HomeHomeHomeHomeHome

Thursday, December 18, 2008

More Holiday Decorations


My absolute favorite part of my holiday decor is our Christmas tree. Several years ago I had a rare brainstorm and came up with the idea to print photos of my family and friends in sepia tones on parchment paper and hang the pictures on our tree with raffia. The idea was to create a "family tree" and it quickly became a tradition. All of my friends and family members end up on the tree every year and it's gotten to the point where party guest wonders "if they'll make the tree next year". I just print my favorite pictures on parchment paper in a sepia tone, cut them out and tie them on the tree. Party guests always have fun trying to find themselves on the tree from year to year.



Do you remember one of my first posts when I blogged about my favorite auction find: "Pearl"? Doesn't she look pretty all decked out for the holidays in her custom wreath, rhinestones and pearls?

Over the entertainment center I continued the branches, evergreens and ornaments theme I started in the living room. This time I used a rusty old urn for the base, added the branches, painted JOY (my personal mantra) over an old oil painting I got at an auction for $10 with chalk board paint, propped up a beat up old suitcase and some vintage photos and I was done.


I always hang the sled my husband spent many an Ohio winter on as a kid over the mantel. Covered up the mantel shelf with more evergreen, magnolia leaves, pine cones and white lights, and added a string of cranberry beads to hang photos of the my boys with Santa over the years. Our tree is much smaller this year so I tossed the leftover photos into a galvanized bucket and hung it on an old meat hook.


The coffee table was a recent estate sale find and it's enormous! I think it's an old school table that was cut down to coffee table size. My kids think we could hold a dance on it it's so big! I threw a piece of burlap over it, added an old tool carrier filled with greens and the family room was finished!

I hope you enjoyed the photos! Come back tomorrow to see the rest of the house.

9 comments:

Maisy said...

Hi Gail~
I really love your blog. Thanks sor stopping by the Maisy Report.
I have to do another post today. We have a snow day. YEAH!!!
I'm going to sign up to be a follower.
Merry Christmas
~Maisy~

Anonymous said...

You're quite talented! Your home is simply gorgeous. . . I especially like "Pearl!

Merry Christmas!!

Lesley said...

I love your Family tree idea...that is fabulous and unique...and I think your pictures came out great....

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Gail, that sled is such a treasure. I love Pearl all dressed up for the holidays, and your mantel and entertainment center look great. What a fun idea to have the photos on the tree. laurie

Decor To Adore said...

Oh I love the sled~!
I was laughing at your seasonal sweater addication. Just 2 days ago my daughter said, "Mom, my friends and I want to wear ugly sweaters to the mall, where are yours? (Um thanks princess, sadly I got rid of the sweaters.) :)

Heather said...

L-o-v-e-l-y!

Julia said...

I was just passing through the blogs when I found yours. I just wanted to say I think you are a beautiful talented woman! God Bless you and your family, if only more families had the kind of love that yours has, the world would be such a wonderful place!

raybanoutlet001 said...

true religion jeans
michael kors outlet online
oakley sunglasses
michael kors uk
the north face outlet
versace shoes
michael kors handbags
cheap oakley sunglasses
michael kors handbags
new balance shoes

raybanoutlet001 said...

nike huarache
nike air max 90
longchamp bags
cheap michael kors handbags
michael kors outlet
nike blazer low
michael kors handbags
nike air huarache
the north face outlet
fitflops shoes