Steamrolling Toward the Holidays

The most important thing I can say on this day is Thank You to all veterans for your service, protection, and support. Over 22 million veterans have heroically fought for our freedom which I too often take for granted the luxuries their sacrifice has afforded.   

John F. Kennedy says it best “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

It is a quiet and thoughtful day today.    

As I woke up this morning to a hearty blanket of snow, I also realized just how quickly fall is leaving us behind and the holidays are steamrolling toward us.  

There are just…

16 days until Thanksgiving

6 Saturdays until Christmas and Hanukkah

3 Saturdays before December Holiday Gatherings Commence

And 7 Saturdays until 2020!

Wow, we all have a lot to do!

I usually like to wait until after Thanksgiving to decorate for the holidays but this year it feels like a blur, doesn’t it?  And I will be getting a jump on things, how about you?  

Even at the store,  the trees and table decor are beginning to pop up all around our showroom!  So let the holidays begin.

Today, I thought I would talk a little bit about holiday styling and give you a few ideas that might make the experience of setting your table and decorating your home a little less stressful.

Why do we get so stressed about something so festive?   I think the number one reason is that we have this idea of perfection that just doesn’t exist.   

As a matter of fact, the most important tip I can give you is that inspiring tables and holiday decor does not have to be perfect!  It will actually feel less stuffy and more natural if items are placed intentionally but without being too perfect. Counter-intuitive, I know, but trust me! 

For example, when designing your tablescape, play around with the height and weight of the items that you choose to feature at your table. You want things to feel even without being overly symmetrical. As you place your items, take frequent steps back to look at the overall look of the table. And simply, correct as needed.

Your dishes and decor don’t all have to match.  They just have to coordinate.   

Have fun mixing and matching the dishes and other things that you already have at home.   Perhaps add a new pattern or charger to the mix to give your table a fresh look.   You have lots of things you can already use around your home.. .ribbons, placemats, dish sets, crystal, candlestick, and votives.  Combine all of these items so your personality shines through.  

Find something that inspires you and think about creating a tablescape around it.   

Maybe this year, you're inspired by animal prints.   Something as simple as a ribbon can create great interest.

Different heights, shapes, and textures are essential to creating interest. 

Remember, you are striving for balance rather than symmetry.    

Use Lots of Texture and Layers.

A mix of textures, rough and smooth, shiny and matt, always makes for an interesting composition.

We love Mercury Glass.

Invest in a mercury glass in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are the perfect base for any beautiful tablescape. And you will use them time and time again. Mercury votives work with virtually any color scheme as they reflect the items around them. Scatter them down the middle of your table, pepper your mantel with them, and add them to guest powder rooms for a little bit of sparkle at every turn.

Bring the Outside In.

Some of the easiest ways to style and decorate for the holidays is to bring the outside in by using florals, fresh greens, and natural elements.  For example, trimmings from the evergreens in your yard, like cedar, spruce, and fir, even pinecones – bring out a nostalgic traditional feel that we are so used to seeing around the holidays. Use them in your tablescapes!

Invest in Linens

Your meal is always going to look and taste better when complemented with beautiful table linens. Linens provide you with a great way to add a little color, pattern, and texture to your table. Most of us already have a variety of linens on hand whether inherited from our Moms or picked up along the way. If you don't, it's time to purchase a few good sets that you can have on hand. What do we like? You can't go wrong with white, black and a natural linen set.

A napkin doesn't always need to be folded in an unusual way to make a statement.     A memorable place card is created by bundling a napkin, flatware with greenery (we used a magnolia leaf)  from your garden and then tying them together with ribbon, twine or a leather cord. 

At the same time that we are tackling our holiday decor, we are also wondering just what to give to those we care about that are memorable, meaningful and long-lasting.    My kids are older and just a bunch of stuff doesn't cut the mustard.  So now,  I want to focus on gifts that keep giving. 

One of my daughters needs great looking clothes (for law school) that make her stand out in the right way.    Easily for me, our clothing boutique has just the right mix of casual, business casual and the occasional dressy looks to keep her feeling smart and confident.  

My other kids are both focused on creating homes they love.    I can't tell you exactly what I have in mind (that would spoil the fun) but with our vast collection of soft goods, accessories, art, and all the other good stuff I should have no problem finding some things that they might not otherwise purchase for themselves.   

And what about you?   How will you take care of yourself?  The absolute best gift I have ever given myself is an inspiring home space.   It just keeps on giving and giving, 365 days a week.     

We still have plenty of time left in the year to help you create a beautiful space to enjoy with family and friends over the holidays!

Enjoy the week!   Let's hope we get a few warmer days before we head deep into the holidays.