This year I am embracing my love for pink more than ever! In fact, I'm trying to step out of my typical Winter fashion of black on black and run with my favorites-- creams and pinks! Just because everything is dead and dark during Winter in Indiana doesn't mean my fashion has to be too. Well, I took that philosophy and applied it to our little house too. This is the year for pink, creams, and beautiful warm metallic like champagne, rose gold, and brass.
Here's a look at our Cozy Winter Chalet:
THE TREE
Since our apartment is quite small, the tree really fills the space with warmth. It's actually a huge upside to living small! This tree has definitely become the focal point and I'm not mad about it. Especially since it's been adorned with great ornaments, sparkly ribbon, and oh that antique tree topper makes me giddy!!
Here's how I decorate a Christmas tree ( I know this is a bit late, but maybe it will be helpful for you next year!)
STEP ONE: LIGHTS
There's a bit of technique when it comes to lighting a tree-- whether you like very full big boys or more bare Charlie Browns (which are my Momma's favorite!). The trick is to work the lights from the center of the tree near the trunk all the way out to the tip of the branches. If anything, over light it! It's better to skimp out on ornaments then to skimp out on lights.
STEP TWO: BASE ORNAMENTS
Now if you're like me, then you haven't quite built up your ornament game. That's okay! Buy a big cheap pack, there's no shame. Similar to the lights, you need to layer ornaments all throughout the tree. From the trunk all the way to the tip of the branches. Specifically for the base ornaments or the cheap ones or even your less favorite ones, put these near the trunk. They will be a little bit hidden, but will still be seen and make the tree look so much more luxurious!
*pro tip: I like to buy sparkly and super shiny cheap ornaments so that they reflect even more of the string lights at the trunk of the tree.
STEP THREE: OVERSIZED ORNAMENTS
Our goal is to get a tree that looks full, luxurious, and layered like a really stellar fall outfit! So in order to get that, use different size ornaments! Buy a few oversized ornaments and evenly disperse them on the tree.
STEP FOUR: FAVORITE FUN ORNAMENTS
Now that you have a good base, it's time to put up your favorite ornaments. The ones that you spent a little more on! You can put these near the end of the branches so that they are more visible.
STEP FIVE: STEMS, TWIGS, AND BERRIES
I like to add some additional stems to the tree. I have these small berry like branches that I put throughout the tree (though I admit that I think I should have bought more to have a larger impact). You can also purchase flowers or leaf like stems (something like this or this). Stick these all throughout the tree but keep them mostly toward the end and middle of the branches. Personally, I think this adds a bit of pizzazz and really makes a tree pop! Hobby Lobby is a great source for Christmas stems.
STEP SIX: RIBBON & GARLANDS
My last step is the ribbon and/or garland. I haven't yet used garland, but I'm thinking I may want to introduce something like this next year (but is it too much with what I have??? I don't know!?). However, I do use ribbon! I have two different kinds, a pink sparkly ribbon and a white, silver and gold plaid ribbon. Again, place these throughout the tree where there might be empty spots. I like semi bare trees, but not total Charlie Browns, so I also put ribbon near the trunk because they are still quite visible.
VIOLA! You have a masterpiece tree!
THE DINING TABLE
Other than the tree, the dining table is my next big thing to decorate. Last year I went with lots of metallics, this year I opted for PINK, green, and a little bit of blue.
Unlike last year, I wanted our tablescape to be a little more usable. Which mostly meant that I didn't want too much in the middle so that when guests are over I can either see over the top or quickly and easily move it aside to see their beautiful faces. With that guiding me, I set up two short candlesticks and then threw a few cut branches from my tree into a vase.
Although adding greenery made me happy, it didn't quite satisfy. I ended up adding dried eucalyptus (found at Hobby Lobby for $5) to the table over my $4 IKEA weave rug (which I use as a runner!). Of course, it also needed a bit more sparkle! So a few ornaments on the branches, a Hobby Lobby garland, and a few stems that I used on my Christmas tree were piled on. Unfortunately, Hobby Lobby has the worst website and I can't find any of my products!
OTHER ACCESSORIES
I just did a few other accessories around the living room, but kept it simple! For the coffee table I layered a tray with last years version of this white chapel, a candle, and antique posts. But doesn't it look so cozy!
On the walls I put up our stockings and kept one of my minimalist wreaths up. I also put an adorable pink glitter santa (from Hobby Lobby) with a pink ribbon on the wreath. That little extra adds a bit of whimsical to this room.
The last thing I did was switch out pillows, which ended up being a bit of a project! I'm not one for crafts (I wish I was though!) but I did what I had to do...
We have these awesome cream fur pillows but their stuffing was seriously depleted. Instead of throwing them out and purchasing new ones, I decided to recycle them. I went to Hobby Lobby and purchased two 18" zippers for $2 each. Then I tore open the seams, threw out the old stuffing, and sewed in zippers. IKEA saved this pillow disaster with their 26" x 26" feather pillow forms for only $!0 each. These are my favorite pillow forms and fit so well in a 20" pillow! Plus, you can't beat the price for the quality. Now my pillows look plump & curvy, just how God intended ;)
If you want guidance on how to pattern mix then watch this video!
NEXT YEAR
Like any good Interior Designer I have a very detailed vision for where I want my home to go stylistically. And most likely I won't update furniture at the same time, but will do it slowly. That being said, I have a step by step guide of which furniture I want to update and when! Similar to having a furniture game plan, I also have a Christmas Decor plan. Below you can see some of the things that I am keeping my eye on for the next few Christmas' to come!
Wreath for our very ugly front door >> Target $30
More Ornaments for our tree
Mini Ornaments for centerpieces (mine are just way to big and heavy) >> Target $3
More Twigs for the Christmas Tree
Vintage inspired Santa Mugs
A Mistletoe to add some romantic whimsy >> Target $9.99
Michael Buble Christmas Vinyl >> Barnes & Noble $18.99