Friday Finds :: Christmas Ideas on Pinterest

Not surprisingly, I’ve been spending some too much time on Pinterest gathering inspiration for the Christmas season. I’m sharing some of my recent faves today, but be sure to drop by my Christmas Ideas board for over 200 more. If you haven’t already started decorating… it will motivate you for sure!

urban chic christmas tree // Apt 34black and white ribbon for Christmas tree diy art deco chandelierwhite christmas tree with gold himmeli ornamentschic holiday table-setting // via coco+kelleyimage sources top to bottom: 1// 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

As you can see, I’m still in a gold holiday mood!

And like many, I was saddened by the news of Nelson Mandela’s passing yesterday. He was an incredible leader and through love, peace and justice touched millions of lives.

Nelson Mandela #quote

xo

cristin

 

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Read full story By on December 6, 2013 in 5 favorites, Christmas, Entertaining, Features, Friday Finds, Holiday, pinterest, tabletop

Client Reveal :: Playroom and Guest Room Design

I’m so excited to reveal a recent design project for a family with two young boys. Originally the bedroom was designed for guests and had a queen size bed (bummed, because I didn’t get an image of the before!). Needing a place for the boys to play and guests to rest, my client asked me to create a space that serves as both a playroom and guest room.

playroom and guest room design // cristin priest // simplified bee

A white daybed with a pull-out trundle was paired with a custom headboard in a Duralee geometric fabric in cool shades of blue and green. It’s topped with a variety of pillows including Serena & Lily’s quilted Euro shams in navy/clover and Kuba pillow in navy.  The turquoise bed-cover with white contrasting welt was custom made durable sunbrella fabrics. The fabrics definitely set the room’s nautical color palette and we pulled out the lightest blue for the wall color (Benjamin Moore’s Arctic Blue).

daybed headboard in blue and green // simplified beeplayroom and guest room design // cristin priest of simplified bee

For the boys’ games, toys and Lego creations (remember this boy’s bedroom with Lego display?), I selected a pair of Billy shelving units from Ikea, had them painted in Benjamin Moore’s Galapagos Turquoise and backed in a green and white trellis pattern wallpaper (used in my own kitchen nook). Green felt bins were added to help coral toy cars, smaller games and Legos of course! Land of Nod’s tree floor lamp with movable lights serves as a bedside reading lamp.

ikea billy bookcase hack with wallpaper // simplified bee

ikea billy bookcase in playroom // cristin priest // simplified bee

For extra kid-friendly seating, a pair of turquoise poufs and crisp white garden stool were selected. Perfect for a game of Go Fish!

My client was thrilled with the result and that’s the best part.

Happy decorating,

cristin

*photography credit: Jenn Jacobson

 

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Read full story By on December 4, 2013 in baby and children, Bedroom, bedrooms, bookshelves, Boy, contemporary decor, DIY, ikea, interior design, Interiors, Playroom, playrooms, simplified bee portfolio, Tips/Tricks, wallpaper

Gold Holiday Decor + Gifts

disclosure: This post contains an affiliate links, which means Simplified Bee receives commission if you make a purchase using this link.

 

Shiny metallics are everywhere this holiday season and I’m most drawn to the festive golden hues. A touch of gold communicates elegance, warmth and richness. Yet, if overdone, can be gaudy, tasteless and down right tacky. So be careful not to go too crazy!

Here are some of my gold holiday decor and gifts for the season…

gold holiday decorations and gifts // Simplified Bee

1  // 2  // 3  // 4  // 5  // 6  // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10

It’s Cyber Monday too, so if anything catches your eye, be sure to drop by the associated link today because many of these items are on sale!

Happy *golden* holidays,

Cristin

*some of these links are to Simplified Bee affiliates, but of course I only select items I love!

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Read full story By on December 2, 2013 in Christmas, discounts, Entertaining, gift guide, Holiday, holiday decor, Parties

The Gifter :: Outgift the Party

As we head full steam into the holiday season, along with it comes all those parties. Whether it be your office party, neighbor’s holiday open house or intimate dinner with family and friends, it’s bad form to arrive empty handed. Bringing a thoughtful gift for the host or hostess is always appreciated, but what’s appropriate to give? This week, the folks at HomeGoods and POPSUGAR are having #TheGifter crew uncover the best gifts at amazing prices, perfect to “Outgift the Party.” Here are just some of the many ever changing gift ideas I discovered at my local HomeGoods this week… be sure to follow Simplified Bee on Instagram #TheGifter to see them all!

crystal highball glasses - hostess gifts #thegifter

These exquisite crystal highball glasses by a high-end designer are perfect for your bff’s holiday bash or the newlywed’s dinner. The set of four is an absolute steal at $29.99 at HomeGoods compared to $60 at department stores. I’ll drink to that!

gourmet balsamic vinegar - hostess gift #thegifter

Food and wine is always a welcome gift for holiday dinner parties. This gourmet vinegar is a great, unexpected present for the hostess that loves to cook. The packaging is so fabulous, I wouldn’t even wrap it… simply add a gift tag, red bow and you are ready to go!

swedish holiday coasters - hostess gifts #thegifter

These Swedish drink coasters with tree cut-out would be a lovely, practical gift for just about any host or hostess.  The beautiful Alder grain makes each coaster unique.

celebration party crackers - hostess gift #thegifter

For the office party these British celebration crackers with little surprise trinkets inside gets my vote!

What’s your favorite gift to bring to a Christmas party? Be sure to tweet the images of the hostess gifts you discover with #TheGifter and you just may win a TJX $500 gift card!

Happy shopping,

Cristin

*Disclosure: This post was sponsored by TJX through their partnership with POPSUGAR. While I was compensated to write this post about TJX #TheGifter, all opinions are my own.

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Read full story By on December 1, 2013 in Christmas, discounts, Entertaining, Holiday, home accessories, HomeGoods, Parties