Christmas Decorating...and Give Away!

 

Christmas Decorating...and Give Away!

The winner is: Janie and she picked the Dining Room, so give me a day or so and the Dining Room it will be.

 

Everyone is in that mode...decorate, decorate, decorate.  Christmas decorating is something as personal as getting dressed in my opinion.  I have noticed in my unofficial documentation of the subject that my friends and family have the same fashion style as Christmas decorating style. I've noticed that a friend is who more preppy and traditional in dressing, general goes with a plaid or red type Christmas, with touches of polka dots, Spode, silver and needlepoint stockings. Classic and tradition both in fashion style and decorating style.

 

The friends or family that tend to throw clothes on and run out the door (you know the ones...jeans, over sized shirt, scarf ). I call them The Basics. I am not saying there is anything wrong with that look, they keep it simple, no time for learning new tricks or adding current accessories. The friends who frown on my LV purse. They don't get it...I don't get them...but LOVE them! Their Christmas decor is usually simple as well...a wreath, a bow, Kraft paper...  There is nothing wrong with this look, I WISH I could be simpler. A simpler more basic look is beautiful and takes a talent to create.  I am what I am...a mascara wearing, lip gloss applying, ornament obsessed Texas lady who loves to decorate to the max for Christmas.  I love and appreciate all style of Christmas decorating, for years my friends and family have needled me for being so over the top, and I can take it. I know I'm not for everyone, but I love the difference in people.

These pictures are of my entry. I made the gold mini ornament garland (I'm making a tutorial video, hope to post this weekend), I am feeling the gold this Christmas. I'm not a glitter girl...yes I did just type that, I do not prefer glitter. It's pretty but I have horrible luck with it, I wear contacts and glitter gets on everything. Can't you picture it...me and eye patch and the best story I have is glitter scratched my eye when I was Christmas decorating.  I LOVE accessories but and an eye patch would be a hard fashion accessory for anyone other than Johnny Depp to pull off.  Anyway, back to my entry...it's large, probably large 15 feet wide and 30 feet long. We have marble floors in a black and white check pattern which is one of my favorite things about the house. A huge red front door and  the space is currently painted with black stripes. The stripes will be leaving in January, I've adored them but its time for a change. I think I would like some crazy eye catching almost shocking wallpaper...I know most people think wallpaper is a dirt word. I want the space to immediately fill any visitors with a thought of what our personalities are like...minus the crazy...wink, wink.

To narrow it down a bit, the mirror is the size of the wall,enormous and it's terribly hard to take a picture without being seen in the mirror. The lamps where a gift and from Ballard Designs. They are completely solid and weigh as much as a baby elephant. The frames are all sterling silver and thankfully were just polished two nights ago (thank you Lindsey). I've collected them since high school...or  should I say since my days of penny loafers and plaid skirts. You can spy my children in the frames and of course a few horses and two family portraits courtesy of Little Einstein and Pookie.

 After making the gold mini ornament garland I had a few ornaments left over so I sprinkled them in the garland. The silver bowl are Reed & Barton (Revere Bowl  that everyone has) and they are filled with Christmas decorated and scented hand lotion and lip balm from Avon. They are little "thanks for stopping by" treats for friends and family. Another blogger Miss Janice (who will be doing a guest post for me) posted the treats she leaves for visitors to her home. I loved the idea and borrowed it. Thanks Miss Janice. You can find Miss Janice at www.EtiquetteWithMissJanice.blogspot.com

A closer look of the garland. The key to making one...LOTS and LOTS of ornaments and patience.

 

This is only the entry I have several more to share with you:  family room, the library, the kitchen & breakfast room, dinning room, master bedroom and a few other misc spots.

 

Side note: Please do not ask to see the children's rooms, I do not EVER show my children's rooms, that is their personal space and all though they have adorable rooms and I would LOVE to share...they do not wish for everyone to see and know where they sleep at night and wake each morning. They think it's strange and I totally respect that. They are young and should feel safe in their home as well have their privacy respected.

I get asked a lot why I do not highlight my children (Pookie and Little Einstein) more in my blog or my husband (The Judge)and I always say, "I started this blog and they didn't ask to be put in it, I respect that." When and if they want to share something for my blog I do and will post it.

Kate Spade Bracelet GIVE AWAY

 

To Enter: leave a comment telling me which room you would like to see next (family room, library, kitchen/breakfast, dinning or master bedroom)

. No international entries accepted (sorry it cost to much to ship to you guys). 

 

Contest ends Friday, Nov. 30, 2012 at noon CST.

Happy Decorating