Counting Blessings

C'est la vie

As the year comes to a close we have the opportunity to take a moment and reflect on our blessings. I count you, my readers, as a huge blessing in my life. Thank you!!! Willow Decor is labor of love and my sincere thanks for reading, and sharing your comments. I never imagined when I started writing this blog it would reach so many readers in so many countries. Your emails, comments and questions inspire me to be better each day. Wishing you all the best for the Holiday Season! I look forward to continuing the journey with you into 2009!

Peace!
Gina

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Holiday Decorating in White

Martha Stewart

Why do we love using white for the holidays? Perhaps its the way it sets off the table setting or the tree, or decorations in such a way that makes everything look fresh and magical. Here are some of my favorite holiday decorated rooms. Some of these photos I have been saving for years and may not remember where they came from. If you recognize any as your own please let me know so I can give credit to these wonderful images.

Above, an entry way with fresh greenery and a moss wreath. Cast iron urns and small trees add to the wonderful mix of textures.

Min Lilla Veranda
A small tree decorated in the traditional Scandinavian style with real lighted clip on candles. Windows adorned with fresh greenery and a gingerbread house on the counter. I love the warmth and simplicity of this room.


Finikanten
What a beautiful dining room! I love the small flowers at each place setting. I also like the way the three trees, only adorned with white lights, bring your eye out of the room. They add a simplicity to the what could be a very formal and fussy space.

Unknown
Perfect for a cozy holiday breakfast. Just the right amount of decorations. Notice the pine-cones and fresh greenery. This is a simple look to duplicate in your own home. All you need is a white tablecloth, a linen topper and them some items found in your back yard. Don't forget the candles!
Marie Claire Maison
Austere, but very chic. Not necessarily something I would choose but I like the interesting tree and the how it adds so much texture to the room.

Ikea

Another more modern look, but also lovely and elegant. The wonderful chandeliers add drama. I especially love the angels.

Dreamhouse

I have had this picture so long and I absolutely love it. Is it the black server, the linen, the wreath, the canisters?? I love the pears and the ornaments. This picture makes me want sit at this table and share a cup a tea with friends. (It also makes me think I should start painting some of my pine pieces black.)

Annette Hus
Another room I adore! I especially like the wreaths on every chair. A simple tree with small lights and homemade linen ornaments. (A tip: make sure you hot glue some linen or cloth to the backs of the wreaths so you do not have sap and dirt on your chairs later.)

Magdalenas Hem

Magdalenas Hem

A simple spray of white paint or spray snow transforms the ordinary into extraordinary.

Magdalenas Hem

Is this bark or linen? Either way, with the branches and the berries it had a wonderful unusual texture and makes a unique wreath.

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Two more white wreaths-both simple and beautiful.

Camilla at Home
Finally - a sweet vignette that you can do anywhere in your home. Just find a small chair, add a tray or plate with candles and some greenery and at tiny wreath - viola !

Simple, lovely decorations to lift your spirit!

Even More Holiday Window Boxes

The response to the Holiday Window Boxes has been so great I decide to post just a few more for inspiration! These window boxes all include the addition of a wreath or two.Flikr

Here is a great combination of ivy, greens and plumes of reddish flowers. I like how the wreath in between pulls it all together.

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This is classic New England! Three tiny Christmas trees and two wreaths on the windows - simple and classic.

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Finally here is a great example of adding faux flowers. The poinsettias add a splash of color to a lovely evergreen arrangement.

All this holiday decorating is getting me in spirit - Fa la la la la....

Creating Holiday Window Boxes

I love the outdoor decorations during the holiday season but some of my favorites are the window boxes. Whether you live on a big country estate or in small city apartment, everyone can find room to add a little holiday decor with a window box. Here are few examples:

My Life

This arrangement is wonderful. It is so fresh and colorful. It reminds me of my sister and her shaker style house. I love the small apples, berries and pine cones. I also love evergreen and leaf mix.

Frontgate

Here is one that takes the natural look just one step further with tiny white lights. I bet this looks lovely in the evening.

Frontgate

Sugared fruit, pine boughs and white lights- simple and elegant. Both the window box and the floral decorations are available from the Frontgate catalog.

Flickr

I love the variety of greens in this box. It has so many wonderful textures and of course, the blue and red berries are a great addition.

BHG
Here is another natural arrangement. Perhaps the owners were able to gather everything they needed right from their own gardens.

Cottage Living

This box is filled with homemade snowballs and a string of white lights. I love this!! The snow balls are actually different sized styrofoam balls covered in fake snow. Here is the link for directions to make this yourself! So very clever.
http://www.cottageliving.com/cottage/gardens/article/0,21135,1683527,00.html

Garden Fairies
Here is a very sweet little "window box". I included this to remind you that anything, even an old mitten, can be made into a holder of evergreens and berries. Be creative! It is so easy to add a special sparkle to your holiday decor.