Our Holiday Decor

I realized I haven't shared any photos of our Christmas decor yet. Don't worry; there's not much to see. I didn't bring my A-game to decorating this year. I'm not even sure you could say I brought my B-game. I hate being an underachiever, but I've been a busy lady the last few weeks and the halls don't deck themselves, you know. 

Let's just pretend that I opted for classic, edited, and simple decor this year: 

Ornaments in a bowl. Easy. 

More ornaments in another bowl. 

Tea towels. I hung them with care though, or was it the stockings that were hung with care? I suppose it doesn't really matter. 

I'm still really excited for Christmas this year though; don't be fooled by our decorations (or lack thereof). I'm also pleased to report that Luca has only eaten (partially) one ornament this year. My little bear is making progress! 

I hope you're having a merry week! I'm going to work on doing a chalk drawing tomorrow. We'll see.... 

I don't have a daughter, but if I do....

..I'm pretty sure she'll be something like this little girl- if she's anything like her momma. 

here 

Have I ever told you that I didn't like dogs growing up- something about my grandparents' dogs biting me when I was little. I've already started telling Luca that she can't munch on our unborn Frankel babies. No guarantees. 

On a completely random note, here's our 2011 Christmas card: 

We're a bit of a mess this year in our family photo, which I'm actually okay with because 2011 was a bit of a mess for us in general. That's life, I suppose! 

Chalking of the week

I'm not so sure that I'll actually be able to keep up with a weekly chalk drawing, but we'll give it a try. 

Before you get all crazy-angry on me, all I'm asking for are some flurries. Flurries, people. 

Twas the Night Before Christmas....

Twas the night before Christmas, and all over the place,

Was Christmas cheer to bring a smile to your face.

The table was set with precision and care,

And under the tree, not a spot left bare.

Luca lay snuggled up in bed,

While the adults enjoyed wine and cocktails instead.

Merry Christmas to you wherever you are,

And safe travels whether you're journeying near or far.

XOXO,

Kelly 

Finishing Touches

Well, it's here, the final stretch before Christmas. Christopher and I have been hard at work over the last few days. I can't remember if I mentioned it, but we are hosting Christmas with my family this year, so we have been busy bees! 

We repainted the stairway and upstairs hallway (for the third time). Luckily I love the color, but even if I didn't I wouldn't be changing it. My poor fingers are so sick of holding a paint brush! 

Before: 

and After: 

I'd love to replace this light at some point, but for now it'll do! 

I made felt ball garland to match my wreath: 

 *Our card wall is getting awfully full. 

We'll be at Christopher's parents house with his family for the next two days. I'm so thankful to be spending time with both of our families this year! I hope you're all having a wonderful week!




**Update: I've had a few readers ask how I made the garland: for a tutorial visit here.  

XOXO,

Kelly  

...And Presents Under the Tree

Our presents are officially wrapped! I tried to make them look extra special this year in honor of my Grandpa. That might sound cheesy, but he LOVED to wrap gifts and was quite good at it! I used craft paper, satin ribbon, some guinea feathers, a few boxwood clippings, and two vintage crystal brooches via ebay that are part of two peoples' gifts. 

XOXO,

Kelly 

Chalking My Way to Christmas

Remember this door that I recently painted? 

Well, last night I gave it a little holiday cheer.... 

 Not bad for someone who didn't even want to decorate for Christmas a few weeks ago... *It should be noted that this was Christopher's idea. I guess I'm officially a commissioned artist; too bad I work for free. :) 

XOXO,

Kelly 

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday! I'm officially on vacation until January 3rd! Aside from lounging, I have a few items on my to do list: 

Wrapping gifts: 

via here 

Finalizing ideas for my MIL's table: 

via here 

Painting: 

via here 

Adding a few finishing touches to our holiday decor: 

via here

...and a little craft project: 

via here

Have a wonderful weekend! 

XOXO,

Kelly 

Project "Display My Christmas Cards" = COMPLETE

I don't know about you, but we've been getting lots of Christmas cards here at 1551. I am a big fan of cards in general, and I have kept every card or letter I've ever received since fourth grade. 

I've seen a lot of cute ways to display Christmas cards, especially via Martha Stewart: 

I thought about trying to hang my cards with the garland on our staircase, but Luca loves to eat the garland already, and I would hate for her to eat my cards as well!! 

Instead, I decided to display them on the side of our refrigerator cabinet. I took clothespins and "glitterized" them using three different green glitters. *Glitter can be expensive, so if you don't want to buy full bottles, you can buy little sample packets from Michael's for a lot less money.* To stick them to the cabinet I just used double-sided adhesive squares.  If you don't include the time it took for the glue to dry, this project took less than thirty minutes. Easy! *I will admit, though, I have green glitter all over my face and hands right now. Sparkles never hurt anyone I suppose.... 

* If you don't see your card displayed, please don't be offended. I have a few out in my car right now, but it's 8 degrees so I'm not about to go back outside tonight to get them!!!  

If being crafty is not your thing, another alternative to hanging your cards is this cute photo holder from Urban Outfitters: 

It's only $8! Pretty cute! 

How do you display your Holiday cards??!

XOXO,

Kelly