Get inspired

Every time this season comes around, I like to plan out how my Christmas decorating scheme will all come together. I don't like to do exactly the same tree every year, although I do use most of the same ornaments. I just like to switch it up a bit and get a different look. Tai Pan Trading is a great place to get tree inspiration; they always decorate them in the most inventive and fabulous way. I got some great ideas there this year, along with a few ornaments. I also plan to do some things the same this year as last year- Wreaths on the windows and outer doors, tea lights in the windows and twinkle lights on the house outside, Nativity scene on the piano, and possibly put up my Christmas village. I still haven't decided whether or not I want Tyson to have the chance to destroy it. :)

For the past few days I have been searching online, in magazines, and in stores for new inspiration. Fun, festive ideas of how to decorate, create, and just make the holidays more.... holiday-ish. After lots of perusing, I thought I'd share some of my favorites. I don't know if I'll do most or any of them, but I loved them.

Found this here. I thought it would fun to put a miniature version of a Christmas Village in a glass jar like this somehow. Maybe rocks or marbles on the bottom like snow.



Here I found a great table centerpiece. I really liked the monochromatic combination of ornaments and fruit.



On this website I got the idea for gift tags. I was thinking of doing a more formal version with the initial stamped in gold on cream paper. Something like that.



Another great idea from M.S. - picture a dark velvet ribbon holding up the hoop. I might paint the hoop gold or white, same with the clothespins. I've been needed a use for my mini pins left over from years ago.



In addition to these ideas, I was thinking of putting up trees in the bedrooms, to spread the Christmas cheer around. I've never done it before. Also I've been thinking of putting up wreaths in random places like on the bathroom door, or above the washer and dryer. Could be fun.

In between Christmas moments, I've been watching seasons of F.R.I.E.N.D.S., and laughing my head off. I really was in tears yesterday. I'd forgotten how funny Ross and Chandler were.

Also, I would love the recommend the new Disney/Pixar movie Tinkerbell.
It's actually really cute, and feels good, and nobody is sarcastic or mean which I appreciate in a movie geared for kids. It didn't hurt either that one of my favorite musicians, Loreena Mckennitt was the narrator and singer in the beginning and end of the movie. I loved how she lent her poetic and celtic voice to the film.