WINTER WONDERLAND CENTERPIECE

Like many of you, here in the Northeast we've been hit with frigid temperatures that have encompassed most of the nation. As I looked out at the dusting of new fallen snow and icy streets, I thought why not bring the beauty of outdoors inside.......hence my WINTER WONDERLAND centerpiece was created!

Sometimes it's as easy as taking our cues from our surroundings........

I was lucky enough to run into an 80% off sale in Michaels! The beautiful wintry birch covered pots, filled with icy blue Cedar branches were just perfect for my centerpiece.

I've always loved the phrase "Fire and Ice," therefore, I had to add the candles!

You may notice my beautiful vintage find.... silver sugar bowl........it looks perfect with the icy branches and sparkly pine cones. And my crystal candlesticks that hubby gifted me from his business trip to Ireland. They are Galway crystal.....and I've always loved their simplistic design.

Just because it's snowy and frigid doesn't mean our creative juices take a break, it's actually when they can go into overdrive. Take a peek outside your window and get creating........there's nothing more beautiful than a fresh blanket of pure white snow to inspire an indoor Winter Wonderland!!

Wishing you a wonderfully creative day!

                                       Kathleen

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CHANGING UP THE COFFEE TABLE FOR SPRING!

Spring and "springtime" to me are like the most exciting time of the year. I love as the trees unfold with their beautiful leaves, bulbs pop out of the ground, the birds are chirping and the smell of fresh mown grass permeates the air.

When the outside plantings are done it's time to move inside the house adding a bit of Spring here and there. With the dining room finished, the mantle and the entertainment center completed, I thought a fresh new coffee table vignette would be in order. 

I am slowly gravitating towards adding blue in phases into our family room. Making the change on the coffee table helps pull the entertainment center into the "blue" fold too.

I found this great blue leather tray at Homegoods. By adding my Orrefors crystal bowl (a gift from my sister and brother-in-law) filled with green apples for a nice contrast, a Galway crystal rose bowl filled with fresh flowers, a coordinating navy spined book and an Eiffel tower coaster the vignette was complete.  By using things that I had on hand, it was a very inexpensive change and really introduces another touch of blue into the room.

It's so easy to make impactful, subtle changes in your home. Sometimes it's as easy as opening drawers and exploring closets to find these great treasures.

Wishing you a wonderful day of exploring!

Kathleen

***Many thanks for sharing your day with us at The Lavender Bouquet. Stop back on Foodie Friday!!

SUCCULENTS IN THE DINING ROOM FOR SPRING!

I can't believe it's Monday! I'm not sure where the weekend went. I flew to Florida yesterday and am spending the week here. Our oldest daughter will be with me for a few days, so we will be busy!

I have been noticing a really big trend lately toward succulent plants. They are everywhere! I asked my husband if he liked them and he said, "yes." I thought maybe we should get on the bandwagon and decorate a bit with them. Of course, they also are great outside.

It was time for the Dining Room table to be brought into the Spring fold, so I thought this would be the perfect place to introduce them. The nice thing about these plants is that they take very little care. I noticed on Pinterest they are used everywhere, from wreaths and centerpieces, to hanging plants, and I even saw some in a birdcage!

Well, I have a birdcage.......and now I have succulents! It was a fun little vignette to put together. Of course, you all know me, I have to add just a touch of color to bring it all together.

SUCCULENTS IN THE DINING ROOM FOR SPRING

The runner on my table is from our trip to Portugal. I love using it, as it adds a bit of elegance to the table. It's all hand stitched and every time I look at it I am amazed at the detail.  Of course the Waterford crystal candlesticks and Galway crystal vases are all from hubby's travels abroad. 

Hope you enjoyed the pics today......now go grab some succulents and have some fun like I did.

Have a wonderful Monday! See you Wednesday from sunny Florida!

Kathleen