It is all in the details

Just a few more decor ideas pre-Christmas. Last week I pulled together a very simple yet festive dinner for our Sunday School teachers.  I simply took my shears to our Christmas tree and snipped away. I tell you, this is the first year I have taken full advantage of our Christmas tree. Just pull out your shears, and you will be surprised by how easily you can change your settings. 

As always, I pull out the silver for any occasion, a silver set Liza bought me-- silver really does add to a party.  

Oranges are fantastic when you need a punch of color without over doing it, they are particularly good looking with the stems. Oranges also remind me of my childhood, and who didn't have oranges in their stockings?

I love the combination of green, red, and tiffany blue. I think blue softens the traditional colors red and green. The color is unlikely and welcomed after a few to many red and green blinking lights.

 Just a few sprigs of ever green from our tree, oranges, and candy canes add a festive sophistication every host hopes for. 

This setting is so simple to pull together and inexpensive. I used the evergreen branches from our tree and only had to buy oranges and candy canes.  I always save the ribbons from Christmas packages and rarely buy new ones. 

Isn't this gray ribbon perfectly masculine? I love it & I am sure it came from a package Liza sent me last year. I am telling you, I always save pretty ribbon, and it is worth it when you know you can easily pull this look together with little pocket money and time.

The red place mats are from Crate and Barrel. I bought them 5 and a half years ago when I hosted my first Christmas in NYC. I LOVE them; they are so festive & have stood the test of time. 

Jingle Bells!!!!

One last thought. Miss. Sophia is currently on Christmas break. I remember loving this time of year as a child. It was the perfect time to finish projects and last minute shopping. One project Sophia and I worked on where snow globes. We had so much fun playing with this project and I thought to share it with you all. 

The Snow Globe project: the materials are as follows; Magna Tac, fake snow, frosting spray, mason jars, evergreen clippings, and any sparkle you would like to add.

You simply remove the lids of the mason jars and glue in your evergreen pieces (which i just snipped from our tree), and any other decorations you want to add. During this decorating time I sprayed the jars with frosting spray, which you can find in any craft or hardware store. It takes at least ten minutes to dry and is stinky. I sprayed our jars in a separate room out of reach of the children. 

I think the kids favorite part of the project was sprinkling fake snow everywhere. 

Now, the globes are slightly clouded with snow. I say when you are working on a project like this with children, I believe nothing has to be perfect. It is all about the process, especially when you are working on Christmas craft.  The idea is to have fun and connect with the children.

Don't you think these snow globes would be perfect for center pieces with candles in-between. I am re-thinking our Christmas setting, hmmm.......

We added ribbon for a splash of color, and now Sophia has some fun gifts to give away.  This project was inexpensive & really was a lot of fun for us all. 

Just when you thought this post was finished, fa la la la la.......

Last minute details make all the difference. Get to Anthropologie today all of their Christmas decor is 50% off, I have never seen them do this, and it is so worth getting to the store for, plus they open at 9.

The brown wrapping in colorful bows, with newspaper letters from Anthropologie, bring out the best in decorating. Sophia loved drawing and putting stickers on the packages, which really is a very personal way to wrap.  The love is in the details.

Feliz Navidad from me to you!

Mel