Oh Chrismas Tree 2015

Oh my gosh! Another year has gone by (with a dismal amount of blog posts on my part) and it's time to take down the Christmas tree already! I shared photos of my tree on instagram, but it is my first real tree since moving out and it deserves a blog post all of it's own. I filled the tree with vintage ornaments passed down by my parents and Babcia. I love the classic Christmas colour they provide.

 

Proud moment: Hauling the tree up to my third floor walk up apartment and getting it set up all by myself.

 Now for the lights and decorations!

 

 You just can't beat the smell of a fresh pine tree, it is truly the magical smell of Christmas. I hope you all had the most wonderful holiday season. Thank you for sticking with me despite there only being a few posts this year. I love you all!

xox

Setting the Table, Sarah Style

I'm dreaming of a pink Christmas with this darling festive tablescape that I put together using Sarah Richardson's new textile line! These colours are perfect for year round, but the motif on the cotton napkins reminded me of snowflakes, which inspired me for the holidays. Place settings topped with coordinating Christmas tree decorations add to the fun and cheer, and are a great little 'take home' gift for friends. Speaking of gifts, wouldn't these table linens make a great one?

 Here are my top five tips for creating an effortless Christmas table setting:

1. Mix metals! A little brass, a little silver - it all works during the holidays, so don't worry if your cutlery doesn't match your glassware.
2. Create a no fuss centerpiece using seasonal greens such as Seeded Eucalyptus and fresh berry branches.

3. Candle light and Christmas tree lights set the perfect mood when the sun goes down.

4. More is sometimes more. My tiny table achieves big style by layering textures, colours and pattern.

4. Sarah's new linen line comes in four colour palettes making it easy to look like you spent hours decorating the table. The placemats are reversible, and everything is cotton and easily washable.

Table Linens / Cutlery / Glassware / Dinner Plate / Side Plate

xox

Mantel Makeover: Holiday Edition

With the holidays fast approaching, two things in particular about my new apartment were making me very excited for Christmas decorating. The first was that my place is big enough to get a big tree (remember the teeny little tree I've been using for the past couple of years?) and the second was that I had a mantel to style up! 

I kept it pretty simple with natural elements and classic red and green to give the mantel some holiday cheer. I wanted it to feel very traditional, sophisticated and (of course) beautiful.

A quick trip out to my favourite local florist proved successful. The flower shop is such a magical place at this time of year, filled to the brim with all the trimmings for gorgeous bouquets, wreath and garland making. I picked up a lovely foxwood wreath, a large swag of leyland cypress branches, fresh red berry branches, and a big bouquet of seeded eucalyptus (for a center piece). I also grabbed some logs to fill up the fireplace - purely decorational as my fireplace is non-functioning, but I think they really add to the cozy feeling! I didn't do anything fancy, just hung the wreath with some fishing wire, tied a big bow and laid the branches out on the mantle. I like the lush, semi wild look this achieved.

Oh I just love Christmas decorating! Have you decorated your mantel? Link to it in the comments below!
xox

This Year's Christmas Decor

This is probably my last Christmas in my little student housing rental. Apartment hunting for my own place begins in the new year! I'm okay staying where I am until June when I graduate, but if something great comes up closer to downtown where I'm now working, I won't say no.  

The design direction of my new place is definitely going to be less feminine and more sophisticated. I can't wait for a new slate (and my own kitchen)! In the mean time, I'm still loving my girl glam decor and played it up with my Christmas decorations for a sparkly, pastel Holiday!

To learn more about how I decorate for the holidays, stop by Sarah Richardson Design where my apartment decor was featured along with my tips and tricks for Christmas decor with a feminine twist!

xox

Oh (Flocked) Christmas Tree

I will be the first to admit I have never seen one of these in person, but I'm really smitten with the look of the snow on the branches. It seems a white Christmas isn't the norm anymore (dreaming of one this year of course! It's looking promising after the snowstorm we got this weekend), but this could be a fun way to ensure a snowy Christmas morning opening gifts. Would you do a flocked tree?

via Style at Home

via the Doctor's Closet