Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas!

The Stockings Are Hung

I like to get Christmas decorations up as early as I can, so I can enjoy them as long as I can. We had a great time finding new homes for our decorations. Did i mention we have two trees. They are small and artificial but I figure why have one when you can have two? Maybe next year we will have a real tree as well. But for now, stockings are hung, presents are wrapped, halls are decked, cards are sent.

I have also been enjoying entertaining in our new home immensely. We hosted two Christmas parties this week and the hostess in me is very satisfied. I have been surprisingly and wonderfully busy with work as well so this month has been quite a juggling act amidst the hustle and bustle but I'm loving every minute!

Sleigh Bells Ring...

Are you listening? Christmas is around the corner, ready or not!  I have started preparing myself by thinking about decorating my new home for the holidays.  We have plenty of room for a big tree - may two! 

I have the opportunity from Red Envelope, who I met down at the BlogHer convention, to review a few of their items on my blog.  One of these is a personalized ornament.  This particular one is so simplistic yet classy, I know it's going to fit right into my decor. 

I chose the personlized inscription to be "The Ward Family" "2011" since it is the first Christmas my husband, our cat and I are spending in our new house and I wanted to commemorate it.

They certainly do offer other styles and options so I recommend go checking it out.  These would make fabulous presents! 

Red Envelope has a whole assortment of great gift ideas!  I'm going to go do a little browsing...

Last Minute

Much to my relief, I am all finished with my Christmas shopping.  I know that some of you are deciding to brave the crowds today and tomorrow to find that perfect gift.  Well, in case you didn't get an email this morning from Z Gallery announcing their sale of up to 70% off great gift items, I'm telling you this place seems like a one stop shop!  I found all kinds of deals that I wouldn't mind Santa leaving under my tree.  Take a look:

I thought this floor screen with votives was so unique:

So fly over to your closest Z Gallerie or shop online to snag these great deals! No need to thank me for finding the solution to your shopping stress :)  Merry Christmas!

Images from Z Gallerie

Merry Christmas!

I hope your Christmas is wonderful! This fog is as close as we get to a White Christmas where I'm at in California.

Christmas is coming...

So since the Christmas shopping season is officially open, I thought I would share a few places that are great for little gifts and stocking stuffers.

Top of the list I put Restoration Hardware. Every year I am surprised to find fun gifts that are reasonably priced that are usually have something for people of all ages. Such as...


Just to show a few...

Also worth stopping by are Pier 1 Imports and Cost Plus world Market. They always have surprises waiting for me. I bought myself a bauble ring from Pier 1 of all places! Both usually have little gifty items great for filling up those stockings.

Happy Shopping!

Merry Christmas!

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!

This year, I was asked by my mother to embellish her chandeliers in her dining room and nook.

We used rich brown and golds in the dining room to accent the dark green walls. In the nook, red and golds accented with hearts in the Swedish tradition and glittery red apples bring life to the bustling nook. The kitchen/nook is always the hub of activity during the holidays.



My apologies for the quality of pictures. I am literally going out tomorrow to buy a new camera.

Merry Christmas!