Using Nature to add to your Holiday Decor

Need a few holiday design ideas using nature? Why not look into your own backyard or maybe your neighbors (please ask first) for some simple twigs and branches. How about taking a walk into the woods or nearby park to get the whole family involved? Before you start cutting, try and search for broken limbs or some on the ground. It will save the trees as well as your back and hands.

Depending on the look you want or how you want to decorate your limbs will determine the size and shape that you collect. Do you want to hang heavy ornaments? Will you paint it? Is  it a statement arrangement or just to add a little something to your decor? How about adding glitter or lights? Or just let the beauty of nature be the star. There are so many options to use twigs and branches in your holiday decorating theme.

Here are some inspirations to bring nature inside for the holidays.

You might be lucky enough to find branches with moss but if not add a little reindeer moss (found at most craft stores) to your branches. Here they use colorful birds for the theme.

  Do you want a more elegnat look? Add a touch of sparkle using chandelier crystals. They are bold and elegant. And very simple to do.

 Are you more of a romantic when it comes to holiday decorating? Try using white spray paint on very delicate branches. Using a large bunch, create a n arrangement with a crystal vase, a few store bought colorful but natural floral stems and add a few crystals. Stunning!

 How about adding to the top of your tree? Add height and fullness at the top just by sticking the branches inside the tree. Make sure you use light weight for this application.

 Another elegant way to use branches is by keeping it simple. Glass balls are the only adornment here. Just make sure your branches are secure in the vase.

 Try bringing in very large and tall branches into your home for drama.

In this modern home, they used glass cylinder vessels and filled white beads. This same idea can be used in traditional settings as well. Just get creative on your containers. Again, make sure you weigh the base down as this one can tip over easily.

 A sweet idea for a table top tree.

Spray your branches white, add white ornaments and white lights and you are done!

 Another truly natural way to use twigs from your yard is in an arrangement. Choose a sturdy container, add fresh greens, berries and twigs for height. Voila, you have a beautiful statement piece.

A simple ornament to make is by using twigs all about the same size. With a little twine, you can create this in no time. Use your imagination on this one...paint it, add glitter or even fun little berries. this is one the kids can help you do as well.

I hope you will try a few of these natural twig ideas this year!

Let me know and please comment on my inspirations to which is your favorite!

Happy Decorating!



Fall Inspired Artwork

Do you need a way to add color to your walls?

Why not look at FALL INSPIRED artwork!

I found these all online and are amazing pieces to add to your collection.

If you love yellows and golds, this is the perfect piece for you!

Do you love romance? Here is a picture perfect piece.

Do the mountains speak to you? Want a subtle way to add color?

Try something like this!

For a burst of FALL COLORS, this impressionist piece will look beautifully in your home. Perfect for a family room, office or bedroom.

Do you miss the lake?

This artwork will remind you of peaceful times with it's content and color.

I hope you have been inspired to add FALL COLORS to your own home.

Happy Decorating!

DESIGN STUDIO: Fall-like Famly Room that is neutral

DESIGN STUDIO: A neutral but "Fall-like" Family Room is our focus today.


How to create this look?

1. LAYERS! Notice the throws and layers of pillows. That adds the warmth.

2. Floral pieces. Just because they are not fresh cut flowers, adding pops of color with branches, feathers and fruit will add life to your room.


3. Something unexpected is always great in a space. I LOVE the wreath hanging on the mirror. And did you notice the spinning wheel? How fun!


4. Add a dark element to a room. The old designer trick of "something black in every room" still holds true. The black coffee table grounds this space.


5. Mixing patterns. The area rug shows off the most pattern in this room but they also have zebra print, floral in the chair and dining area and even simple pieces such as the silhouette pillows give added print.

SO I hope you will use this room as inspiration to jazz up your neutral space and make it warm for fall weather. I would love to know what is YOUR FAVORITE part of this space. Go ahead...tell me!

Simple Fall Decorating with glass containers

Here are some easy and decorative ways to use glass jars, vases and other things you might already have around the house. Just by adding some simple items, you can create a beautiful fall arrangement in no time.

For a show stopping table, use a variety of glass vessels. Featured above is a collection of apothecary jars, large round containers, tall and slender vases, hurricanes and votives. Add candles, leaves, fruit and nuts for a FABULOUS FALL TABLESCAPE!

I love using fresh fruit in simple design displays. They are easy to use and they last longer than flowers. Add a few branches with acorns for a fall look in your home.

Simple mason jars with candles and candy corn...how simple and so festive! Put several together for added impact. The image above has them placed in an antique milk crate with flowers too!

Faux pumpkins and gourds are easy to use and great year after year. Try placing them in decorative jars for added impact!

How easy is this? Fall colored candy in glass apothecary jars!

Using simple cake plates with domes, place small pumpkins (all colors) under glass. Simple yet stunning!