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6 Ways to Simplify Christmas

Is it too late to share Christmas decor….maybe? Nah. Here is some inspo for next year. I will link all the items below. Most of these get utilized other places around the house throughout the year. Also here are a few tips for Christmas 2019

 

6 Tips for Simplifying Christmas

If you’re like me you love decorating for the holidays. But, sometimes it can get overwhelming. Between work, kids and family visiting for the holidays, it can be hard to find time. Here are a few ways you can simplify decorating and enjoy time with your family.

  • Pick a Theme

It can be colors, reindeers or snowflakes. Picking a theme before you start decorating will prevent your house from looking like Christmas threw up in it. Create a Pinterest board for Christmas 2019 and only add inspiration that fits your theme.

  • Start Early

The sooner you start planning the less overwhelming decorating becomes. This doesn’t mean you have to put your tree up in July, just start thinking of where you want what this year.

  • Choose Focal Points

For most, this will be places like a mantel, dining room or stair banister! Start there and work your way out. Not every square inch of you house needs to be decorated. Go big in your main focal areas and keep it simple everywhere else.

  • Shop

This one is EASY and might be the most fun. Hobby Lobby is probably the best place for holiday décor but there are a ton of great online options as well. You never know what you’re going to find.

  • Be Faux

Okay, not really. BUT, using faux garland in your home. You can get a few years’ worth of use out of faux garland as long as it’s stored nicely. You can always change up what color bows or beading you add to it.

  • Get Cozy

Don’t forget to set your flannel, fleece and fuzzy pillows. What’s the point of all this decorating if you can’t cozy up on the couch with some hot chocolate and enjoy the masterpiece you’ve created?

Cheers to a simple yet magical Christmas season!

 

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Buffalo Check Runner

Faux Eucalyptus

Rattan Placemats

Napkin Rings

Bridal Shower

This past Sunday I was honored with the opportunity to host one of my best friends bridal showers.

We decided that we wanted to have it during brunch hours so we could have a bagel and mimosa bar.

I have this amazing place, The Napa Deli, by my work that makes the most incredible veggie bagel (check them out)! So, I sort of stole some ideas from what they use to make theirs and our very own bagel bar was created!

The mimosa bar was easy! Champagne, juice and of course, fruit! I bought a bunch of champagne flutes from Ikea and spray painted the bottoms with chalk paint. The idea was to have everyone write their name and keep the glass as a shower favor. (I ended having a ton left over, should have made it more clear I guess LOL)

Now for the decor! My mom found me some beautiful olive branches that I used as runners and placed blush roses within it. So simple and elegant. I had the balloon hoop made by a local company, Debs’ Balloons. I also bought some flower arrangements from Costco and placed them around the house for an extra pop of color.

Enjoy some pictures…

Home Decor

I love love love to buy decor for the kitchen. It has become a room in the house I spend most of my time and money in. As most of you know I am a pretty frugal shopper. Okay well maybe not frugal but I prefer to buy things at a lesser price so that I can buy more!

I had been buying items for the kitchen well before it was complete. How could I not? Here are some of my current favorite pieces in the kitchen…

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The Kitchen sign is from Hobby Lobby

This was purchased a few weeks after the remodel was completed. I was up in Sacramento for a doctors appointment that ended up being cancelled. I was pretty frustrated at the time so of course I was in need of some retail therapy. I typed Hobby Lobby into my navigation and off I went. I really was not looking for anything in particular, this was a “omg I have the perfect spot for this, I have to have it” moment. I quickly sent a picture over to my mom for “approval”. Even though I already had it in my cart.

The valances are from none other than Target . I thought they fit perfectly with the modern farmhouse theme.

The Bar! This is a fun one.

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The shelves were made by my contractor and hung in a way that did not require any drilling into the tile back splash. (score)

The bar “equipment” was purchased through Amazon.com. I really have no clue as to how to use half of that stuff but it goes well. (just being honest)

The wine and champagne glasses purchased at my favorite, T.J. Maxx 

“Wine” sign surprisingly this I found this at CVS. While at work one day I ran over to pick up some medicine. I came across this isle full of signs and decor like this. score! If you dont already know, I love arrows.

“BAR” sign I found this one at Amazon.com It looks like it is currently unavailable but there are a ton that are very similar.

The plant tucked back there is also from T.J. Maxx . You will quickly start seeing a trend here.

The glass jar is full of wine corks. Each time a bottle of wine was opened in the house I saved the cork and put it in this little jar. I have recently had to upgrade to a bigger jar #winning. Not only does this look super cute (in my opinion) it smells AMAZING!

Island Decor (ever changing)

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Three tier stand, I looked for an item like this for sooo long. I really wanted to find one in-store in order to ensure it was big enough for the island. Unfortunately that never happened. However, I was able to find this one at Amazon.com. I was a little pricey and the quality isn’t the best, it gets the job done.

Candle, little wood sign and plant were all purchased from T.J. Maxx

The Lemons are from Michaels 

The Coffee Bar

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This are needs some love. I wish the window wasn’t there so I could add some open shelving. The fact that my Kerurig isn’t white is driving me up a wall. But, coffee….so its staying.

The white containers and the plant are from….you guessed it…T.J. Maxx I love the containers and the lids stayed sealed tightly.

This is an area I want to work on next, so stayed tuned!

Last but not least, the dining room

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This is a picture of my most recent set up. LOVE the fall colors going on in here.

The Dough bowl is from a store in Utah called Down East, SO obsessed with this store. My best friend took me here while I was visiting her. I saw this dough bowl and knew I had to get it home (we flew). I ended up checking my bag and bringing this on as a carry-on. I got it for a great deal and I am so in love with it.

I filled the bowl with pumpkins and greenery from Michael’s

The table runner, plates and napkins are all from World Market. The color of the napkins just makes my hear happy, I tied with them twine.

The table and Chairs are from a local store (cant remember the name but its by Costco)

The bench is also from World Market

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The coffee sacks are something I also was on HUNT for. I looked online for what felt like months, called stores and posted on facebook. Then one day my best friend Amber texted me telling me a local store had them. WHAT!?! I think I got in the car and drove down to Pretty N Chic right away. I really dont recall how much they were because I really didn’t care (nervous laugh). I looked up frames for this size and….wow! Not willing to spend that much on a frame right now. So I went to Walmart and picked up some poster frames (ssshhh dont tell). That right there is how the coffee sacks came to be!

The clock and the rug are both from Home Goods, super cute right? To be honest the batteries in the clock died awhile ago but its fiiineee.

The plant in the back is from Michael’s because it was 50% off and fake house plants are not cheap! (all the plants in my house are faakeee, sshhhh)

The pupper dog, Bubba. Hims a good boy and wanted to be part of the blog. I’ll probably get 100 more people following me now.

I seriously could not tell you how many times I have already re-decorated these areas. Ever-changing, just like my hair. Alright you guys, that is it for now. Hope you enjoyed and thank you for reading.