I am all about simple and easy ideas which can add festive touches to your home….but not break the bank or tie up your whole weekend. And after my Sunday afternoon making “ornaments” with my grandson for “Cole’s Tree” (pics coming soon I promise) – I really appreciate
kid-friendly projects even more. These are just a few I stumbled across online.
I always make clove studded oranges. The fragrance is amazing and you would be surprised how long they last. It’s something you can sit down and do while watching TV at night. If you want your kids involved, I would use a small marker to make dots where cloves are to be placed for easier pattern following, or just let them free form it. I use clove studded oranges in footed bowls, stacked on a cake plate, etc. You can also roll the studded oranges in cinnamon for even more aroma. I like to place a few of these on my ham platter on top of a bed of rosemary and sage.
What a great way to store your Christmas cards. I love this bowl! It appears as this bowl, above, is holding a collection of recipe cards. Wouldn’t this be a great idea to keep in your kitchen so when friends or family members drop by. You could include some of your favorite holiday recipes, and let your guests choose a recipe card to include in their own recipe collection.
There are lots of free sites online that allow you to create one-of-a-kind recipe cards.
Some basic cuttings from your own yard (or “borrowed” from a neighbor’s) become a statement!
How simple is this…but how elegant and charming, too! It’s a basic collection of mix-and-match crystal and glass candle holders in all shapes and sizes. Just another example of how much impact you get when you cluster like items instead of placing one here, one there….etc. Candle holders like these can be picked up throughout the year at flea markets, second hand stores and garage sales. Change the color of the candles to match the seasons…..lavender for Valentine’s Day, yellow at Easter, etc.
Some basic cuttings from your own yard (or “borrowed” from a neighbor’s) become a statement!
Another great project the kids can get involved in – and how cute! Styrofoam cones are wrapped with country gingham ribbon then topped with toile bows. Change the ribbon color/style to match your own decor. Again, change the ribbon to match the season. How cute would these be at Easter? “Plant” your ribbon topiaries in small, painted terra cotta pots, as shown above.
A grouping of these mini trees on a vintage silver tray creates a fun focal point.
I hope you enjoyed these easy-to-make
inspiration pics….
Blessings, Barb
Gollum says
I loved these ideas. Back in the early 90s, I went through a glass candlestick frenzy. lol You can see the result if you go to my blog and look way down at the bottom mosaic. In the center of the mosaic, I made a centerpiece with the candlesticks and ornaments (sticky florist stuff kept them attached). I didn’t make it this year (I’m decorating with food, food, food!), but it lives on in my memory (but took up too much tablespace, alas).
View CommentThank you for the award! I lost all of mine when I changed blog skins.
Merry, Merry,
Gollum
marty39 says
I love the oranges and cloves. What a great smell throughout the house. I always put a tea kettle on the stove with cloves and cinnamon sticks and the smell is just wonderful. Thanks for sharing more of your wonderful ideas. I learn something every time. Hugs, Marty
View CommentLynne says
I loved these ideas. I’ve already done the oranges with cloves. But the recipe bowl tugs at my heart. We start this w/k with d/h family. They are all great cooks so I think I’ll add a bowl with some recipes in it..hugs ~lynne~
View Commentmbkatc230 says
What great ideas. Even though I am craft impaired, I think even I can manage the orange/clove/cinnamon idea. If not, I can always get my 7 yr old niece to do it lol. Kathy
View Commentprofenretraite says
Oh barb…Your post brings back happy memories! We used to do oranges and cloves with my mom When I was little! Loved it!Thanks!…Debbie
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