“christmas Decorating Ideas”

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Countdown to Christmas: DIY Vintage-Inspired Light-Up Letters

by Kayla Kitts December 22, 2012 1 Comment

We’re counting down to Christmas with a new holiday party tip, decorating idea or DIY project every day until December 25. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

A Christmas tree may be the centerpiece of a room during the holidays, but there’s nothing quite like a gorgeous mantelscape to officially tie a space together. Growing up, Mom has always covered the mantel in lush garland, berry sprigs and metallic accents, so I never thought about just keeping it simple and modern. For HGTV.com’s Holiday House, former Design Star contestant Britany Simon used vintage-inspired marquee letters, handmade stockings and apothecary jars filled with festive accessories to dress up the living room mantel. I completely fell for those “JOY” letters, but figured they were out of my budget. Guess what? They’re handmade!

You can make your own vintage-inspired lighting installation and make it say anything you want. Plus, depending on what you spell out, these can stay up all year round. All you need are cardboard letters spelling out your desired word or phrase, industrial globe string lights, a marker, paint and a craft knife. Get the Full Step-by-Step Instructions >>

MORE YEAR-ROUND DIY IDEAS:

Countdown to Christmas: Dress Your Table With a Festive Centerpiece

by Kayla Kitts December 18, 2012 3 Comments

We’re counting down to Christmas with a new holiday party tip, decorating idea or DIY project every day until December 25. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

During the holidays we all like to make the table a little bit fancier. (Did you catch Liz’s table settings post from yesterday?) Eye-catching table runners, oversized chargers and one-of-a-kind place cards are easy ways to dress up your everyday table. The star of the show, however, will most certainly be the centerpiece. And you don’t always have to choose a pricey floral arrangement; opt for something less expensive and handmade using items that coordinate with your theme.

Easy Handmade Centerpieces

I love this metallic-glam table setup. Use spray paint to transform a basic vase or candleholder into a festive centerpiece fit for winter blooms. Mix metallic accents of silver and gold with rustic wood tones and pinecones for a warm holiday look.

MORE HANDMADE HOLIDAY CENTERPIECE IDEAS:

Countdown to Christmas: Easy Handmade Stocking Ideas

by Kayla Kitts December 12, 2012 3 Comments

We’re counting down to Christmas with a new holiday party tip, decorating idea or DIY project every day until December 25. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

Around our house, we need heavy-duty stockings to hold what … Santa … brings. Somehow our vintage-inspired stockings have held DVDs, chocolate, candles, makeup, magazines, CDs and more. That’s why I love these stockings made from old winter sweaters. You can tell they’re ready to prove their strength and durability. And they don’t require knitting skills, so you can get them up on your mantel in a snap.

Handmade Christmas Stockings

Have your stockings been hung by the chimney with care? If not, we have plenty of easy, handmade ideas to help finish off your holiday decor.

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Countdown to Christmas: Our Favorite Holiday Party Themes

by Kayla Kitts December 4, 2012 3 Comments

We’re counting down to Christmas with a new holiday party tip, decorating idea or DIY project every day until December 25. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

You’ve probably been tossing around idea after idea for this year’s holiday party. Steer away from the cliche “tacky Christmas sweater” theme and try something entirely new. Your friends will love it, and it will be the perfect way to end the year.

Host a Crafty Kids' Holiday Party

Try party themes that require more guest interactivity, like fondue or holiday crafts. It’s a great way for different groups of friends to meet and mingle, plus it puts less pressure on the host/hostess to ensure everyone is occupied or entertained.

I’ve listed 10 of our favorite holiday party themes below. The best part? They’re SO easy to pull together because we have the (free!) printables and decorating how-tos right there for you. Party on!

FREE HOLIDAY PRINTABLES:

MORE HOLIDAY PARTY THEME IDEAS:

Mood Board Monday: Christmas Green

by Kayla Kitts December 3, 2012 7 Comments

I know we’ve been talking a lot lately about trying something new this holiday season. You know, trading out that tired red and green for something a little more modern and unexpected like violet, hot pink or white. Well, as much as I love these new, fresh Christmas combos taking over the stores (hey, I have a purple tree myself!), I’m still partial to the classic red and green that feels tied to the holiday. I know as soon as I see those two colors together that I can start finding candy canes, gingerbread houses and holiday tunes in the background of every place I go. Sigh…don’t you just love the holidays?

Mood Board Monday: Christmas Green Kids’ Party :: Evergreen Trees :: Napkin Holders :: Gift Wrap :: Wreath :: Stockings :: Dining Room

Are you sticking with red and green this year or trying a more modern holiday theme? Tell me in the comments below!

PAST MOOD BOARD MONDAYS:

Countdown to Christmas: Outdoor Decorating Ideas

by Kayla Kitts December 2, 2012 3 Comments

We’re counting down to Christmas with a new holiday party tip, decorating idea or DIY project every day until December 25. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

If you’re anything like me, there’s never a free or lazy Saturday in December. Somehow the month flies by as I spend every weekend marking things off my holiday to-do list. One of them, I’m sure, is finishing up (or starting!) outdoor holiday decorating. Today is the perfect day to do it. Grab a thermos of hot cocoa, crank up the holiday music and get to work.

Outdoor Christmas Decorating Ideas

Not sure where to get started? We have plenty of outdoor decorating ideas for inspiration. My personal favorite is the wine bottle candelabras (pictured). Start stashing those empty wine bottles, remove the labels and spray paint black. Add tapered candles and light the wicks to create a bond between the candle and the bottle. Place them together in a grouping near your front porch for a dramatic holiday look.

Have you decorated your exterior for the holidays? Share your decorating ideas with us!

MORE FESTIVE OUTDOOR DECORATING IDEAS:

Mood Board Monday: Holiday Metallics

by Kayla Kitts November 26, 2012 6 Comments

Attention Design Happens readers: the holidays are officially here! Many of you have probably been celebrating or decorating for weeks, but I’m a one-holiday-at-a-time kind of gal. So, with Thanksgiving behind us, it’s time to turn all of our focus on the busiest season of the year. When I think of the Christmas season, I immediately think of shiny metallics and lots of glitter. Doesn’t everything seem to have a dust of glitter during the holidays? That’s just one reason I love this time of year so much.

Mood Board Monday: Silver Dress + Cuff :: Gift Wrap :: Chandelier Detail :: Acorns :: Gilded Feathers :: Winter Cocktails :: Glittered Ornament :: Modern Christmas Tree

I’m on board the metallics train, as you can see. So, tell me — what are your favorite holiday hues?

PAST MOOD BOARD MONDAYS:

Merry Christmas: Our Fave Around-the-Home Holiday Ideas

by Kayla Kitts December 24, 2011 3 Comments

First, pat yourself on the back because you made it to Christmas Eve in one piece. Second, put down your to-do list, kick back and relax. It’s your holiday too, you know. And for anything now and last-minute you can come to us and we’ll make sure you’re covered, from decor and crafts to recipes and gift wrap.

If you’ve been running around this season like a maniac, it’s finally your turn to enjoy the glowing lights and and beautiful decor. Plus, we have some ideas hidden in here if you’re a bit behind. Grab a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy some of our favorite around-the-home holiday ideas:

tobi fairely pink christmas tree 8 Festive Christmas Tree Themes

handmade christmas gift wrap 10 Creative Gift Wrap Ideas

marian parsons handmade Christmas stocking hanger 17 Glowing Holiday Mantels

handmade owl christmas wreath 10 Christmas Wreaths

marian parsons snowflake chandelier Classic Silver and White Christmas Table Decor

For more Christmas inspiration, check out all of our holiday features:

Hosting the Holidays >> Learn how to entertain like a pro with simple yet festive do-ahead projects, recipes and table decorating ideas.
Handmade Holidays >> From gift wrap and cards to handmade gifts and ornaments, you can skip the store and make it yourself.
Deck the Halls >> Make your home feel festive both inside and out with these creative decorating ideas.
12 Days of Handmade >> See all of Liz‘s handmade project picks from her Christmas countdown.

Happy holidays from everyone here at Design Happens. We hope you have a truly wonderful holiday weekend. Cheers!

Holiday Entertaining: Inspirational Table Settings, Centerpieces + Cocktails

by Kayla Kitts December 16, 2011 11 Comments

I know what you’re thinking – there’s no way we can make holiday entertaining simple, stylish and stress-free. Why yes, yes we can. The holidays may naturally be a hectic time of year with out-of-town guests coming to visit, presents to buy and beautify and the general end-of-the-year hustle and bustle, but we promise you can add professional holiday hostess to the list, too. Here’s how:

Dress Your Dining Room

Dress Your Dining Room for the Holidays

Start with the chairs (simple, yet festive embellishments will do) and then add decorative details to the table, chandelier and buffet table. Handmade place cards, a restaurant-style menu, centerpiece and table runner will top off the look.

Create a Festive Holiday Tablescape

holiday centerpieces and table settings 1. Rustic Christmas Settings 2. Tiny Boxwood Centerpiece 3. Silver and White Settings 4. Sparkling Pinecone Settings 5. Mossy Gift Box Centerpiece

You know those drool-worthy tablescapes you find on some amazing website that look too complicated to create so you end up pulling out the holiday paper plates instead? Well, we have killer table settings and centerpieces that you can put together on your own without a long supply list. (But I promise guests will easily think you spent much longer perfecting every detail.)

Concoct Crowd-Pleasing Cocktails

Pumpkin Pie Martini

There are very few things people love more around the holidays than pumpkin pie. Turn that into a cocktail and you have an instant favorite. Discover 15 Holiday Cocktail Recipes >>

Make Your Guests Feel Right at Home

holiday hosting and decorating Getting Ready for Holiday Guests

Whether hosting Christmas brunch or housing overnight guests, discover creative and clever ways to make everyone feel right at home during the holidays.

Find more entertaining tips, ideas, inspiration and more in our Hosting the Holidays feature.

What’s your secret to stress-free holiday hosting? Tell us in the comments!

Are You Already Thinking About Christmas Decorations?

by Kayla Kitts October 2, 2011 9 Comments

Be honest. You have pumpkins on your porch and candy corn in your hand right this very minute, but you’re already secretly thinking about your Christmas decorations. It’s okay. You’re not alone. For those who enjoy holiday cheer a little early, here are some simple handmade Christmas ornaments and decor to keep you satisfied until Halloween is over.

Creative and Easy-to-Create Christmas Decorating Ideas

handmade christmas crafts handmade christmas ornaments design blog hgtv Acorn Ball Ornament