A Christmas Tablescape

My table centerpiece this year is ridiculously simple.  

I was at a loss for what to do on this table for a few days.  In fact, I was getting down right frustrated.  I think I even had a wreath with some nutcrackers stuck in the middle of it at one point.

But I have learned this... when you get frustrated, walk away and let it simmer.  It will come to you.

A few days later....

I found a bunch of milk glass vases that I had laying around and stuck them on a cabinet door.  I like using a cabinet door because it is so easy to pick up and move if need be.  And wherever you set it always looks fabulous!

Last year I bought a bunch of these plastic ornaments on clearance *thinking* I was gonna make a bunch of wreaths to sell this year.  Haha.  I should learn that I am never going to be that ambitious. Ever.

So I stuck them in the top of the vases :)

I needed the centerpiece fairly simple because of the busy vignette behind it. I didn't want the room to look like Christmas threw up on it.

The buffet setup was really easy.  In fact, it looks a lot like my fall setup :)

I switched out my burlap runner for a white folded tablecloth and added some ornaments on my twigs.  I kept the thrift store vases the same because I really liked the pop of red and the natural elements that they added.

I changed out my fall scrap wreath for a Christmas one.  My best friend made these for me and they are my favorite new decorations for this year!  Aren't the colors in this great?!  She is brilliant when it comes to fabric combinations.

My little gold reindeer got a white spray coat last year.  I love the spots where the gold is starting to poke through.  I think that these will get better every year that I pull them out and they have a little more wear on them.  I wrapped a scarf around their necks just in case they got chilly!

And, of course, my coffee filter tree.  Nothing gets more attention in my house than my coffee filter wreath.  Whoever the first person was that did that.... you should get a medal (not that you will ever be here reading this blog, but still... you are brilliant)

Probably the simplest setup I have ever done.  Goodness knows, the rest of my house is so crazy..... I need simple.

And, in honor of my 5th anniversary coming up, I left my bride and groom salt and pepper shakers kissing in front of the Christmas tree in the china cabinet :)

I love December and all that it brings.  I hope you are staying calm and taking the time to enjoy the spirit of the season!

This is us....

Some family pictures were in order.  In fact, it was long overdue.  I have had a spot ready in my living room for months now.  So finally here they are.  Our 2011 family pictures... aren't we cute :)  My best friend and I have an agreement, we shoot each other's pictures and then edit them for ourselves.  Makes it a lot easier!  Love you Erin :)

Melt my heart....

This little booger was in such a bad mood, but Erin is pretty much the best!

My 3 favorite people in the whole, wide world!!

This has got to be the sweetest little face ever.

And just for my profile picture on the blog :)  If I ever get around to changing it that is!!

I can't wait to put these up all over my house!  I am SOOO pleased with how they turned out.  

Castoff Ornament Swag

I have finally finished my first christmas craft of the season!  I have known for awhile that I wanted to try this, but for some reason putting it up in July didn't seem appropriate :o)  

As usual, it started with pinterest...

via pinterest

What do you need? 

*a bin of castoff ornaments (your own or from a thrift store.) Ok, they can be all new and shiny if you are into that sort of thing ;o)

*3 pieces of ribbon, equal in size.  Make sure they are long enough to create the swag you want and still be able to tie knots on either end!

*Nails to tie them onto

I started with a $5 bin of castoff ornaments from the thrift store.  I just grabbed all that they had and put them into a box and asked them to make me a deal on them.  At $5, I figured it was worth the risk of this being a major fail.

Step One:

I took a piece of my ribbon and started stringing the ornaments on one by one through the loop at the top of each ornament.  They did the bunching up all by themselves, I was surprised at how easy it was to make it look like this.  I love the traditional colors, but you could use whatever color you like (or have).  I think it would look gorgeous in all silver!

The strands get pretty delicate after awhile due to the weight of the ornaments pushing on each other.  To keep them from popping off their tops, I made 3 separate swags and tied them individually to nails.  They aren't too heavy, so they were very easy to hang!

Step Two:

Tap in nails where you want the top of each swag (if you measure and do this first you won't end up with 3 uneven swags like me :)

Step Three:

Tie up each end of the ribbon to a nail!  That's it!  Super easy, right?

I love the way the balls catch the lights from all over the room.  It is PERFECT for this little banister.  If I could nail into brick this would have hung across my fireplace!!

With all of the plastic ornaments available these days, if I had the money, I would have loved to buy a few of them and gorilla glue on their tops before hand.  There are so many options for this!!

Overall, first christmas craft is a success.  What do you think?

Sharing here:

Thursday

The Shabby Creek Cottage, Saved by Love Creations, The 36th Avenue, A Glimpse Inside, House of Hepworths

Somewhat Simple, Making it with Allie, Saved by Suzy, No Minimalist Here, From my Front Porch to Yours, A Creative Princess

Friday

At the Picket Fence, Creation Corner, A Little Knick Knack, Delicate Construction, Fingerprints on the Fridge

Happy Hour Projects, Finding Fabulous For Less, Remodelaholic

The Shabby Nest, Serenity Now, Simply Designing, Stuff and Nonsense, 733, My Repurposed Life, My Simple Home Life, Tater Tots and Jello, 

Pocket Full of Pink, Release Me Create

Someday Crafts, Too Much Time on my Hands

Saturday

Be Different...Act Normal

Sunday

Under the Table and Dreaming, I Heart Nap Time,Nifty Thrifty Things,Running with Glitter, The DIY Showoff

Monday

Lines Across My Face,Dittle Dattle,C.R.A.F.T.,Sumo's Sweet Stuff,Keeping it Simple,

Embellishing Life Everyday,Pinkkopotamus,Around Tuit,Craft-O-Maniac,

, The Girl Creative, Skip to my Lou, Between Naps on the Porch

Boerman Ramblings


Not Just a Housewife