Happy Holidays!

via Pinterest

Have a safe and happy holiday this year - be sure to take some time to laugh, visit with loved ones, and relax!

Merry Christmas,

Calli

Perfection Found - Flickering Tree

This tree caught my attention - isn't is beautiful? I love the reflection on the dark hardwood floors, although I worry that this many lights may cause a fire, or at least cast an annoying reflection on the tv.

via DIYing of Cute

Enjoy!

Calli

Holiday Inspiration - Love for the Gingers

I have a confession to make - I don't like gingerbread.

Oh common, does anyone really like eating gingerbread or is it more about decorating little houses and cookies cutout to vaguely resemble a person?

Just to be clear, I do like Gingy from Shrek - missing gumdrop buttons and all.

And just because I don't want to eat gingerbread doesn't mean I don't envy the talented people who create amazing gingerbread houses. If only I knew how to pipe icing...

via Pinterest

via BHG

via Luxist

via Good Food

Pssst... This last one is my favorite - almond sliver shingles on the roof, too cute!

Although I wish for the time, energy, and ability to make a drool-worthy gingerbread house I also feel like it is quite precise and requires some patience - not really my strength. I can foresee my attempt ending up in a crumpled heap as I utter some not-so-ladylike things and fling the icing bag across the kitchen in frustration...

Maybe I'll stick to admiring gingerbread on the internet.

Enjoy!
Calli

Holiday Inspiration - Superb Sugar Cookies

Every year Christmas seems to creep up, unsuspectingly, and springs itself on me. I always recognize that it's coming and push off shopping and decorating only to have the month of December slip silently by. 

This year is no exception. With only a few precious days left, I've managed to purchase all my gifts and only have a couple left to wrap but I haven't tackled any baking yet and the chance of getting it all done isn't looking good.

Normally I try to make two or three types of cookies - the necessary shortbread and decorated sugar cookies - as well as bars, two-three types of pie, and some nibbling snacks like nuts and bolts. Apparently you can accomplish much more when you get a month off from school; now that I'm working my extra curricular accomplishments are becoming less and less impressive.

Unfortunately it doesn't look like I'll get around to the sugar cookies this year - the rolling, cutting, baking, and decorating takes a ton of time. Although even if I was making a batch this year I can guarantee they wouldn't look this spectacular. Oh to have mad piping skills...

via Facebook

via Flickr

via Flickr

via Nichole Heady

Enjoy!

Calli

Holiday Inspiration - Pretty Packaging

Growing up I always loved to wrap gifts. It's a precise art really, creasing the paper to create sharp corners, interweaving ribbon and curling the ends and choosing the perfect bow to finish it off.

When I was about 12 my mother decided she was Martha Stewart - and I say this with love in my heart. She determined that the traditional wrapping paper was not sufficient and decided to go with a theme - it was brown butcher style paper with crinkly shiny ribbon in bright fuchsia, blue, teal, and purple.

There were other themes over the years and at times I worried she was re-wrapping packages from friends and family to suit the theme before placing the gifts under the tree. Although this sort of thing could have qualified for a full-fledged intervention, the novelty started to wear off and although she carefully selects new paper and bows each year I think she's stopped re-wrapping gifts (at least I hope so).

My personal approach is a bit more eclectic - I buy a few rolls of paper I like, normally shinny, bright, and on-sale, and once all the gifts are stacked under the tree is looks like a tie-dyed shirt at Woodstock. Whether you're wrapping preferences are traditional, more free-spirited, or Martha Stewart style dictatorship here are some beautiful ideas I couldn't help but share...

Gold Chevron Paper via Anthropologie

Lace and Satin Ribbon via Pinterest

Grey and Peach via Pinterest

Natural Wrapping Paper via HGTV

Photo Tags via Pinterest

Stamped Tree via Etsy

Simple Twine Ribbon via Wit & Delight

Candy Canes via Older & Wisor

Enjoy!

Calli

A Bit of Brilliance - Technicolor Christmas

When it comes to decorating for the holidays do you trend towards the traditional side or embrace a more modern aesthetic? 

We're starting to see more and more decorations available in non-traditional colour schemes and I think, why not? Instead of having to change out your everyday decor for red, white, and green, play it up and have some fun with the entire spectrum of colour. Today I've found some fantastic examples of pale pink, bright turquoise, mint green, regal purple, and lively fuchsia that are all modern, eclectic, and fun.

What are the holidays without a little touch of Scandinavian design? A whimsical pink tree and yellow table make for a room that isn't too serious. 

 

via Pinterest

I love, love, love vintage ornaments and this mesh bowl is the perfect display for a collection that is too precious to hang on the tree. The mix of faded pinks, greens, and blues is really lovely.

via simple thoughts

This vintage tree display is gorgeous. The mint green sign and pastel trees are festive without distracting from everything else going on. 

via Yvestown

When your walls are dark navy 365 days a year it's tough to opt for an all-white colour scheme. Instead, the rich tones of gold, purple, and blue are picked up from the rug and the tree looks like it belongs there. The presents are wrapped in coordinating paper too - my mom would love that!

via Trendey

I really hope this wreath is on the front door of the house above - the colour pallet is identical. I really like the mix of rustic branches and sparkling balls in this wreath, it's festive without overdoing it.

via Etsy

I'm having a bit of an internal struggle right now over these white trees. I LOVE the vintage look but I've always had a live Christmas tree and when I think about switching to fake I get a tad big nostalgic.  This particular tree is just beautiful and the coloured ornaments really pop.

via Flickr

If I'm being honest, my table settings never look this coordinated or fancy. The hanging ornaments add to the festiveness but the pink and purple settings could easily be used anytime of year which is so smart.

via The Lennoxx

The fuchsia in this DIY felt wreath could easily be red or green for the holidays but I think the reason I love it so much is the unexpected hit of pink - against that charcoal door it's design magic. 

via Etsy

If you're tempted to add some more colour but don't know where to start why not pick one area to focus on? A new wreath for the front door or a box of bright ornaments to sprinkle in with what you've already got. The way I see it, the holidays are about spending time with family, appreciation for what we have, and giving to others so if you're decorations don't look like a magazine cover no-one will hold it against you (and if they do, don't invite them back!).

Enjoy!

Calli

Holiday Inspiration - Not Your Traditional Trees

Fresh cut trees are everything Christmas should be - nostalgic, authentic, festive, and really good smelling. But I'll admit they can be a lot of work. 

First you need to pick one from a lot of hundreds without being able to fully see them because they're wrapped in netting. Then, after you finally make a decision, you need to get it home - even if you don't own a pick-up truck. Once home, haul the thing upstairs, dropping needles everywhere only to vacuum them up later, and try to set it in the base (at least a two person job). Finally, get over yourself, stop arguing with the person/people helping you, and decorate the darn thing! 

And, if you're like me, your tree will fall over at least once after it is fully decorated.

Now that I've bummed everyone out about Christmas...

A fresh-cut tree may not be for everyone and there are always the fake options but if you are in the mood for something completely unique, and perhaps a bit out there, I've found some options that retain the holiday feel without all of the traditional work.

If your favorite part of a traditional tree is the sparkling lights this option may just work. The use of simple white lights is modern, simple, and clean and best of all? No needles to clean up!

via Pinterest

Here is another wall style tree which is great for a small space where branches and needles take up precious square footage. Branches are attached to the wall with colourful ornaments and a star to make Charlie Brown's tree come to life!

via the are of doing stuff

For a more three dimensional approach, these branches turned tree are a fantastic option. They could easily be display all year - minus the ornaments for the other 11 months  - and require minimal maintenance.

via Shelterness

via Geisslein

via Houzz

Finally, I really love this mobile style tree which makes sense since it's probably really hard to make and would take a ton of time. Made from individual green ornaments strung on fishing line the balls are hung at varying heights to make a tree. It may take some time but there's a lot of room for presents underneath since it's suspended from the ceiling.

via Curbly

If a traditional tree is still for you, one of these options could make a nice tree for the basement or rec-room. After all, who says you can't have more than just one tree? 

Enjoy!

Calli

Dear Santa

I'm going to go out on a limb and say I'm on Santa's good list this year. 

Thinking back over the year, I'm hoping the good outweighed the bad and I don't see a lump of coal in my stocking this year. If my assumption is correct, and Santa has some room in his sleigh for me, here's what I'm hoping to find under the tree on Christmas morning...

My friend Jen ordered an infinity scarf from Etsy and casually dropped a hint that they have a houndstooth version for sale. The fabric is nice and stiff so you can almost mold it to lay just right... but then I went back to visit it and it's sold (fingers crossed it's under my tree!)

via Etsy

This little nautical anchor necklace is so lovely - I really love the draped blue quartz. Again from Etsy and this particular one is reserved but they can be ordered...

via Etsy

As a bit of a nerd, it's only natural that I love this Harry Potter t-shit and class notebooks. Honestly, I love those notebooks so much that I might buy them myself after the Holidays.

 

via stay at home artist

via Indie Pretty

In my mind, Mindy Kaling is responsible for most of the hilarious jokes on The Office (I can't name anyone else who writes, produces, or directs) and therefore I think we'd be best friends - obviously we have the same sense of humour. I'm hoping that this book makes me laugh as much as her portrayal of Kelly Kapoor.

via Urban Outfitters

A lot of my relatives have downsized lately and I have been a major benefactor, collecting up the stuff they didn't want or didn't have room for. My Dad has passed down his record collection to my brother and I and as such, a turn table has found it's way onto my wish list.

via Urban Outfitters

And after I'm tired of Fleetwood Mac on repeat (like that would ever happen - just indulge me) I can slip on some Adele. Her album 21 is absolutely amazing.

via Urban Outfitters

Finally a couple unique items... Growing up, my Nana had one of these little ceramic trees with lights. I'd love to try and get one from Etsy to add to my collection of Holiday decorations. And, as this is a wish list, and not a list of realistic expectations, why not add in a flight to Greece? It tops my list of places to visit and I'm willing to miss a few sights to avoid the riots. Just give me a cool drink and that view.

via Theodora

So there you have it, a few ideas - if you're shopping for me or someone hilarious, creative, and in their 20s I hope this helps!

Enjoy!

Calli

Holiday Inspiration - DIY Ornaments

Handmade ornaments are a nice way to add personality to your tree - why not make a tradition of it, adding a new ornament each year? As a Girl Guide I made all kinds of decorations and now that I'm older it's fun to look back each year when we decorate the tree.

These two ideas are full of nostalgia so it's really no surprise that I love them. Using sand from a special trip or honeymoon is sweet, while adding a nice ribbon and tag to an old house key brings back memories of Christmas past.

via one art mama

 

via in my own style

My tree is never too serious - how can it be when covered with ancient glittery popsicle stick ornaments from my childhood? I love these fun decorations which could be easily adapted into a DIY project...

via tiny apartment crafts

via Wanelo

You can never have too many beautiful things but decorations can be pricey. Why not adapt the store version into a DIY project? Simple twine in a glass ball is clean and rustic while this pearls covered ornament is featured at Anthropologie. My favorite is this little confetti filled ornament - so colourful and pretty!

via cfabbridesigns

via Anthropologie

via Sitting in A Tree

What do you think of handmade ornaments? Is you tree up and decorated yet?

Enjoy!

Calli

A Bit of Brilliance - All That Glitters...

If glitter was banned would the Holidays ever be the same again? 

No more rogue sparkles on your face after dressing the tree or unrelenting specks on the floor, furniture, and walls from unpacking the ornaments. 

Glitter may be the herpes of craft supplies (as Demetri Martin put so eloquently) but I still love it. There's something intoxicating about the stuff - until you spill a brand new bottle all over your workspace...

Simple plastic fruit gets a new life with a little glue and glitter. They have an even greater impact when stacked together.

via We Heart It

Amp up a monochromatic colour scheme with a little sparkle. These stars are jewelry for the simple cream stockings. 

via Better Homes & Gardens

These ornaments look too fantastic to be handmade - but they are! Lace is used as a stencil over a glass ornament and then sprayed with metallic paint.

via Folder of Ideas

Antique ornaments are my favorite! These fuchsia beauties are amazing - it looks like they are being hung from an antique chandelier.

via Pretty Stuff

I want this display in my house. The natural branches and simple silver blue ornaments are so modern and clean looking. Did I mention I really want this in my house?

via Pinterest

Only 2 weeks left to shop, create, bake, and decorate - I'm sure your to-do list is a mile long as well. 

Enjoy the weekend!

Calli