Getting the House Ready for Easter

Last year I had my fabulous decorator friend help me decorate for Easter. This year I attempted to decorate myself. I pulled out all the decorations a week ago and they sat uninspired on my counter until yesterday when my mom started moving things around.

After about 10 minutes and multiple distractions by the twins she said let's call Cynthia. So it was our dear friend and designer, Cynthia to the rescue again. With not much to work with she turned several baskets and bunnies, a few porcelain eggs and a bag or two of fake flowers into several vignettes that finally make my house feel like spring!

I don't have a master centerpiece on the table yet for Easter brunch because we use our table so much for everyday arts and crafts. Instead she threw on a spring runner and a basket full of plastic eggs with a cute bow, totally child friendly and easy to move out of the way for now. I can swap it out for tulips if I'm having guests. I'm always amazed what she can do with a bit of ribbon and some flowers. She just throws it all together like magic.

My girls love it when she comes to decorate, they say she's here to make our house pretty! I have to agree with them, it does seem kind of boring without holiday decorations up! Here's a sampling of some of the things she put together.

Posted by Liz

How to Use Holiday Decorations for Valentine's Day

Don't put all your holiday decorations away just yet! Here are a few ways to reinvent some of your Christmas decorations for the next big day. Valentine's Day is around the corner and I find that decorating on Feb. 1st, just doesn't leave enough time for you to enjoy the happy hearts that make you feel like a kid again!

This white tree above decorated with garland, valentines and goodies makes me smile. And what a fun tree for the kids to help decorate, don't you think?
  Next year, shopping the after-Christmas sales to gather up some pink and red ornaments to make this garland will be key.

The white cone trees add dimension to this entry table.



A wreath like this would only take a few minutes to make and is such festive touch to your holiday decor.



If you are like me you never know what to do with all the leftover candy canes.  Aren't these candy can heart pops such a clever idea?!?

Posted by Liz

Decking the Halls with What You Already Have

 I'm lucky enough to be friends with an amazing decorator who graciously made time to come and deck our halls for the holidays.

I had her focus on the entry and our kitchen/dining room where we spend most of our time.

Using what we had she used her talents to put together some magical arrangements.

Sometimes it is so helpful just to have another pair of talented eyes for a fresh perspective.  And I am absolutely thrilled I didn't have to buy anything new...other than the candy canes, of course!

Happy Holidays!

Posted by Liz

Re-Purposing for the Holidays

Just a couple of months ago, I added a couple of chairs and changed up the color of my living room to add some accents of turquoise (ie. the pillow above).  With the holidays upon us, I was hesitant to remove my beloved turquoise.  So I decided to re-purpose it.  I found a way to use the same pillow and red ribbon for two different looks.

With the first look, I simply lined up a red ribbon along the turquoise accent on my pillow.

The second idea was to just flip the pillow over and tie the ribbon into a decorative bow.
 

Do you re-purpose for the holidays?  If you do, we'd love for you to share!

Posted by Leslie