Our Florentine-Inspired 2017 Christmas Tree

I wasn't sure we were going to get it done, but we just finished decorating our tree.

Check out the tree skirt.  Yep, that's my faux fur coat that I grabbed from the closet.  I've used vintage fur stoles, table runners and sequined jackets under my trees too.

Faux Fur Coat As A Tree Skirt

I would call this year's tree florentine-inspired.

My Florentine-Inspired Tree

The rhinestone garland reminds me of vintage belts.

Rhinestone Garland

The pearl sunburst is double sided and very heavy.

Pearl Sunburst Ornament

The sage green velvet ribbon has rows of rhinestones.  I wove the ribbon vertically through the tree.  For me, it's easier than wrapping it around the tree horizontally.

Sage Velvet Ribbon With Rhinestones

I left the Versace poster in place.  Underneath the poster I centered my deconstructed foot stool from my living room.  I put my over-sized books on to the foot stool and added a lamp base, some magnolia and a florentine print on an easel.  Of course I couldn't help but let the tree decor overflow on to the foot stool.

I was surprised with the unexpected sparkle the lights cast on the poster.

Notice the outline of the lamp base in the background.

I even replaced my MCM mirror with this vintage Italian beauty.

Vintage Florentine Mirror

Wishing everyone a very wonderful holiday season.

To see last year's tree, go here.

2016 Christmas Tree

Layered Holiday Decor

During the holidays I always have a tree and a decorated mantel.   If I have the time, I like to add some holiday to other rooms too.  This year I added some Christmas in the kitchen.

With me, it's all about layering.  Holiday decor is no exception.  One of my favorite vintage pieces is this curvy black and gold chest.  It holds all my table linens.   You'll see my vintage coffee urn turned lamp, some empty gold-leafed frames, a mirror and a stack of vintage books.  To dress it all for the holidays, I added a striped tree and magnolia branches.  I also draped a gold tassel over the frames.

HOLIDAY IN THE CORNER OF MY KITCHEN

The black and white striped tree was the only holiday decor I purchased for myself this year.  I already have so much and I promised myself that I wouldn't buy another thing.  I couldn't pass up the tree.  It was so me.  Confession:  I may have purchased a second co-ordinating tree too.

Magnolia leaves clipped from a neighbor's tree are a lovely way to add holiday to your decor.

MAGNOLIA LEAVES = EASY HOLIDAY DECOR

For me, layering decor elements creates a unique space that has texture, depth, interest, and richness.  I've written about layering before here.

I hope that you all have a wonderful holiday season filled with fun, family and friends.

Holiday Decor With Hermes Boxes

Several years ago I purchased a stack of Hermes scarf boxes.  I've mostly been using them as risers when styling my chrome bookshelves in my family room.   For the holidays, I scooted one of the bookshelves over to one side of the fireplace and styled it for Christmas.  

I added some sparkle with a vintage Christmas tree, some stylized silver deer, and a sequined table runner on the mantel.  The  disco balls are from the living room floor.  I gathered them up and placed them in and around my Chinoiserie planter and filled the gaps with magnolia. 

The mantel was too narrow for the magnolia branches, so I placed a few magnolia sprigs in some flat-backed urns and layered them in front of the architectural posters.  The branches are from my back yard.  (I may have painted them orange.)

What's a room without some fur?

Stacked Hermes boxes, shed antlers, and wooden ornaments, purchased long ago from West Elm, fill the shelves.

More boxes under the tree and another sequined deer.

Here's a peek through the tree branches.

I'm really down to the wire here for Christmas.  I still have to decorate our tree.  It's only been in the stand for two weeks waiting for me.  

How is your holiday decorating going?

Our First Snow of 2017

After several weeks of temps approaching 60 degrees, winter has finally arrived in Maryland.   

As the images progress you'll see that the snowfall increases.

LOOKING OUT THE BACK WINDOW

I've managed to get some wreaths up.  That's about it for my holiday decor at this point.

I have this wonderful sphere suspended above my table on my screened porch.  

If you missed my porch reno, go here.

MY SNOW-COVERED BACK YARD

I loved this closer shot of the yard through the sphere too.

ANOTHER VIEW THROUGH THE SPHERE

The front yard is covering up quickly.

SNOW-CAPPED ORB IN MY FRONT YARD

LOOKING OUT THROUGH THE KITCHEN WINDOW

Did you notice the rose through the window?

MY LAST ROSE

Shooting into the light from the sun room creates a light/dark contrast.   

Some of the Fall leaves are still hanging on.

LOOKING OUT FROM THE SUN ROOM

A BRIGHTER LOOK FROM THE SUN ROOM

Have signs of winter arrived in your area yet?