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Simple Winter Floral Arrangements from Ikea

There’s just a few days until Christmas and keeping last minute décor simple is key to reducing stress. The IKEA Livet Hemma team has some simple, yet elegant winter floral arrangement ideas that we all can do ourselves.

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Amaryllis, parrot tulips and a lone crowfoot. The vase’s shape is key and highlights the beauty of these Christmas flowers.
Happy Friday & Happy Holidays!
* photo credit Nina Broberg and IKEA Livet Hemma
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Read full story By on December 16, 2011 in Christmas, flowers, holiday decor, ikea

Elfed at Christmas Printout and Hot Cocoa Recipe

Starting in December, my kids enjoy “elfing” our neighbors and friends. It works like this: Someone starts by secretly dropping treats with instructions at two houses. Don’t get caught!  Then those two families are asked to continue the fun by elfing two more houses. Once elfed you are supposed to post the image of an elf near the front door so they don’t get elfed again. We think it’s a fun way to pass along some Christmas cheer!
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This year we decided to created baskets with hot cocoa jars, candy canes and other goodies.
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In each basket, I included a recipe for hot cocoa to go along with the premade mix in the jar.  Above is the revised version of a recipe for creamy hot cocoa I found on allrecipes.com.

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Here are the “elfed” printouts I used this year. So cute, don’t you think? I found the downloads for free at Anders Ruff via Pinterest.

Have you been elfed?
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Read full story By on December 12, 2011 in Christmas, elfed, gift guide, holiday decor

Black and White New Year’s Eve Party

2012… can it be? If I were throwing a New Year’s Eve party this year, it would have a black and white color scheme with lots of candlelight and sparkle.
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1. Citrus Soy Candle by CocoCozy 2. Quartz Piñata in Silver by Confetti System 3. Debut Dress by Kate Spade 4. Feathered New Year Tiara from Party Options 5. Black & White New Years Party Invite by Cocodot 6. Baccarat Dom Perignon Champagne Flutes from Neiman Marcus 7. The Hostess Bar Cart by Society Social

Although, I am happy to celebrate the New Year on the sofa in my PJs with my hubby watching the ball drop in NYC {yep, that would be 9pm PST}.

How will you be ringing in the New Year?

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Read full story By on December 9, 2011 in color, Entertaining, holiday decor, new years

Nature Inspired Christmas Mantel

Pinecones and trees, vintage touches and an adorable Christmas village. This year’s holiday mantel was inspired by nature and trips to Lake Tahoe this past summer. I had a head start because the pinecone garland was handmade back in September for a mantel that was featured in Emily Henderson’s Holiday Guide.
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I was hesitant , but my kids thought that the “village” needed Santa’s sleigh soaring over it. So made a silhouette of Santa, his sleigh and those famous flying reindeer. I’m not crazy about how it turned out, but they love it and that’s what matters.
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Resources: stockings by Thomas Paul, pinecone wreath from Target {vintage angel ornament added by me}, white lit houses from Red Envelope, bottle brush and wooden trees from West Elm, vintage glitter reindeer from Etsy {needed to be touched up with more glitter!} and lucite tray from Dabney Lee.
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Read full story By on December 7, 2011 in Christmas, holiday decor, mantels, simplified bee portfolio, vintage