I almost blew it with my 4-year-old grandson the other day. I don't remember how the subject came up, but here's how it ended. Me: Some children don't have any presents at Christmas because their parents can't afford to buy any. Little Man: It's okay, Nonna. Santa will bring them. Me: Ooops. (cough, cough) He certainly will, little one. He certainly will... If you've visited here many times, you know that I adore children–especially little ones–and Christmas with children is one of my favorite times of the year... so today I've chosen A Child's Christmas as the theme. Elements to consider: Child-made ornaments and crafts Teddy bears Trains Red wagons Holiday story ... Keep Reading...
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Woodland: A Christmas Theme
Over the river, and through the woods, to Grandmother's house we go... I always loved that lilting little holiday song! The "woods" have long been associated with this festive season, so Woodland Christmas has become a popular theme. For several years now, Renaissance Man has enjoyed using it in his study–even decorating the tree himself! I'm really sorry this photographer's expertise and the low light conditions in my old house haven't learned to get along better, but let me break down the elements I used in his Woodland Christmas tree so you can "see" it better... There are close-ups of a few of them in the next inspiration board – and you can click on any pic to enlarge further. Grapevine ... Keep Reading...
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Traditional: A Christmas Theme
Even with the recent years' inundation of colorful holiday decor, there are still people who prefer to deck their halls using the traditional reds and greens of Christmas. There will always be a place in my own heart reserved just for them... but they have to take their turn. :-) There are some favorites of the season that – if left out – would render Christmas "not quite right" in the view of many Traditionalists. Things like: Poinsettias Holly Pine boughs and pinecones Evergreen wreaths–with a single red bow, of course Mistletoe Candles Snowmen Letters to Santa Presents under the tree Stockings Christmas cards Handmade ornaments Family treasures from Christmases past Caroling Candy ... Keep Reading...
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Gingerbread: A Christmas Theme
Gingerbread YUM! My mouth is watering just thinking about it... Like yesterday's Holiday at the Beach theme, we're going to interpret today's theme two different ways. You can go with a slightly RUSTIC feel and incorporate fruit slices grapevine burlap pinecones cut-out shapes; classy, not cute This collages contains pics I've clipped from various magazines over the years; some probably from Country Living. Sorry I don't know which ones. Or you might prefer something more PLAYFUL: gingerbread house candies and icing smiling gingerbread men checked or striped ribbons in traditional reds and greens Either way, you might like to satisfy your handcrafting urge by making fragrant Cinnamon Ornaments to hang on ... Keep Reading...
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Holiday at the Beach: A Christmas Theme
I am not a "beach person," but I know some of you are – and some of you will spend your holidays at the beach. This inspiration board is for you. When you choose a Beach theme at Christmas, think about using splashy-bright greens and blues net-like ribbons and fabric sea shells ocean creatures tentacle and/or sea grass-like textures Or... perhaps another time I'll do *this* beach-inspired board. If you use this idea before I do, send me a picture! Colors: neutrals (white, ivory, tan) and pale aqua Ornaments: seashells and star fish tied on with jute; clear round balls (bubbles anyone?) and aqua balls Texture: nets and coral picks; pearl garland; burlap tree ... Keep Reading...
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Winter Wonderland: A Christmas Theme
Brrrrrr! Some of you have experienced downright cold temperatures and potentially hazardous travel conditions over the past few days. Please be safe! Here in East Tennessee it's been chilly – and rainy. I wish we'd gotten a beautiful winterscape outside our windows like my family in Texas. But since we didn't, I'll just go with the next best thing: Today's Christmas theme is Winter Wonderland. These elements will get you started... Icy whites and silver Fluffy snow and feathers Textured glitters and garlands and beads Snowflakes Clear crystal and glass Etched glass Candlelight – for a soft glow and a touch of warmth You'll notice there's not a ... Keep Reading...
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Whimsy: A Christmas Theme
Looking for some whimsical decorating ideas this year? Perhaps these inspiration boards will help. Click any pic to enlarge. Even if you like the traditional reds and greens of Christmas, you can still add some whimsy with fun graphics traditional elements in a non-traditional style (like this tree) swirls candies pom-pom ornaments Or, use bright color combinations and elements in non-traditional ways: unexpected textures (tulle, shredded and curled papers, spiked balls, mesh) patterned papers (plaids, stripes, etc.) ribbons playful ornaments cheerful felt crafts sparkle! (glitter, sequins, shiny ornaments) This next board showcases virtually all of those ideas... and it showcases my go-to "whimsy" colors. :-) ... Keep Reading...
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Peace on Earth: A Christmas Theme
No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. Nelson Mandela 1918 - 2013 Peace on Earth It's an age-old Christmas theme... and an age-old hope. White doves and brightly-colored globes are common theme elements. I prefer a softer feel. Something more peaceful... Black and white – and silver Clear glass Feathery doves Round, globe-like ornaments Textural diversity Something like this... If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with ... Keep Reading...
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Snowmen: A Christmas Theme
Like yesterday's Peppermint Parade, today's theme is a pretty simple one to pull off even if you didn't plan ahead. You'll just look like you did! Snowmen are easy to find, and you don't have to spend much to add their happy little faces to your household. You can... ... but you don't have to. Little Sir would love these Hallmark carolers! If you choose a snowman theme, you'll get the most bang for your buck by making or purchasing "stuffed" snowmen. You can get them in a wide variety of styles and colors, so pick the "feel" and colors you want–then use those colors throughout your decor. Choosing complementary colors makes it much easier to use your new little friends in tabletop vignettes around the ... Keep Reading...
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Peppermint Parade: A Christmas Theme
Peppermints. They're available year-round, but they steal the show at Christmas! From candy canes and ribbons to candles and gift wrap, the cheerful striped candies manage to stay front-and-center all season long – super easy to find! If you need a last-minute theme that will kick up the festivity level without breaking the bank, try this one: Peppermint Parade Add a few touches of red and white (or red, white, and green) to your usual decor... and put your party invites in the mail! Just be sure they have peppermint on them. :-) More peppermint touches you can add: Peppermint bark candy Packages wrapped in peppermint-patterned papers (or red and white) Candy cane crafts for the ... Keep Reading...
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The Greatest Gift: A Christmas Theme
Before our Themes of Christmas series goes too far down the road of Christmas trees and partridges, I want to share with you my favorite theme of Christmas... because it's not Christmas without it. The Greatest Gift is the foundation of my Christmas. It reminds me that when God gave Jesus, He already knew His son was going to die for the sins of the world. Yet He gave the gift anyway... unselfishly, with immeasurable love for you and me. What wondrous love God lavished upon us! Lord, may we be faithful. The last time I used The Greatest Gift theme, my inspiration was a print-it-yourself invitation. I said the same thing with yesterday's theme, so we might be seeing a pattern here... When I saw ... Keep Reading...
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A Partridge in A Pear Tree: A Christmas Theme
Did you start humming when you saw the title? In case you missed yesterday's post, I've just started a Themes of Christmas series that will give you theme ideas plus suggestions for carrying them out. If you missed Oh Christmas Tree, you can see it HERE. While you could certainly use the entire 12 Days of Christmas as a theme (and it's a great one!), I'm going to stick with Day One of the long-favored song because I've used the theme several times... and because I have pics and an easy, fun tutorial to share with you! A decade ago, I found these wonderful print-it-yourself invitations at Tuesday Morning. Back then, Renaissance Man was a college administrator, and we always hosted a Christmas party for ... Keep Reading...
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How to use a theme at Christmas: Oh, Christmas Tree
Oh, Christmas Tree (scroll down below this list to read the post) A Partridge in a Pear Tree The Greatest Gift: Nativity Peppermint Parade Snowmen Peace on Earth Whimsy Christmas Winter Wonderland Holiday at the Beach Gingerbread Traditional Woodland A Child's Christmas Blue Christmas Country Crafts Pretty As A Peacock Yuletide Tea Party Mountain Cabin Teddy Bears Cardinal Song Christmas Wedding Nutcrackers Vintage Santa Claus Oh Holy Night Shepherds Angels Stars Royalty (The Wisemen) Bells Light Hello, all. I hope you U.S. friends had a safe and blessed Thanksgiving with lots of great opportunities for memory-making... and ... Keep Reading...
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When there’s heartache behind the smile…
It's the beginning of Thanksgiving week here in the United States. Traditionally, it's a time to focus on food and family... and gratitude for both. It's a festive time, signaling the beginning of the holiday season where everything purports to be "merry and bright". But it's been a hard year for many. Perhaps for you. As you gather 'round the Thanksgiving table this week, perhaps there is a heaviness behind your smiling face. Perhaps you feel the weight of Family concerns Business challenges Grief Spiritual struggles Health issues Transition Perhaps this particular "slice of your life" doesn't offer the prettiest vantage point you've ever had... Several stories ... Keep Reading...
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A Simply Thankful Tablescape
If you like simple, quick-and-easy table ideas for Thanksgiving–or Autumn–perhaps this tablescape will give you a few. The pumpkins and "hammered glass" goblets came from Dollar Tree a few years ago. The placemats were Nice Saves from Goodwill. The linen napkins were at Tuesday Morning–on clearance. The candlesticks were an auction box find. The solid wood napkin rings were 50 cents each at an outlet mall many years ago. The acorn salad plates (my favorite Fall dishes!) were a fantastic surprise at T.J. Maxx a few years back... They're Spode and were ridiculously inexpensive. Tablescapes don't have to be expensive! This one certainly isn't. Just be sure to ... Keep Reading...
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Do you know your Autumn personality?
It's time again for the Notecard Party at A Haven for Vee. My theme this month? City Girl–Country Girl At this gorgeous season of the year, no words are needed in the city... ...or in the country.. One of these is my absolute favorite. Hint: It's the one you've never seen before. (Thanks, Vee, for letting us add an occasional "unpublished" pic!) It's the last one. The old International Harvester tractor. My Granddaddy was a mechanic for International Harvester–and was the "savior" for many a farmer when a combine went kaput during harvest season. This useful old tractor brings back lots of great memories...and creates lots of new ones; ... Keep Reading...
