Season's greetings

I didn't mean to disappear, it's just been so busy that I haven't had time to stop by and say hi...
I guess that is Xmas time for you, isn't it? I hope that all is well in your world and that things are not too crazy...(is it possible?) With only four days to go things seem to have settled down a bit here...phew! It's such a relief when you can actually stop and take a breath! I'm going to be away for a little while and really wanted to stop by and wish you all a safe and magical Xmas before I go.
Thanks for all your support in 2011, I really look forward to a fantastic and inspirational New Year together :)

pinterest

See you in 2012 ;)


Love


Claudia xo 

more Xmas inspired

sources
1,2,3,5 pinterest
4, anthropologie US Xmas display 2008
6, martha stewart

Claudia xo

Still confused...

I've spent most of my weekend planning our Xmas drinks (on the 10th) and decorating. I've organised the menus, got our xmas decorations out...I am still confused though about what to do with those decorations. I was thinking of steering away from tradition this year and trade our xmas tree for something a bit different, perhaps a bit more modern...Children though have a mind of their own, don't they? My son's idea of tree is big, green and traditional with lots and lots of fairy lights (it has to light up the whole house, he says) I decided to listen to the children and put our (traditional) tree up. We decorated it and it was...well, too big, I felt like I couldn't breath...so I decided to put it out on the deck. You might think I am mad (and maybe I am) but I need order and neatness at home (!!!) I know, I know...please have mercy!!! After all I am a decorator! If it doesn't look right and doesn't feel right well it's a no, no unfortunately! 

I would love something very simple, white (and silver) and glass is probably the way to go, I'm going to have lots of tea lights and scented candles everywhere, fresh flowers and a few real, small trees scattered around in pots..I would love that

So far I've got some branches with fairy lights in a glass vase 

I think they look lovely next to my white collection below (which I will be rearranging many more times I'm sure)

I've put some baubles at the bottom of the vase so that it looks a bit more Christmassy 

and hung a couple of glass birds...they look sweet

our nativity set is on display too - I bought this one years ago, I still love its simplicity.

Well this is it for me my friends. My week is looking a little bit crazy but...well, isn't everyone's?

Oh and if you have any ideas or suggestions (for decorations, new age tree, canapes and so on) please leave a comment below. 

I look forward to hearing from you :)

Claudia xo 

What inspires you?

An inspirational quartet...

1,2 the glow (via the always inspiring Sanctuary )
3, toast
4, carla coulson photography

Have a wonderful weekend:)

Claudia ox

Some xmas inspiration...

I cannot believe that December is here and that Xmas is just around the corner! All of a sudden I find myself buried in xmas cards, wrapping paper, xmas decorations and a huge to do list!
The kids are really excited, we are finally going to decorate the house this weekend. I've decided to rearrange furniture, well I have to really as I need to find a spot for our xmas tree...as the kids grow older, we seem to  accumulate a lot of"junk"- I'm not sure if that is the right word but I'm sure you know what I'm talking about, games, toys and so on. When everything begins to feel a bit too tight then I say it's time to "de-clutter" and I'm incredibly good at it! And also now that they are not so small anymore they are great helpers, Lucas for instance looks after the tree (bought from DJ's a couple of years ago) and he does a great job of it! I still love the idea of a real tree of course and I tend to make arrangements out of branches in pots or vases which last for two or three weeks and make the house smell lovely and festive.
The girls look after the decorations and other bits and pieces, I look after the lights...it's such a happy time!
Somehow though that word "happy" doesn't sound right...I am thinking of all those children that sadly are not going to have a special time this xmas. I think that the best thing I can do as a parent is to make my children aware of what goes on around us and to teach them to give back to the community especially at a special time like this.


On a completely different note I would like to add a "Happy first day of summer" to everyone in Oz...it's finally here and hopefully it will be an enjoyable and happy one for everyone :)

all images pinterest

Wish you all a wonderful day

Claudia xo