Christmas Pretty!

The above tree (and space) is just pretty.  Tobi Fairly, an Arkansas top interior designer, designed this tree for her daughter's playroom.  On Tobi's blog she stated that she and her daughter loves to "monkey" around and the sock monkey was the inspiration for the Christmas tree.  I love it.  So whimsical and fun.  I'd love to hang out in this girly room.

So, if you are experiencing "decorator's block" this season, let Tobi inspire you.  Pull from something that you like or collect.  Do YOU and that my dear...exudes style!


Happy Holidays!

Holiday Sparkle...for You!

Holiday Sequin Bow Bib Necklace

The month of December holds a lot of holiday parties for co-workers, family, and friends.  And, I'm pretty sure you are on many of those invite lists.  

What to wear may be your question as it would be mine so I decided to add some festive sparkle by adding my own "ornaments" to a simple black dress or cardigan without having to purchase multiple outfits for this season's shindigs.  You'll save more by changing your jewelry and shoes versus entire "fits". 

 Just a few places to purchase affordable holiday sparkle, Etsy, Dillards, Zappos, and Emitations.

Jessica Simpson Holiday Swag Necklace

Tish's Quick Holiday Decor Tips

You have probably started to deck your halls and make them all festive for the holidays, right?!  Well, if not, I have a few tips that can get you going.  

1.  Stick with a theme.  Or, go with your theme from last year and spruce it up.  Just make sure you have your colors or actual theme (i.e. snowflakes, penguins, ice) chosen.  If you have to do a little shopping, this will make it easier for you to go to the exact items you need.

2.  Recycle.  This will save you big.  Add to what you already have.  Need fillers or a few more ornaments?  Just buy these few items than purchasing a whole new "Christmas Decor Wardrobe".

3.  Try Mesh.  Deco Poly Mesh is wonderful and such a great filler.  You can purchase it from your local florist or decorator's store.  Use it on wreaths, trees, and garlands.  It is so easy to use but if you need a little help, ask the florist (or decorator) to show you a few tricks before you leave the store.

4.  Fragrances.  Fill your home or office with the fragrances of the Holidays.  Do this by adding potpourri or scented candles and oils to your space.  An immediate warmth will feel your space.

5.  Don't underestimate ornaments.  Fill glass jars or platters with ornaments of various sizes.  Place them on your coffee table, end tables, mantle, or bookshelves.  What a simple, chic, and beautiful way to decorate.  Be sure to check your local dollar stores before heading to your speciality shops.  We want to save, right?!

6. Shop your back yard.  Pine cones, acorns, branches, oh my!  I'm certain you have those near by.  And, not to mention tons of leaves...  Get a can of gold (or any color) spray paint and go to town on transforming these natural elements into chic decor items.  Place them in a bowl or platter and add some pillar candles and I think you have a masterpiece.

7.  Candle Clusters.  Use lots of them in clusters of various sizes.  If you are like me and have small children at home, I'd use LED battery operated candles.  Remember those items you're going to spraypaint?  Place these candles in the center and there you go.  

8.  Ribbon, Ribbon, and More Ribbon.  Christmas time is not a time where Less is More.  You can go BIG during this time.  Add fun ribbon of various sizes, colors, or patterns to your wreaths, tree, swags, and garlands.  

9.  Coordinated Gifts.  Keep your theme going when you begin to wrap your gifts.  Let your gift wrap also be a part of your theme.  Add that ribbon to it and what a great extra this will be to your holiday decor.

10.  Get Carried Away.  Carry your theme throughout your space by adding candles, swags, or smaller trees to other rooms.  You can bring smaller holiday doodads into other rooms such as your kitchen, bathroom, and home office.

Help…it’s a potluck!

This is the first year that I have been part of or invited to several office and organizational Holiday potlucks.  Yikes.  My dilemma is, I can cook but am no where near a chef or a casserole diva!  This week alone, I have three potlucks and that’s not including next week.  So, I’ve called on my dear friend, Mr. Google to search for some simple (and I mean simple) dishes that I can tastefully contribute to the Holiday party food menu.

So, I’ve narrowed it down to these options:

• Good ole faithful veggie tray with a (semi) homemade ranch dip
• Sweet potato casserole
• Miniature Chicken and Tortilla Roll-ups
• Spinach Dip
• or, Chicken Quesadillas

 Pretty simple, huh?! And, all of the choices are quite reasonable and won’t break the bank.  And, if you’re planning a Holiday Potluck, Martha Stewart has a neat checklist and timeline for you to use to get you started?

So, do you think I have some pretty good choices for my upcoming Potlucks?  Have any suggestions that are super easy?!

Tish B.

Tis’ the Season to be Giving

At the Planning Diva’s home, we are enjoying looking at our Christmas décor and in the neighborhood.  We look forward to watching Christmas movies and eating tasty baked goods.  Our little ones are making their lists (and we sure wish they’d check them twice…and reduce!) and we are excitingly browsing store shelves to pick out the perfect gift of gratitude for those that we love.  With the Christmas atmosphere among us, it is easy to get caught up in the commercial aspect of Christmas.  In our home, we celebrate Christmas as a component of our faith and to utilize this time to give—to those we love and those who are not as fortunate as we are.

We have donated gently worn clothing, coats, and toys to our local Goodwill and organized a food and coat drive at our local church.  Not at all am I saying do any of what the Diva’s family has done, but I do encourage you to share your heart with the unfortunate during this holiday season.  Some simple ways you can help is:

·         Save your change when you’re shopping and drop it into the Salvation Army Red Kettles

·         Adopt an angel from an Angel Tree at your local mall or JCPenney

·         Donate clothing, toys, and coats to your local women’s shelter, Goodwill, or homeless shelter

·         Donate non-perishable items and/or money to your local soup kitchen, food bank, church, or shelter

·         And, you can always volunteer at either one of the places mentioned above!

You've heard the saying, "it's always better to give than receive".   And, I believe that you will reap what you sow.  And with a generous heart, you're bound to reap a harvest!

Are you planning on giving back during the Holiday Season? 

Tish B.

Tis the season to be...Shopping!

I was searching for some candy cane party items and found these minty beings, edible peppermint shot glasses! I believe they are hot on the market because several sites are already sold out of them. But, I was able to find some at Perpetual Kid for about $6. I'm not a drinker so I won't be adding liquor to mine but I will probably fill them with yummy chocolates. These glasses will certainly be a conversation starter.

Tish B.

Gifted Elegance

Amber, one of my classmates (and facebook friend) posted pics of her holiday decorations and they are F-a-b. She's very creative and used the traditional Christmas colors with a splash of black. Her usage of ribbon and fabric definitely makes a statement.

To add a wedding/event spin to the post, this is great inspiration for your upcoming holiday party {engagement, bridal shower, etc}. And, for the newlybrides it's a great idea for your holiday decorating in your new home.

The Pink Tea Rose Needs a Pink Tree, right?

While on the Christmas store site mentioned below, I saw a "Pretty in Pink" section---oh, how I love pink!!! Of course, with my event planning company named The Pink Tea Rose and my sorority's colors are pink and green, I have to have as much pink as possible--atleast that's my philosophy. Anyhoo, I saw a pink Christmas tree that I am definitely putting on my "early wishlist" for next year. They also have the "Pretty in Pink" wreaths and garland. Sounds like a Steel Magnolias Christmas for next year, huh? Well, what do you expect from a girl in the South (Arkansas);)

Still in the mood for Christmas Shopping?

If you're still in the process of scoping out your Christmas decor plan for next year, then check out this Christmas store that's all year round. I just skimmed through the site to check out the items and pricing and they're not that bad. Here's the site, http://www.merchantoverstock.com/. The store's name is Christmas Central.