Christmas Decor: Wreath Edition

Wreaths have a wonderful way of ringing in the new season. What I love most about them is their diversity. You can make wreath look however you like and still bring Christmas Cheer! Here are some ideas for you to consider when making your wreath this year.

Snowball Wreath

Perfect for little ones to help make, just hot glue fuzzy white pom-poms to styrofoam or cardboard bases and you have a very festive winter wreath.

Pretty Bow Wreath

Start with a Styrofoam base and wrap with a 2" ribbon. Hot Glue ribbons until completely covered. Beautiful.

Making Memories Wreath

This is perfect to give as a gift (especially for grandparents). Make frames out of wrapping paper or painted popsicle sticks and glue to an evergreen wreath. Add colourful bulbs and you have a gift worth hanging every year.

Cinnamon Stick Wreath

Cover a styrofoam base with 2" ribbon and hot glue cinnamon sticks until completely covered. This can make a wonderful room air-freshener as well!

Buttoned-Up Wreath

I am looking forward to making this one! This is perfect if you have a huge button stash, and it is perfect for little ones as well. Start with a cardboard base and hot glue buttons until you like the look. Use different colours that match your decor or strong colours to make a bold statement.

Snowy Pine cone Wreath

Scavenge your backyard or neighbourhood for those perfect pine cones. Spray with flocking and this baby will be ready to welcome winter with open arms.

(photos BHG.com, ball wreath martha)

Thanksgiving Napkins

Hosting Thanksgiving this year? Want some really cute tabletop ideas that are inexpensive? We are going to focus on dressing your napkins. This simple and inexpensive decoration will add lots of pizzaz for little dinero. Her are a few ideas to help you on your way to beautiful entertaining.

Mind Your Manners

These are so cute for those messy little fingers. Just use napkins you already have on hand and add those great manners we oh-so-desperately hope our children will use!

Candle Lite

Just roll up your napkins and place in each glass.

Berries

Adding berries will really enhance the beauty of the outdoors and the beauty of your table.

Pumpkins

Adding a small pumpkin to each place setting will not only serve as a great decoration but can double as a place card.

Nature

Bringing nature indoors is a surfier way to add warmth and comfort to your home. Everyone enjoys the beauty that fall bring, just not the cold. Decorating your table with natural elements will make your home feel more inviting. And it's super cheap!

(photos BHG.com)

Holiday Tablescapes

Now is the time to start planning and prepping for that wonderful Thanksgiving feast. Let's get started with tablescape ideas. This will help you when decorating the rest of your home. 

Harvest Candle Rings

Purchase or make small grapevine rings to use as a base, or bend a piece of coat hanger into a circle. Next, wire on small stems of berries, leaves, and flowers using thin wire wound tightly around the base. Use fresh flowers for a one-use decoration. Or find pretty silk blooms for a longer-lasting design.

Running in the Leaves

Create a table runner using camel-color wool flannel or felt, cutting to size with a pair of pinking shears. Lay coordinating ribbons along the center of the runner and secure with double-stick tape or a dab of fabric glue, if necessary. Set a compote or cake stand in the center and scatter leaves, mini pumpkins, and pears down the runner.

How Beautiful

What better way to celebrate the Thanksgiving harvest feast than by creating a centerpiece using gorgeous green vegetables. To make the asparagus and green bean wrapped candles, stretch two sturdy rubber bands around a white pillar candle, then insert vegetable stalks underneath the band. Cover the bands with a circle of satin ribbon and decorate the platter with a few white mums and coffee berry sprigs.

Bed of Leaves

One beautiful pumpkin resting on a bed of leaves is simple and sincere. Scale this idea up or down as space allows: a tall pumpkin would look lovely with just a handful of leaves at the base.

Individual Arrangements

Another view of the previous centerpiece shows the place settings, white tablecloth, and pewter cups filled with tiny white mums. Your guests will be enthralled!

Go Simply

Here's a no-fuss table arrangement that's simple and appropriate for many occasions. Rocks and bits of moss nestle around small candles in tiny flowerpots. And best of all -- no flowers to keep fresh!

All of these ideas are perfect to create an inviting atmosphere for the Holidays. Go shopping around your home and see what great ideas you can come up with! Email me your photos, I would love to see your Tablescape!

(photos & captions BHG.com)

Fabric Covered Journals

It's that time! Time to start thinking about Christmas and all the gifts you STILL need. I have been pretty good this year. I started my shopping in July and have managed to NOT keep those pretty gifts for myself. I'll admit, I had to hide them under my staircase to keep from getting at them and using them all around my house. (and I can't say what they are b/c they are gifts for people who read my blog) :-)

If you are still looking for something for that special person, close friend, or yourself... I have just the thing. And it's super simple!!

Just follow these directions and you will have a gift perfect for any occasion.

To create these linen-covered journals, you will need a hardcover journal or notebook, preshrunk linen, needle and thread, and a length of 3/4-inch ribbon long enough to go all the way around the journal plus 12 inches extra. 

Instructions: 
1. Lay the open, flat journal on the fabric, allowing 1/2 inch all around for hems and about 3 inches at each side for the pocket flaps. Center the journal on the fabric and mark where the top and bottom of the covers start and finish, from end to end. 

2. Cut a 1/2-inch vertical slit at each point, fold the fabric twice, and hem. 

3. Make a double hem along each end of the cover. Neatly hem all around the fabric, mitering the corners. 

4. Place the fabric right side up with the journal on top of it, fold over the flaps, and pin them in position. Remove the journal and sew the top and bottom of the flaps securely. 

5. Turn the cover right side out and fit it on the journal. Cut a length of ribbon, fold it in half lengthwise to mark the center, and stitch it securely to the center of the spine to bind book.

(photos and directions Country Living.com)

Gourds Galore

I recently acquired these beautiful urns from a Friend at church. She no longer had any use for them so I took then off her hands. They were originally a pale cement color (I forgot to take before pictures) but now they are a perty black. They also housed a HUGE fake fern! Eeek! But now they look so perfect holding my gourds! And they look gorgeous on my front porch! Perfect for the season!!

Do you decorate with urns? Share your pictures and inspirations! I would love to see what you have for your Fall decor!

It's All About Acorns

During the Fall season I really like to decorate with items found outdoors. It's beautiful to look at and so cheap to do. And who doesn't like inexpensive decorating! My favorite thing this year has been the beloved Acorn. For some reason, I can't get enough of them. I have dragged my children outside everyday for the past 2 weeks collecting acorns. The first couple of times it was REALLY fun, then it was "Acorns?! AGAIN!?!". I just can't help my self. I have so many plans for those little guys.

With homeschooling and the 'usual' homemaker stuff plus Church stuff, I have been too busy to create my fun decorations. But I found some really great ideas that I think you would really enjoy. So take a look at the pictures and get inspired!!!

Acorn and leaf stamped pillow cases. Not only Incredibly Adorable, but also very cheap to do. Find some pillow cases and the thrift store and have fun decorating!

There is nothing better than snuggling up with a good book and a steaming cup of (homemade) hot chocolate. Why not take some of those too cute acorns and create a perfect seasonal page marker? This little bit of outdoor treasure is sure to make a big impact indoors for the season.

I love to bake. More than I do cooking. Which doesn't say much because I don't like to cook. But I REALLY like to bake. When I saw this ADORABLE mold, My insides clenched and I squealed with delight! No, really! I did!! How cute would these little acorn muffins look in a decorated basket on your kitchen table? These would be gobbled up faster than you can say "Happy Fall".

Another inexpensive way to add some color and season to your home is by embellishing something you already have, such as dish towels. These are the cutest things. These little button embellishments may be little, but they welcome fall in a big way!

This is my favorite idea! I saw this and knew that I was going to make it! I have plenty of acorns and ribbon and moss! I am so excited to make this one. Another idea I had was to make mini wreaths and hang them on the backs of my dining chairs. My children are very excited to make those ones. This is a decoration that can easily be carried all the way through Thanksgiving and into the Christmas season! How very versatile is that? And for mere pennies you can create this cute piece. All you need is some cardboard, acorns, moss, and ribbon. Oh, and your trusty Hot Glue Gun!

Speaking of which, I am interested to know. Does anybody out there name their hot glue gun? Nutty question, I know. But I don't think I could survive without mine and so I thought it would be appropriate if she were named (yes, she). Her name is Olivia, and I adore her! :-) She is pink too!

So tell me, have you named yours yet?

(photos: BHG, Country Living)

The Colors of Fall

Mini Pumpkin Wreath

Place this painted faux-pumpkin wreath on a table for a ready-made autumn centerpiece.

Orange Throws

Great way to add style and color to your living room while providing warmth and comfort for those cool nights.

Tea Kettle

This two-quart speckled porcelain enamel teakettle is modeled after vintage versions.

Pumpkin Candle

Infuse your home with the scent of pumpkin pie all autumn long.

Crow Sign

Personalize this hand-painted wooden sign with your family's initial, then hang it on your front door.

Burnt Orange Rug

Woven accent rugs are a budget-friendly way to add a touch of color and texture to your kitchen.

(all context and photos from Country Living)

For the Love of Pumpkin

It's that time of year again! Time to get sweaters out and start thinking about your fall decor.

I just heart pumpkins! I am always trying to think of new ways to decorate with them as well. My family and I do not celebrate Halloween so we do not carve Jack-O-Lanterns. Besides, they aren't very pretty.

I really heart this idea : Stencil Pumpkins

Even more adorable, how about that Chandelier/Candelabra!!! So very rustic yet whimsy at the same time. I really like this idea for white pumpkins. Another reason why I like this idea; we still get pumpkin seeds out if it! My children HEART pumpkin seeds so much. That is what they look forward to "pumpkin decorating time".

What are some ways you decorate with pumpkins? I'd love for you to share. Hopefully your ideas will inspire others to decorate  with natures fall beauty!

Awaiting Fall

I am patiently awaiting the fall weather. It has been rather warm this week and I am in need of some cool crisp air. Ok, so I know it's still August, but we had such a teaser last week. Temps were the low 70's and it was so cold at night! :) How I wish Fall would just grace us with her presence (or His-not really sure). 

While I am waiting for fall I thought it would be fun to give you some ideas for Pumpkins this year. Always good to be prepared for the season right? These are all alternatives to carving. We don't generally carve pumpkins b/c we don't really celebrate Halloween. My children will go for candy down one street in our neighborhood but that's about it. We also do not dress in scary costumes. Last year my son was a fighter pilot with a homemade airplane (wearable) and my daughter was a cupcake princess :)

So, without further ado, here are some ideas for you to entertain (while waiting for fall-can you tell I'm anxious?).

Address Pumpkins

I heart urns so much and how sweet do these perfect pumkins look all nestled together? What a welcoming sight after leaf raking, or apple picking.

Another Address Option

I love the sweet delicate etching in the pumpkins here. If you like to carve pumpkins but want them to last longer, this is a great alternative.

Pumpkin Candle Holder

This makes for such a beautiful centerpiece. Be it for the dining table or your entryway. this is sure to get lots of attention (and smell really good to).

Winter Frost

This is such a pretty sight, especially when the weather starts to really chill. Keep this around your home and it's sure to put you in a festive mood.

Pumpkin Ballerina

Here's something fun for the kids. Just gather pretty stackable pumpkins, some twigs, black (or other color) tulle, and some markers. These little guys (or girls) will make a very nice welcome to friends and family. And the children will have a blast making them!

I heart Urns

Another pretty urn full of Pumpkin magic. Paint and decorate, add your address, or embelish with natures gifts for a special touch. Everyone is sure to enjoy this display.

Floral Pumpkins

I love this idea! Not only does it allow me to display those perfect pumpkins (from a long days searching) but I am also able to display the rich color found in falls flowers! this idea will most certainly be implemented this year.

Little Beauties

This idea is perfect for all those mini pumpkins your minis want to bring home. This is a creative idea to showcase your little ones treasures. And it will make a wonderful addition to your mantel.

So there you have it. Some wonderful ideas to put to good use this fall. If you create any of these ideas I would love to see them. email them to me so that they can be featured her on Le Chic Feathered Nest! Look forward to hearing from you. 

(photos courtesy bhg)

Headboard Lovin'

I have been drooling over some headboards recently while looking for inspiration for my own. There are so many beauties out there. How is a girl to decide?!

In an ode to my love for headboards I have decided to share some with you here. These are all great DIY projects and super simple. (photos courtesy bhg and diy)

I am seriously drooling over this room. I think this is the one. My heart almost stopped when this photo came up!!! 

This is an old door painted and turned on it's side. I heart this one too!

Two big cushions-super comfy for reading or watching t.v.

Picket Fence HDBD-this would be too cute for a little girls room

I like this canopy-may have to do this for DD.

Ok, I have to tell you (or rather admit) that I was recently shopping and missed a "vision" opportunity. I saw something very similar to this at a yard sale for just a few dollars ($3 to be exact) but didn't buy it because I had no clue what I would do with it. It would have looked funny over a doorway in my home. Of course, now I can come up with a  million ideas!!! Grrr...

This is my 3rd fav! So Loverly!!!!

How neat-o is this?! It's a painted stencil of a hdbd.

So is this one! And I totally Heart this one!!!

Very nifty way to fill neg space! Choose your fav fabric or colors to match the room. Cover some plywood and you have a Very easy hdbd.