Friday, December 12, 2008

Christmas Decorations 2008 (Part Two)



I am wild about burlap, and grapevine, and all things natural & neutral...so I hung this wreath from the curtain rod in the window in the Dining Room.
I had to sneak in a white pencil starfish, of course. :-)
I plan to switch out the bamboo blind with one that's a dark chocolate color. I need more contrast here.



As for the rest of the Dining Room, well, Mom gave me a pretty Poinsettia to use as a centerpiece:



The huge red petals are so gorgeous...



And over in the Living Room, I used more burlap on the tree and the wreath above the mantle:





I plan to use this six foot tree in our Master Bedroom next year, and purchase a seven and a half footer when they go on sale after Christmas. But for now, it'll have to do in the Living Room. We are on an extreeeeeemely tight budget this Christmas. I limited myself to only purchasing 2 rolls of burlap, and 2 boxes of silver ornaments for this tree. Next year, I want to incorporate some bunches of light green hydrangea, some birds nests and some grapevine.



I had a strand of grapevine star lights already, so I used it on the tree as well...



Above the mantle, I used a 36" wreath that I got for $4.99 at Michaels the day after Thanksgiving. Some leftover burlap and grapevine, a few silver ornaments and the pencil starfish my Mom sent, and voila!
I scattered cinnamon-scented pine cones across the entire mantel. They were only $2.50/bag, so I got two bags. The look is simple, but effective, and more importantly, COST-effective.







Next year, I'd love to have two tall, and two medium height mercury glass candle stands flanking the wreath. Sort of like these, but different:



I saw some at TJ Maxx that were PERFECT. But they were like 20 bucks piece, so I wrote a letter to Santa about those. :-)

I drove little finishing nails into the top of the mantle, to hold the stockings in place. Not super attractive, so to cover them, I stuck a pine cone down on top of each nail:



On top of the TV Unit, I used some evergreen garland I already had. In the unit, I sprinkled more left over pine cones and one more pencil starfish...





This basket used to be light-colored, natural wicker. I painted it brown, then dry-brushed light green paint on it...



In the Guest Bedroom I used one small tree. Which is actually two small trees, wired together. They were $5.00 each at Target. The little silver glittery mini ornaments were 79 cents (for a box of ten) at Michaels, so I bought four boxes.



When I bought the trees, they came bundled in a ball of burlap at the bottom. I removed the burlap, and the plastic dish they were "planted" in, and stuck the metal "trunks" down into some floral foam. I cut a piece to fit perfectly into this basket I got at Michaels. It was on sale for $3.99...



I got two strands of 10-count battery-operated clear lights to put on the tree. While searching for the perfect basket, I looked for one that would accomodate the battery packs, in a way that I could have easy access to the on/off switch. When I saw this basket, with it open handles on the sides, I knew it would be perfect.
Hopefully Santa will also bring me four "C" batteries too. :-)

Layla

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

So where do you buy the burlap? fabric store I'm guessing... thanks!

Lady of the Mote said...

thoses wreath are just what I need for my living,beautiful job!

Anonymous said...

Your Christmas decor is absolutely perfect with your usual beach cottage style. You have great creative ideas. Love them!

Cottage Rose said...

You did a amazing job on decorating for Christmas. I really love how it all came out.

Have a great weekend.

Hugs;
Alaura

Naturegirl said...

Simple yet so effective..love it all! Thank you for sharing these wonderful ideas with us! You Rock! hugs NG

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

Beautiful job!
It isn't all about the $$$.
Fabulous!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful job, especially on a tight budget. You are always such an inspiration!

Suzann said...

you are the second person I've seen using burlap ribbon. I must get me some. Where on earth did you find that????

Screaming Meme said...

Hey, Sweet Stuff... I love it! Can I come to stay at Lettered Cottage B&B? hahahaha....I especailly love the dining room, tree, and window pic! :) So cute! :) I hope your Holidays are filled with as much love as you put into your holiday decorating...Meme

MIMILEE said...

How absolutely lovely! Love the simplicity and drama that the natural elements attain.
The punch of the Red poinsettia adds so much, too.....

Merry Christmas!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Layla, it's all so simple and elegant, just like you! This is exactly what I thought you'd do. Love it!

Kelly George said...

Burlap is a favorite texture and decorative element of mine also, along with jute, grapevine and wicker. They balance my feminine cottage style decor and make it less predictable.

Anonymous said...

So beautiful....so you!

Anonymous said...

Not quite my style with all the burlap and such, but it still looks pretty nice. I *love* what you did with the entertainment center… it looks so nice and cozy!

Katie said...

Hi Layla,
Linked over from Just-a-Girl and love your stuff!
Your entertainment center looks straight out of Pottery Barn! You have a great eye!

Windlost said...

Oh my, your house looks stunning! What a beautiful space - it looks like a Pottery Barn catalog!! :)

~ Lisa @ AbidingThere~ said...

Thank you for sharing your ideas - they are simply beautiful. I love the pencil starfish!

Ashley said...

Love it! Everything is very simple and understated - which makes it so beautiful! Perfect for your cottage :)

Michelle said...

Layla I love your burlap idea!! The first I've seen. Your decorations and house are beautifully refreshing. :)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful Christmas decorations!

Anonymous said...

The burlap and starfish look wonderful on your wreath. I might have to make one next year! I have one now, but I'm sure it could use an update.

No.35style said...

LOVE the basket the tree is in!

Anonymous said...

Hi,

I just read your blog about decorating with all natural material and I couldn't agree with you more. Check out my house and you'll see we both love burlap. It's my favorite thing for adding texture and I love how it looks woven in with lights, greenery, etc.

Love your blog.

Gail Kramer
www.thekramerangle.blogspot.com

stephanie h said...

WOW! It's gorgeous! I love all the pencil starfish!