Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Making it Merry

imageI honestly think I could write an entire month’s worth of blog’s on the items that you can decorate with for the Christmasimage season. I have three trees of three different themes myself and I’m a single girl. I thought this year I’d dedicate the blog to decorating rather classically with red and green touches rather than giving you the full scoop on imagegoing “themed.” 

That said, I adored these Crate and Barrel pillows. (Alpine Ivory Pillow $26.95 & Red Pillow $34.95). I think using pillows and throw blankets are a forgotten punch during the holidays where the decor can actually get used for something – 2 for 1! I loved the little top stitched vintage print, I think this could be used with country, modern, or even just a traditional Christmas look. It’s a little classic mixed with a nice nostalgic feeling.

imageConsidering the “days of old”, I thought this little tree from Cost Plus World Market was precious. The 3 foot feather pine tree would make a great centerpiece on a side table or even make a college student’s dorm room a little cheerier during those days of tests. I would use this for those ornaments that I receive or buy that mark milestones or special memories, and have it displayed on my entryway table. It’s sparse branches would show off heirloom pieces perfectly without imagebeing in reach of little ones.

While you’re at Cost Plus, I fell in love with this 6 foot red berry garland. It’s steep at $25, but the fullness makes quite an impact. This would really make my white mantle pop with color!

When considering the mantle, make sure you’ve chosen great stockings. These simply elegant classics from Pottery Barn are super affordable at $9-15 each and the personalizing imageoptions abound if you’re a crafty person!

So the big tree marks the day and for the tree beginners it’s all about the tree skirt. I found this fantastically detailed  skirt on Target.com. The Bucilla Partridge In A Pear Tree Tree Skirt runs image$54.99, which may sound expensive, but will last for many years. Consider also a great starter kit of imagethe 225-pc. Tree Decorating Kit Red/Green/Gold $84.15 – this will get any size tree full and ready!

When it comes to table topping, you can lose your mind in this department. I try to have two or three Christmas related dinners so I can see friends, and secretly validate my addiction to Christmas entertaining vessels! I found this cute retro platter at Pier 1 for $30. This would be also a great use for a gift imageplatter with homemade cookies. If I’m going to keep it for myself though, these great red plates at Amazon.com were $23 a place setting (Search: imageLaurie Gates Vintage Dekko Red 4-Piece Place Set ) and not only work throughout the year but would frame a mix and match holiday salad dish fantastically.!

That said, the sky is the limit! It’s the biggest holiday out there to look around and express your fashion sense in. Embrace that and enjoy all the trimmings!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Little Rounds of Heaven

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6 Hole White Escargot Plate - Ace Mart Restaurant Supply

$7.95 each

I’m a sucker for an “odd” plate. Something that you’ll use once – sort of like those hot pink plaid shoes in the closet. You just need to try it. For me, I love escargot, and even though I’ve not used them yet for escargot, I’ve found that these little beauties work well with rose buds as an interesting vase alternative! Dipping sauces abound? – here you go! They also work wonders to hold Easter eggs.

 

 

 

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Terra Cotta Collection Handled Dishes and Terra Cotta Tapas Plates - Sur La Table

$5.95 & $4.95

  I adore tapas. Since discovering them, I’ve become enamored with the idea that little dishes and noshes just make them have better mouthfeel. These two choices would be great to mix and match. The handled dish goes great from oven to table with a flourishing amount of queso flameado in it. Also great for a half sandwich and soup, or as smaller portion dishes for you all watching your waistlines. Sometimes the small dish makes it feel more special!

   

imageWine Pairing Appetizer Platter - Williams Sonoma

$39.00

I know even if it’s from Williams Sonoma that this borders on a bit “cheesy” – forgive the pun. But the divided plate works wonders with cheeses and crackers to be laid out. A nice baked brie and accompanying cranberry jelly and water wafers would look lovely against this colorful dish. The crackers may look a little less “drab” against it’s palette.  

 

  Hammered Metal Lunch Box - Cost Plus World Market image

$9.99

I’m attempting to be more eco-friendly this year. I’m not succeeding as much as I would like, but when I do bring my lunch, it’s in a lunchbox rather than disposable containers or bags. This, this makes me want to bring dinner somewhere too! I’m under the impression that if being eco-friendly makes me look good too, it’ll motivate me using the reusable items!

 

  

 

imageVintage Wood Pizza Cutting Board -Pottery Barn

$39.00

Forget the name. This isn’t just a wood cutting board for pizza. Think cheese board. Think bread board. Think great way to lay out muffins for brunch. or a cake would look fabulous here too. The rustic look lends itself to upscale Italian table layouts just as much as it would serve a good ol’ Texas Barbecue.