Joy To The World!

Christmas is by far my favorite holiday.  There is a wonder, grace and beauty about this season more than any other.......and there is a joy that is  truly as undeniable as it is infectious.    

One of my absolute favorite things about Christmas though, is the nativity scenes and vintage paintings depicting the birth of Christ. Although these are steadily being replaced by more commercialized or "politically correct art", this is what warms my heart and makes me feel like it's Christ-mas.  

So without further ado, here are some of the paintings and nativity scenes I am in love with at the moment, enjoy!

 

Cherio!

Its All About The Napkin Ring

I truly believe that beauty is in the details.  A good example of this is the napkin ring.  It is not a necessity to set a table, however, it is such a quick and easy way to spice up a table setting.

houseofpeltier

 Napkin rings come in so many shapes, styles and prices, the choices are endless.  You can also make your own, this way you can personalize the colors and style to fit your own specific taste.  If you have broken costume jewelry, ribbons or old magazines somewhere in the house, you can make your own napkin rings from these materials quite easily.  Since napkin holders do not take up much space on a table and they are easily stored, why not create different styles for different occasions......  Just take a look at these beauties and you'll see what I mean.

zenceramics

These are ceramic with sea shells as an accent.  I like the way how each one is slightly different in color and texture from the other. 

eabdesigns

Go above and beyond the norm.   Add a couple of brooches or earrings in different shapes and sizes to fabric napkin holders.   Your guests will notice and appreciate this sophisticated detail.

houseofpeltier
The texture and natural color palette of these napkin rings is just divine.  Works great with color and monochromatic color schemes.

localcolorseaglass
How cute are these sea glass napkin rings!  I see these in my D.I.Y future...

merchantoverseas

This is so unusual and chic.  Check out the Swarovski crystals on this! You can also get a similar look with rhinestones. 

houseofpeltier

Lol, the next time you see a pine cone, pick it up.  

houseofpeltier
All I can say is wow.  So fresh and delectable looking, yet sooooo simple.

Revisions

These gorgeous napkin rings were repurposed from vintage spoons and forks.  

houseofpeltier

Burlap napkin rings are so textural and nostalgic to me.  The addition of this sweet red ribbon makes it extra special.

Well, I hope you enjoyed our napkin tour.  I sure did.  Before I leave though, you'll find a step by step guide at www.ehow.com to make your own napkin rings.  The tutorial is super easy and a lot of fun.  Happy crafting!

Fearless Holiday Fashion

We've all been there there, staring in the abyss, ahem.. I mean closet, wondering "what in the world am I going to wear?"  For most of us, its not the lack of clothes thats the problem, actually its quite the opposite.  Its the maze of clothes  that somehow fails to produce that stunning outfit that you so desperately need.  After the third trip to the closet, the majority of us admit defeat and set out to buy a new outfit.  After all, the family "get togethers" and party invitations are still coming out of the woodwork.


If this sounds familiar then this one's for you!  This little holiday fashion guide will have you putting multiple looks together in a snap. And here's the best part, it will be mostly from your own closet.  Yes, stuff that you own already.  Now I know some of you may be thinking that you want an outfit that no one has ever seen you in, trust me, I want the same thing. The good news is, you can totally have a brand new look by utilizing a few tricks and tips.  At the end of the day we can still look amazing while saving a buck or two. Not convinced? Check this out.

First, up is what I refer to as the FOUNDATION of any wardrobe. The little pencil black dress, boot cut black pants, black pencil skirt and basic black jacket. The simpler the pieces the better since they will work well with many things in your closet and is easy to transform into multiple looks. Now you may not have all four of these items in your closet but more than likely you have at least the skirt, pants or even both.  Here are a few ideas on how you can style this look.  Because you have very simple pieces here you can add really bold statement pieces for accessories, a belted cardigan, a scarf, and many different style blouses for different looks.  The options are many, the results fabulous!  

Make an entrance in dresses with simple silhouettes in rich colors and gorgeous winter white.  Forever a classic, always a winner!

Adding sparkle to any outfit is a breeze with fashion jewelry.  With so many options, there are no limit to what you can do.  Tip: Stack your bracelets or wear five or six necklaces together for a more dramatic look.

One of my favorite things to do to add instant drama to an outfit is belts!  Put one on over a cardigan, to pull the look together or just add a little sparkle with a belt in a different texture and color.  I love buying vintage belts much like some of the ones pictured here, one of my very favorite belts cost me a whopping $1.75 at a garage sale.  No kidding.  This season, adding a pop of color and style to your look could be as easy as putting on a belt.

Since "Tis the season to be jolly", kick it up a notch with the right shoes!  Dance the night away in stylish but comfortable wedge heels or bright and colorful flats. Don't have any of these? Get a basic a pump from your closet and add a metallic or sparkly clip-on earring for  instant holiday glam!

If you own four handbags or more, chances are you have a clutch or handbag in a metallic color or another color other than black.  If so, then you have an accessory thats perfect for this season.  A colorful or metallic handbag adds just the right touch to our Foundation pieces.

Wear a loose blouse with a fitted skirt or fitted top with full skirt for a very easy but pulled together ensemble.  Also, try mixing different fabrics for a lux designer look.  Sequins, velvet, silk, lace and chiffon are all fabrics that look amazing with a basic skirt, or jeans.

Makeup is the finishing touch to any look.  At the moment purple and the "smoky eye" is all the rage and I must admit, it is beautiful on lots of skin tones.  The smoky eye is also a technique that is a little more dramatic, makes the eyes stand out and is perfect for the   holidays.  

Try a new hairstyle this season.  Deconstructed chignons and loose carefree pin-ups are a very popular trend right now and the look is tres chic!

Over the years I have become a lover of vintage jewelry and clothing.  The quality, fit and nostalgia of these pieces really never disappoints.  Whether you are a seasoned vintage shopper or not, this is always a good option during the holidays.  Why, well for starters you will rarely see someone else in the same dress and the outfit will cost you less than half of what you normally pay for a new outfit.  Tip: Mix with modern accessories, makeup and hairstyles to add fresh perspective and modernize your look. 

Well, I sincerely hope this post inspires and motivates you to consider sprucing up the clothes you already own for the holidays, its time to have "all of the pleasure and none of the guilt!"

Check out these links for fashionable and very budget friendly clothes and accessories.

http://www.lulus.com/products/mixx-luisa-10-gold-glitter-bow-toe-platform-pumps/31737.html

http://www.myfashioncents.com/category/shopping/shoes/page/15/?cdu=disabled

http://www.bodyc.com/products/zigzag-knit-cardigan/

http://www.hautelook.com/events/?inactive#all

http://www.scotchnaturals.com/

No Fear Holiday Glamour

Christmas hands down is my favorite holiday! How could it not be? Once a year I get a free pass to:

• Decorate my home like a palace or mini toy land, no questions asked
• Eat all my favorite foods in ridiculously large portions of course since its Christmas
• Have fun with family and friends......tell off said family and friends, no worries since its the wine! 
• Get days off from work
• Have people shower me with gifts while looking exceptionally fierce in my new outfit.  

As you probably can tell, I totally enjoy just about every aspect of this season, even the crazed panic shopping that occurs when we forget a gift a day or two before Christmas.  As you know, if you've ever braved the "stampede" at your local mall on Christmas eve, this is not for the faint of heart. 

One of the reasons we all shop so much is to buy the items we need to create the look and feel we want for our home or residence.   This look and feeling or AMBIENCE is vitally important.  From the front door to the back you want your guest to feel welcome and full of holiday cheer!  One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to think of the 5 senses.  Hearing, Tasting, Touch, Smell, Sight. This is what stimulates the average human being and enables us to enjoy an experience.  

SMELL:  Vanilla candles, fresh flowers, cinnamon sticks, and fresh apple pies are all distinct aromas that foster a sense of well being and welcome in a home.

TASTE:  Freshly baked cookies, wine, turkey, ham and all the trimmings are definitely a favorite on this special occasion.

SIGHT:  From a wreath on the front door to the Christmas tree and other festive decoration inside your home, nothing says Christmas better than lights, sparkle and fresh pine!

HEARING:  Classic Christmas  music, I personally love anything by Nat King Cole

TOUCH:  There is nothing better than a good welcome hug!

Holiday decorating does not have to be complicated, it could be as simple as arranging a few candles on a table with some holly leaves or fresh pine.  Now how easy is that, in the end its all about the ambience.

Here are a few links to inspire your holiday decorating:

http://hellobeautiful.com/special-features/holidays-2009/deborah-bennett/how-to-decorate-your-bedroom-this-christmas/

http://curbly.com/diy-maven/posts/7596-fresh-christmas-decorating-ideas

http://www.marthastewart.com/