For me, there is no such thing as too many ornaments during the holidays, especially ones that are handmade, heartfelt, or historic in one’s family.  I just love to deck the halls at Christmastime and having plenty of ornaments on hand is the key to a fa-la-la fabulous season.  My girls and I had a ton of fun in the last few days creating new ornaments this year. 

Welcome one and all to my little parade of DIY ornaments !

This year, I came up with a medley of merry décor, from a boxwood kissing ball to glittery cookie cutters to kid friendly peppermint letters to several variations of glass ornaments. 

All of these projects are incredibly simple !  The step by steps are so easy, they can’t even be called tutorials, but I’ll share the ingredients just the same. If you’ve got something creative you’d like to contribute, or a host of family ornaments you’re showcasing, then please join the party and link up at the end of this post!   MckLinky is active through Wednesday to encourage plenty of holiday blog hopping.   

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The very best place to shop for antiques in the Bay Area is the monthly Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Fair at the former Naval Station in Alameda, California.  This place is a zoo!  Hundreds of vendors and thousands of customers frequent this event and for good reason:  the selections are incredible.  Regulations are strict – there are no reproductions allowed and everything sold must be at least twenty years old.  It almost ended with a dispute between the partners several months ago, but fortunately the Antique Fair lives on. 

My lucky stars aligned again on Sunday, for who should I happen to run into ?  None other than the amazingly talented Eddie Ross and his partner Jaithan.  Eddie was giving a tour that morning to a sold out crowd.  How fortuitous to run into one of my greatest inspirations in such an incredibly crowded venue !

Eddie is very charming in person, and was so gracious to take the time to talk to me.  Jaithan is equally delightful in person.  Doesn’t Eddie have the best smile ?  I told him how excited I was for his special on HGTV – did you catch it ?  He decorated Kathy Lee Gifford’s home for the holidays with his exceptional Eddie touch.

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Months ago, I chanced upon some bookcases at the local Villeroy and Boch that was closing its doors.  When I found out the outlet store was selling their displays for $20 dollars each, I was inspired to remodel my blah blah brown home office. 

Perhaps you recall the twin glass shelf towers that I transformed way back in August that sit on the other side of the space.  Those were easy peasy.  The accompanying bookcases ?  Not so much.  I didn’t realize at the time I brought them home how much extra work it would take to get them into ship shape.  It took me three months to face facts – these required more than just a quick coat of paint.  They had some problems that required extra attention to detail. 

Here’s a peek at one of the two bookcases we just finished that give me that built in look, an extra work table, and plenty of storage.  They were the final hurdle to completing the home office remodel. 

In the store before, and now installed in my office.

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I’m making my way around the casa, decorating here and there.  Just recently, I picked up a sideboard from the local thrift for $50 dollars and decided to jazz it up for the holidays. 

I brought out some of my silver, gave it a good polish, then embellished with some gold accents.  I also shopped my home, and raided my party supplies stash to add some unexpected elements. 

I’m so into mixed metal sheens this year, and I adore a combo of silver and gold together.  I had this old wreath from a few years ago that inspired the color scheme, as well as the pink and bronze mantlescape from a few days ago. 

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I am so fond of wreaths at Christmastime, aren’t you?  For me, decorating my front door wreath is just as important as the tree.  My favorite front door wreaths are vibrant, festive, and most importantly, welcoming.   When I came across two very different wreaths in my stash of Christmas decor it struck me that they might look marvelous if combined.  

I have a ‘spend less, spend more’ goal this December, meaning I seek spend less at the retail stores, and spend more time with my loved ones. 

Creating this wreath in about an hour with what I already had at home allowed me to do both.

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