Christmas staples: Buds, twigs, branches and berries

There's nothing like the real thing for Christmas decorating.  You get to go for a little adventure in the woods with your trusty snippers, and come away with a red nose and a trunk full of inspiration.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sometimes you just have to go to your backyard, but there's a limit to happy cutting in a small space. That's where I got the materials for my front porch planters, if you don't count the leftovers from my summer planter and feathers I've recycled several times.   </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5ILUNpIi81JxJb2ILKyA7IiEpEyV4lUUolqSpajBrJLh7CopWynrigzIJLGuNEL5QkjEltz_s542ETxvHMKBJfCkNXBKYpK7JwVT6w47HgtRMciG-3_SQbJV6FWq8r73tovblBz9HMVg/s1600/close+up+planter_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Christmas planter, red dogwood, pine, " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5ILUNpIi81JxJb2ILKyA7IiEpEyV4lUUolqSpajBrJLh7CopWynrigzIJLGuNEL5QkjEltz_s542ETxvHMKBJfCkNXBKYpK7JwVT6w47HgtRMciG-3_SQbJV6FWq8r73tovblBz9HMVg/s1600/close+up+planter_01.JPG" title="Christmas staples: Buds, twigs,branches and berries" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> Hubby made me a trough box for my trunk/ottoman.  I knew what I wanted to put in it, but I couldn't hack away anything else in my yard. My sister came to the rescue.  Remember last year when I posted about her <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2013/12/a-nature-inspired-christmas.html">nature inspire Christmas</a>?  She  had already made her yearly trip for bough and twig cutting to complete her planters and agreed to take me to her spot. Bonanza.<br /><br />Here's her efforts ...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFFd8u24TdLwq45UdYPgtnvUUFGR9LMuafRXiYSrM3fPHZRgMLqSbLy5mgTPLKhVgA0w57zvbvFpOfN9V5QaUHwcUPN2RRugukAK7_mWvEd90h1uCBwxThkG5t98PBbK5x_1uPoH7Rry9/s1600/right+planter+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Christmas planter, red flowers" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFFd8u24TdLwq45UdYPgtnvUUFGR9LMuafRXiYSrM3fPHZRgMLqSbLy5mgTPLKhVgA0w57zvbvFpOfN9V5QaUHwcUPN2RRugukAK7_mWvEd90h1uCBwxThkG5t98PBbK5x_1uPoH7Rry9/s1600/right+planter+.JPG" title="Christmas staples: Buds, twigs,branches and berries" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrphRNGKVJiErY4NKg6S4g2OvTwtWBfbEqZ8TC2BcVjSgsttnWoCtFRRW1J4xOt2JUwM8AHiMKABUsZHt0oy_NF8dvV-jm-u1kqC0rk1ACIhwMJa8HlAuRWfkIa9TaCdKUZPrsLdLRem7/s1600/back+planter_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="twig vase, red flowers, yellow flowers, Christmas" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrphRNGKVJiErY4NKg6S4g2OvTwtWBfbEqZ8TC2BcVjSgsttnWoCtFRRW1J4xOt2JUwM8AHiMKABUsZHt0oy_NF8dvV-jm-u1kqC0rk1ACIhwMJa8HlAuRWfkIa9TaCdKUZPrsLdLRem7/s1600/back+planter_01.JPG" title="Christmas staples: Buds, twigs,branches and berries" width="310" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't you love that hit of yellow with the red?</div><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />Now on to my family affair project..</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_i4lXzaW7YYVuQY4Jb8y7nJ7rzzNSqIDSMDeYG8FG3JwTMQubPg5CEvOmq_HkJqxuaONRbW2Aq0JiS6faqC3tV7MvDKWc1C0PA3cO40vnuTbAiG2jw4i-XZsBQJfXwZYxgWGufGhAhWEt/s1600/mixed+metals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="gold, silver spray painted box" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_i4lXzaW7YYVuQY4Jb8y7nJ7rzzNSqIDSMDeYG8FG3JwTMQubPg5CEvOmq_HkJqxuaONRbW2Aq0JiS6faqC3tV7MvDKWc1C0PA3cO40vnuTbAiG2jw4i-XZsBQJfXwZYxgWGufGhAhWEt/s1600/mixed+metals.jpg" title="Christmas staples: Buds, twigs,branches and berries" width="400" /></a></div><br />My son sprayed the box for me with  Krylon Colormaster  in nickel.  Then I taped it off and used gold to create two stripes around the box.  I figured I may as well get with the mixed metal trend. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lqaECRyMuG7Wr4a4BdezC6I265c5KrypMpxskvCblkO9eZqtzrD6W5I8nrQ7t94A7GpvQGnKsqbSHGSgcbMQJ-ItXGgs2B_FLgcNBDqA9rYg-0edvscB6Pm2ur1oig8j-eJiJMdHUwBE/s1600/twigs-greenery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="alder twigs, fir, candles, trough box,LED candles" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lqaECRyMuG7Wr4a4BdezC6I265c5KrypMpxskvCblkO9eZqtzrD6W5I8nrQ7t94A7GpvQGnKsqbSHGSgcbMQJ-ItXGgs2B_FLgcNBDqA9rYg-0edvscB6Pm2ur1oig8j-eJiJMdHUwBE/s1600/twigs-greenery.jpg" title="Christmas staples: Buds, twigs,branches and berries" width="400" /></a></div><br />  I had three LED candles (so safe and they actually flicker- daughter tip from Costco) I wanted to use and went to the dollar store and bought seven square glasses  to put oasis in to keep the boughs fresh. The alder twigs looked a little boring so they got the spray treatment too in a mix of nickel and gold. <br />Then I began the arrangement. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaYPuFppO2Oqh7ARqAOVUBZxV01xyr-tuJxy2pBqBE7i9UDWzQKiEjF_CkK4uaCpcz6t3seIfMWe10zd_DBP5obXlzAHrLEHkBVP20ENXSHzXVcDACUl0aokkfFAAeTH5a9nCgKv236s6/s1600/bench+planter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="trough box, candles, greenery, twig balls" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaYPuFppO2Oqh7ARqAOVUBZxV01xyr-tuJxy2pBqBE7i9UDWzQKiEjF_CkK4uaCpcz6t3seIfMWe10zd_DBP5obXlzAHrLEHkBVP20ENXSHzXVcDACUl0aokkfFAAeTH5a9nCgKv236s6/s1600/bench+planter.jpg" title="Christmas staples: Buds, twigs,branches and berries" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Fresh flowers are a must anytime of year.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5gm9l48QC3Aem6RBccungF2_tQXcWu_tk9sHGWkJGy8OHOaJ9xJnBNYP5PsKEeIPpdszULH51jiISqaWTjSdRW0EV_eheB9X7n2yCi7yZE5wxWSmczZZ6RKIkMsVVIbNsXyIVJicH-e_/s1600/DSCN0809_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5gm9l48QC3Aem6RBccungF2_tQXcWu_tk9sHGWkJGy8OHOaJ9xJnBNYP5PsKEeIPpdszULH51jiISqaWTjSdRW0EV_eheB9X7n2yCi7yZE5wxWSmczZZ6RKIkMsVVIbNsXyIVJicH-e_/s1600/DSCN0809_01.JPG" width="290" /></a></div><br />A favourite vase, fluted and textured makes a stunning centerpiece on my coffee table. Nothing else is needed.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6epVyHBvGNktObFUQXF52P_umtJdhu4G9JdHyzQv2Ibe1MQ5OMmdy2KOY6Ec5kNiWvnfgrKkdPHhDukEuBsqkRULhqfEmfFNgfz012sAkb2TJJONlUGsg1D6qQnTGTHN38UB72CC8DzH/s1600/DSCN0814_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="red berry wreath, white carnations" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6epVyHBvGNktObFUQXF52P_umtJdhu4G9JdHyzQv2Ibe1MQ5OMmdy2KOY6Ec5kNiWvnfgrKkdPHhDukEuBsqkRULhqfEmfFNgfz012sAkb2TJJONlUGsg1D6qQnTGTHN38UB72CC8DzH/s1600/DSCN0814_01.JPG" title="Christmas staples: Buds, twigs,branches and berries" width="290" /></a></div><br />And my favourite berry wreath that has been in every room in the house over the years surrounds a vase of baby's breath and white carnations.  You can tell I like my flowers simple and usually white because they work anywhere with anything, especially with red.  <br /><br /><br />I was very lazy with the  dining room  additions....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbruRkAaPpmdJ-wngaPuuBJGojU6FRXMCfTo8sQnMCg6rH2yKCD_fbXEvHbiftdfVquu93oxa0cqgDXtJCThRsxuot2pH4Cyp8IZq_r4v8sYL_CZNptAexI7nl8iJgDp1IN6G-W609fyW/s1600/dining+room+vignette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="dining table vignette, white reindeer, LED candles, Norfolk pine, cranberries" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbruRkAaPpmdJ-wngaPuuBJGojU6FRXMCfTo8sQnMCg6rH2yKCD_fbXEvHbiftdfVquu93oxa0cqgDXtJCThRsxuot2pH4Cyp8IZq_r4v8sYL_CZNptAexI7nl8iJgDp1IN6G-W609fyW/s1600/dining+room+vignette.jpg" title="Christmas staples: Buds, twigs,branches and berries" width="400" /></a></div><br />I'm not a theme driven decorator, but  nature is always a staple in whatever I do.  My new purchase for 2014 was two white carved reindeer.  I always buy a green plant;  this year it is a Norfolk pine in a faux burlap container.  May it live for awhile. <br /><br />For my dining table  centrepiece I simply added some fresh cranberries to my <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2012/11/a-must-have-vase.html">Boblen vase</a>, and used it as a candle holder, added a string of red wooden beads  (at least 30 years old) and fake red berries  to the well used  vase of twigs.  In honour of the season I changed my tray to my favourite white one with the silver leaf birds and leaves. <br /><br />And wise silver bird  looks on knowingly because he's seen it all before.<br /><br />

Christmas staples: Buds, twigs, branches and berries

There's nothing like the real thing for Christmas decorating.  You get to go for a little adventure in the woods with your trusty snippe...

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At Home: Get merry and bright!

 Rituals are an important part of our lives, even if they can be boring at times.  My official marker for winter is an appointment to get the tires changed on our car.  It's happened. Winter is officially here, even if we only had a dusting of snow followed by torrential rain.<br /><br /> Each year as I  approach the end of November, Christmas creeps into my thoughts.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qNGVabOk9jqKKsfJvGqHT8N5jd-BHKIxPxhY2Ys4uQ69fNYbhyphenhyphenaOQcx9rKEQ0YlWiGbGCzl4xVnLlnjk5V2wXo5NzNl9Fwd-9krsf81ywmq6CZfDk8Au7yi4HqBZoH7YGr_erIvEpHfL/s1600/red+chair+merry+christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="red chair, Christmas sign, outside porch, Christmas decorating" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qNGVabOk9jqKKsfJvGqHT8N5jd-BHKIxPxhY2Ys4uQ69fNYbhyphenhyphenaOQcx9rKEQ0YlWiGbGCzl4xVnLlnjk5V2wXo5NzNl9Fwd-9krsf81ywmq6CZfDk8Au7yi4HqBZoH7YGr_erIvEpHfL/s1600/red+chair+merry+christmas.jpg" title="Designing Home: Get merry and bright" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/christmas/decorating/best-christmas-decorations/?sssdmh=dm17.769744&esrc=nwdc_bonus111414#page=3">source</a></span></div><br /> While I love to look at all the seasonal additions other people make to their homes, and I marvel at the time and creativity it takes to decorate, I keep things as simple as possible.  I'm a vicarious decorator,  enthralled by others' efforts and the numerous possibilities without the physical work and outlay of cash.<br /><br /> Here's a good example.<br /><br />Every time I visit my daughter's house I am greeted by her inviting red door (now there are boxwoods in the planters) ...<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RU3TV9YWjAcS5Ryx1TBHLrrb_zTKzGT16XuQ5z4JC-Ld9sHbHDPOftDor8DWr5lW5fUswfyPjhfKuJqjahVmErSvt3P73PFQtVDkx6egVI1dfLHmmn6FoYw3TDd-gzvqtR3PyDTgbgJU/s1600/photo+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="red door, front porch, Christmas decorating, " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RU3TV9YWjAcS5Ryx1TBHLrrb_zTKzGT16XuQ5z4JC-Ld9sHbHDPOftDor8DWr5lW5fUswfyPjhfKuJqjahVmErSvt3P73PFQtVDkx6egVI1dfLHmmn6FoYw3TDd-gzvqtR3PyDTgbgJU/s1600/photo+(6).JPG" title="Designing Home: Get merry and bright" width="303" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;">and covered porch large enough to have two tables, a bench (made by her dad) and a chair.  </span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy44JQ6IAPsnk7gx5_YCoMSh4_WvIEYcWIop5EtqEU_9Xy2tWHbdxvm3xbiGx0Gh_Zyyq4dbGgso7Sov61Nk7bzU8TwIVMz4qt1aMXvV_zqHRUknoYNVMY5vMfcIYFxwiyBlVo8CbSbdP2/s1600/IMG_1244+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxeZu7C-5rfUwQi1yKoJhK1PFjHGt_CR4WfnkN2eezXvXouHsMSRhqnld2y4N9THWHA1i2e_QMOqyb90ZQg0YpIvb4IReF3M6NaZOL7eg-e4eJV7yeu3gWbIU4UMiemjddLKGGPD9Mosl/s1600/photo+(5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="black and white patio, porch, outside decorating" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxeZu7C-5rfUwQi1yKoJhK1PFjHGt_CR4WfnkN2eezXvXouHsMSRhqnld2y4N9THWHA1i2e_QMOqyb90ZQg0YpIvb4IReF3M6NaZOL7eg-e4eJV7yeu3gWbIU4UMiemjddLKGGPD9Mosl/s1600/photo+(5).jpg" title="Designing Home: Get merry and bright" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: start;">This space is calling out for Christmas decorations now that the cushions are stored for the winter. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Don't get me wrong, my daughter  doesn't need my help to decorate, and she's very independent.  For the last several years she's had some great looks for her front door, but this is the first Christmas for the bench on the porch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9GTrj7OB3mAvnZtFurrIolmHgrzTXSNdKKnrfDp7J4JHKcAFhh7iGyF06fwiXSMx8-YLTs1hcHC3OLagiNinmooQ1mSPTLro5b2LXB2tbenJxLXwtB4pc6JBEGENpbHr_QUXeNEk_fg-/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="red door, DIY natural wreath, outside decorations, Christmas patio, porch" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9GTrj7OB3mAvnZtFurrIolmHgrzTXSNdKKnrfDp7J4JHKcAFhh7iGyF06fwiXSMx8-YLTs1hcHC3OLagiNinmooQ1mSPTLro5b2LXB2tbenJxLXwtB4pc6JBEGENpbHr_QUXeNEk_fg-/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" title="Designing Home: Get merry and bright" width="310" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> 2013 Wreath made from  her garden shrubs </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy44JQ6IAPsnk7gx5_YCoMSh4_WvIEYcWIop5EtqEU_9Xy2tWHbdxvm3xbiGx0Gh_Zyyq4dbGgso7Sov61Nk7bzU8TwIVMz4qt1aMXvV_zqHRUknoYNVMY5vMfcIYFxwiyBlVo8CbSbdP2/s1600/IMG_1244+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="feather wreath, red door, Christmas wreath, porch decorations" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy44JQ6IAPsnk7gx5_YCoMSh4_WvIEYcWIop5EtqEU_9Xy2tWHbdxvm3xbiGx0Gh_Zyyq4dbGgso7Sov61Nk7bzU8TwIVMz4qt1aMXvV_zqHRUknoYNVMY5vMfcIYFxwiyBlVo8CbSbdP2/s1600/IMG_1244+2.JPG" title="Designing Home: Get merry and bright" width="312" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012 Sparkle and glam wreath </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXK575F3bro2uN1TXFMYWa5SwxPNUg1r3CTUvIiOaDZW00AbfCQHCv7kHviC3FHOcsfp6LVGrUIK1Q4IquyngQCkGilhrNjF-_gbpaapg2osCb2hLBR4o7z-Xfv7yjNDVpIpCCCaLft2W4/s1600/IMG_1245+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="snowballs, planter decorations winter, outside, porch, Christmas " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXK575F3bro2uN1TXFMYWa5SwxPNUg1r3CTUvIiOaDZW00AbfCQHCv7kHviC3FHOcsfp6LVGrUIK1Q4IquyngQCkGilhrNjF-_gbpaapg2osCb2hLBR4o7z-Xfv7yjNDVpIpCCCaLft2W4/s1600/IMG_1245+3.JPG" title="Designing Home: Get merry and bright" width="297" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012 Glowing snowballs and white sparkle twigs</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">  What I liked about the feather wreath and snowball planter was its longevity into the winter months.  If you are putting effort into a project, you should aim to get the most from it. </div></div><br />This is a "what if" post... what if I had that porch.  If my daughter is reading this now, she's rolling her eyes. I'm always on about something, and in the end she'll do her own thing as daughters usually do. <br /><br />Let's start with the boxwood planters on either side of the door.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYAxtvn2JB9qGo_GtffE5HqYjEus6Iw8Snb1XSb3bnwP1QC7-S0zLSag2ByB7IzfcbO-rafXUozQ0ICJB8rRmw7Cvxd9H1xnHc8A9PLQA3QpOrF0fifpBKTMuC1Wl5dhy13ivxh6u4lIk/s1600/boxwood-+planter-Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYAxtvn2JB9qGo_GtffE5HqYjEus6Iw8Snb1XSb3bnwP1QC7-S0zLSag2ByB7IzfcbO-rafXUozQ0ICJB8rRmw7Cvxd9H1xnHc8A9PLQA3QpOrF0fifpBKTMuC1Wl5dhy13ivxh6u4lIk/s1600/boxwood-+planter-Christmas.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://henhouse.ca/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div><br />I have the cedar and my daughter has lots of silver balls.  Anchoring things because of the high winds is always a challenge.  I use tree ornaments and stick a wooden skewer  through the top and down into the soil. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUqAKp2bf0B1pAyG2B2Bq4zCw5CLjMhDnwmcT7e_F6RZdW3xqwQalxgCt23UvZr6ey2WjHBwOave7rqyLnuM4oBmqx6EK-AxXIa6SGfFWyfix00IFUmLONQtWADduoeLVpKp-h0Gefc3v/s1600/outside-foilage-berries-planter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUqAKp2bf0B1pAyG2B2Bq4zCw5CLjMhDnwmcT7e_F6RZdW3xqwQalxgCt23UvZr6ey2WjHBwOave7rqyLnuM4oBmqx6EK-AxXIa6SGfFWyfix00IFUmLONQtWADduoeLVpKp-h0Gefc3v/s1600/outside-foilage-berries-planter.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.deborahsilver.com/blog/tag/red-twig-dogwood/">source</a></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Then there's  twigs and berries to add height and colour.  This is a great solution when planters bank a door because the added height and colour would be at eye level. </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgX9l2sYT-DFrMmGSISHt1QiPylIV-IsA1UQHa0rsyClMezAhYXhlvzx5Ch2STZYui57WxbNhQmhYiv3lEy8Z5uUHNMQ-eB_PgFksMbwl0IgOg3bUDtK6fjeHQy7MWX8qNIMICju0Xz9au/s1600/bench+greenery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="porch decoration, Christmas, natural elements, silver balls" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgX9l2sYT-DFrMmGSISHt1QiPylIV-IsA1UQHa0rsyClMezAhYXhlvzx5Ch2STZYui57WxbNhQmhYiv3lEy8Z5uUHNMQ-eB_PgFksMbwl0IgOg3bUDtK6fjeHQy7MWX8qNIMICju0Xz9au/s1600/bench+greenery.jpg" title="Designing Home: Get merry and bright" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/christmas/decorating/best-christmas-decorations/?sssdmh=dm17.769744&esrc=nwdc_bonus111414#page=12"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div><br />Following the dictate that simple is best, here's an idea to build on. This is an easy look to achieve and it invites modifications.  Not sure where you would ever find  gigantic pinecones in our neck of the woods, but you could certainly carry off the rest of it and make some bright additions. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXR_0ypU1_3_HDlce1M8JvMMP0CBivaEmdt2DQLzAyyaidEDM8qmNCjwCdcDff0K1eM4sfBNDm39PEzWjZ9LxjAnPmCxnq983krL29AWoxeqCBRdPRP7j5A5J4cqDlAWeR5MA_9DVP51Lv/s1600/benchblanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="front porch, plaid blanket, natural Christmas, black bench" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXR_0ypU1_3_HDlce1M8JvMMP0CBivaEmdt2DQLzAyyaidEDM8qmNCjwCdcDff0K1eM4sfBNDm39PEzWjZ9LxjAnPmCxnq983krL29AWoxeqCBRdPRP7j5A5J4cqDlAWeR5MA_9DVP51Lv/s1600/benchblanket.jpg" title="Designing Home: Get merry and bright" width="260" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://5thandstate.blogspot.ca/2011/12/christmas-house-2012.html">source</a></span></div><br />How about a plaid blanket or plaid pillows for a nice splash of pattern and colour?  A definite considering plaid is very in this year (so I've been told).  I'm thinking about the  red plaid scarf my daughter just purchased.   It  could be folded around a summer pillow and pinned.  A piece of fabric would achieve the same look.   Presto!  Job complete - one plaid pillow.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoyU2yGnQ38d6Exq2K5tVSgRuoMpt0uQz2B-sQNLC2Poio9xQTdQjnvwepdonRdQ_nZ6bSWUEEl3X5L82qbjAXBPDnZLm4a-NzqOx-_fXGQ9YzCNqGWzQDYQTO6GW394D6-_xCKQhxAYoC/s1600/OB-plaid+pillows+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="black bench, plaid pillows, Christmas decorations, porch, " border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoyU2yGnQ38d6Exq2K5tVSgRuoMpt0uQz2B-sQNLC2Poio9xQTdQjnvwepdonRdQ_nZ6bSWUEEl3X5L82qbjAXBPDnZLm4a-NzqOx-_fXGQ9YzCNqGWzQDYQTO6GW394D6-_xCKQhxAYoC/s1600/OB-plaid+pillows+.jpg" title="Designing Home: Get merry and bright" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Here's a simple idea along those lines I just whipped up.  I know how much my daughter  loves happy little signs!  Not!  </div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">or.....</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Nj0FsNCXNqU_r0R9t75SW_du11-F0k4bp59Hgh9Oh0o1UH7qGq4C35QIFRDrAGTRbr1M0jFtw9_6F2p8Jq_s_-seEQAzkcHHgs2qp4Ddo4P3dZi9a23ofcNVGHwlj54uc5LpoWjIe-1V/s1600/burlap+pillow+christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="burlap pillow, red chair, red polka dots, porch, outside decorations" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Nj0FsNCXNqU_r0R9t75SW_du11-F0k4bp59Hgh9Oh0o1UH7qGq4C35QIFRDrAGTRbr1M0jFtw9_6F2p8Jq_s_-seEQAzkcHHgs2qp4Ddo4P3dZi9a23ofcNVGHwlj54uc5LpoWjIe-1V/s1600/burlap+pillow+christmas.jpg" title="Designing Home: Get merry and bright" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/113072921/similar?ref=error_page_redirect&filters=christmas+burlap">source </a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> you could make burlap cushion covers with stencilled polka dots (a great kid friendly project)....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">or</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOD_1ESXj099BEnJCqPen4o2hMsrx9jXE416F5HusNyiREjuUbjLBzQ356g4CugqgZEeCjyhTc2djJDqBtfLyFalotQOYrFUHqJ4hv_kZAGAjFVpD0OnB1jGktA9kifTD8Ccs_HO4HsYI/s1600/blanket+pillow+outside+christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="red pillow, red blanket, outside decorations, Christmas, porch " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOD_1ESXj099BEnJCqPen4o2hMsrx9jXE416F5HusNyiREjuUbjLBzQ356g4CugqgZEeCjyhTc2djJDqBtfLyFalotQOYrFUHqJ4hv_kZAGAjFVpD0OnB1jGktA9kifTD8Ccs_HO4HsYI/s1600/blanket+pillow+outside+christmas.jpg" title="Designing Home: Get merry and bright" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/catmomlydia/">source</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> you could use a  plain red blanket and blend it with  the summer white/black cushions for a very graphic look</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">... and </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just a few simple changes to pillows </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHM_BEETKu2z8S_Jcc76lGIb776A52crl0q0QQtFYdB01i-PTozzgddpAhxZ5lcuuqeDOT6CWXH4RpZxvd9VxJFx1nyA-VYVm19ruurmKxh-Gp4pZkk9xBDCFxXqWIz4yX_Hqy5wMNGHk/s1600/OB-Porch+at+Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHM_BEETKu2z8S_Jcc76lGIb776A52crl0q0QQtFYdB01i-PTozzgddpAhxZ5lcuuqeDOT6CWXH4RpZxvd9VxJFx1nyA-VYVm19ruurmKxh-Gp4pZkk9xBDCFxXqWIz4yX_Hqy5wMNGHk/s1600/OB-Porch+at+Christmas.jpg" width="497" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and add bright arrangements for the table.... </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIM626qq-jSM-MrS4IaoDUaneSTrVq3dWfxJaS53_5DwNDF9AL_-xGDQHg5D-tvKvUeyeuvOstEkrVzweGAIRN8Djk75zIIrxrV7ATZwGjVlxtLQMYHoDx8oFuDyRk2iGZ0stB8wc7Ohks/s1600/e9db4d8d26c24c1179a88ddcc33c198e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="outside decorations, red lantern, red table, natural Christmas, porch " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIM626qq-jSM-MrS4IaoDUaneSTrVq3dWfxJaS53_5DwNDF9AL_-xGDQHg5D-tvKvUeyeuvOstEkrVzweGAIRN8Djk75zIIrxrV7ATZwGjVlxtLQMYHoDx8oFuDyRk2iGZ0stB8wc7Ohks/s1600/e9db4d8d26c24c1179a88ddcc33c198e.jpg" title="Designing Home: Get merry and bright" width="288" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.theyellowcapecod.com/">source </a></span></div><br /><br />Then there's always lanterns and greenery for the tables.   Get the spay paint out if you already have black lanterns. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_k1sH9YNAA2xDb_V6jnzSAQU2dYo9Un-AIdj0296rxi6_cPnf271xzIf9WzB-BsDUc4ovYnhezyvrs0B_djqdreS4oXsOsZovmCeq4pe76jskRjbtox-JNct8EprWqgPB4U8HZSk-Amfx/s1600/lit+twig+balls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="natural Christmas, twig balls, outside decorations" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_k1sH9YNAA2xDb_V6jnzSAQU2dYo9Un-AIdj0296rxi6_cPnf271xzIf9WzB-BsDUc4ovYnhezyvrs0B_djqdreS4oXsOsZovmCeq4pe76jskRjbtox-JNct8EprWqgPB4U8HZSk-Amfx/s1600/lit+twig+balls.jpg" title="Designing Home: Get merry and bright" width="258" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lit twig balls are always a big hit, and they could be added to any container depending on the size.  You can also spray paint twig balls and just go with colour and no lights. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTew8gbVMAZreGdKJcNrNLXF2oNEsWyIIKiygP0-B4H_yK-nSDr4V_sC33WwBUIVmF1GUUcMNu19L6yf7FEgi6tWHPGqUJPAFIC0yawgbiSaIFigtEivq7dHFSJzjz2Ek9zUrgKDbWk6Aw/s1600/photo+(7).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="natural Christmas, red container, bird planter, winter decorations, porch " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTew8gbVMAZreGdKJcNrNLXF2oNEsWyIIKiygP0-B4H_yK-nSDr4V_sC33WwBUIVmF1GUUcMNu19L6yf7FEgi6tWHPGqUJPAFIC0yawgbiSaIFigtEivq7dHFSJzjz2Ek9zUrgKDbWk6Aw/s1600/photo+(7).jpg" title="Designing Home: Get merry and bright" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Why not take an idea from my sister Vera's  red bird themed <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2013/12/a-nature-inspired-christmas.html">Christmas pot</a> from last year?  It continued to look good for months after Christmas. </div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebWoUBH8aGgScNcLEgsZBOXZYvMkG9lCsFFtVqL-w7TFyAMKqK7mOHNXJb_5ZP-s9gNXblvzAz_A4dxss1ZuFHUtaR59XGNKcSrYtw8oNUrdF5hITVG2uPu4nyF9N6KXycdcBTGc7cvkf/s1600/skates+wreath+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="swag, door, skates, Christmas decorations" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebWoUBH8aGgScNcLEgsZBOXZYvMkG9lCsFFtVqL-w7TFyAMKqK7mOHNXJb_5ZP-s9gNXblvzAz_A4dxss1ZuFHUtaR59XGNKcSrYtw8oNUrdF5hITVG2uPu4nyF9N6KXycdcBTGc7cvkf/s1600/skates+wreath+.jpg" title="Designing Home: Get merry and bright" width="313" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.paintedhomedesigns.com/2011/12/o-u-t-d-o-o-r-c-h-r-i-s-t-m-s-d-e-c-o-r.html">source</a></span></div><br />Love the idea of skates in a swag for the front door.  This would be super easy with a red door and lot of accessible greenery on one's  property.   And I just found my daughter's  little white (now yellowish) skates in the storage room clean out!  Ideas! Ideas!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvT01G57xnOgrldq19OZI03QQB5bBDrf_P_eMdVSwAzrHGibkAsGC7_AXcHNP2QbmXWfkFeHdYqFoacOgp6qVHf670T36U9qUMBhH0uECm2J4Fmn4LsPgqfdCyxb72BZ24ixHo2O9N_wJ/s1600/wreath+bench+christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bench, wreath, Christmas decorations, outside" border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvT01G57xnOgrldq19OZI03QQB5bBDrf_P_eMdVSwAzrHGibkAsGC7_AXcHNP2QbmXWfkFeHdYqFoacOgp6qVHf670T36U9qUMBhH0uECm2J4Fmn4LsPgqfdCyxb72BZ24ixHo2O9N_wJ/s1600/wreath+bench+christmas.jpg" title="Designing Home: Get merry and bright" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Or just give in and put a  plain old wreath on the bench. How simple is that?</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">No pressure! <br /><br />What are you doing with your entry for Christmas?</div>

At Home: Get merry and bright!

 Rituals are an important part of our lives, even if they can be boring at times.  My official marker for winter is an appointment to get th...

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10 Special Painted Santas

Santas are an important part of Christmas decorating  in my house.  Rather than buying them over the years, I've enjoyed creating my painted Santas.  I began with tall wooden  Santas that stood like sentinels on my stairs each Christmas.<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxMqyOa3nkpd8UJTbTrvbpUYVsa-Fvt6SSP2etPZa6jQqzPbGSR_uN9rvkFFRcyY0MwO21F2jCQfhz0b2Q6LI5_ypV79uGiN_2kt6lpLg_ZNbi141sNe7UHgoVfgnnF-rX6z7E3zXTlUQ/s1600/DSCN9894_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="painted birdhouse santa " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxMqyOa3nkpd8UJTbTrvbpUYVsa-Fvt6SSP2etPZa6jQqzPbGSR_uN9rvkFFRcyY0MwO21F2jCQfhz0b2Q6LI5_ypV79uGiN_2kt6lpLg_ZNbi141sNe7UHgoVfgnnF-rX6z7E3zXTlUQ/s640/DSCN9894_01.JPG" title="painted birdhouse Santa " width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birdhouse Santa </td></tr></tbody></table><br />For many years  this family of Santas  provided a great topic of conversation for guests who were eager to see what the new Santa would be.  As time passed, so did  my interest in just a little too many Christmas decorations.  These  Santas now  lie in my storage room lonely, covered in dust, and  reminiscing about better times.  Perhaps they will become the illustrations for  Christmas stories for my granddaughters.  <br /><br />The Santas that still hold a special place in my heart, and get displayed on my  tree each year, are the small ornamental ones. No material was sacred: slate, driftwood, balsa wood, cinnamon sticks, light bulbs etc. . Today they all sit proudly next to glittery balls, sparkly stars and other finery.  It is never the glitz that people admire on my tree; it is always my Santas. So much for sparkle. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZRrp8jG-vSahyQ6wVTsMt7Xz9gZhTvNCnc318v4dpDXy_O2KmChEVrbzxZbPdGg6PjIss235L4tAmry-LaOFKfBA7uZLRu4fNZLh5kUEZpz-bR_DNB2E6DT4seuZHFzmlTGaCcP9YOAn/s1600/DSCN9887_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="painted Swedish Santa " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZRrp8jG-vSahyQ6wVTsMt7Xz9gZhTvNCnc318v4dpDXy_O2KmChEVrbzxZbPdGg6PjIss235L4tAmry-LaOFKfBA7uZLRu4fNZLh5kUEZpz-bR_DNB2E6DT4seuZHFzmlTGaCcP9YOAn/s640/DSCN9887_01.JPG" title="Painted Swedish Santa" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swedish Santa </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiokDBab_FQ7F5JWilxSMGwpoAooz9xXQGcR-KzLRrrnHm0ihJkkDc16JuODbnIk92R-q72n_Mjpzq1cUh-WLBy02FHJ4N4mGC_UAsIJ2vZiqUU1MwOjQsF8dnlQW62Uo_JXsMhY27HYsk/s1600/DSCN9886_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="90's Driftwood Santa Designing Home" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiokDBab_FQ7F5JWilxSMGwpoAooz9xXQGcR-KzLRrrnHm0ihJkkDc16JuODbnIk92R-q72n_Mjpzq1cUh-WLBy02FHJ4N4mGC_UAsIJ2vZiqUU1MwOjQsF8dnlQW62Uo_JXsMhY27HYsk/s640/DSCN9886_01.JPG" title="90's Driftwood Santa " width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driftwood Santa </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KBVO27MVMgTkGySHWslJ69Lv5WBaef9IHSL36rUduGC97N66zhwSX0RWYeh6HejHQfipu06jh-_dA4DSe6BNZ6rfvfTdc5sy9pvQBwlBUEABBkuzUkGV4N3rP100ZKxPTi4vhUdTQwx1/s1600/DSCN9884_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Holly painted Santa Designing Home" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KBVO27MVMgTkGySHWslJ69Lv5WBaef9IHSL36rUduGC97N66zhwSX0RWYeh6HejHQfipu06jh-_dA4DSe6BNZ6rfvfTdc5sy9pvQBwlBUEABBkuzUkGV4N3rP100ZKxPTi4vhUdTQwx1/s640/DSCN9884_01.JPG" title="Margaret Ryall holly Santa " width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holly Santa </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOi0eOsDmC3R57TL0Zg0cg598eD6fIsyQkZUYcxZ44OCFBKuLgGf2-AvCu71HJlj4JnPZJPbM953aJAhsQ-QSTlYYxuGLSNI9NXjVE3gODlfbCDO-5Z87ORmsDf44OQaqaMBnntLDOvZP/s1600/DSCN9880_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="painted Santa striped Designing Home" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOi0eOsDmC3R57TL0Zg0cg598eD6fIsyQkZUYcxZ44OCFBKuLgGf2-AvCu71HJlj4JnPZJPbM953aJAhsQ-QSTlYYxuGLSNI9NXjVE3gODlfbCDO-5Z87ORmsDf44OQaqaMBnntLDOvZP/s640/DSCN9880_01.JPG" title="Striped Santa Margaret Ryall" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Striped Santa </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFG9kdnYe5NqkkRdeIkEgsWOgaMBcCo29J7amrVc4aB9le8F9CaHqz2IbBsTQhwAgw_n5JN9vUGi9EHADK_MKOa980U5ctjlGrIqqpJg-Nfi9O5tXaaMF1masSUo7pyMCinbHY0xNB8-f/s1600/DSCN9879_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="painted Santa Designing Home" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFG9kdnYe5NqkkRdeIkEgsWOgaMBcCo29J7amrVc4aB9le8F9CaHqz2IbBsTQhwAgw_n5JN9vUGi9EHADK_MKOa980U5ctjlGrIqqpJg-Nfi9O5tXaaMF1masSUo7pyMCinbHY0xNB8-f/s640/DSCN9879_01.JPG" title="Green Eyed Santa Margaret Ryall" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green eyed Santa </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVF8uik_HiaTglxpF8lbeE25GDcp4L65wRRalwl3HSrAOG4O7XTYJyJvnEv0eEtoPGRUeRr6d4hLdLlKue-ccJaieLngx0F0_WDma8S6fNxXMkpkIJLk-uAHUBmBBCDRYtrwNGauPlcs2/s1600/DSCN9863_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="painted Santa Margaret Ryall" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVF8uik_HiaTglxpF8lbeE25GDcp4L65wRRalwl3HSrAOG4O7XTYJyJvnEv0eEtoPGRUeRr6d4hLdLlKue-ccJaieLngx0F0_WDma8S6fNxXMkpkIJLk-uAHUBmBBCDRYtrwNGauPlcs2/s640/DSCN9863_01.JPG" title="Light bulb Santa Margaret Ryall" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Light bulb Santa </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YoPFf9EWPxDsfgp5xNFTAgq60ItcYZsUGSfHxITN3YfC_UZxZWyc_VjNB_f4WRoqwcznSFI0U95NyyAPOA2VkK94utjpAHEQpNavxB5k8g2yL08C-BFt5-MLgwA54QD4Y5EZz-tXQ4-S/s1600/DSCN9888_01.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YoPFf9EWPxDsfgp5xNFTAgq60ItcYZsUGSfHxITN3YfC_UZxZWyc_VjNB_f4WRoqwcznSFI0U95NyyAPOA2VkK94utjpAHEQpNavxB5k8g2yL08C-BFt5-MLgwA54QD4Y5EZz-tXQ4-S/s640/DSCN9888_01.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long Beard Santa</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTbH2lnz0ElKgvu5DogRRrg73NBVBandoUso83CmGDYuluXJucHJFNUkORVOlFulDKuuiCbygHYdd900Xf_wAsCQhetuwXX0YfJkL0ERwuOQz-5M23Lo84OEtFwR-yj5yyjST1tSkk_oH/s1600/DSCN9890_01.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="painted Santa Margaret Ryall" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTbH2lnz0ElKgvu5DogRRrg73NBVBandoUso83CmGDYuluXJucHJFNUkORVOlFulDKuuiCbygHYdd900Xf_wAsCQhetuwXX0YfJkL0ERwuOQz-5M23Lo84OEtFwR-yj5yyjST1tSkk_oH/s640/DSCN9890_01.JPG" title="Santa Blue Eyes " width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Slate Santa Blue Eyes</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhCKSjQKc4K_SfU4_JBqrvUhf4-jR5XKP_rMPzQKqopHMecceVzjUQoexfw5QWcNsEoXHJkt_-WChzB-_PIy-sLK4-cyLgPff_swlqckmWyoCKOXjBX01NnFQ0VR_6nzzk46hNMNvEEW6/s1600/DSCN9904_01.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="painted Santa " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhCKSjQKc4K_SfU4_JBqrvUhf4-jR5XKP_rMPzQKqopHMecceVzjUQoexfw5QWcNsEoXHJkt_-WChzB-_PIy-sLK4-cyLgPff_swlqckmWyoCKOXjBX01NnFQ0VR_6nzzk46hNMNvEEW6/s640/DSCN9904_01.JPG" title="Santa Don" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Santa Don </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnjsQNHICsCxmesTBq5tsIZVCP9YoaznAVdFtsodH6crg_tFcX_58P7PtO_R5-1gBf_DAWmzJ0yfjm1vM88mdPEQBQD26eUd3Ly8X3ftUWeT7J164mx8IKyttii0ejyCloKIgIkoLPIU8/s1600/DSCN9899_01.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="painted Santa " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnjsQNHICsCxmesTBq5tsIZVCP9YoaznAVdFtsodH6crg_tFcX_58P7PtO_R5-1gBf_DAWmzJ0yfjm1vM88mdPEQBQD26eUd3Ly8X3ftUWeT7J164mx8IKyttii0ejyCloKIgIkoLPIU8/s640/DSCN9899_01.JPG" title="Cinnamon Santa " width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinnamon Santa </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>What special ornaments hold a place in your yearly  Christmas decor?

10 Special Painted Santas

Santas are an important part of Christmas decorating  in my house.  Rather than buying them over the years, I've enjoyed creating my pai...

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Christmas, Christmas, Christmas

I love repetition as a statement and it is a powerful vehicle for impact  in art and design.  As you get ready for the coming season perhaps  you would like some inspiration. These images illustrate simple, doable Christmas decor with an emphasis on repetition. Of course Pinterest is the go to site now for ideas of any kind.  These and more ideas  can be found on my  <a href="http://pinterest.com/mryall/tis-the-season/">Tis the Season</a> folder.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgkGdL6HMq43VKAq8VuAGzGrP6nA2SSf-4xJ9eEfQ3dTDkQRQkHUFrAw7XvwlehbfPLtOd1i8EtS595MHLYSiCUWrrRfEZa7vZQsd3bTwwEUjCKrQlzqO4Pe6hSMx1hwAdwbFsRofCgg9/s1600/171277592049697719_L5OXenoc_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgkGdL6HMq43VKAq8VuAGzGrP6nA2SSf-4xJ9eEfQ3dTDkQRQkHUFrAw7XvwlehbfPLtOd1i8EtS595MHLYSiCUWrrRfEZa7vZQsd3bTwwEUjCKrQlzqO4Pe6hSMx1hwAdwbFsRofCgg9/s400/171277592049697719_L5OXenoc_c.jpg" width="312" /></a> </div>So simple and effective.  I think this works because of its lack of colour and sparkle against the metal tray.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstqmO5pa-5PZR9mCJ7fg76bT1m2Bh38_khYlwfz4Qrn5gQcyp7ocFvd3XB8uSK5Hj-34kXbQzZbEdfD44SD8MDbrMWmM0bLbBsPFa3gMMSHp9D9vEZycU2SYLdkQ8MYDxkYsDiYq-YIfJ/s1600/75927943687341501_Cnqu5FGl_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstqmO5pa-5PZR9mCJ7fg76bT1m2Bh38_khYlwfz4Qrn5gQcyp7ocFvd3XB8uSK5Hj-34kXbQzZbEdfD44SD8MDbrMWmM0bLbBsPFa3gMMSHp9D9vEZycU2SYLdkQ8MYDxkYsDiYq-YIfJ/s400/75927943687341501_Cnqu5FGl_c.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>  How simple is this?  Jingle bells, and white candles on a rectangular white tray.  The variations are endless. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkLxvRToxdTpoO3Y7OmdZYUVlgrARgV98lbfRQB2lmsKbV6BRGtqKHMfzjs0EllCclecOXUQTP9FfXNFb0AOv4ERXW1NmNgZ6R5h0DlwW3qrYkKGHMVuoyEq4Ea59dpjQ2HuUBSBv807s/s1600/18295942205832444_utRuSmnq_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkLxvRToxdTpoO3Y7OmdZYUVlgrARgV98lbfRQB2lmsKbV6BRGtqKHMfzjs0EllCclecOXUQTP9FfXNFb0AOv4ERXW1NmNgZ6R5h0DlwW3qrYkKGHMVuoyEq4Ea59dpjQ2HuUBSBv807s/s400/18295942205832444_utRuSmnq_c.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>  Pick your choice with this one. Greenery with candles or bulbs in sets of three or four.  I think I would stick to one or the other so it would get noticed more. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWiZJDovYtx2ECeb7WpuZjzTgZwbCzwqQEYFvCunaHCZwkX6zHsiuw-4Wg-r6C9fsOaZoFvjScFggKOUBiLnX9YA7rjVpf-hZU2Uma0SLYFur14F0uNTEhMkagI1n4UFWvjugissu70QyF/s1600/77335318572530880_HHo0HnLX_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWiZJDovYtx2ECeb7WpuZjzTgZwbCzwqQEYFvCunaHCZwkX6zHsiuw-4Wg-r6C9fsOaZoFvjScFggKOUBiLnX9YA7rjVpf-hZU2Uma0SLYFur14F0uNTEhMkagI1n4UFWvjugissu70QyF/s400/77335318572530880_HHo0HnLX_c.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> Boxwood wreath with slim tapers massed in the middle.  These little candles and holders usually in clear glass are often found at dollar stores. You could also drill holes of appropriate size in a piece of wood and cover it with aluminum foil for safety. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xFmtakATlkFFKU5WJYRJEPJ_Ccc26PoAJDoOvOLN1OTT-4bOEDzx_aEgp4e4qA9_QxBzr2_8Nx9AY6Fbtq7gEGFXrXWJlHYIOutjBcCUtMAp7AkqWcUQO7lx0Ue4Mu8QyxWjT0YWSlcv/s1600/175921929165824896_uq1XqodM_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xFmtakATlkFFKU5WJYRJEPJ_Ccc26PoAJDoOvOLN1OTT-4bOEDzx_aEgp4e4qA9_QxBzr2_8Nx9AY6Fbtq7gEGFXrXWJlHYIOutjBcCUtMAp7AkqWcUQO7lx0Ue4Mu8QyxWjT0YWSlcv/s400/175921929165824896_uq1XqodM_b.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>  While this isn't specifically  Christmas decor it offers all kinds of ideas about a similar shelf and a repetition of objects for different seasons. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFIG0jtsxaVJoaPauE1UYW7jSv2YlOhwCWkQ9ft2KfYc4KWR6CP9PVIQZOFs3vxmDebAPoD1gxvq1LPpYn5ho_A4O6fi3gotXRd_mhN4LXa7CMfM9Pgq7d_inrqkaKRibNdqoogq2SrZy/s1600/194288171396079426_GkIe0ZVI_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFIG0jtsxaVJoaPauE1UYW7jSv2YlOhwCWkQ9ft2KfYc4KWR6CP9PVIQZOFs3vxmDebAPoD1gxvq1LPpYn5ho_A4O6fi3gotXRd_mhN4LXa7CMfM9Pgq7d_inrqkaKRibNdqoogq2SrZy/s400/194288171396079426_GkIe0ZVI_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Love this idea for over a sofa.  Using those plastic snowflakes you can pick up cheaply and gluing them in a circle with  hot glue.  Velvet ribbon  is a must for the look.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFBwdjCLBm-Vauv7vUxqIq6AgwwZJGnG_x4mPS6QjWKgpDx_Mk0hQZC1dS02DDKdLz6XNXzQa6q7k9R2GNSLlUYuJPlXLz_dL3juxIDmWAXY4kDzIGtoc1hTKPwUl1miQI8KMmvx5GIXZ/s1600/211458144973423878_OMpRjiR8_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFBwdjCLBm-Vauv7vUxqIq6AgwwZJGnG_x4mPS6QjWKgpDx_Mk0hQZC1dS02DDKdLz6XNXzQa6q7k9R2GNSLlUYuJPlXLz_dL3juxIDmWAXY4kDzIGtoc1hTKPwUl1miQI8KMmvx5GIXZ/s400/211458144973423878_OMpRjiR8_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> And don't you just love the repetition of gold vases and two shapes of trees?  Gold is so coming back in vogue.  <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hZOmT52dgcoAq_gE9eXxW2ZKoMo2nVtOXlBfHU3Np7_3blcWotxIw0Klb7DQaV2M0XvjaqqA8lTOCvqUlGgKCgswmU0Ck6RJY5W6pHNpA7JGoBUpjRL-Xtlx73PfnKdmLYVE8ij2nZ_E/s1600/207165651580764062_HofDhlp0_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hZOmT52dgcoAq_gE9eXxW2ZKoMo2nVtOXlBfHU3Np7_3blcWotxIw0Klb7DQaV2M0XvjaqqA8lTOCvqUlGgKCgswmU0Ck6RJY5W6pHNpA7JGoBUpjRL-Xtlx73PfnKdmLYVE8ij2nZ_E/s400/207165651580764062_HofDhlp0_c.jpg" width="266" /></a></div> Another set of four but this time using very rustic pots with moss, greenery and candles.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgherPV2BfZNRi83oDTSP0JtxUbvMalj13Ktb0v3LqV1_BVI-YE2Hv8oZgXpM8FGcU1JUfWkI2FopHFATAlbddie_47ypD5xIeqS5iwH6kw0BRxaXZQAeSK_LZIT_nlTB78kVgRw49tKLan/s1600/280067670546657673_mqswLk1O_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgherPV2BfZNRi83oDTSP0JtxUbvMalj13Ktb0v3LqV1_BVI-YE2Hv8oZgXpM8FGcU1JUfWkI2FopHFATAlbddie_47ypD5xIeqS5iwH6kw0BRxaXZQAeSK_LZIT_nlTB78kVgRw49tKLan/s400/280067670546657673_mqswLk1O_c.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5H-fpfyFWIUnUQpGQnbzW2BRRE3lZyOnbHkRkyYulOfCP1rtfmcF-qu6xm8-LLAZ7A6vb7TeqIYvsnuTf-hefPyvez43XTw00cZ5DNdyROd6ZV9M7LpNnvOyRLW4HTccu9khWezYNKBw/s1600/65443000806301157_QKNwh71L_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5H-fpfyFWIUnUQpGQnbzW2BRRE3lZyOnbHkRkyYulOfCP1rtfmcF-qu6xm8-LLAZ7A6vb7TeqIYvsnuTf-hefPyvez43XTw00cZ5DNdyROd6ZV9M7LpNnvOyRLW4HTccu9khWezYNKBw/s400/65443000806301157_QKNwh71L_c.jpg" width="298" /></a></div> Lanterns of different shapes and heights can be used with all sorts of seasonal decor.  I think they are handy to have around for  year around use.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVpkaVejWb8jduT4BrG_uC16XBVLusyGgF50LzP9doaim9vxyQD3Flc-hhekKTTp41FPMsFmgWVctkcImMOZntCwpYaMDEgmKyBPDjB16Z7IpZs_q0vkeiD6SWzDLQkTkDHbsj4uezOrj/s1600/171277592050124140_XU15fOPU_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVpkaVejWb8jduT4BrG_uC16XBVLusyGgF50LzP9doaim9vxyQD3Flc-hhekKTTp41FPMsFmgWVctkcImMOZntCwpYaMDEgmKyBPDjB16Z7IpZs_q0vkeiD6SWzDLQkTkDHbsj4uezOrj/s400/171277592050124140_XU15fOPU_c.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> Love white and blue at Christmas.  Add in the sparkle of silver ornaments and the scene is set. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkP9TBDd8tkqW7gHIea2K1rn5iiwz8cHB64AAzlhgEzHJCB3qfMUkfon4QCZ_FNnz_vLjctY3SXr-_2LF27XFEByS8JoimwAUuHjNKz0ahyphenhyphenX1WxzU8EzihzvMwbTQ-GEm8WOtoQYMdWGy/s1600/243827767295248143_O1CYyo8f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkP9TBDd8tkqW7gHIea2K1rn5iiwz8cHB64AAzlhgEzHJCB3qfMUkfon4QCZ_FNnz_vLjctY3SXr-_2LF27XFEByS8JoimwAUuHjNKz0ahyphenhyphenX1WxzU8EzihzvMwbTQ-GEm8WOtoQYMdWGy/s400/243827767295248143_O1CYyo8f_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Remember that you can hang wreaths almost anywhere. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you missed last year's posts about Christmas decorations check them out <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2011/12/making-christmas-sparkle.html">here</a> for my house,  <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2011/12/christmas-decorating-for-your-table.html">for your table</a>,   <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2011/12/christmas-decorating-12-unique-wreaths.html">wreaths</a>,and  <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2011/12/christmas-decorating-mini-trees.html">mini trees .  </a></div>

Christmas, Christmas, Christmas

I love repetition as a statement and it is a powerful vehicle for impact  in art and design.  As you get ready for the coming season perhaps...

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