Christmas Cheer Using What’s On Hand…

It seems I start decorating for Christmas earlier and earlier these days. I always have a house full of relatives for Thanksgiving, and I like having it out of the way before it gets busy around here. Its also cozy having our turkey dinner by the tree.

I try to use what’s on hand, so I don’t go out and blow money on decorations for two months out of the year. I’ve accumulated quite a lot of holiday stuff over the years though. A lot of it I made or repurposed.

My artificial tree in the living room was one that I bought for my Urban Farmhouse suite last year. I got it for $40 while out thrifting! Its full, classic and stands over 10 feet tall.

 

I wanted to do something really relaxed and whimsical for the mantel this year. I had a large vintage frame that I used as a chalkboard at Urban Farmhouse over the years. I originally planned to use the chalkboard and write a cute saying on it in white chalk, but then I kept thinking about the subway art that’s so in right now.

I found this great Free Printable Christmas Subway Art that I thought would be perfect for the frame. You can get it here.

Some of the other things I had on hand were vintage decorations that I just used in a new way this year.

  

For the formal living and sitting room, I wanted to keep it a little more sophisticated…again, just adding touches with things I had on hand.

 

The tree in our front room was another great find on Craigslist. It was still sealed in the box and was originally purchased for a model home that sold before the holidays. I think I’ll try one of those no-sew ruffle tree skirts I keep seeing on Pinterest….the one in the picture is too dinky for this tree.

 

I always like extending the décor into other rooms in the house in small doses as well, including the bedroom.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving Holiday!!!

Time for Christmas Cards!

Its that time again…and for those of you with young kids, you know that Christmas cards aren’t the same without pictures!

I used to pay for photography sessions, but after investing in a good camera for Urban Farmhouse, I decided to try my luck at my own mini photo sessions with my favorite subject, Nikolas.

Yesterday morning I took Nikolas to a really cool area over by our local library to see if we could get a good shot or two for our card this year.

Drum roll please….I think we found a winner!

Aside from the one above, I got some other really great shots, just letting him discover the area and get silly with me.

  

Before I knew it, I had dozens of great shots that I can now use for grandparent gifts! (Busy moms gotta love multi-tasking!)

 

  

(The G.Q. Pose!!!)

 

 

Here’s My Amateur Photography Pointers:

1. When photographing kids, let them lead you and take cues…if they wanna get silly, let them get silly…personality is the key to great pictures!

2. For outside shots, overcast weather is best (no squinty eyes and shadows!).

3. I don’t have an expensive lense, but I do rely on an editing program to get cool effects. (I use Picasa and Picnik….it’s free and super easy to use!!!)

4. Don’t overload on props…keep it simple for timeless photos.

5. Snap Away! I took 500 pictures in 35 minutes, but got the shots I wanted and then some.

Most importantly…have fun!

We laughed so hard we had tears streaming down our faces by the end of the shoot. Then we went to have milk shakes and hamburgers together. It was a great date with my boy. In twenty years from now when I look back at these pictures, I know I’ll feel the happiness of our day.

 

Good Luck! Now, go out and make some memories with your kiddos!

A Farmhouse Christmas

We're definately walking in a winter wonderland lately over at the Farmhouse! Thanks to all who came out to our Christmas Event weekend! It's always fun getting to chat with new customers and see familiar faces. With all the sweet comments about the new Christmas decor this weekend, I got inspired last night to create a few snowy friends.

The Handmade Vintage-Inspired Snowman Collection. They will be making their debut in store today! $15 each.

More pictures of vintage holiday goodies to come soon! (Or come in for a visit to see more!)

The Versatile Lantern....to be used throughout the year

Lanterns have become really popular in the last few years. Just skim the pages of a Pottery Barn catalog and you'll see what I mean. They are also one of my "staples" when it comes to seasonal decorating. Just see what I mean!

1. Halloween through Thanksgiving
Use the lanterns to flank the sides of your entryway admist hay bales, gourds and fall garland.

This year I used a lantern in my Halloween Mantel decor with crumpled book pages and a flameless flickering candle inside.

2. Christmas through New Year's

Fill the lanterns with candles on the porch or even inside on the bottom steps of the staircase. Tie holiday ribbon and ornaments to the handle and nestle a candle among cranberries or faux snow inside.

3. Springtime

Use the lanterns in your spring decor by incorporating bird nests with speckled robin's eggs, bright green moss and garden stones as fillers.

4. A Coastal Summer

Starfish, white sand and seashells will freshen up your lanterns for summer. Try tying thick braided rope from the handles for a nautical feel.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland...

If you live in Dallas and you wished for a White Christmas....you got it this year! It was just beautiful. Here are some pictures of our snowy holiday.

Hope you had a Magical Day!