The weather has been mild the last few days. I’m not complaining. The cold weather will be here soon. Area rugs are essential for making my home cozy and warm. If you have bare floors and are looking for a rug, don’t forget to look in the rug section at HomeGoods. I saw this spotted rug. I like it more than a leopard print. I think the 8×10 rug is a steal for the price. It would look marvelous in a traditional or contemporary room.
The HomeGoods spotted rug would look great with blue and white. I adore this traditional space by home-furnishings and interior designer Barclay Butera.
Capturing special holiday moments on film and video is always fun. Kids grow up fast before our eyes. One year for Christmas, when my kids were little, we had Santa come to our house and give them a few presents. The excitement and surprise on their faces was wonderful to watch. Years later, they continue to talk about Santa’s visit. 
Now, through the magic of digital photography and a savy website, you could show your kids that Santa came to your home to deliver them presents. If you have not seen it yet, the website is CapturetheMagic.com, which I found via Joanna Goddard’s blog, A Cup Of Jo . Here is how it works; you upload a photo of your living room, and then add a stock image of Santa into the scene. What a great idea! Now you have proof that Santa delivered the presents. Show them the real Santa enjoyed the cookies and milk. This makes a nice addition to the annual visit and photo with Santa. The website also offers stock images of a bunny for Easter and a tooth fairy. Clever!
DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS…
Entertaining in the city,
more modern decor would make me equally happy, or
gathering with friends in the country,
setting the table,
baking Christmas cookies in the country kitchen,
fixing my hair in the mirror,
relaxing in a bubble bath after a big night of entertaining,
getting more sleep,
waking up to reality.
Dream Big!
Paperwhites, amaryllis and poinsettia are classic bulbs and plants for the holidays. Bring the outdoors in with blooms of the season. Planting bulbs indoors is a great way to nourish the soul during the winter months. Bulbs are easy to grow indoors.
Bulbs make a great gift for the gardener on your list.
Create a mini forest with live conifers in a bed of soft green moss.
Rosemary plants in your kitchen will stay green and smelling great.
Poinsettia, a symbol of the holidays, come in over 200 varieties and a range of festive colors.
Add a little pink to your decor with colorful and cheery cyclamen. 
Bring grace and style to nearly every setting with an orchid.
Happy Friday! The Princeton, NJ, HomeGoods store was busy with customers doing their holiday shopping today. This week, I’m focusing on decorating the dining room table for all your holiday meals. I found these beautiful china pieces, by Spode and Lenox, that will make any family and guest at your table feel special. 
There is still plenty of time to plan your table decor. Make your memory a little extra special.
Tired of using the same china, these Lenox pieces are classic.
Replacements Ltd. is a great resource to add or replace broken pieces.
I love the scottish terrier set. It’s playful and will bring out the child in you. With this color combination, you could easily use this set well past the holidays. How about a scottish terrier theme party.
Have a great weekend. Happy Decorating!
Creating bursts of color in your holiday decor can be as easy as opening your refrigerator. Bring out your lemons, oranges, clementines to add to your garland. I’m enjoying this room thinking of all the citrus fragrance. 
Beautiful, but will need a few elves to help out. Instead, decorate a door handle; hang a pomegranate or pear from a ribbon in your favorite color.
Breath taking! Mary McDonald’s home all decked out for the holidays.
Create a Christmas topiary with kumquats and roses, how sweet. 
A kitchen wreath made from kumquats is easy to make.
Less is more, mantel simply adorned with fresh fruit and pineapples.
Makes a pretty center piece.
Create something beautiful this holiday season!
Magazines, TV celebrities and bloggers are happy to share their gift guide this time of year. Many people have finished gift shopping, while others wait until a few days before Christmas to make their purchase. You might be feeling stress just about now thinking about what to give. For those of you still looking for that special gift, the article by John Tierney, In Pursuit of the Perfect Gift? It’s a Lot Closer Than You Think, in The New York Times, might put you at ease. Thanks to social scientists, there is evidence that shows some interesting findings:
1. You don’t have to spend any time looking for “thoughtful” gifts.
2. You don’t have to spend much money, either.
3. Actually, you may not have to spend any money.
Francis J. Flynn, an organizational psychologist at Stanford University says, “Our research shows that while gift-givers think they’re being more thoughtful by picking out expensive gifts, the recipients don’t appreciate the hefty price tag.”
There are many ways to show your appreciation this holiday season. Enjoy the little things. Here are a few low cost gift ideas that are priceless: a visit with a friend, a poem, a handmade gift, baked goods, a photograph, a good gesture, time together with family and friends.
Where do you display your Christmas cards? Display your cards in style. Hang ribbon from a door, armoire door, or closet door. Get out the double-stick tape to attach your beautiful cards to your ribbon. Instead of a blank door, you’ll be surrounded by holiday images and warm wishes. 
Create a Christmas card display wreath by wrapping a straw wreath with upholstery webbing, (I found it at Joann’s Fabric.) and secure it with sewing pins. Finish the wreath by adding a bow at the top. Use binder clips to attach your cards.
You see empty frames at yard sales all the time, or maybe you have one in your garage or attic. Now is the time to use it. Wrap ribbon around frame and secure it with a staple gun. Hang cards on the ribbon using double-stick tape. After the holidays, don’t put it away, replace your cards with family pictures or inspirational messages.
Hope you enjoy these easy Christmas card display ideas.
I am a wife, mother and decorator. Welcome to my blog, where I share my projects and design inspiration. I love finding vintage pieces to add character and sense of history to my designs. My other passions are family, cooking, gardening and traveling. Feel free to drop me a line or just say hello!
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