It’s a Christmas Tree party!

<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TQA6rRrD09I/AAAAAAAALS4/gBJJRxKFQlU/s1600-h/header%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="header" border="0" height="768" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TQA6sdgjRSI/AAAAAAAALS8/9_XhQZS-6Tk/header_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="header" width="512" /></a></p> <p>It’s here! The final party in our Holiday Home series is finally upon us. :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TQA6tDKdoXI/AAAAAAAALTA/BH__xaBYcxo/s1600-h/image%5B4%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="192" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TQA6t7KPYkI/AAAAAAAALTE/RoV93oTHcoU/image_thumb%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="image" width="400" /></a></p> <p>I hope you’ve enjoyed the parties as much as we have! </p> <p>Year after year, my hubby and I waffle back and forth on whether or not we should get a fake tree. <em>EVERY. year.</em> The conversation usually starts about January 2nd, when we’re hauling a massive, shedding tree out the front door, and trying to get it back on the car to take it to the recycling. With a needle trail following us the whole way…</p> <p>It basically comes up when we are <em>over. it</em>. :)</p> <p>This year, we decided to finally take the plunge and go faux – and we headed to Lowe’s to get the BIG honkin’ tree we had been eyeing for weeks. It was gone, so we called two other locations  -- gone. Called one more, and they had the display available -- “Come and get it!” Lowe’s guy said. </p> <p>We drove ten minutes to the store and walked in to see someone else wheeling it out. GAH. It was nuts! Did I mention it was still <em>November</em>?</p> <p>Sooo…we decided to go for a real tree again, and hubby insisted we go BIG. (So THERE!) ;)</p> <p>And big we did. She’s tall and fat and chunky, just how we like ‘em. <strong>Twelve</strong> feet tall to be exact. It’s go big or go home around here! </p> <p>The theme of our main tree is always traditional, always gold and red, and <em>always</em> has lots of sparkle! </p> <p>I used the ornaments we’ve had for years:</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TQA6uDpWPJI/AAAAAAAALTI/xRQUxZMEgIo/s1600-h/IMG_2144%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2144" border="0" height="420" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TQA6uaT63dI/AAAAAAAALTM/y5yL1QN2C-Y/IMG_2144_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2144" width="280" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TQA6uiLCL_I/AAAAAAAALTQ/LWxAEbeJHLw/s1600-h/IMG_2152%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2152" border="0" height="420" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TQA6vAd-kaI/AAAAAAAALTU/bly5TJgXwI8/IMG_2152_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2152" width="280" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TQA6vf6FpcI/AAAAAAAALTY/FdrMLhX8yxM/s1600-h/IMG_2158%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2158" border="0" height="420" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TQA6wMezeEI/AAAAAAAALTc/CTC28NMI9bE/IMG_2158_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2158" width="280" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TQA6wlB7MLI/AAAAAAAALTg/JsizkBx3y0M/s1600-h/IMG_2145%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2145" border="0" height="420" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TQA6xC3OSnI/AAAAAAAALTk/j2EvpfVPwoE/IMG_2145_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2145" width="280" /></a> </p> <p>Those cheap glitter ball ornaments are so great – they look fantastic and the price can’t be beat!</p> <p>Because we usually purchase a nine to ten foot tree, we didn’t have quite enough ornaments to fill it. Well, we <em>did</em>…but I like lots and LOTS of ornaments in there. :)</p> <p>I got a few more at Big Lots for a STEAL:</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TQA6xXhk-eI/AAAAAAAALTo/wAf8_PvAYFo/s1600-h/IMG_2171%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2171" border="0" height="420" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TQA6xskd7KI/AAAAAAAALTs/2lLmj110r9k/IMG_2171_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2171" width="280" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TQA6yQLceMI/AAAAAAAALTw/2l4E5E6iqLk/s1600-h/IMG_2150%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2150" border="0" height="420" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TQA6ypQc4gI/AAAAAAAALT0/4dDWPwGl1Lk/IMG_2150_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2150" width="280" /></a>   </p> <p>I love sparkle!!</p> <p>I picked up a new one from the Rockettes show over Thanksgiving:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TQA6y6eD9qI/AAAAAAAALT4/GDSfsTspXtA/s1600-h/IMG_2188%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2188" border="0" height="420" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TQA6zTea9WI/AAAAAAAALT8/Q8Qzt5RqF2A/IMG_2188_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2188" width="280" /></a></p> <p>I like to get one new ornament a year to signify something special, and this one is perfect. :)</p> <p>I stick all kinds of stuff in the tree every year, like the twirly sticks and some gauzy stuff from Hob Lob that positively GLOWS:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TQA6znOZXbI/AAAAAAAALUA/adRSG7PtLtc/s1600-h/IMG_2162%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2162" border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TQA60NWWvqI/AAAAAAAALUE/uLn7P9GHy2Y/IMG_2162_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2162" width="450" /></a></p> <p>I love my poinsettias placed here and there:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TQA608KqMOI/AAAAAAAALUI/cpwDcOTwp7w/s1600-h/IMG_2179%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2179" border="0" height="300" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TQA61cgkrMI/AAAAAAAALUQ/CTU0kUTUI4s/IMG_2179_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2179" width="450" /></a></p> <p>All that filler stuff is great for hiding empty spots, cords, whatever. </p> <p>The Bub helped me this year and the bottom of the tree is <em>dripping</em> with ornaments:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TQA61rdBQeI/AAAAAAAALUU/_pg81M6i4yE/s1600-h/IMG_2201_picnik%5B7%5D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="IMG_2201_picnik" border="0" height="887" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TQA62L8cxKI/AAAAAAAALUY/foe7NQwLZ7s/IMG_2201_picnik_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2201_picnik" width="550" /></a></p> <p>I let him put them wherever he wanted, and I didn’t move <em>one </em>afterwards. :)</p> <p>Every few minutes, an ornament he had just put on the tree would plop on the floor, and I’d hear a little voice yell, “It’s otay Mama!!” </p> <p>I heard that many, many times that day. ;) Ugh, I could squish him!!</p> <p>The other night, I walked into the living room and found hubs sitting in there, staring at the tree. We LOVE it. And we do love our real trees – maybe next time we’ll plan ahead and go faux. But for now, that smell is pretty amazing. </p> <p>And of course, it’s best with the lights low:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TQA62biGhdI/AAAAAAAALUc/fPH9paAAPRM/s1600-h/IMG_2200_picnik%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="853" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TQA62guCcxI/AAAAAAAALUg/FCwy8WszEQE/IMG_2200_picnik_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="532" /></a></p> <p>I can’t wait to see your beautiful trees! </p> <p>You are welcome to use this cutie little button in your post to link back:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TQA63NnbfcI/AAAAAAAALUk/-AgvO1n_l0o/s1600-h/Holiday_Home_Button_Sarah%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="316" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TQA63W59iII/AAAAAAAALUo/fvmB-bqRGxo/Holiday_Home_Button_Sarah_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="250" /></a> </p> <p>Have fun – I’ll leave the linky open for a week for those of you who need a bit more time. :)</p> <p>P.S. I have to send a hollaaa out to Wendy G. and Alexis C. – thanks for the love on Facebook!! ;) </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="2">Thank you to my sponsor!:</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/photo-cards.htm"><img src="http://blog.tinyprints.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/stylish-christmas-cards.gif" title="beautiful christmas cards" /></a></p> <script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=61280" type="text/javascript"></script> <p align="center"></p>

It’s a Christmas Tree party!

It’s here! The final party in our Holiday Home series is finally upon us. :) I hope you’ve enjoyed the parties as much as we have! Y...

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Giveaway Winners!

<p>Hello hello! I have a bunch of winners to announce from past giveaways! Yay! </p> <p>The winner of the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/11/giveaway-weekend_19.html">Modern Bird Studios</a> art piece is <strong>Stephanie</strong> at skarpicke (at) gmail (dot) com! </p> <p>The winner of the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/11/giveaway-weekend_26.html">Wuslu</a> gift card is <strong>Sarah</strong> at <a href="http://themamapirate.blogspot.com/">The Mama Pirate</a>!</p> <p>And the winner of the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/12/giveaway-weekend.html">Deeply Fabulous</a> gift card is <strong>Kimberly</strong> at berly02 (at) hotmail (dot) com. (Remember you can still use a special 15 percent discount using the coupon code: "<strong>IPinkPuffyHeartTDC</strong>" from now through Sunday, December 12th.</p> <p>Yahoo! Ladies, please email me at thriftydecorchick (at) gmail (dot) com and I’ll hook you up with your winnings. :)</p> <p>Well…I had a fun announcement that I know many of you already saw, but I got word I can’t say anything about it right now. Oops -- didn’t know that. :)</p> <p>So sorry I had to erase the comments on this post, but for those of you who left sweet comments, THANK YOU! </p> <p>For those of you who are wondering what in the heck I’m talking about, I promise it will make sense soon. (Sorry about that!)</p> <p>The Christmas tree party is still on for tonight! I will do my best to get it up by ten p.m. (EST) – hope to see you there!</p>

Giveaway Winners!

Hello hello! I have a bunch of winners to announce from past giveaways! Yay! The winner of the Modern Bird Studios art piece is Stephanie...

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Rustic Pottery Barn knock off

<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGE-NoqgVhJcHSrtg5dJH1imOYmv7aWEonj58w-nNIfGw63rysxypUjNcOoGgh_uvxq3IywdZKxObYsbdon98UWQqGW9iV2yFecL6cYgw7DJ3-AnIksWIacyqd4kRVG51JHzdiUiCdZA/s1600-h/header%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="" border="0" height="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUykH7eBTVyzqs0sEQ0yyBaRVMcOprP70Ojb3-hufvsPtJPF2Kg3FFPG9TxfGzDH0TQGVrvkIsTqbgRKm5F5WK01TGirAh9EQwUIm6jJ1Fl0N5miD1ZW9el3LV4GlnK9FqCj0XRn9Vw4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="514" /></a></p> <p>Hey HEY! The <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/12/before-and-after-party-festive-outdoors.html">Before and After Party</a> is going strong – be sure to check it out and link up! SO MUCH fantastic inspiration!</p> <p>It’s time for another holiday link up:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TP28TwBOkXI/AAAAAAAALQw/tthgxZKvKbA/s1600-h/Holiday_Home_Banner_2%5B4%5D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="Holiday_Home_Banner_2" border="0" height="216" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TP28UXPnEOI/AAAAAAAALQ0/GnLcL1MekCk/Holiday_Home_Banner_2_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Holiday_Home_Banner_2" width="450" /></a></p> <p>We’ve seen some amazing <a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/">mantels</a> at Layla’s, beautiful <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/">vignettes</a> at Rhoda’s, and now I can’t wait to see all the crafty goodness at <a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/">Kate’s</a>! </p> <p>I was inspired by this project months ago when I got a Pottery Barn catalog and saw this:</p> <p><a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/noel-wall-art/"><img alt="" border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMorbU_bEVy9Jc52jgHQbQ1YcEQHN4fv7hh7ScmOKr99DRuVABvpwLt9WmB3ikZhxCtWoqSw1QIFldlWq-z1mLSgEndgsYK7lhpiDn3iWA8JYsDCMPclw-ELg8slTdg0CRxeVGfEvp1u0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="300" /></a></p> <p>It is three by three feet, and it was one of those made me say <em>“Oh come ON!”</em> out loud. :) Especially because of the price – I can’t remember what it was, but it made me freak out <font size="2">just a little bit</font>. </p> <p>I knew I wanted to recreate it, and initially I was going to use some big honkin’ cardboard letters like I used for my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2008/11/holy-canoly.html">Ballard-esque monogram</a>. </p> <p>But wow…they are BIG. :) So I got to thinking and went a new direction…and I <strong>love</strong> the new direction.</p> <p>I had some luan scraps in the garage and cut one to the size I wanted:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-xD12-j5Y3rPXEcF_WR10ZuLvw5XtLUs1WBBqcvHLtDJv2blJq8vzdhZmadOv5Zbchury_UZZKO_tJhm8jkegL6EAKpfTsJ5hr-vMU9ScH7kxQwezVgcFNfINVq83SStYjkl5AhrZy8/s1600-h/IMG_2101%5B3%5D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslED5e1fwKWxCNWk9ynsnl2Hzm6PigzknAK05837CBKIMR1doqQmnLSsGmlpy5dnnDMjZy1GXn27FDqu9F3EqmziUzXezeLAFU1Ximr6IiyGKaQYEfVg3YStN9KHw85-v7QGIrUlLcps/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="320" /></a></p> <p>Ignore the awful tree drawing on the back – that was a project that never happened. ;) Trust me, that’s a good thing. </p> <p>I had some leftover paintable wallpaper from a <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/03/diy-built-ins.html">project</a> in the Bub’s room, and decided to cover the board with it:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPMdEUqcSEgxN4F4nM0uKv66j9BjPwA1aWDFP57AN4EJemXztWJll0y_kBSUdBHhc7GT6bv6-nEMoBEM-Kg1EsiWx5MeM78GrIcStfsETrtnZ8f5HmlFLvZ18yAlt8E1UZnOTIkQEVcE/s1600-h/IMG_2102%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6UwCgo_9nZ27DLeqW-vzUwjaGXt5a8p4XL5h7jmffXmZDcf5abptZ8O4ihEA6QwDAQIg16t0-R_gBO8Wfx33zXnt3N7z0pJdnvImtNO_8696-XEbb14Cw_f4w3B9-jhX0tUmd-S8EnA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="320" /></a></p> <p>I found some letters at Joann’s that weren’t monster size, in a font I loved. I spray painted them and some leftover trim a festive red:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrMFC6pcx3JuMUYIi8JIvlVpToUT0khpCktJ3RJs5ebEUxIk_syzS7dq19p1xi_rlqYBjGR5OqYlgpILMGN-GBBvEfoifsMKhnh6rNQEtK8uqvswfc6xJhc-Lu2BFAKGtTNBdcGlK17w/s1600-h/2103%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfJlyaloqTAgDxL61wA0hDTqD-EGASgg8BlOY3WyJ_wUwJ8K4eeNxvGzg7XdNGdl87cn6TkvDNl_IsEjJ8m8aXSvHvop1z9Krt2U17dm_8qifIsyixarvDYUPIzTMko_EhyphenhyphenjBspe7B1Y/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="400" /></a></p> <p>But because I wanted to display this project in our family room (which has a slightly rustic vibe for the holidays), the bright red wasn’t the look I was going for. </p> <p>Enter my friend Beth’s sister and her take on this <a href="http://www.thestoriesofa2z.com/2010/12/pottery-barn-inspired-noel-sign.html">same project!</a> I loved how she darkened her letters just a bit, so I did the same. LOVE when I find what I need when I’m not even looking! :)</p> <p>I used some burnt umber craft paint:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaIAZjEYt6oCQXaliYoj9BoxKgl6MUTwq11_jUa0hDGjsF4Sy63qO1RLmkpymNwQTMtvH6bb_tcrysfPaiyPNKmDMWMxzR_cNbd89RjJT9Nlz5o41sSlJvDWLPMVjQeijYnzQZF_Es638/s1600-h/IMG_2108%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkluJaHkxsFObrRYecEwyTcS6aCK0MRknoHO_NJmhdqEITI_C2WJK8J4_v81i96vr-IBVj-DnKEuJugpX9N7XA5VC0qbfbWPFJhwfaGfDuNw8jgJgr4n4eE8y_WlBnhEVld9xo391Rp0E/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="320" /></a></p> <p>And I mixed a bit of water in with it:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6KfbfcyneUvbbqCOJ6fkpd9r1XVsCCp2lgNTDyp-If5Qio3BDrka1EO6O8FoJPV47fcLzSNNBkMvQ4ogmvYAkDLB_rDQIohqtAYwF90PjkybSd8ZxkivdZT12TfLlkIOmW-fU8cwuVM/s1600-h/IMG_2104%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvz8eADjx9uBCpk8s1mqKKInALmlLbnxWH1OMNbwuLjrVJkL5yJJbqvknXryWYOZFwmFQdRj8QMYPX3MBYkELAQBJnZ_KLpJOBkxmtsChVFEWMjkfE91s0QIVmfDm6iHebDwx350KyWsI/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="400" /></a></p> <p>Then just brushed it on with my foam brush, and wiped most of it off. The top is before, the bottom after:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQ3d-E97b1gNwwdv7bPN7JDRpbIZ5kXZrKoT-h5giZtyCCWWO83jHQcCTmolq3LmHp8ikgBnTeZsrgNqqSM_U3EjO9-korm2u2cvaMm0LYcQlkfaxzxZQDq9kJUfLHJ-r1B_ya-Jd4UU/s1600-h/IMG_2106%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQnrHTk-_mWOcrO7pkp_zbq0TlS-Ah1ynKCyacpw9nzWde-BS21zSJfIxoCQqmFbFFK8mY_vHsoQBPFdhCE0HzSdwuFyAZ7fTFoMHzwHrf7nhuOFPe8KUszHVC7C7KrqG5ltL1MKy9xA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="400" /></a></p> <p>I did the same with the letters, but didn’t wipe nearly as much off. The wood was rougher and soaked it up a bit more, which I liked:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3F0VozspFtBB6z_XI_kT2Op1XEmVGD3OZhZSAGS9NB3tDgBKHO-pj7gejVCvLVhAuX2YZdVkxUfe_vm8FzagNRAquLpo1PEvzdUzrGch2vgkV6MnrBNwrOTgIcpqfvt2yTh0IhQW4vo/s1600-h/IMG_2107%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJeXS4MtLVGBb47SiIbQC4Z_OYhAl6ukXMegtlY1n-W9WQDsgYI3UxqJ1in5vlNMfKpAjWhpN8nPlJ1gRWN-eOlaTdzCCLlttkf-JswYxFhjM2PPylFFBIhr0dTG8lsIbRl4m1wu7udc/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="400" /></a></p> <p>I arranged the trim and letters how I wanted, then attached them with my nail gun (but you could also glue them on!). </p> <p>I’m <em>really</em> pleased with how it turned out!:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqQFAq4TvMVGoEkzx3y-POnfWfgDREj_I8O-WCoh290I65i8ahDMMEeJrGUkUxksybnweVma0KzhqoQBev2D1WkNGo6a0OwTFfuieatgL5FcMlcwrmJirBYo-Ur5bM_0-mGv2rAvyzBY/s1600-h/IMG_2124%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="pottery barn noel knock off" border="0" height="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9FY6jSL3yC6T9yLRIM-b4A30Ns1GpmtULV8ySe5w3S8tUPwR6sHKx8HOdhkqL2FEHLk3H_d_qUxqdgj6bf3pCs7C3iA7N1mWIXlgPwqlDHuRGdM1426KHwCMhPIX2xM_QrBtQHCEl-g/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="pottery barn noel knock off" width="512" /></a></p> <p>Is it still considered a craft if I used major power tools to create it? Hmmmm…</p> <p>A trip to Joann’s and craft paint were involved, so I say YES. :)</p> <p>I did a little rustic vignette with our new art on the Craigslist dresser. The sled was a find years ago at a farmhouse down the street that used to have the GREATEST sales:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0Jgc7JIJmuY1WSoNMxDCtO4-VmVkEVq7dC2QbsqRzE0aZYFWdV-UksuK3B8HjaUoyf6fp0asxvlzO49XBBGaG2b6ZIwGXAI8eO8ZQ7w4OSlLrMSXANw-3D4vrosfimxs1jCQRb_Uymw/s1600-h/2128%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YAt6I0bwp1x6p9_z1UPDz-DZ_ufyUEGewEotYiFZWXta8FwhPqWD-W6TTkOQDe3OfC2CVeJwrp6FCiDs2xe9bw7RNPynBLXSh0tx1mSQbY_lKwvYq02O7D14tcWwijl8PrASVGPeABE/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="320" /></a></p> <p>It was five bucks and I love it so! The little mittens were supposed to be ornaments:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMyyK-DOWc4vhAHUWSKNwMAoRypgALXrzEPEo_qSXVOsnmaN-hVgYJOAOJN-EDCUCfZxrS0Io5gmiOhSpQLIhvgNtz0Nrdm8pZSySvDmq_ReVXGJgVwjiowTh10AXiDO9MPteTB6kOLQ/s1600-h/2133%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRs_KcxLhXxxswTlODakmSgsrQpp9IbUQ2JLNLT6qgpn0NeaM4HuLZ4tX4ZbjuBFh3LTs4l4ba-EVNU9yMJiMab93lflKvwwwRElo-DaJlYx-S-Qb1DgUlxaoWwXhpRGTc7c8NFS0GDe4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="320" /></a></p> <p>The little tree used to sit in the kitchen, but I thought it was perfect here:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfP9IMXYSFclq4hy3LodSIzLVnwRqhNKIhuar6F_3ZQeD57zoH7FyMteL5X-NPf6iWhteSfWtl-YqLBhP0tbNWPv7SwET7cJo9iDx4a1JuA18ummT8XqReCQ_7p7xU2FBB4Q1YWHIUxW4/s1600-h/IMG_2116%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_76MBCfBvfP2G29bQc0FUtyVqiWuaufzjGT6YTMW5iwYJJePyNAhzO5KRXMXihr01PM6WRG1_WHbmvYDjkM1kZtE567yVzdyqttJghpu5LJCBC9Y2TdbAp9YzdPobl4_wE1Vh6Cd_rJ0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="320" /></a></p> <p>I know little candy ornaments don’t exactly scream <em>rustic</em>, but I’m working with what I’ve got here peeps! :)</p> <p>I mixed some ornaments and pinecones in a lovely bowl I got a while ago from Meijer of all places:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1daYBzeb1gpaocywU5wygLb2byAtHTmnf155WLlBK_Zi8c8Wt8vt7mfsleaCuJtUedhF8WrXx2aRRTdSwTIS2CaKdnNih1-zwy4zugRB9EWWKWHHUxe35VnFcR2FaDu9CfvQn_iiS2c/s1600-h/IMG_2120%5B3%5D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="" border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTowtbOi1-Dw9WQPpZbmSqrjiPFidA_BjoJvSSUeLvZqqLrZUl2OEjrCR1_HQiGGarF57iYQRfIifYjK22wtcCU3q1hqjoucCtWRvElcSF-kHM9NuyUN9boT77zY79FzSUZ245yOT20I/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="400" /></a></p> <p>I am <em>loving</em> their kitchen/serving aisles lately!</p> <p>And all together, it’s a slightly rustic, Pottery Barn knock-off, using what we have Christmas vignette!:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG41f0JMf5s1e3ShROb9SNR6VTV7dCtIN41HZLy5gUSfq8EIRZ-yUiYB5gVUvpml_1xg22Ty7MQ10RyaTgSOffblzn1xhJC07sB-100iWCEkhm-Ilh5nDKC5fz-DMnUPtRoMwGscfH3Hs/s1600-h/2112%5B1%5D.png"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="rustic Christmas vignette" border="0" height="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEBKgAWnQfqEPMleeIbACQf3XO7lQEXjh2FCYARqZCKPp600ByEMN1VzbAX8XJU6f62OcVBUUh3ggHK_iK6qCt7kvYPjCSWkskgnAlEHjipAnGwliCkjyLtF2FgnwmG2nb91SxY6cZ2Q/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="rustic Christmas vignette" width="537" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>The letters were $1.99 each, I think? I had everything else. :) I <em>luuurve</em> that font for those letters, especially the little curl on the “O” – too cute! Altogether it took about 90 minutes to put together, but I did it over a few days. </p> <p>Don’t you LOVE taking something you love in a catalog and making it your own for a few bucks?! Awwww. yeah.  :)</p> <p>Can’t wait to see your crafty projects at Kate’s! And don’t forget we’re wrapping up the Holiday Home parties later this week with my Christmas tree party. WHOO!</p> <p>P.S. Jess did a <a href="http://frugalflourish.blogspot.com/2010/11/noel-word-art-knockoff.html">version</a> of this too, and it’s identical to the PB one – for eight bucks!! </p> <p>P.P.S. Many of you asked where you can find fake snow after my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/12/dining-room-christmas-vignette.html">Walmart post</a> – I’ve found it at Hobby Lobby in years past, and Target this year. Target has decent sized bags for $1.99 each. :)</p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="2">Thank you to my sponsor!:</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/photo-cards.htm"><img src="http://blog.tinyprints.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/stylish-christmas-cards.gif" title="beautiful christmas cards" /></a></p>

Rustic Pottery Barn knock off

Hey HEY! The Before and After Party is going strong – be sure to check it out and link up! SO MUCH fantastic inspiration! It’s time for...

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The par-tay is postponed!

Hello all! I'm writing a brief post from my cell phone cause our Internet is down! Does the cable company not know I have a Before and After party to throw?! ;)<br /><br />Since it's 10 p.m. on a Sunday night, I don't have many options for places with free wifi, so for now I'm delaying the party till tomorrow. <br /><br />Just wanted to let you know in case you were planning to link up. Now you can go to bed early. ;)<br /><br />Have a great night and start to your week!

The par-tay is postponed!

Hello all! I'm writing a brief post from my cell phone cause our Internet is down! Does the cable company not know I have a Before and A...

Read more »

Dining room Christmas vignette

<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1toe5KGm5QI3NXWkYAWg3UlIi-5GYwGpREdoLd1irqLQCs5lDRgvo40RKIgYyzL1oClJKJygkA5v1WeYWBnKsA966wJhpeU9G5GJR0n_itWRKL5lGcM6XEPBndcufjgmjJX0KW4q45o/s1600-h/Dining%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="Dining room vignette" border="0" height="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0TBhxqwviwRE56WovmBeGRF2m0JCf2xON6UdWANUdbr2xN0Ufn8UeuvBwvkvHnG9gf9K7vAznXZiWDyRH7-b3et9rDAWMBTElP6PJG3xX9yRDc-9RI1JbtZIWg5DRkibfLPuGQ_gfUY/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Dining room vignette" width="512" /></a> </p> <p>I’m late to the party! Ack! We’ve been busy with a choo choo tree, hubby’s birthday and my impromptu decision to <em>finally</em> paint the office. I am <em>crayyyzay</em>!</p> <p>Anyway, I finished up our dining room vignette today, and I’m so excited to link up to Rhoda’s Holiday Home <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/kitchen-vignettes-lime-and-red/">linky party</a>!:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TPh4xV1zw1I/AAAAAAAALLA/uesqTuNDh3M/s1600-h/image%5B9%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TPh4yLhRY3I/AAAAAAAALLE/SQWLVE-GZMI/image_thumb%5B3%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="image" width="500" /></a></p> <p>You may remember last summer when I <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/07/dining-room-update.html">removed the top</a> of our dining room hutch:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3iVpqC2BiDUAsEncVLkeS6ygTJonaFgXziQmEqJo6tpgwfGZFfijLBcZrNGTojD_cdNowLwT0_bg5fhyDNMgjYnwuQ08r6b5wXpPlZFUKlFHLWk8ix1zGia2YOLd2sdZgr65eiVtzBg/s1600-h/image%5B10%5D.png"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1ORwxHxoyVXLNd_X7SNSkNIhArmlFvTcFuLE6xYdaLtMT0u3rVj1FnPGgIHzHKRfOm_EbEzTVik2I4OVOuPfvEVqWtqIMCMUY30d8YEZZLyw7Nazbfa3LG0oaByuiyCsuAIG7nonTjM/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="370" /></a></p> <p>It had bugged me for YEARS, and I was so excited to find a perfectly lovely buffet hiding underneath:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsrLiJic7NxCTFK9KzvlO9iI4M8fTI7gEg1-S1RhWZI73v2uW2SnO6io31Cwi0-6Z_QuYjzpVBc-LHmYd6iNaYNs8Yv9dchMsTui4N-1FAdtHtxt-UugmTWYdafjVc9Xn-KQlgTmymfs/s1600-h/image%5B11%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAjUhGbq2cjBVGySqpeXvptb09UezeqyD4cgxOuSorzkLZQxWFbyoS-1yLIbY1PoDc5L9xelDkdj-wzSy3toqQHabZELq6kfR7c9ulkJTryutP-k7db2BSBdtr0DEpADQSLQch9LrmzI/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="image" width="360" /></a></p> <p>LOVE when that happens. :) </p> <p>I was so giddy at the thought of having another space to decorate! <em>That</em> is what it’s all about folks. </p> <p>I ran into Walmart the other night to get a bag of cat food, which was mistake number one – you never, ever, EVER “run into” Walmart for <em>anything</em>. Mistake number two was making a quick swing by the Christmas stuff. Have you<em> seen</em> their ornaments this year?:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCgSTbhhSb7VRvU3fknKAsiAMDg156VRcV2SOG6H8mafuaRdVdiJ0aDVMbdzqiOLOzfoQyi0bm5nIDRYJ4yeYHFOvDk0QGrK6XwVFmY4ziUpViP1MCD4h4SniHsI6kTMAA4RG3yG1OPA/s1600-h/photo%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40QTOaZcWVFkGrkIV5xM6fUUdreRHIRU9o1uJesL-FtFKS8HvkL7YHyw-kVo9mTrt30Ujp58XmBNRz12SqWFsF3unWAI0dffuK8cm0fL_qgbSkrNTJRJV5-4BVRcA_WMmeTZFz9Dfr5Y/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="400" /></a></p> <p>Maybe I’m behind – I hear they had them last year? Oh my goodness, they are so pretty! There is an amazing selection! And they’re only a buck each! </p> <p>It’s a dangerous, <strong>dangerous</strong> aisle. I’m warning you. When I saw these, I didn’t want to use them on the tree -- I had a different idea in mind. ;) I knew they’d be <em>perfect</em> for our dining room vignette. </p> <p>I grabbed all of the glass pieces I could find from our basement and around the house – cloches, apothecary jars, whatever. I added some faux snow I’ve used for years, and nestled some of the ornaments in:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lBrW5jtjq7xlzOkoZZ2I-xMjDEcZLg5Mk5tOJjwDx7mqSdbeLZUjj34jSlb27AXo0FJnhIs5PmFdf_w1C6ZhV07u6l9B7IIjAqTs5sikJEzVW-9OXz27LeQr7iyKkfsi8Z0Qrfx7818/s1600-h/IMG_1982%5B3%5D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="itty bitty trees" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEW2pdnvYyUdNMvgNTEIbvur4XJZY-F1c9L5zFJaHcNPzATpIS7JVloDiEJC456Q-JjIDK_VI_7E3fbcTE4IMeGExZ_XTsJRaiakStW3txlhUZudZxi-_h7JJycd1zvtZk9VIdyakjjok/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="itty bitty trees" width="320" /></a></p> <p>Those trees are one of my favorites! </p> <p>The silver stars are large and intricate:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhh-K6M1sn5Z5CfYIxyTWPmlHqIa0bRgV2Ztv4l3W9WICwJ8Wc6w4C__DybzrCvrJLpt3hd11ubBCkaLljiwaXOSfcQBULVsSF-hNKb3uGztGLTyykzHSAPGMJuZv1LFhzvHs024AN7I/s1600-h/IMG_1985%5B3%5D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnRd9fXx3gXsBvdkSjGFmomOZWMcRL-x0hhmEIGGrydhBK3bVEGQ12785NTKN97pn1mMc3oo61kpxC-FuHZRC24CheYk6A3Kemqf_pSt3LSoRpjAgCl46g9pwaXdD0TBwZ_k7F77SXEc/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="320" /></a></p> <p>Love the little church too. I held back from buying one in every. single. color:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uLUDRXKwk60GwaSuCVRfqsnplhoQLm4nuYJ8aoo7Db8oavGPKOqLW-6Wq6OsHdkn1xGyd-WL4WW8_urI4D9OoHZSnQxhJyDILoqQ7_anglpNutBJyNomh5018yhW_HEUkXGs4FxLUoc/s1600-h/IMG_1988%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtp01hY3Ma5JrGGVDYMcvybhjH-sknImuIhtCeMOpzxBO2xFG5ZEEoCm1AnkZ9hZ38uBPAbigTCIHXL_LnLFpdEJq6dw76FQ8fsmiyQWDqA6ZbW6sMpp95VSvOrCcNRsVJoydJEkJYY8/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="320" /></a></p> <p>I couldn’t pass up the presents:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7MS4v4AV_fVx3992gFyph50D2E3KkyXGmpy8FE20aI_78Eh3hyrYtlVzwAIiSGhguzeJ7kmiKrsNuSnRYJPIGXLqgykgydobK-PTFA4CYJUrJfa2R8narhCeq1qKpYPJ0hnDatnFGpGY/s1600-h/IMG_1992%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9s9CACDDSs5pCyxzpBcEhn1F30Dxb-g1W0lhHyH-W6XfK6p3O8dD-28Tm07DXKN7AMaMdbNVxVqlds-E-HAjLA001QjZB8MN-0Sd-zypNCDMaWTgXkhjlm3KKQfcOZc4ulCufp7bqS-w/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="320" /></a></p> <p>And the reindeer was a keeper for sure:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbwIEALM8_GP3WEs3z1o8WNpZ7robp1nxaMa2owb0lxxBKfDeFr8CHIB6butI_0gwTop_5Z1rlo6OqKsF_324q8yDayPL9a8nlO3wxDXc5UkhZeYoyKuBk46fYJLhFMuzPJ5mPhfimTI/s1600-h/IMG_1995%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwYOOLTUNhfp2Q-Ea7GQjuWaYxQI_k3p-Uv_HouiD-U9GL1QN9qC7h8ziU96SYWyyUqUlTydXoLkIGQLHwZE4LOqjYscVemWqRU2XqMhv95zZi8ckOAvAFy22qQx76ed4epqNd5hHzbo/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="320" /></a></p> <p>It was SO HARD to not spend $50 on $1 ornaments. Seriously – they are too cute! </p> <p>I held it together, and then I saw these in the next aisle:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTYg9wIihyphenhyphenn8vYv_uadVH5wOrN2e3-hr7R2DgHaLxZ8yBGxBSHe_Y_uhFAXE1jC5NvgW3bz0rJidcQFRB3obj8iL3MvtHR-WSn93PGP8grahgQNpoohqfj2l9sjP0clTrTsgj8vc4NNA/s1600-h/IMG_1998%5B3%5D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCG7_7FQlCcDEVdbY0VFA0DcSP-nnQXWCFMizHlrCcJN_5QWn0l0AJmS-0hNGknTaDCxlu8kA8nksfZozwdGAo0-7kidJ7av-kkv5wD63HLY9LhWqpUYSSEfCNiKzl-2ABuQhlHOTIMMw/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="320" /></a></p> <p>And I broke down again. They were a perfect combo of that chocolate brown and beautiful green! They were only $2 each, and I only grabbed a couple. I wanted to grab 45. Or so. </p> <p>I use mostly red and gold to decorate for the holidays around our house, but I was so taken with that green color for our chocolate dining room! I saw some $2 beads at Target in the exact same color and added them to my Goodwill wine decanter:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCB1WR7ergUqaMvCDPVsIye9rAWmxmw4N_Zl5EMAw6kZPyYJaLhhPmKpfBR5O585KZaB1jUR_ptbiU_P8kn9VjiyIeUYioROrLPG2Sq4yhYM-_Pa5a-SQE9iiIa1NLDgmSomvABGm2v0Q/s1600-h/IMG_1978%5B3%5D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYp0DiB2hDklCmVg-KvWB0QA-ecQc49Qqg2adGcGjLpvxP6ANrL197LQm4Y6M-fBLO6BziwRKz8Oul-GymgyhZdYw1HTt6u8qYRfS3cjvysFO0lf2_Rf1z0ohJPKQn29KkhaLNCCVHqI/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="320" /></a></p> <p>Years ago I spray painted some simple twiggy cone trees from Hob Lob and I added a couple to the buffet for some height:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPoJbQVD9ssvitRHeI6mpvwQCf4hY10DtXBCtGk6ZU7A1t5KpIgqd74eMi8kQ2G7h6Z5uHWomJGUhUoOReXSHrqaOYn-T6eH7EjBWpUPbuCxpKAE4f_VEuF0dRQasN1WXWLheGXrZc3NY/s1600-h/IMG_1979%5B3%5D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR65AkAuFfIul2X1QNpWO_43luvEgvAu7g59wmXr_bJ641L2wOw40ZPAZITRucPgke7rfzfgFp7C8kG-cfgZ4p0uGzzMo8gHm45gDbGmjjxpH54avUlpczSzCmLQOJF-cjiLcSH2_dxNc/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="320" /></a></p> <p>I grabbed a package of $5 green ornaments from Walmart and mixed them with some of the sparkly chocolate ones:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOQDnbTRaGABrFFgyrr2lX0VkiyuqlskbfD_dV1Qu8W1-HBezbisSKsoGOLjMwJdRqzCtsrvuSzrZnePn2EMYoeeWJ_j5kFHqJPj2xM0O7TwQVk70xao0XWjCOfC9XAkyHicmFrC11TQ/s1600-h/IMG_1986%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EBL96bWO27348hQCIACaJbRwop_7O5PpZQ3aOPwzw4F-TSiy6Vc5nyGDqvHcPVHRilLW3zFq8IPMq830GNxlwWyE8dTPdkjMKSP_XfsZy4YzCFqlrmOM_W-5cf06_uy4shF704PAn5k/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="320" /></a></p> <p>And I big fat LOVE how it turned out!:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFZ-EgOyFf3Mzy92iEJ95fXT8GmURo4e7AqusSiwBWvZ5A_En04Kd6T8aLr0j4mkuhzUTPi_8D5sp9a_SF0u8lDYW02fW2wYjJa6VtgOgbUaPMceKqjx7zpaC0b8ZEvDO8xbsUgAa3Z0/s1600-h/IMG_2021%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdk3XMlv2TwzIlEUr8AD5Ux2PLIdqctOICwVpQhyphenhyphen928DBkz4hJOfFdz2l8gc8PIUyLxlUt1oJ5RVv3dsfjG_ZBZYcLBpXSo9STh-eSyGI3_DrQNhew3eO8h-SDTRIpnu3R8kWDTfb7J0/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="600" /></a>Of course, I added some sprigs of greenery here and there, just to give it more fullness. I don’t think it’s physically possible for me to do anything Christmas decor-related <em>without</em> greenery. :)</p> <p>It’s a combo of green, brown, silver and a little gold, and I LOVE IT:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDw5VZFJNrC4HZGNdZgU5SjAx17pGRLDOthqijbuunAl_QQFQhToG6oJCl7sNa8lwnppe3F9jhHoR7C4lppdKY7tgY6SEDWm3HLUe6I0R-XTry84s17TYUJ-M8Se_P5qx_WLv99TBhSR8/s1600-h/IMG_2015%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTs7BosQN9AKy9dFO6hQGQv-BLIewcehtukz7vTnEkHLbMuYx3twqAYmPek1OrbOxBmcX7pLZxCM5n4t2qoNxXZ1AaAwQi1jL_y6MgOeBxKRLT5SvjzGrUZbdyXXFMNxNvOSSYykYWRE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="512" /></a></p> <p>I was going to just put everything out here and there, but the hives started, and my need for symmetry won out. :) I made it kind of even, but since everything’s not exactly the same, it’s not <em>too</em> matchy-matchy:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGtCEwDxt_XH7DWUHnuKXU-CZbR_Vu9S4Hr79JRna8VbCvdLjhW-SHBJEswkaGaRgJTxw0ei5R99KGK_zL4cpnPPk15BHLX4gY1F9d4HVhNJu7pcYOhyphenhyphenFfbVqpiOipZItQpCakPUsCNQ/s1600-h/IMG_2016%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWcnLNncyGZ_47AFuEOQcfoHM0MHB9k_ONAXF86CAlsys09PAMaqxCVRXtIH6KaBIHNpCUwfduYayYy6MEXyMN6P-5iKrbge5LeFc4uHznRs9n1uP4OVkH6d0kvPScZD3r5nxM3CR2pI/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="550" /></a></p> <p>Ignore my after-8 p.m.-hair in the reflection. :)</p> <p>I’ve been using the same spray painted pine cones and jingle bells in this space for six years, so I was so excited to do something a little different:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyG8jYtgw29zpxPA94kzf5omOy5vvE9femJ5whzc3I__YIKeoe7X4KSqzODAh_pjRVd0OY0xIfwrYnrq_p__JIgHMMvvlO55-7BhidnBg8evn6HhkCAsD7AGcIgK6dss3Z4qYoNsgRgDo/s1600-h/IMG_2018%5B3%5D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="" border="0" height="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Z31Msryc8qWnFPtgBdsUsRuJXk05qEbdWmVMwb7IPMYf0zgKoR48TU8Gc-EGnXtEqLOrjwBD9sQ3JzUtu73u6Ofz5sLEOj1HTPwVNTHoz_srGlZBdpf7EohdgwvtV_sE31dcDqS0_tI/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="512" /></a></p> <p>And all of the little stuff under the glass was well under $20. Not too shabby for a whole new look! </p> <p>Don’t you just LOVE that green color with the chocolate? Walmart also has the ornaments in a beautiful blue color that would look fantastic with brown as well!</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="left">I am getting there with the Christmas decor…I have some fun plans with the Silhouette and I’ll show you that next week! :)</p> <p align="left">**Linking this to Julia’s <a href="http://hookedonhouses.net/2010/12/15/hooked-on-holiday-house-tours-party-3-my-family-room/">holiday party</a>! </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="2">Thank you to my sponsor!:</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/photo-cards.htm"><img src="http://blog.tinyprints.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/stylish-christmas-cards.gif" title="beautiful christmas cards" /></a></p>

Dining room Christmas vignette

I’m late to the party! Ack! We’ve been busy with a choo choo tree, hubby’s birthday and my impromptu decision to finally paint the offic...

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