Ciera and I are new to blogging, and this is our first year to take it up in ernest. We would love it if you would just leave us a note to say hello, we could use some encouragement!
Two neighbors, Ciera and Elizabeth, share their adventures in seasonal decorating.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
The Red Guest Bathroom
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| Bathrooms are so small they are fun to decorate, like little jewel boxes. I plan to add a grand chandelier to complete this room. |
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| this was a gift from Italy. I loved it, but they were so fragile and were constantly falling over, so I finally made them into a picture. |
Its so important for my guests to feel Christmas no matter where in the house they are. I want them to feel like they did when they were children. I always have a basket with soaps towels and snacks as well as water in their room. It's important to be comfortable, and if they thought enough to come visit me, I sure want them to know I thought enough to ensure they were as comfortable as possible away from home.
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| In the same way the trees below were filled out with loops of ribbon, this one was filled out with the swallow tail ends. Instead of forming a loop, ribbon folded in half, tied with wire and the ends cut in a swallow tail fashion, and tucked into the tree. |
A look back.
A few months ago I bought new leather dining chairs that are REALLY COMFORTABLE for sitting on. They even perform double duty as I now tend to use the breakfast room as an office....they are that comfy! I even move them in to the lounge when extra seating is required. However, other than add a pretty cushion, you can't really add any decorative touches to these chairs. So I thought I would show you last years chairs in all their decorative glory. Yes - they look good - but it was time for a change.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
The Breakfast Room at Ciera's - finished!
This is my favorite room to decorate. It's small and so just a few decorations have a big impact. I have kept the surfaces pretty clear this year so that it's easy to clear any decorations away if I need some extra food serving area. I also moved the wreath off the window as it used to catch in the blinds last year.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Get your skates on.
Instead of staying home and finishing my Christmas decorating, I took a trip to NYC and visited the ice rink in Central Park. Perhaps it was the guilt of being out when I should have been at home getting everything ready but while I was there, I kept thinking of ways to decorate with skates. It seems to be quite a popular trend.
I really have started to deck the halls
Elizabeth called a little concerned that I hadn't started to decorate for Christmas yet. So I thought I better give a sneak peak of what is to come. This photo shows that I have indeed started to deck the halls....well the little front foyer. It's a very different style to last year and I may completely revamp the area when (if) I get everything else done. I am also considering going "old school" and spray painting all the foliage gold. The gold might make the silver look a little more polished....of course, I could always just polish the silver.
Just for comparison - here was last years look.
When I look at the two images - I sort of like the pop of color that the fruit and pink transferware plate add....but we'll see...it could all change yet.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Filling out those inexpensive, spindly trees
Years ago at the world market I purchased a set of 3 trees, from 3 foot down to 1 foot. You know the ones that have that prominent broom handle type trunk. I got tired on the "woodland" look and so besides doing the usual winding ribbon around the tree, which still made it look sad, I added loops of ribbon to make it fuller, and give it a frosty look. You can use any ribbon. Bright ribbon with contrasting colors and patterns would look fab and give it a whimsical look. And then load it down will ornaments.
Creating a Christmas worthy bow
Many people believe that bows are outdated, that during the early 90's we just burned ourselves out with them. I suppose that's true, however I think they are making a slow comeback because they just look very festive. It's all about what they represent, all good things begin with a bow. So here is my tribute to them.
To make this one yourself, simply get a spool of wired ribbon, pull some of the ribbon out and while holding on to the middle, create loops on either side of your hand, usually three on each side will do, but if you want a bigger bow, try 4 or 6. No need to go over 6 loops on either side of your hand. While still holding on to the center, take florist wire (my best friend next to the glue gun, year round) and wind center tightly with the wire. then pull the ribbon loops apart to make a big festive bow.
To make this one yourself, simply get a spool of wired ribbon, pull some of the ribbon out and while holding on to the middle, create loops on either side of your hand, usually three on each side will do, but if you want a bigger bow, try 4 or 6. No need to go over 6 loops on either side of your hand. While still holding on to the center, take florist wire (my best friend next to the glue gun, year round) and wind center tightly with the wire. then pull the ribbon loops apart to make a big festive bow.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Tarnished Silver Style
It seems that silverware is all the rage this year in Christmas style. Ciera combines a vintage silver coffee pot (c.1930), some old books (c. 1900) and some modern decorations (off the shelf at Michaels) for a unique Christmas look. Take a look around your own home and see what looks you can create by combining old silverware with flowers, foliage and other decorations.
This little display with all the clock faces would make a great decoration for a New Year's Eve party.
This little display with all the clock faces would make a great decoration for a New Year's Eve party.
Christmas Candles
A Christmas candle is a lovely thing;
It makes no noise at all,
But softly gives itself away.
~Eva Logue
Window Shopping for Inspiration
Thursday, December 1, 2011
At Elizabeth's the living room decorations are finally completed....
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