Rustic Glam Christmas Tree

Yes- that is the same name I gave my tree last year... and the tree looks very similar to last year's tree. If I had it my way (and an endless holiday bank account), I would change up Christmas decor every year. My husband, on the other hand, thinks that idea is ridiculous! So I am using much of what I had last year but tweaking it just a bit! So without further ado- here is our 2012 Rustic Glam Christmas Tree!

I used my "fabric feathers" that I just loved on last year's tree and layered in silver, gold and burlap ribbons.  I stuck with my gold, silver, mercury glass and rustic ornaments although I did surprise myself with a few new ornaments that I forgot I bought after Christmas last year!

I also set up our advent calendar on time this year and we have enjoyed counting down to Christmas!

In the middle of the chaos of trying to pack and move, the glow of the Christmas tree makes the house still feel festive- just ignore the all the boxes!! It just wouldn't be Christmas without the tree and I couldn't stand the thought of not setting it up!

 If you're curious, here is a photo of our 2011 Rustic Glam tree:

I'm linking up with Honey We're Home and Thrifty Decor Chick for their Christmas Tree Parties!

Simple Fresh Wreaths

In phase 2 or 3 of trying to decorate our mantel earlier this week, I came across four embroidery hoops I had stashed in our junk room and thought they would make great little wreaths. Seconds later, I was out in our yard (with a flash light) clipping greenery off a few bushes we had around our house.

 

I created four of these simple fresh wreaths all within twenty minutes- seriously easy with the exception of a few hot glue burns.  Although they didn't work for my mantel, I found a new home for them hanging in front of the window behind our Christmas tree.

I put a line of hot glue around the edge of the hoop and then clipped small sections of the greenery to wrap around until the front of each loop was covered. Then I hung each hoop with some leftover silver and gold ribbon I had in my Christmas stash.

I'm glad I was able to find another home for these cute little things. They may not last all season but there is  plenty more greenery where that came from out in the yard!

I'm linking up with Centsational Girl for her Christmas Craft link party and The Nester for the Best Christmas DIY and Crafts Ever Party! Head over and check out all the great inspiration for decking your halls this season!

Metallic Mantel

Sparkle, shiny metallics and candlelight- our mantel this year is full of all three. By using what we had in our Christmas decor collection, I lined our mantel with candle sticks and votive candles mixed with shiny ornaments and our faux zinc "Peace" letters.

The confetti painted vases look great paired with the mercury glass votives and other metal candle holders.  I filled the large glass pillar candle holders with silver beaded garland and used white candles throughout.

I used a frilly white frame I had and dangled a few extra ornaments to add height to the middle of the mantel.

This is like plan "d" for the mantel this year. I tried a few different ideas and finally settled on this layout (for now). Who knows what might change before Christmas!

Just in case you were wondering- here is my mantel from 2011.

I'm linking up with The Lettered Cottage and Ten June for their mantel parties!

Confetti Painted Vases

I am trying to use most of what I already have for Christmas decor this year. It just doesn't make sense to go out and buy all new but, then again, I like to change it up just a bit! Last year I used lots of silvers, golds and a few rustic elements and I plan on doing the same this year. For a simple holiday craft, I created confetti painted vases using craft paint and plain clear vases I already had at home.

I pinned a colorful version of these vases a while back and knew that a simple metallic version would mix in great with my holiday decor.

I started with these clear Libby vases that I had left over from our wedding.(I used this trick to get out all the melted candle wax!) I had planned on confetti-ing all 7 vases that I had on hand, then decided maybe 5 would look better, then I started working and realized how much time each one took and decided 3 would be great!

I used two colors of gold and one champagne craft paint. To create the dots, I dipped the wooden end of a paint brush in to the paint and then dotted the vase. The more paint on the end of the brush creates a larger dot.

I started with the darkest color, then added the middle shade, and then the lightest color on top.  In between colors, I used a hair dryer to quickly dry the dots. Also, if some of the dots got too thick, I dried them just enough before spinning the vase to keep the dot from running.

The directions then say to place in a cold oven, preheat to 350 degrees, bake for 30 minutes and then turn off the oven and cool completely while the glasses are still in.  I kind of skipped this step but I'm sure I'll get around to it eventually!!

My plan for the mantel was to cluster many metallic candles together but I am running a few short since I only decided to create three confetti vases. I have a little tweaking to do to the mantel but I'll come up with something!

These are pretty with a little candle in them but will also look great with flowers for non-christmas-y occasions!

I can't believe it is Christmas time already! It seems like this year has flown by- but I'm taking in every little moment this last month here at home!

I'm linking up with Hi Sugarplum on Tuesday and also The Nester for the Best Christmas DIY and Crafts Ever Party! Come check out all the great crafts!!

Deck the Halls {Holiday Home Tour}

Pandora has been on the Mariah Carey Christmas station, hot apple cider have been consumed, and decor has made its way down from the attic, folks. Tis' the season around our house, and I'm excited to show you what I've been working on lately. 

Our new winter-y wreath finally made its way to the door last night to replace our fall wreath! Can't have friends and family coming over for Christmas and welcoming them with "Happy Fall Y'all!"  

I wanted it to blend with my metallic and neutral color scheme for this Christmas but also work well for just winter (since my wreaths tend to stay up longer than they are supposed to!) It is a gorgeous glittery mess but it makes me smile when I come in the door! That's all that matters right? 

Our kitchen window is decorated with our faux-metal letters that sit on top of our new sugar mold/tea light holder. 

When you walk in to the living room the mantel is the first thing you see. It is lit up with a garland full of twinkle lights, metallic ribbons and silver ornaments. An old iron gate is the focal point along with mercury glass candle holders and trees and cute silver owls.  (No stockings yet, but here is to hoping they are made and up before Santa comes!)

On the the hearth of our fireplace, one side is decorated with a couple of glass candlesticks filled with twine, an arrangement and a cute DIY ornament that I made!

The other side has a basket full of pine cones so we can toss a few in our fires. They are pretty to watch burn (I would show you but it is 70 degrees here today!)

Our holiday vignette changed a little bit. I found a table that would not get in the way and I placed it by the old door decorated with the coffee filter garland. 

I put our new advent calendar on top that holds 24 very cute ornaments that work with our Rustic Glam Christmas and are now waiting to be put on our tree! 

(David and I will get to hang 15 ornaments on the tree tonight since I waited too long to make the advent calendar!)

I moved the nativity set to our side table by our sofa. It has a little more room to spread out and we get to see it up close every day!

I added a few "trees"- bed springs- that I picked up at Canton Trade Days earlier this month.

Our Christmas Tree is also decorated to fit the Rustic Glam theme! 

It is wrapped with silver and gold ribbons with large feathers weaved through. It has all sorts of silver ball ornaments and a few gold balls.(It will have a lot more after we add our advent ornaments)

and our special Wedding Invitation Ornament!

 

Our tree is topped with twiggy branches coming out of the top. 

I made our tree skirt this year. It took quite a while, but I think it was worth it! 

And that's it! Thanks for stopping by!! I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!!!

For more Christmas Cheer, check out these posts-

Christmas Recipe {Pizzelle}

{Ruffled Tree Skirt}

Christmas Q & A

{O Christmas Tree}

{Merry Mantel}

{Nativity Vignette}

{Knock-Off West Elm Owls}

{Wedding Invitation Ornament}

{Coffee Filter Garland}

{Inspiration}

Linking Up with: