A Very Julie Christmas

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Oh how I LOVE Christmas.... the twinkling lights, time with family and friends, the magic of the season, and DECORATING! This year as I mentally prepared to get out ALL of my Christmas decorations I made the decision to live by the mantra "if I don't love it it goes." So as I emptied bin after storage bin of Christmas merriment I started a pile of "things of Christmas past" that no longer bring me cheer. Once I had gone through and sorted everything I loaded up my car and took a trip to Goodwill. Surely my Christmas cast-offs could bring happiness to others!!

Then the REAL work began, decorating the house from top to bottom. This year I knew I really wanted to mix things up by adding new decorations or at the very least changing up where I placed things. But I knew I didn't want to just go and buy new things. That's when I decided I would "create" some new decorations by using some old ones and it turned out AWESOMELY!! And as usual for me these are all super EASY! I'll share a few....

First up, it's the Fireside Charmer

Fireside Charmer

This was a breeze to throw together. The only things I purchased for this were the copper container, (which I found for $10 at Burlington Coat Factory) and the pine cones (because I wanted the cinnamon scented ones). The other items in the container are reused decorations: 

• a strand of clear lights
• a miniature Christmas tree
• an old piece of a swag 

All I did was place the strand of lights in the bottom followed by the mini tree, swag piece, and pine-cones. You could also use small pieces of wood, ribbon, old garland.... really anything you like. I just love the warm glow it casts at night. (Be sure to notice it front and center in the photo at the top)

Oh so cute at night!

 Next up is Christmas Centerpiece of Merriment

Christmas Centerpiece of Merriment

So this turned out even cuter than I'd expected. The only item I purchased for this is the silver tray which I purchased at Target for around $14. They also had this tray in a variety of colors. The items on the tray were all odds and ends I already had. They are:

• red and white candles
• silver and red ball ornaments
• several pieces of old swag and garland
• pine cones
• reindeer statue

Throwing this together was also a breeze. There's nothing to it but arranging all of your items until your happy with it from all angles. The smaller candles I have on mine are battery operated so the tray puts off a nice glow at night.

Top View

The final idea is Filled with JOY

Filled with JOY (and candy)

Grab any glass container around your home: a hurricane lamp, glass vase, candle holder, etc. and FILL, FILL, FILL! Use ornaments, candy canes, peppermints, bows, ribbons, buttons, really anything that has to do with the holiday or that is in holiday colors. And that's it! It doesn't get any easier than that!

I hope you enjoyed my ideas and that each and everyone of you have the Merriest of Christmases!

~XOXO jules