{idea notebook} A Beautiful Book Page Wreath

There is something timeless about aged book pages. I love how they start to crinkle and turn various shades of amber. I love that they seem nostalgic and sentimental and convey thoughtfulness. So during this season of reflection I think it is simply perfect to create a wreath from old, (timeless) treasured words. I love the thought of them hanging in quite moments throughout homes conveying messages for those who pass by or giving small versions as gifts to loved ones. Here's wishing a warm, happy and lovely holiday to all...

*For detailed instructions on how to create the beautiful wreaths above please visit:
(image 1) Living with Lindsay (image 2) The Happy Home


*Photography via Living with Lindsay & by Belinda Graham for The Happy Home

{idea notebook} Christmas Decorating For Small Spaces

I love decorating for the Holidays! I love baubles and berries and garland strewn magically around. Yet for many seasons my space was limited, and as many New Yorkers do, I had to use a little creativity to transform our space into a winter wonderland. So, if you dwell in a tiny space and can't fit a real tree this year, don't despair... here are a few fun tricks you can try that will instantly make everything sparkle with Holiday magic:

1. Use a Christmas Tree Wall decal (Subhuti Designs)
2. Fill a tall vase with branches and decorate them with ornaments (above: Vintage Birds by Ultraluxe) I especially like to use birch branches or spray paint brown branches white, gold or silver. The subtle color instantly transforms branches making them sophisticated & special.
3. If your decor is less formal another route are cardboard trees (The Cardboard Tree). They are great in groupings or nestled on top of greenery for a little touch of authenticity.
4. Display Ornaments in glass canisters, beautiful dishes and trays. I particularly love to adorn mantels with glass vases brimming with baubles. I suggest sticking to a singular color theme per vase, this will make a stronger and more cohesive statement. I still use this trick in our home. This season soft silver, antique gold and cream not only sparkle on the mantel but from every crystal vase throughout our living space.
5. Dangle Ornaments from your ceiling using adhesive backed hooks. This works best when ornaments are grouped together over one focal area such as; dining tables, headboards, reading nooks or bars.
6. Get inventive with hanging stockings: I like to use existing door and wall hooks throughout the house. We started hanging stockings from bedroom door hooks four seasons ago and it has become something we always do. It seems more intimate to have a special surprise awaiting when you go to bed (or wake up). Another great way to attach stockings is to weave a festive ribbon through a banister and tie each stocking into place.
7. In lieu of a traditional, and sometimes space consuming, wreath trying suspending a group of vintage silver pitchers from a holiday ribbon.
8. Fill canning jars with bundles of white, holiday lights and place them on shelving, mantels, sideboards or windows for a little extra sparkle. This is so incredibly inexpensive and fantastically pretty to boot. Happy Holidays everyone!

*Photography via Style At Home

{inspiration} A Crimson & Silver Wonderland

Some Enchanted Holiday...
Paperwhites en-mass gleam effortlessly with dusty winter foliage, mercury-glass, crimson silk ribbon and silvery grays. Shiny silvered magnolia & holly leaves add a lustrous shimmer to traditional brown and green magnolia garlands...ahh... so fantastically beautiful. Or deck the halls with boughs of holly, lush greenery, soft flowers and glistening silver ornaments. Add ruby pomegranates poised in antique pedestals and the offerings are complete. Simply, dare I say it again... enchanting.

*Photography via Martha Stewart Living: December 2010

{inspiration+tree trimming} Magical Tree Dressings

'Tis the season for merriment and quite sentiment... for warmth and winter chill... beauty is everywhere, sparkling from decked evergreens and twinkling lights... here are a few of my favorite selections on my own tree this year...welcome back everyone and happy holidays...

*Photography via Anthropologie
(Gems and Jewels Ornament, Winter Lutz Ornament, Fa-La-La Ornament, Shaggy Garland, Jeweled Menagerie-Owl Ornament, North Star Ornament, Mythic Tree Topper)

{holiday decorating} Thanksgiving Tabletops

I love a fantastic table. How better to invite guests to eat, drink and be merry? So in the great Thanksgiving tradition I thought we could toast a few beautiful, thoughtful and terribly creative tabletops:

* Nature's Inspiration: brown eggs + white painted pumpkins + gold toned flatware + traditional white plates + a great graphic napkin + branches, twigs or even feathers
* The Riches of the Harvest: ochres and rusts + timeless brass + fanciful china + a bold tablecloth + orange pumpkins + blooming flowers + cobalt blue glass + a tiny touch of sparkle
* For the Kids: butcher block tablecloth + pattern dinnerware + hand stamped place cards + hand drawn place mats + some pots of crayons + a pop of wooden fruit

Have a happy day of rest, a day of giving, a day of thanks & a day of celebrating all that is important in this life. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

*Photography via Briton Loves It, Eddie Ross, Coco+Kelley