Gift Wrap

I could easily write a long post about gift wrap.  

There are so many beautiful and creative ways to make a gift look special.

Whether with colour,

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 or sweet ways of tying on string.

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 But the truth is that in the big picture, when I budget my time during the holiday season, I have come to realize that spending a long time on wrapping just isn't in the cards for me.  

And I'm okay with that, cause after all, it's gonna get ripped right off anyway.

I do want to give a pretty gift.  

I think that's part of showing someone you care for them, 

but I stay fairly low maintenance on the pretty.

This year I chose some paper from Ikea cause I just liked it a lot.

I had some green twine so I think I'll use that too.

These little bags are nice and quick for wrapping and I had some tags left over from 2 years ago...also Ikea.  I tend to choose very similar patterns and colours year to year so I can just keep using what I have, and add to it as I need.

I find it helps to wrap a bit at a time so you don't get overwhelmed with it.  Usually I work from a list of priorities...wrapping what I'll need for the next occasion and leaving what I don't need yet for the next wrap session.

I also colour code what I wrap for stockings so it's easy to keep track of whose is whose.

Happy wrapping!

Natural Elements

Another easy way to bring a Christmas mood into the house is to use natural elements.

Cedar, pine, birch bark, pine cones.

It can be as beautifully simple as putting branches in a vase.

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33shadesofgreen.blogspot.com

Or maybe tucking some around a few ornaments.

You might garnish your mantel.

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Or go all out in some outdoor pots.

settingforfour.com

 Using bits of nature is a great way to create a festive atmosphere.

Easy, Inexpensive Christmas Decor

Have a peek at 4 ways to add some cheer without breaking the bank.

 1.  Colour

Simply changing blankets or pillows, tea towels, etc. to red creates instant festive.  

Look how seasonal this table is with the red plaid blanket. 
Even if I hadn't added Christmassy stuff on top, it would still be cheery.

 

Remember these super cheap rugs from Ikea?  

Both patterns say holiday to me.

$3.99 holiday in fact.

Ikea

2.  Balls

Put them in a bowl, a glass vase, or on some cake stands like these ones.

They are inexpensive and super festive.

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You could even deck out a whole tree.  

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3.  Lights

I showed this photo last week but have another look.

It's a tree...with lights.

That's it.  

The warm glow of the lights is the whole show. 

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My 15 year old son told me his favourite part of the decor is when it's dark out and we only have the Christmas lights on and it's all cozy inside.

4.  Wrap

There are all sorts of clever ways to use gift wrap,

Ikea

or gift bags in your decor.  

Super simple and economical.

Ikea

Pick an idea and experiment around the house.  

Set the Mood

 Oops!  I promised inexpensive ideas today but I forgot to tell you to set a mood!  Back next week with some tips on easy, affordable decor.

It should be fun, this decorating business!  

It's CHRISTMAS!! 

Here are my decoration day traditions.

Well obviously, an eggnog latte.

And I always snack on mint M &M's.

Except this year...I decorated a bit earlier than normal and there were no mint M & M's out yet.  

To be honest, the Junior Mints were not quite the same.

Sometimes I have carols playing.

Or I listen to Stuart McLean.

 

There are parts of decorating that can be tedious, but if you find some fun traditions to look forward to, it makes the time much more enjoyable and festive.

#1 MOST IMPORTANT CHRISTMAS DECORATING RULE

So you're inspired.  You've set the mood.

And now the NUMBER ONE MOST IMPORTANT CHRISTMAS DECORATING RULE.

Do. Not. Add.

REPLACE!

I know I've said this before.  Like, every year I'm sure.  So I'm sorry to spend a whole day repeating myself but I cannot stress this enough.  When you pull out the Christmas box(es) to decorate, you are not ADDING these items to your home.  You are REPLACING other items with them.  So for mostly everything you add, you need to take something away.  This causes your holiday home to feel peaceful and calm and relaxing and friendly rather than overcrowded and tense.

Look through these before and afters to find the REPLACEMENTS.

 

 Pretty much the only items I've had to add rather than replace are garlands and lights.  And that's cause neither one are regular features in other seasons.  For everything else I've taken away and replaced.  Whether it's a tablecloth or a tray, books or blooms or an item on a shelf, it got packed up and removed before a Christmas themed item took its place.  

Is that more work?  

Uh, yah.  That's why you're eating mint M & M's and sipping an eggnog latte.  It is not fun to pack up items and store them before you get to take out the Christmas stuff.  But I promise you it will keep your home feeling less busy and more relaxed.  Because in the end, what you want to create space for is company and food.

Wednesday is a holiday in this lovely province so come on back on 

Thursday for inexpensive deco tips.

Be Inspired

Why bother?  

For those of us who love to decorate it's natural to be excited over getting the house all prettied up for Christmas.  But some of us just aren't that into decor.  So what's the point?

We decorate to create a cozy, comfortable, celebratory space for our family and friends to congregate.  Christmas is a time to connect with others.  It doesn't matter if you do a lot of decorating or just a little, what matters is creating a space that welcomes everyone in from the cold.

So step one...be inspired.  Look around.  See what's happening out there in the Christmas decorating world.  Find things that inspire you and make you smile.

Maybe it's a colour scheme you love.

Starbucks

Ikea

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Or a look that feels right.

Ikea

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Maybe you'll see a pattern that gets your creative juices flowing.

Ikea

Ikea

For me, these simple blooms create a nostalgic, joy-filled emotion.

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So look through the stores.  Take a browse on Pinterest.  Flip through a magazine.  

Be inspired to create a sense of peace and comfort in your home.

The Season is Upon Us

 The red cups have arrived!

 

Which means it's open season on Christmas decorating, carol playing, gift purchasing and general merriment.  Now if you're feeling like this is just a smidge early, relax.  You can take notes through November as we look at various Christmassy tips and store them up for December.

Me?  I'll be sipping my first eggnog latte of the season today.  Can't wait!