Eco-Friendly HolidayWrapping

For me, decorating for the holidays is also about the gift wrapping. I celebrate Christmas, complete with the tree and the beautiful presents underneath. But I also know the gift wrapping is temporary, often ending up in landfills after the holidays. And as a lover of eco-friendly redesign, I really do my best to make sure that happens as little as possible. But without sacrificing beauty. So here are a few of my favorite ideas . . .

HGTV

Wrap your gifts in something useful. For the "paper" use a dishtowel, handtowels, a pretty antique handkerchief. Something that will be used again or cherished for its beauty. Use craft paper decorated with stamps. Get the kids involved as a fun craft project. Go one step further and make your own potato stamps. (Follow this link from HGTV to find out how.) Use pages from books or magazines you no longer want such as coloring books, maps, or old picture books.

HGTV

When it comes to the "bows", use nature instead. Dried berries, evergreens, leaves, and pinecones all make beautiful decorations. Use leftover fabric trim instead of ribbon. In fact, bows can be made from all kinds of material you may have on hand. Try headbands, yarn, string, pipe cleaners. Get your creative juices going!

Granted, these ideas aren't completely eco-friendly. There will still be "remains". But in the process you'll be finding new uses for old things - and having fun doing it!

Anyone Feeling Stressed Yet?

I didn't think so . . . why at this time of year would anyone feel stressed?

Of course, stress seems to be behind every bell ringing and ho, ho, ho. There's a frantic need to get it all done, and done perfectly. The perfect gifts, the perfect decorations, the perfect parties. And as one who's been-there-done-that, I no longer believe it's worth it.

And after reaching that decision, I've grown to absolutely LOVE holiday decorating - in a way I never did when I surrounded myself with boxes and boxes of "stuff" to put out. I still do the wreaths, the mantels, the trees. But in a much simpler way than before. And I've found it works very well for me.

Now I do without the handmade wreaths covered in glitz and glitter. I love the simplicity of evergreen, perhaps with a pretty bow as the only decoration. If I'm feeling the need for a little more, a wreath of herbs to be used long after the holiday ends is both beautiful and useful.

Boxwood has become a favorite in wreaths and small trees. Whether real or fake, the shape and deep green/blue of the leaves adds a unique take on a traditional idea. Add a few pretty ornaments on a bookshelf or mantel and you're done!

If you want to kick it up just a notch, a string of white lights may be just the kick you need. Battery powered lights now give the option of adding them to displays wherever they may be.

Don't get me wrong/ Our main tree is covered with lots of colored lights and ornaments we've collected through the years, as well as one or two new ones that just speak to me. And there are a couple of smaller trees in other areas of the house, and both mantels are a little unique and . . . you get my meaning. But it really is much easier than before. And much more fun!

Here's wishing you and yours a relaxing, FUN holiday season, whatever holiday you're celebrating!

Something Different For Fall

I know there are a lot of nice decorating ideas for fall. But sometimes they can seem a bit similar. So I started considering a few things that may bring a little difference to our decorating.

The first I came up with is a different take on a table runner. I love burlap and most of its incarnations, but webbing? Now this is cool! And HGTV gives you instructions on how to make it. 

What about changing the color of traditional fall decorating? Instead of the usual red and gold, what about a deep purple (think cabbages and eggplant), greens of late season peppers and gourds (those can be pretty bright) or even the browns of Indian corn? (Check out for most recent board on Pinterest for a lovely take on a brown and cranberry table setting.)


Another idea: select fall patterns instead of just fabrics for your pillows and throws. Fall fabrics are of course sumptious (although you might consider tweed instead of something more "traditional" like chenille). But a houndstooth pattern has always said fall (and Overstock has plenty of it).

There's also nothing wrong with the tried-and-true at this time of year - just consider a twist on the theme. If you've ever seen pumpkins on a stick (Trader Joe's and Whole Foods always have them at this time of year), they may become a fall decorating staple. And nothing beats traditional pumpkins used in slightly less traditional ways (think vases, candle holders, and serving stands).

The good news is that there are as many decorating ideas for fall as there are leaves on the trees.......so pick your favorites and have fun!
And if you need a little more inspiration, check out my latest board on Pinterest.

Winter Bedrooms

Nothing is better during the winter than settling into a nice cozy bed - in a nice cozy bedroom. Although I'm a believer in the sanctity of the bedroom at any time of year, it becomes even more important during the cold winter nights which are almost upon us.

Courtesy BHG

Many of my clients consider their bedrooms last in their decorating priority list. But I encourage them to at the very least consider easy, cost-effective changes to make this an inviting sanctuary at the end of the day.

One of the easiest changes is layering. Use a white quilt - no duvet cover is even necessary. Cover it with a lighter weight coverlet to add color and interest. Or fold a beautiful blanket at the end of the bed for additional warmth as needed.Add a wool throw pillow and you're ready for chilly nights!

Courtesy BHG

If you prefer a colorful duvet, it can be easy to make. Simply sew two sheets together on three sides and add velcro or pretty ribbon ties on the fourth to keep it together. Fold it at the end of the bed or use it as a spread for a pretty, colorful change.

Courtesy BHG

But don't stop with the bedding. What about adding a soft, textured cover to the bedside table?This may be in the living room, but it would still be at home next to the bed.

And of course, there are a flokati rug will add coziness, a bit of a warm, dramatic color, soft lighting, candles......you get the idea. For more winter bedroom inspiration, check out my new board on Pinterest.