HOPE The word evokes a sense of expectation and desire... a longing... and the sometimes fearful risk of believing. Used as a Christmas theme, Oh Holy Night provides the perfect opportunity to share the story of the first Christmas. When a child-king appeared in a noisy, crowded little town... and a young girl, surrounded by smelly animals and a really good man, gave birth to Hope. You could interpret the theme with bright, sparkly stars and lots of glitz, but I much prefer something more simple... more realistic. Theme elements to consider: Stars Nativity sets and graphics Burlap, straw, hay, grapevine Wood candleholders Ornaments: stars, angels, "hope", "peace", "love", ... Keep Reading...
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Santa Claus: A Christmas Theme
Santa Claus He's a common Christmas theme for collectors and decorators alike. After all, doesn't everyone look cuter in a Santa hat? Its bright, cheerful colors–often accompanied by the soft tinkle of a jingle bell–have a way of making people smile. In fact, just the thought of the Jolly Old Elf himself with his characteristic twinkling eyes is enough to put a little spring in one's step. While hurrying through the grocery store the other day, I witnessed it. With Santa Claus is Coming to Town playing over the loud speaker, everyone I passed was humming, tiny smiles teasing the corners of their mouths. But when I passed two young teenagers–a brother and sister–walking behind their cart-pushing ... Keep Reading...
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Vintage: A Christmas Theme
Most people have a very strong opinion about them. They either love 'em–or they don't. Vintage Christmas decorations They're "dusty, outdated old junk" ... or they're "quirky-yet-quaint treasured memories of days gone by". They're all those boxes from Grandma (and Great-Grandma) you stored in the attic ... or they're the highly-collectible items you can't wait to acquire. Which is it for you? See the Christmas tree surrounded by children? (Row three, four across) It plays Silent Night, and on the bottom is an old piece of masking tape on which is written "Grandma Miller." I have no idea who Grandma Miller was, but I fell in love with her fantastic vintage ... Keep Reading...
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Nutcrackers: A Christmas Theme
Can you believe it? There's not a single Nutcracker in the ridiculous amount of Christmas decorations I own. Not one. Oh, I've been tempted many times, but I have this idea that unless I own THREE of something, it's not a collection... and if I'm going to have one nutcracker, I'd like a collection. See the problem? And so, several years ago, I was a good little girl and decided I would not start another collection. May I just tell you that I think nutcrackers are really amazing? They're colorful, and stoic, and handsome... and they stand (stately, of course) in such wonderful contrast to cutesy elves and snowmen. With nutcrackers, you just add a little greenery and a variety of ... Keep Reading...
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Christmas Wedding: A Christmas Theme
If you're wondering why Christmas Wedding is a theme, then I guess you've never had a Christmastime wedding at your house! We've had two in our family, and I guarantee you that when a December wedding is on the calendar, the theme is most definitely "wedding!" Some of you are sitting there wide-eyed and nodding your heads "yes," aren't you? Several couples I know had December weddings. In fact, two of them are celebrating anniversaries today. Happy Anniversary! Since I'm always looking for an excuse to plan a wedding, it seemed like a good time to put together a few quick Christmas Wedding inspiration boards. You read that right: a few. Proof that I'm a bit compulsive sometimes when it's ... Keep Reading...
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Cardinal Song: A Christmas Theme
If you like the traditional colors of Christmas AND you like songbirds, AND you like music, then why not have yourself a merry little Cardinal Song Christmas? I supposed you could call it a Cardinal Carols Christmas as well. Consider including these elements in your decor: Cardinals (of course!) Berries Fruit Pinecones Twig-like picks Textured, seed-like ornaments Musical instruments Sheet music (Christmas carols, please) I always love seeing cardinals outside my windows, especially when the brilliant red of the males is contrasted against a bright white snow. Apparently they catch the attention of this little girl, too... DECEMBER by Amanda, age ... Keep Reading...
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Teddy Bears: A Christmas Theme
It's one of the easiest Christmas themes ever: Teddy Bears. Almost everyone has one–or ten!– so all you have to do is put up a tree then set sweet little bears on its branches. Voila'! Instant decorations. The same thing works with snowmen, dolls, Santas, elves... When a new child comes to one of Hope Unlimited's campuses in Brazil, they receive a welcome kit that includes a stuffed animal–often a teddy bear. Recently an elderly Hope donor gave her lifelong teddy bear collection to be used in the welcome kits. Since we haven't yet taken them to Brazil–and since I had LOTS to choose from–I decided to use Teddy Bears as my theme for the Hope office. You may remember me telling ... Keep Reading...
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Mountain Cabin: A Christmas Theme
It's almost time for another Notecard Party at A Haven for Vee, and I love joining the party! Since I'm smack dab in the middle of my Themes of Christmas series, I had to decide on at least one picture I've already posted here that would complement one of the themes I want to do. I decided. Today's theme is Mountain Cabin Christmas. I hope Vee doesn't mind that I followed the urge to add some Christmas cheer to the previously-posted pics... Welcome to a very rustic cabin in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. Come right on in. Make yourself at home... Just be sure to close the door. Those ol' black bears need to stay on the other side of it. Feel that chill in the air? Snow's ... Keep Reading...
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Yuletide Tea Party: A Christmas Theme
Yuletide Tea is a theme that can be as simple or as complex as you wish. Isn't that nice during a busy holiday season? Simple: Keep your house (or room) decorations to a minimum. Go with a delicate, easy-to-put-together decor. (The ideas in the inspiration board are super easy to achieve.) Use Grandma's antique lace tablecloth–or at least tuck in a feminine runner or doily. Don't know how to clean Grandma's tablecloth? Try Restoration. Invite a friend (or small group of friends) to join you for a casual Yuletide Tea–even if it's a spur-of-the-moment idea... or only for an hour early one morning. Provide a selection of teas Serve a sweet treat; cake, Christmas cookies, cupcakes, muffins, pecan rolls, etc. ... Keep Reading...
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Pretty As A Peacock: A Christmas Theme
I remember the first time I saw a Christmas tree bedecked in colors of the peacock. Almost a decade ago, I walked around a corner in a year-round Christmas shop in the Smoky Mountains and there it was – in all its turquoise and green and gold glory. I'm pretty sure I gasped. I still haven't done a peacock tree myself. Turquoise isn't a great color for the existing furnishings in my old house... but I do love this combination of colors! I've seen lots of peacock trees since that first time, and often one more color is added. For some reason, it's always hot pink or purple. That's starting to look a bit like my favorite whimsy colors... But I'd never do a Peacock Christmas in whimsy ... Keep Reading...
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Country Crafts: A Christmas Theme
Some of you love craft fairs and simple decorations. This Country Crafts theme will probably appeal to you... but it has some fun ideas to use elsewhere! The Christmas tree in the center – and the garland atop the bookcase – are nothing more than scraps of fabric! Now you quilters and seamstresses have something to do with those little pieces of fabric you thought were too small to use. The wreath is balls of yarn hot glued together on a wreath form. The button pick is pretty obviously buttons wired together. And the jingle bell tree with the metal star on top? Well, it's just cute... and looks pretty easy to make. Consider using these elements for a Country Crafts ... Keep Reading...
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Blue Christmas: A Christmas Theme
I know, I know. Just seeing my title got some of you humming along with the Elvis in your head. Didn't it? Here's a quick inspiration board for you today to go along with the Blue Christmas theme. I've chosen to use cobalt blue, but you could use any shade of blue you like. You can also use your everyday blues and simply tuck in some Christmas greenery... I really hope this isn't a blue Christmas for you this year... unless you want it to be! Enjoy your Saturday and I'll see you tomorrow with another idea in my Themes of Christmas series. You can see previously posted themes HERE. AND you can have new ones delivered straight to your inbox; just sign up on the sidebar! ... Keep Reading...
