Look at them Stems

 Pottery barn - Montana Goblets, Set of 6 - $75.00 – I know, the price tag is sticker shock unless you’re getting married or these are a gift. But that said, I adore the flat bottomed simplicity that doesn’t mean “boring wine glass shape.” It still has that beautiful clear glass that shows off those nice reds and bubblies, but doesn’t have the etchings that leave an expensive wine hide behind the glittery exterior of the vessel.

 

Crate & Barrel : Ona Large Pitcher $26.95 – I couldn’t help but include a pitcher in this post. This is one my favorites. I love anything you can use as a vase too – saves on cabinet space!  My only caution here – it can sweat and get slippery. It’s easy design fits in with any table decor, can be used for showcasing a fantastic sangria and when not in use, makes a nice bit of art on a shelf.

Walmart does simple yet elegant again.  Better Homes and Gardens Set of 4 15-Ounce Wineglasses, Green $12.00 are a steal compared to your “nice glassware”, heck, it can be your nice glassware. This shade can mix into a Thanksgiving or Christmas table just as much as you can an Easter set up. While I have a hard time committing a color to my regular tableware, this basic wineglass can definitely be used for everyday dining.

 

Cost Plus World Market: Novica Contoured Wine Glasses, Set of 6  $52.95 – I adore these glasses as they look like something my grandmother might have had. The glint of blue in their reflection paired with the subtle edging make them vintage cool. Given the wide mouth and sturdy design, these could be great for a parfait or pudding when dessert is arranged.

 

Pier 1’s Tortoise Glassware can be had $6.50 - $9 a stem.  This bold look lends itself well to a tropical table, or even a dark wood charger beneath a white plate. I see this also going well with a mustard or orange dish, something that sings to the array of browns and ambers the mottled glass carries.

   

Finally, last, but not least is Ikea’s NÄRHET Red wine glass $4.99. I like the detail on the stem without detracting from the basic wine glass. I would use this for an everyday stem for sure. It has a bit of mod look to it, with the entire line you can elevate that basic dish set to a little more sophisticated style. Besides, anything looks neater with a wine glass! ;)

Making it Merry

I honestly think I could write an entire month’s worth of blog’s on the items that you can decorate with for the Christmas season. I have three trees of three different themes myself and I’m a single girl. I thought this year I’d dedicate the blog to decorating rather classically with red and green touches rather than giving you the full scoop on going “themed.” 

That said, I adored these Crate and Barrel pillows. (Alpine Ivory Pillow $26.95 & Red Pillow $34.95). I think using pillows and throw blankets are a forgotten punch during the holidays where the decor can actually get used for something – 2 for 1! I loved the little top stitched vintage print, I think this could be used with country, modern, or even just a traditional Christmas look. It’s a little classic mixed with a nice nostalgic feeling.

Considering the “days of old”, I thought this little tree from Cost Plus World Market was precious. The 3 foot feather pine tree would make a great centerpiece on a side table or even make a college student’s dorm room a little cheerier during those days of tests. I would use this for those ornaments that I receive or buy that mark milestones or special memories, and have it displayed on my entryway table. It’s sparse branches would show off heirloom pieces perfectly without being in reach of little ones.

While you’re at Cost Plus, I fell in love with this 6 foot red berry garland. It’s steep at $25, but the fullness makes quite an impact. This would really make my white mantle pop with color!

When considering the mantle, make sure you’ve chosen great stockings. These simply elegant classics from Pottery Barn are super affordable at $9-15 each and the personalizing options abound if you’re a crafty person!

So the big tree marks the day and for the tree beginners it’s all about the tree skirt. I found this fantastically detailed  skirt on Target.com. The Bucilla Partridge In A Pear Tree Tree Skirt runs $54.99, which may sound expensive, but will last for many years. Consider also a great starter kit of the 225-pc. Tree Decorating Kit Red/Green/Gold $84.15 – this will get any size tree full and ready!

When it comes to table topping, you can lose your mind in this department. I try to have two or three Christmas related dinners so I can see friends, and secretly validate my addiction to Christmas entertaining vessels! I found this cute retro platter at Pier 1 for $30. This would be also a great use for a gift platter with homemade cookies. If I’m going to keep it for myself though, these great red plates at Amazon.com were $23 a place setting (Search: Laurie Gates Vintage Dekko Red 4-Piece Place Set ) and not only work throughout the year but would frame a mix and match holiday salad dish fantastically.!

That said, the sky is the limit! It’s the biggest holiday out there to look around and express your fashion sense in. Embrace that and enjoy all the trimmings!

Your Home will Give Thanks

Nothing makes me get more giddy than when I finally pull out the fall decor and start to show the good autumn palette in my home. My biggest impact is actually one of the easier things to do – stack pumpkins! I adore taking leaves or garlands and stringing them in and out. In my kitchen I used to put out a bowl of nuts, or little gourds. These funkins (faux + punkins) help me start the season off in style.

Kirkland’s Woven Pumpkins - $17.99 each, Target’s  Plastic Pumpkin – White/orange (7"), $9.99, Grapevine Pumpkin - White (9.5") $9.99

 

These leaves from Pottery Barn would be perfect to place in between. $9.99

 

 

When it’s going to be a quick decor change and you need to make impact, choose something like Kirkland’s Harvest Candleholder Centerpiece $29.99

 

 

Cost Plus World Market has these lovely Autumn Pine Cone and Berry Twig Garland $16.99  and Autumn Pine Cone and Berry Twig Basket Collection  $12.99

 

 

 

 

Now surely you’d know that my table was going to be decked to high heaven and back.Target’s Into Autumn Squirrel Salt and Pepper $12.99 and Red Oak Leaf Tea Light Holder  $14.99 will help to start to dress the table for me.

This year I’m loving Pottery Barn’s Passion Flower Plate ($5.95 each) to put as a mix and match with my solid green plates. Perhaps even find a good mustard bowl to serve ambrosia in after the holiday.

Treats for the Home, Tricks for the Kids

I’m not a big dresser upper of my house for Halloween. I do more fall, and will have a post on that shortly, but that said, I do enjoy carving a good pumpkin and having the good candy.

I remember as a kid that dressing up and going out was a highlight of my fall year. I remember the overflowing bags I used to come home with, I remember the remnants lasting for what felt like weeks. As an adult, and a dieter at that, I try and still have candy, but make sure it’s not laying around til the last minute!

That said, I think I’ve found a few cute gadgets and gizmos to highlight the night of ghouls around the home.

If you want something that may tend towards your indoor decor with a bit of the Halloween twist, try Kirkland’s Jack-O-Lantern – Large $14.99, Medium $12.99. These aren’t overly Halloween while still sending the message. I like that I can put these in with my harvest decor without disrupting the overall look of things!

 

 

Wal-Mart turned out these cute Air blown Halloween Inflatable Slender Pumpkin Stack, 9' Tall $35.00 & Halloween Peanuts Gang Great Pumpkin Yard Art, Glitter Gel, 50 Lights $42.00. I think these should stand alone. I’m not a big fan of over packing the yard. I’m a huge Peanuts fan, think these might just look cute tucked behind my smaller shrubs even with their heads peeking out!

 

Halloween String Lights, Set of 10 $14.99 available at Cost Plus World Market – I’m thinking these would look cute over my door – my door sits a bit far back off of the street, this may help people know that “I’m home!” and “I have this candy! Help! Don’t leave me with it! “

 

For the office or the apartment dweller, something small is still appropriate. Target always has cute Halloween stuff – wait for my The Style Myle costume extravaganza -  5.25" Jack O' Lantern - Battery Operated $7.99. When you need a bit of food for thought at the door, don’t forget the bowl – this will get a few laughs, or screams -  Animated Candy Bowl with Hand - Purple (9") $12.99