NEW COLORS FOR CHRISTMAS

   

Our Christmas tree is full of memories, in fact I call it our, “Memory Tree,” I like to change certain elements each year, but the memory tree always remains the same.

(To see last years tree and read about why ornaments are so precious to our family go HERE!)

I will add  different colored balls and ribbons,but each little ornament holds a memory for our family.

(Before ornaments are placed on the tree)

We made some changes to our family room this past year so I coordinated by decorations and gift wrapping with the room.

You will see black and white, blue and white and an addition  of pops of  different shades of green.

I have not used blue on my tree for years. Our very first Christmas tree had blue and silver balls on it over 44 years ago. 

Funny how what goes around comes around again.

There are still some things I need to do to finish decorating in the family room, but our tree is done so I thought I would share it with you today. 

You can see our tree is packed with memories. 

First pair of shoes, soccer and baseball buttons, first pair of glasses. Ornaments made by 3 little boy’s hands.

There are pictures of my Boys, their beautiful wives and my 3 gorgeous Grandchildren. We even have ornaments that look like our family pet Mitsy who now has angel wings.

FROM MY HOME TO YOURS…..

 

 

Making The Task Of Gift Wrapping Fun!

   

Do you feel over whelmed when it comes to gift wrapping?

I am going to share with you my approach and how it helps me stay organized and happily wrapping….

First, I have to admit that I  am like a kid in a candy store when it comes to wrapping paper and ribbons.

When you think about it, choosing your paper and ribbons is like choosing fabrics for your room.

Make it fun and coordinate them and organize them in a way that they look pretty and are easily accessible.

Let me show you what I mean……

Packages waiting for their embellishments……



Tools needed for wrapping……..

You will notice the little basket on the right has my tools, scissors, tape, glue stick, markers all together.

Baskets to hold everything are so helpful……..

All my ribbons are lined up in a basket ready to make a pretty bow. 

I have fun paper ribbon with stickers that have our family name on them. 

Jingle bells are a theme for this years Christmas so I have a bowl full to add to the packages.

I don’t have a designated room to do my gift wrapping in, but I do have a large kitchen bar that works well.

You can still make your wrapping station look attractive while working by putting all the necessary elements in baskets for easy access. It also helps keep me organized.

By getting pretty papers and ribbons it really helps in making your packages stand out. I just tie simple uncomplicated bows on my packages.

Now for the fun part!! Arranging them under the tree…..

A Christmas Helper:

I place the gifts under the tree without their bows first to figure out the arrangement. 

It is kind of like putting pillows on your sofa. Once I see where the gifts will go, it helps me decide on which color of bow to use.

I hope this will help make gift wrapping a little easier and more enjoyable for you. Below you will find the sources I use for my gift wrapping supplies.

Kathysue is Falalaing at her home!!!

SOURCES:

Paper sources: The Container Store

                                                Nashville Wraps

Ribbons: Paper Mart
              Container Store

Paper ribbon and round stickers: Paper Jacks on Etsy

 

 

Using Gift Wrap & Ribbons As A Christmas Decoration

   

When it comes to ribbons, and gift wrap I am like a kid in a candy store. 

Each year I add to my black and white  awning striped signature gift wrap.

I use this as a base and also throughout the entire year for all my gift wrapping.

I like to coordinate my wrappings just like I would for fabric in a room.

If you have to constantly take out your gift wrap to use it, why not use it as part of your Christmas décor?

Let me show you what I mean…….

I put all of mine together in a French market basket and keep it on display. 

It is always at my finger tips, but looks decorative until I need it again.

A few gifts wrapped and waiting for their ribbons and bows!

Guess what I do with all of my ribbons?

By placing them in a basket I have everything ready to go.

I have another small basket that I keep the scissors, tape and wire. I use it as my little tool basket.

Everything remains neat and tidy as well as decorative.

Last years paper had lots of red since I did a red and white Christmas color scheme.

Let me show you how I coordinated the papers and ribbons for 2012……

Notice the same black and white striped paper is being used!

Sitting in the same French Market basket next to the tree.

Do you coordinate your wrapping papers and ribbons for the Holidays?