Holiday Happenings....

 So like you I've been running around like a lunatic all week, client meetings, conference calls (good things only going on!!) and of course getting ready for the holidays. I wanted to do something special for the teacher's who take care of my daughter. I was inspired by this idea and decided to try it myself. I'm happy with the results, plus after a long day who doesn't love a little spiked hot chocolate? I think I'll have one this weekend, myself. Hope your weekend is merry and bright!

 On another note. I actually don't know how to sew, sad to say, I'm sure I could figure it out but in all honesty don't have much time. I'm more likely to be seen wildly spraying furniture or creating a new painting. But I wanted to share the latest stocking that my Mom made for my sister's little baby boy. My mom began making these stocking for us when I was a baby in the 1970's. She has since made one for all the new little ones in the family. They're made from felt, we worked on this polar bear design together! Turned out sweet didn't he?

And FINALLY. It's high time, I need to invest to a great camera, so I can take amazing vignettes and details shots to share with you! I'm going to do a little research on a Canon EOS, I had a 35mm Rebel and I've heard only great things about this model.

Holiday Table

I can't drop gobs of money on holiday decorating but I adore a gorgeous holiday table. I find if you take a great idea and multiply it by many the effect is fantastic! Case in point is the idea below which I discovered on Design Love Fest and was devised and created by the Bash Please girls. This idea is
simple, creative and impactful! Read more about the details and how to pull it together yourself here. 
This would make a perfect piece for a buffet table and at a smaller scale and lower height the dining table. If you weren't up for or didn't have time to paint the holiday balls with color, I think it would look just as snazzy with various sized silver or gold balls!

Color Me Pretty: Christmas

The holidays are beautiful in almost (key word here) every way and entertaining for the holidays is fun and festive. Below I've shared some fabulous holiday greatness and goodies! 

1. The drinks! Shown: Ginger Fizz Cocktail + Affogato (peppermint ice cream and hot cocoa)

2. The display

3. The table: layer silver and gold balls in bowls over a plaid table cloth,  finish it off with a mix of white blooms.

4. Carolina Herrera Pre-Fall 13' dress. image via Style.com for a more casual look layer beautiful baubles with a hint of red. Image via Erica Cook, Moth Design. see J.Crew for similar necklace

5. Yummy treats. I think I need to make these cupcakes..I'll share a pic, if I do! (Image via Rue Magazine.)

** Today I'm sharing my Home For the Holidays Wish list on Jamie Meares' fabulous blog I Suwannee, be sure to pop over and check it out!

Happy Weekend, Happy Holidays

Remember Cottage Living? Of course you do! I loved receiving that magazine for it's stylish yet affordable interiors. An all time favorite were the holiday photos of Lee Kleinhelter's snazzy digs in Georgia. (Image one) Those window treatments and that tree are beyond good! I dug into the archives and shared a few of their other holiday shots with you. I'm heading to Vermont for our tree this weekend. I hope to share some holiday snippets via Instagram. I really need to get that account up and running!! (I sadly recently joined and sharing more work with you all is on my "hit"list)

Deck the Halls

Besides the warm sunny days of July and August, the holiday season is my favorite time of year. Decorating your home beautifully doesn't need to break the bank. Here's a round up of holiday decor that will add a bit of sparkle and warmth to your home. I tried to include an array of ideas, hopefully one of the styles appeals to you! Happy Decorating. I'm heading Vermont with my kiddies to chose our tree this weekend. It's becoming a favorite holiday tradition in our home.

xx

Cheers to a shiny, happy holiday!!!!

{this toast is PERFECT for me right now!! love it. - I'll toast to trust, loyalty and lifelongs any-day! {long story - let's just say I'm looking forward to 2011}

Have a wonderful holiday!! 

images: country living, pretty stuff, dress design decor, Veranda, forget?, pretty stuff tumblr.

warm and fuzzy

{would this not look adorable framed in a bedroom? - I'll let you know what i find}

My plan was to post something entirely different today but I awoke to a beautiful three inches of snow.  I love the power of an image. I try to begin my day on a positive note, these images certainly set the tone for me today! This time of year is so magical isn't it? {aside from the craziness}

Images: Encoreuneminute,  Martha Stewart, Pretty stuff 

Bummer

In a perfect world I would be sipping champagne at the holiday party I was supposed to attend tonight, instead I am home sick on antibiotics! Happy Holidays to you!! If you have a party tonight, Enjoy!

Dress: Barbara Dress by Tory Burch

simply darling

I love brooches, they're so timeless aren't they? I'm not a huge collector but think I could be happy owning an array of large vintage {or new} brooches. I loved the idea of attaching one to the outside of a wrapped gift. {the gift doesn't necessarily have to be wrapped in a shirt, you could use any simple paper}. even better if the treat inside {like this adorable jacket} went with the brooch. 

Images: Top Image: Kate Spade, A Gift Wrapped Life, J. Crew

Holiday Hit List

Besides finishing up my decorating there are a number of other duties I need to attend to! Here's a glimpse into my holiday "hit" list! 

1. Love this sequin mini from J.Crew. I love the idea of mixing something sequin in with my every day clothing....


2. Who can go wrong with Mr. Boddingtons? I need to send out my cards very soon.


3. A simply elegant up-do, the perfect look for any holiday party!


4. I'm going with a striped wrapping theme this year!


5. Veuve Clicquot Rose - need i say more?


6. I have a thing for baubles { i mean who doesn't?}...it's been a very rough Fall, good enough excuse for me to buy this ring from Kate Spade! { not sure if i will go with the black or not !}


7. I am having a small family fete on Christmas eve, these gold specked plates from Crate and Barrel are perfect!



images: hair style - glimpse of glamour blog

"beau" or no?

I won't be hosting Christmas this year, but I still can't resist a bit of holiday table inspiration! Here I'm honing in on the napkin. Do you like the idea of the bow shape or not? Just curious? More then anything I like the added punch of color these napkins add.
images: Coco and Kelley, My sweetrandomness

The White Tree

We're actually purchasing quite the opposite of a white tree this year, I'm off with my little ones early today to the Christmas tree farm. We are going to cut down our own little tree this year! Thought I'd mix things up.
But.....I could definitely see me doing a second chic tree in all white some year {it's not going to happen this year - love the idea of a second tree in the foyer - above image}. If you're in the market for a white tree, Target is carrying one!!

Who could forget Lee Kleinhelter's amazing white tree?

 A small white tree is also an option!

images: Coastal Living, Cottage Living, Google.