Pottery Barn | TORIE & TRISTAN

This year, I was really inspired by the worded bunting trend, and wanted to incorporate it into our tree-scape. I just made up both of those terms – “worded bunting” and “tree-scape” … but you still with me?

This Michael’s Dream Tree from eighteen25 is one example of worded bunting:

Here’s another:

And Pottery Barn:

As I mentioned earlier, I really wanted to spice up my Christmas decor with some red this year; a tree sign like the above being one of the simple DIY ways to accomplish this. Since you need to buy each letter separately ($1-$2 each), I originally was going to do “FA LA LA” as the words, since less letters equals less $$. But, I wasn’t sure how well that would lay spacially across the tree.

Since Tristan and I are Christians and my shopping/gift-obsessed self can always use a reminder of the Reason For The Season, I thought something Christ-y would be ideal. “O Come Let Us Adore Him” would’ve cost a small fortune in wooden letters, so I ultimately went for the abbreviated “Christ Is Born”:

Here’s a close up. The red is a bit brighter and more coral in person, to match the new pillows on the couch.

For this project, I got the whole family involved. Tristan and I painted two coats on the back and front of each letter, then I hot glued each letter to twine, leaving about a foot on each end of extra twine. I have CHRIST on one strand; IS BORN on the other. It was actually easier than I thought it’d be to affix the sign to the tree; I just tied the extra twine to a branch.The total project cost $20, not including the glittery bow ornaments on each end.

I give this worded tree trend a shelf life of one more year, after which time I will need to find something else to do with the sign. I think hanging the bunting on a mantle, table or piano will be quite charming. Some peeps are already on board:

Etsy:

Pottery Barn via Glitter Guide:

What do you think of this trend? What holiday trends were you crushing on this year?

I’ll share the rest of our decor in the next post; I’m thisclose to finishing our inaugural Christmas cards as well.

Happy Christmas Week!

-t&T

I love me a good winter cabin/lodge vacation. I don’t ski or snowboard; when I go up to the mountains, I’m more of a read-a-book-by-the-fireplace-with-wine type of gal. It’s all about the snowy ambiance! This year, we’re planning to go to Lake Chelan’s Winterfest, and there’s a Wine Walk and Ice Lounge – done and DONE! Totally outdoorsy.

Stereotypically, lodge decor primarily consists of a wood and forest green color scheme, moose-shaped accents (such as a soap dispenser) and there must be a bear carved out of a tree trunk, somewhere, with of course accents of leather, plaid, and that tree pattern, and maybe fur (if you’re lucky!). Maybe some wolves, antlers and/or Native American flair as well. I will be the first to admit that these features definitely increase the coziness factor, even if they aren’t my particular style.

BUT ALAS – When researching my 2013 Christmas Decor Master Plan (this is an actual spreadsheet), I stumbled upon two bedrooms that took some of those stereotypical elements and made them quite chic. I don’t typically decorate my bedroom for the holidays, but I might have to start this year!

The first is from Pottery Barn:

Winter Bedroom v 2

I love how there’s actual pine tree branches, cones and birds on the print, yet with the mirrored nightstands, fur blanket, light wood accents, upholstered headboard, and black-edged monogrammed pillowcases, it looks completely modern! I actually have several of those accents already in my home (I’m sure I’m not the only one!), so I could fairly easily recreate the look by just buying the duvet set, which happens to be on sale.

The second is from Ralph Lauren:

Ralph Lauren Home 2

Ralph Lauren Home

They took elements that, combined, are often times too heavy or too boy-ish for my taste, such as dark mahogany, leather and plaid – but add a splash of leopard, red roses, black lacquer and a crystal lamp and all of a sudden, I’m obsessed!

I found these charming DIY monogrammed pillowcases from Sparkle Pants Girl, and LOOK – A tree! 🙂

DIY Pillowcases

I think the secret might be just to layer opulent textures and patterns… maybe it’s not so abstract after all. So many bedrooms these days are monochromatic (mine included!) to “help us unwind” at the end of a long work day. It’s just so nice to look at rooms with different color schemes with prints and patterns – ones that aren’t trying to be all zen-like and airy, but relaxing nonetheless.

What other winter bedroom accents are out there? Bonus points if there’s some sort of hunted animal :). Would love to see and hear about everyone else’s plans/ideas!

-t&T