The party was a hit last night and we had a great turnout – this is what I came up with to get the house ready for everyone – and ourselves…..
Here is the wreath that our neighbor hung for us – it is 3 wreaths in one (regular pine, ferny green then cranberries), all layered together and tied with a black ribbon. Next year we’ll add one more stocking!
I was planning on garlands for the stair banister but couldn’t find something that I loved. Then the comment from my friend Jen (aka “Aunt Spicy”) that suggested green ribbon for a wreath got me thinking. I love the smell of pine and so decided to use real wreaths on the banister since we have an artificial tree. The lime green ribbon was perfect to add the contemporary and simple touch that I was going for as well as tie it to the railing.
So, I was inspired while at Tai Pan Trading (I know that you all wish you had this store near you) and decided to go for it and decorate the tree. Part of that inspiration burst came from the fact that my fabulous neighbors came over to help me hang my wreath and while here, set up the tree for me! They are so awesome and their help made it possible for me to have the time and energy to dive into decorating it instead of just leaving on the lights. Thank you, Jones’!
I used green berry garlands and loaded down the branches because I loved the color. I added large silver and red balls (they are glittery styrofoam so no breaking – love them). I found some bird-shaped mirrors that reflect the lights and other decorations and for a modern but whimsical addition, I added polka-dot yarn ball ornaments.
Since we had a meager pile of about 24 ornaments saved from over the years, my strategy was to create a foundation on the tree with the garland, balls and birds and then add our own memories throughout. I like the idea of building up our stash of ornaments from places we go or experiences we have and adding them to the tree as time goes on. Our Mickey and Minnie ornaments from Disneyland last week are the latest additions!
No great thing is created suddenly. – Epictetus
Since Jason’s car accident we have spent many Christmases in the hospital or in spaces too tight for many decorations. But now that we have our own home again and a year of no hospital stays, I have learned something. A tree, a fireplace, a banister, a countertop….they are all creative canvases.
Creativity is a gift we give ourselves as we exercise our imaginations, make our plans and gather the pieces and parts to create a beautiful whole. An opportunity to create can be found anywhere – it’s our choice to take the time to embrace it.
What are you creating these days?
Kolette, everything looks beautiful! I love the green ribbons and berries! XX’s
Kolette, what a great job of decorating without stressing. It’s so neat that you have such wonderful neighbors too. I love the tree. It is so unique and beautiful. Enjoy it all.
Kolette it all looks so wonderful but of course everything you do looks wonderful! I actually created an advent calendar for my kids yesterday as my house slowly but surely becomes a christmas wonderland. You’ll find out about this in a year or so but enjoy that tree while you can still decorate it from top to bottom, once you have a toddling toddler crawling/walking/running/climbing around you’ll have to limit your decorations to the upper half of the tree for a bit. We actually have kind of a playpen/fence type of thing that we put around the tree to keep the kids from completely un-decorating it once we’ve decorated it but they can still reach some things so only kid-safe ornaments go within their reach!
Love it! It turned out so great! Haven’t created much laely, but am teaching an ornament class tomorrow, so that counts… right?
I’m so glad your party was a success! Your decorations are beautiful – very homey and welcoming…and that picture over the mantel…how absolutely stunning! Wish I could see it more fully. Is it a painting or paper piecing of some sort? I like your nativity set, too!
Wow! That was just beautiful, you really did an amazing job! I adore the lime colored berries, perfect, and if I ever have a staircase I am soooo copying you on the wreaths! And I am with Michelle in the comment above, love the painting above the fireplace, who painted it?
Thanks everyone! Michelle – the picture on our mantle is a limited edition print of a painting called “The Ten Lepers” by James Christensen. I got it for Jason when we moved into our home because we always wanted to remember the gratitude that we felt finally having our home after the years of struggle we have had since Jason’s car accident. It is a representation of overcoming adversity for us – and remembering where all good comes from.
I love it, too!
What an amazing spectacular tree full of light and delight!
Wow….that’s all she could say!