Out-of-the-Box Vintage Christmas Tree and "The Mystery Box"

One of the first things I do as I start thinking about an upcoming season or holiday is to start with Pinterest and spend time reviewing past posts and photos. We all have pics from Pinterest that we consider our favorites; those that come to mind each season. For me they are in the "vintage" category and I revisit them each year for a fresh new look and take on décor themes and ideas that I can include in my own seasonal décor.

Decorating with Spring Naturals

Hi Friends, hope you're having a wonderfully warm and sunny weekend. So maybe not everyone will be... but hope it's a good one. We're doing a few "house things" and I want to get the back porch at least swept out of leaves that have been congregating there all winter. I'm loving all the Spring Inspiration that's out here and I've put together a few Spring-y natural vignettes to get things looking optimistically like Winter may be over and done with.

Weekend Inspiration and a Valentine Linky Invitation

Hi Friends, January was definitely a gray and gloomy month here in Missouri. We were cold and icy most of the time and the first part of February has been the same. I gave my decor a rest during January with mostly neutrals, but I've enjoyed bringing out the romantic reds and pinks of Valentine's Day. I have a few more Valentine vignettes to share with you all before next week, so here are a few pics from the top of the cookbook nook in the Hearth Room.

The Irish Cupboard

It's time to do a little celebrating the Irish way,

so I thought I'd try something a little different this year,

and share some decor inspiration with an iconic kitchen staple

...the Irish Cupboard.

Paperwhites, Fresh or Faux?

I've had this little obsession with Paperwhites for about 10 years now. There is just something so pristine and snowy fresh about a grouping of them. In the past I would buy around a hundred bulbs each season close to Halloween and start the planting process. That was the fun part, I've planted bulbs in everything from Santa Mugs to Antique Ironstone Tureens to the re-purposed clear glass jars that candles come in from Bath and Body Works. I love them and never get tired of them.

Summer Favorites: Ticking Stripes and Sunflowers

I found the most wonderful antique ticking stripe settee last week while browsing the web, but I was using my IPad and it was in the wee hours of the morning. I was having trouble when I tried to PIN things, so I couldn't find the image until just now. But all the hunting I did for it got my inspiration going once more for one of my favorite seasonal combos...all things Ticking Stripe and Florals... Mainly bouquets and arrangements with Sunflowers. So I thought I'd share with you some photos that just say "Summer" to me...

This is a photo from Worthy Goods Blog from 2014.

Crazy how seeing something can make such a big impression.

This had me on the hunt for some Ticking Fabric.

If you get a minute drop by for more inspiring show photos.

Not So Boring Shell Decor Inspiration

After posting my last post on my Seashell Entry Vignette, I got to looking through Pinterest for some other ideas using seashells. If you're like me, you may have boxes or tubs filled with loose shells from long ago vacations that are screaming to be used in something fun, beautiful, and inspirational. I've made some collages of random images to give you some ideas. Once I saw all these I realized how easily I can get into a predictable and "boring" place. So enjoy and let your creative imagination go. I think the easiest might be to just take the tealight out of it's metal container and place in the shell for some quick romantic Summer ambiance.

In Praise of Plaid

Plaid is my go-to for Christmas.

I like to keep it simple, and that's what Tartan Plaid gives me.

The Tartan Plaid fabrics bring an instant festive Christmas flair.

Here are a few pics to share the Tartan Love...

A concrete statue becomes a Christmas Cherub.

Container Planter Inspiration

I was starting from scratch this year when it came to getting containers planted. Up until last year, I had Geraniums that were 5 and 6 years old, as I would winter them in our basement. So last week I went looking for some container pot inspiration. I was mostly interested in plant varieties that would work for full sun. I do have some shady spaces that I will get to later, but my first round has been for the deck, lower patio, and a large concrete container for the front courtyard.

Just what I need....

So here's my latest addition to the sitting area. A pitchfork...only to be used if the hubby starts getting smarty pants. Seriously, don't we all need a pitchfork in our kitchen? And don't you love that big crack that runs down the length of the side on the armoire? It will be on my "to paint"and repair list as soon as we find a house.

I've had a slight obsession with French Country Garden Goods, and I've been on the lookout for old gardening tools. With all the "stuff" hubbs and I have been dealing with since the end of last year, really... garden tools are the last thing I need.

Just ask him...

he'll let you know.

But I have this mental fantasy that I'll have a garden room again 

and that I can decorate it with all kinds of frenchy garden things.

I've realized it's important to keep some "dreaming" alive

even if it seems impossible at the moment.

Here's the French Inspired Garden Frame from my last post.

I have other old tools hanging out in our garage.

One that I found was an old bulb planter that I'll share later,

I plan on using it...

eventually.

Right now I need to just not be tripping over them,

or have them in a place where hubbs actually has to see or deal with them.

Why can't guys realize that sometimes we just have to go with our gut?

In hubby's defense, 

he was the one that had to pack box after box of my old garden junk.

when I was out of commission.

He's reached his limit, I'm pretty sure.

I found these breadboards at Antique Farmhouse.

And I've had some of you ask about my basket full of linens...

do my kitties nap there?

They are a lazy couple of cats,

but I've never seen them in there.

shhhh...don't tell them...

Here is a collage of pics from my French Garden Fantasy over at Pinterest.

Hope you're having a wonderful week. We're having a cool-down like a lot of you. Perfect for me, I'm not a fan of the heat. The older I get, the less I like to sweat.

Joining in on these great parties:

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
It's a Party at DIY by Design

xoxo,

Add a Little Plaid...

For Some Instant Christmas Decor

Tartan and Christmas Plaids are one of my decorating "go-tos" for the Holiday Season...always have been. It's pretty easy to add some plaid for some instant Christmas Cheer. The red's, greens, and whites, are iconic additions to any style decor; from traditional, to modern, to country. Each year I try to incorporate a little plaid into my decorating scheme. Even an all white space can be given some Christmas flair with a little plaid on top!

(My Dining Room is starting to look a little like Christmas!)

This is one of my favorite Christmas Decor images;

White lanterns with some greenery and a sassy red ribbon.

I've ordered white lanterns and I hope that Santa

 brings them on his truck this week!

All the following photo images can be found on my 

Pinterest Board, Christmas Plaid,

please wait to pin them by going to that site. 

Thanks so much!

Here are some great ideas for your Christmas Table.

Mixing plaids even adds to the fun.

Let it greet your guests in the Entry.

Dress up a mantel with just a few bows.

Take a ribbon and run it through your vignette or tablescape.

Wrapping Packages

Drape a wool plaid blanket on the bed or sofa for instant "Christmas"!

So much fun when it's "Out On the Porch"...

Here are a few pics from my sunporch last year.

 

Vintage lunchbuckets and containers 

are perfect for setting the mood with flowers and greenery.

Thank you, to so many wonderful ideas

 from such talented people!

Several images have been borrowed from

  Celebrating Everyday Life and Savvy City Farmer.

All the images in this post are found in my Pinterest Board

Christmas Plaid

Please go to Pinterest and Pin these images from their source.

I don't want to infringe on any original design or images,

just wanted to share them with all of you.

thanks so much!


Joining in with these parties:

Favorites on the First at The Polohouse
Amaze Me Monday at Dwellings
Mod Mix Monday at Mod Vintage Life
Inspire Me at A Stroll Thru Life
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm
Tweak it Tuesday at Cozy Little House
The Scoop at Cedar Hill Farmhouse
Tuesday's Treasures at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Hope you're having a wonderful Thanksgiving Weekend!

xoxo,

Today's Sponsor
Bel Monili
is having a sale until Midnight 11/30
use code BF2013
 for 25% off orders over $35