New Year's Eve Mantel

With Christmas just around the corner, only days away, in the back of my mind I'm preparing for those moments post Santa where I slowly take away the festive decor and get ready to host NYE. No lie, I do like to hold off until the very end of December to both take down our tree and wrap up everything featuring Mr. St. Nick. It's kind of tough cookies for me, boxing up Christmas, but I come to terms with the transition as I recognize the warm inviting celebration of New Year's Eve we get in exchange. Sure, it's no Christmas (hello, what is?) but New Year's Eve brings completeness to our hard working, hectic, amazing, busy, trying, euphoric years, and by golly, I think we should celebrate. It's one more holiday I feel grateful we have a reason to enjoy time with friends and family. This NYE, we're going for a night in where those closest to us can sip a glass of bubbly in front of a fire and enjoy ringing in the New Year. I loved putting this take on our New Year's Eve mantel together. With pops of citrons and blues, I think the ever present gold and silver were able to do their own thing.

I centered the mantle decor with a sunburst clock that is sure to help with the ever-important countdown to midnight, then built our "2017" around that with cutout numbers sprayed in sparkly citron goodness. The champs is handy for that last toast of the year and floor cushions and pillows help make that cozy perch. We added in layers and layers of vintage brass, tinsel, colorful candles, and disco ball ornaments that add the final touch of festive flair and make this space sparkle just like Times Square at midnight (but way more my vibe!). Photos by Luke Cleland.
 

Holiday Home Tour

Y'all! Can you even believe that Christmas morning is less than a week away? I feel like Thanksgiving was yesterday. In the remaining time before the big day, we are going to be retreating to home as much as we can. You know, chillin by the tree, cookie baking in the kitchen, and all the Christmas movies on the sofa.... luckily the digs are all decked for the season and now all we have to do is enjoy it. Here's a tour of the casa dressed in it's Navidad best photographed by the talented Luke Cleland of Cleland Studios. 

Let's start with the tree because, he's obviously the star of every Christmas show. The tree is maxed to the max with a collection of the classics: tinsel garland, family ornaments, memories from trips and all the colorful baubles. All. Of. Them.

This corner might be the happiest spot in the whole darn place full of some of my faves: Glory Day Loflin, Kim Hassold, Lesley Grainger, Miles Purvis, Annie Koelle, and that citrus goodie from Treasure Nest Gallery in Mount Pleasant, SC. 

I die for these vintage stockings from Cody Foster Co. Paired with the best persimmon ribbon and my fave tinsel garland from the Hob Lob, this combo gives all the best throwback vibes. 

I got this cutie pie pillow last year from Furbish Studio and this year they have the cutest cheeky needlepoint cushions. 

I love to keep all the wrapping things handy. This has been the biggest time saver throughout this time of year for me. No scrounging through the closet for ribbon, scissors and paper when you need to wrap that last minute sursie. 

This side of the living room just got a few touches of Christmas. I spruced up a houseplant that I (miraculously) have kept alive for over a year with some sprigs of evergreen, colorful Christmas balls, and ribbon. 

Then, I layered these Ballard wreaths from last year over my Marquin Designs painting, that you may recognize from the One Room Challenge. Yes, I packed that baby in my car when the ORC wrapped and never looked back. I was in love and no one was stopping me. 

The dog collection got a jab of yule-tide merriment with ribbon and bottle-brush trees from Target's collection last year.  

These Anthro baubles have by far been my most favorite decorating element this season. I am pretty sure I've already given them a shout our in two posts, where I put them on packages and used them to add festive flair to out Christmas Morning Mimosa Barcart. They are just too too pretty. 

The coffee table gets some extra love from family and friends this time of year as we collect all the cards and mix in some favorites from years past. 

The record cabinet/ barcart/ server/ library/ perch for pretty things definitely makes for our most transitional and hard working spot in the house. This guy changes daily it seems, but got a dose of mild Christmas cheer with this festive orchid and a visit from Santa. 

Our citrus grove, aka entryway, was spruced with some simple touches of green and all the ribbons which leads into the kitchen that is currently holding the title of "Cheeriest Room in the House". Christmas cookies are going to taste extra delicious this year. 

Kevin, Maisy, and I wish you and your family the merriest of Christmases and the happiest New Year! 

XO, Amanda Louise 

Christmas Morning Mimosas

There's something wonderfully special about Christmas morning. It's like this moment in time when all is well, and we're surrounded by those we love most; I so appreciate greeting Christmas Day with everyone together in one place. Whether you're exchanging gifts, prepping the breakfast feast, or responsible for making the Egg Nog excellent, this time of year calls for pulling out all the stops, and making home especially warm and festive. On this day, I feel there's one item that absolutely must be locked, loaded, and ready to go.  Enter, the holiday bar cart and it's true bff, the Christmas morning mimosa. There is no better time to have an at home sip-and -see what Santa has put under the tree. This year, I mixed all of my favorites and invited my beloved bar cart to live the citrus dream. When it doubt, go where no hostess has gone before, ya dig? Shoutout to my good friend Totes the Labradoodle for helping me put together this optimal appearance for our morning mimosa. Enjoy your very merry AM!