I can't believe Christmas has already come and gone ...
I so enjoyed decorating this ChristmasI seem to have wanted to do a little more each daythen it was time to shop and wrap presentsandplan dinnershost familyand Celebrate.
It seemed to be over ever so quickly.
This was the first year decorating with a truly empty nestI was surprised how much I actually enjoyed the process this year.Not having to parent on any level certainly does have its perks!
One of which is there luxury of time.I was able to go through all of my Christmas decorto edit the pieces that no longer made my heart sing.I donated my extras at the beginning of the seasonso others could enjoy them.
I also took the time to pack separately all of the kid made ornaments into special boxesthat will be fun to bring out someday in the far future when grandkids arrive.
My intention at the beginning of the season was to do a simple Christmas this year.
Then I found these wonderful Merry and plaid pillows and blankets at Target.Another trip to storage and I found these wonderful wool felt pillows that had been lost for a couple of years misplaced in an unmarked box.Together they made such amazing pairings.
With such a happy jumping off pointI added my red and green glass ball ornaments to my wild blue spruce tree.
Target's beautiful boxes made wrapping an enjoyable experience this year.
I simply once again cut ribbons from felt yardageadded pre made tags, jingle bellsand greenery I bought at Trade Joe's.
In addition to vintage glass ornamentsI added faux red berries finished with glittered holly.
I kept the living room opened upwhich made entertaining so much easier,
This was our first year with our tree in the cornerwhich gave so much more room for family to be truly together.
On the opposite wallI turned the shelves under the stairs into a barcomplete with my collection of holiday vintage glasses.
I always love to add in citrus to my holiday decoras a nod to our Southern California location.I know many people love a snowy Christmas butmy heart is always happy with our sunny blue sky Christmas!
This year to balance color and festivity to both sides of the roomI added glass garlands and boxwood greenery to my chandelier.
Having the house decorated so cozy and colorfulmade it the perfect backdrop to have friends over for coffee.
My only holiday regret is that I didn't have more people over.Each day I thought I was done decorating butI could always see one more thing to add to the creative balance.For me decorating is many times like doing a paintingeach stroke can change the balanceand the painting or room in my casetakes on a life of its own.
I added garland to my stair rails.I have decide to add more garnishes to it each yearuntil I get it to the luxurious scale I want it to have.In our small living room the garland really finishes off the space elegantly.
I carried my color scheme out to the front terraceadding a big bowl of paper whites.
As I write thisChristmas is actually edited from my housebut my outdoor paper whites are just on the cusp of bloomingjust in time for New Year's day!
I tucked giant plastic ornaments into my succulent border plantings.
Inside the front courtyardI once again planted paper whites into vintage drawers for a coffee table centerpiece.
In the backyard another set of Merry pillows and plaid blanketsbrought Christmas to the back loungers.
For our giant farm table in the back I simply swapped out some succulents in jars for some red candles.More greenery from Trader Joe's finished off the table perfectly.
I sprinkled in some more colorful felt pillows,more paper whites, a large ornament with some Christmas tree blankets also form Target.
For our big Christmas Eve dinner I chose to set the table sans tablecloth this year,
I went for more of a casual elegant tabletop vibe.My first batch of paper whitesbloomed perfectly for Christmas Day!
I had all three guest rooms decoratedbut only remembered to get a picture of this one.
As I reflect back on my 2016 Christmas decoratingit makes my heart happy.Especially knowing how much I enjoyed this creative process.Not only was it a beautiful, inviting backdrop for our family celebrationsit was a personal reminderof just how much I love fluffing my home and environments.
It's a good thing when we have the time to do what makes our heart singno matter what it is for each of us.
As a true empty nestermy heart is full of optimism for not only the New Yearbut these next chapters in my life.
Wishing you and yours a New Year filled with creativity and fulfillment.
As always my friends
I wish you love and joyas you style your life
