at things that have helped me.

Planning and Prepping:

• We have all been through several holiday seasons. It comes around the same time every year, so we really do know what to expect. Where we go wrong is ignoring what we already know.

• We know who we have to buy gifts for so MAKE A GIFT LIST!!! Along with this list, I put possibilities so that when I go looking, I keep on track.(I like to use 3x5 cards, one for each person or family)

• Make sure the linens and dishes we need are accessible and ready to go.

• When you make a To-do list actually put the chores on your calendar so you will allow enough time in each day to get done what needs to be done.

We often make a list and there just is not enough hours in the day to accomplish what we think in our minds, that we can get done.

 By putting it on the calendar you will see exactly how much time you have to get things done in the month of December.

• Keep it simple!! This is one thing I remember from year to year.

Use The Lessons You Learned Last Year!:

• Write down what worked really well for you last year and repeat it this year!

• Take pictures of the way you decorated and keep them with your decorations.  If it looked good last year it will look good this year!

( I have clients and friends alike that I have helped from year to year to decorate their homes and they take pictures of what I did for them. That way they can duplicate from year to year!) I have very smart clients.

• When you see a new idea, make a copy of it and keep it with your Christmas notes or in your photo file for next year's decorating.

What about the FOOD?!!:

• Make a menu for upcoming dinners or parties and buy the staples ahead of time and the fresh products right before.

• This is where I cheat a little!!! Buy your desserts or goodies from your favorite bakery or grocery store. Be sure and get things that can freeze or be put together easily at the last minute.

Christmas Drop-In’s or Last minute guest!

• I love people to drop-in on me. If they do that, I know they came to see ME and not just my house.

• I always keep biscotti on hand, which keeps almost forever.  That and a cup of Christmas tea always feels special.

• Christmas napkins are always special and easy to put out last minute.

• Redi-whip and crushed candy canes in hot chocolate is a real special treat for young visitors as well as we more mature visitors.

• Keep hostess- type gifts on hand and wrapped and ready to go. Cocktail napkins, candles, Christmas soaps are always appreciated.

Running out of TIME!!:

This happens to us all and this is where I learned the most important lesson of all……….

The important things truly will get done.  Remember the list you made at the very beginning of the season? You made that list like we all do.

At the beginning we are all filled with enthusiasm and energy. As time marches on, and it does march to its own drummer we wax and wane.

At the end ,we let the little stuff go and concentrate on what is important. That my friends is why I can say…….

 “The important things always get done!”

One more thing! Remember it is the people in our lives that are important so time spent with a loved one or special friend is the best gift of all!!!!

Merry Christmas!!

Kathysue

My 2010 Christmas Dining Room

*Simple Sparkle*

My dining room is pretty versatile and can take on many different looks. Two years ago I chose a colorful look with pinks and red. Just click here!

Last year I took a more nature inspired approach. You may click here to see it, if you would like.

This year it was motivated by a piece that had lots of *sparkle.*

**This mirror!**

 

Each little jeweled grouping reminded me of a snowflake . When I saw this mirror I had to get it because I knew this would be the center of my Christmas dining room table.

I worked on it and edited and edited. I wanted *sparkle* but not gaudy so editing became very important.

Here are some of the pieces that did not make the cut!

Hmmmm??? It is all *sparkly* and it is all the colors I love. Why is this not working?

Let me tell you why! All the elements in of themselves are probably perfect for that part of the room except for one important factor.

They say waaaaay too much. They are all saying. “Look at me , no look at me, no me!!!” I want *sparkle* and I want the mirror to be the star the base of the whole center piece so this is what I did……………

  I used what I call my neutrals of black and white with pops of green.

Clear simple glass candlesticks were used and instead of candles I used round ornaments. For extra *sparkle* I randomly placed stones that are varied sizes.

 They match the stone in the mirror this way I am repeating elements. You will also notice the repeat of the round shape in the ornaments,stones and the candlesticks.

  I kept the  color scheme tight by using black and white with green. I keep the continuity by using elements of *sparkly* stones, clear candle sticks and votives.

 The only pattern used here is in the black and white striped balls which is repeating the pattern in the ribbon and the green striped wallpaper.

 Now I am happy, this works for me!!

I love the way it *sparkles* in the dimmed light. It is actually more *sparkly* in person. The light just dances in the stones and clear candle sticks.

My attempt at being artsy. I captured this shot from a mirror hanging opposite the table. In this shot you can see where I hung my lanterns this year.

 I have a mirror on each side of my window and I chose to hang the lanterns on the mirror instead of the window like I did in last years nature inspired decor.

Now you can see both sides of the window. I love these lanterns. Notice how the candle looks as if it is floating. It is actually on a very thin metal shelf.

 I used a simple black and white striped ribbon making a loose bow that has some greenery and a few small green balls in the center. I repeated the ribbon element by outlining my round table with the same ribbon. I simply pinned it on making sure the straight pins don't show.

So dear readers there is my Christmas dining room. I so appreciate your patience with me.

I still feel as if I did not capture the true essence of the room. I am very limited in my photography skills. In good conscience I could not keep you waiting any longer!

What would make this look even better is to have some loved ones sitting around visiting, eating and laughing. Now, that is what all this decorating is really about…… to make it an inviting environment for the people I dearly love.

Merry, Merry Christmas!

Kathysue

I am linking to:

http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2011/11/tablescape-link-party-homegoods-contest/

Double Duty Christmas Wrapping

I love it when a Christmas gift has a double duty wrapping you know the kind of wrapping that serves a purpose other than to hide the gift inside. The actual wrapping is part of the gift also!!!

I found some great examples while traveling around in cyber space.
Here are some that I have found!!

This is one of my favorites. A good way to recycle and make the outside a gift in of itself!!!

Everyone always needs new dishtowels, why not use them as a wrapping!!!

How about a thriftying trip for sugar bowls and put candles inside! I would love one of these little lovelies wrapped in a pretty napkin!!!

Double duty gift tags. Very clever! Using key rings or even luggage tags would make a great gift tag.

If you put on your Christmas thinking cap I bet you can come up with some of your own double-duty wrappings.

Holiday Hints

• How about a pretty scarf and use the matching gloves as the bow!?

• A sock hat full of Christmas candy would be fun for the little ones at home.

• Instead of a pretty ribbon, why not a fun belt!!!

The ideas are only limited by our own imagination!

“Enjoy the Process” Of:

Double-duty wrapping!!

Kathysue