DIY Wreath

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Im totally breaking all the traditional Christmas rules this year. First with not putting a wreath on my front door-but a stocking instead. Then going with black and white instead of my traditional red and gold on the staircase.



And now-the square wreath- I've seen these in magazines but could not find one in the stores-(well at least within my budget). So I had this picture frame sitting in the closet that I had purchased for $1 at a garage sale (I KNEW one day it would come in handy). I took 2 garlands and wrapped them around the frame securing it with wire-unfortunately I forgot to take my before photo. I hung it with ribbon from my dining room curtain rod-but it still needed something. ahhhh that $4 chandelier ornament! PERFECT!







I had a little trouble getting a good shot due to the gray day we are having today. So for under $10 I got my square, errr rectangle wreath!

front porch sneak peek

Since I painted my front door black earlier this week, I decided to go with it-add some black, white and green for Christmas instead of my usual red. And I decided to step out of the box and use a stocking instead of the traditional wreath. What do you think?




Im off to bake some pies- more decorating photos soon. There are many blogs out there that are hosting Holiday Open Houses over the next few weeks. Be sure to check them out.



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Tomato Cage Trees

I love the idea of having a small tree for each room-but lets be honest with 3 small children, a dog, and a household to run-I can barely put up ONE tree. So I found a solution. It only takes about 30 min. to make, but the best part is you only do it ONCE. After the Holidays are over you just unplug these trees and store them for next year-decorated and all.

Supplies:

1 tomato cage (from any local garden center-they usually have these ALL year round-you just have to ask)

3-9ft garlands (the cheap wire kind-usually $2.99 each at Michaels or Hobby Lobby)

1-Strand of 100 set white lights-or any color you choose

Small gage wire (for wiring on the ornaments)

Ribbon

Ornaments of your choice (I try to theme each of my trees for the room they are in)


The How To:
Turn you tomato cage upside down so it looks like a "tree"

Take you wire and gather the "legs" of the cage and tie them together (kinda like a t-pee)


Take your garland and starting at the base wrap the garland around the tree. Bend the branches around the wire to secure. You will have to "fluff" the tree once you have wrapped all the garlands around.







Next begin wrapping your lights around the tree-wrap the branches around the light strand to secure the lights.




Last- decorate! Use wire to secure your ornaments -so when you go to store the tree you wont lose any.

Be creative- add silk flowers, small stockings, children's small toys- the possibilities are endless. You CAN have a tree for every room-and all you will need to do to set it up is plug it in!!

I have one in my foyer:




One in my family room:








One in our bedroom:






My black, white & silver tree:



You can also do these for your outdoor decor. Just be sure to use weather proof ornaments. These would be beautiful on top of a large garden urn by the front door.

Head on over to Kimba's for more Holiday DIY

Holiday hoop-la,la,la

Its been AGES since I've blogged. Birthdays and such has kept me busy. But now Im ready to put on the Christmas Spirit. I LOVE this time of year-as I know many of you do. For me it all starts when Starbucks pulls out the RED cups! I know, its the little things... Anyway- I dont want to take down ALL my Fall decor because we have all my family here for Thanksgiving. I decided to go ahead and set up the dining room for Thanksgiving.
Here it was dolled up for Fall



And here it is ready for the Feast!






and now onto this: a little garland, glitter, glam, and of course the stockings


P.S.- I hope to be posting a tutorial soon on how to make fun Christmas trees out of tomato cages and the best part-you only have to decorate them once!