White Christmas with red accents: how to get this look

 

Can you believe we’re already a week into December?

Is it just me? But this season feels like it’s zooming by.

After Thanksgiving weekend I was on a mad rush to get the house cleaned again (when do college guys stop leaving messes!) decorated for Christmas, and finally ready for the official For Sale sign. And I’m happy to tell you it’s all done.

Finally—yes-I-said-FINALLY—our house is on the market. I know. Nothing like waiting for the toughest month of the year to sell our home. But our Open House was Sunday and at last I have a quiet moment to sit down at my computer and show you how things are looking around here.

This is my Christmas dining room.

 

I had so much fun setting this red and white tablescape for our Open House …and I thought I’d show you how I did it. Just in case you’re looking for some decorating ideas.

A White Christmas with Red Accents

I originally saw this idea in Country Living Magazine a few years back and I never forgot it. Does that ever happen to you? You see some image you absolutely love and you think, “I’ve got to do that!”  Well since it’s my last Christmas in this house I thought it was a perfect time to create my own version.

 

 First I bought these little Christmas tins at Hobby Lobby and spray painted them red.

BEFORE

AFTER

But unfortunately these particular tins leaked water so next time I’m using regular soup cans instead. In the meantime I lined these tins with Ziploc bags that I trimmed to fit. So far no leaking. I just put the carnations into water but you could also use floral foam inside the tins if you want the flowers to appear more arranged.

 

For my centerpiece I planted Rosemary inside an old urn that was in the patio. I brushed it with some leftover paint and I went to the The Graphic Fairy where I downloaded two copies of this JOY image, and used Mod Podge to apply the image on both sides of the urn.

In case you don’t know, you can ‘age’ any image by brushing it lightly using a sepia ink pad or soaking it in coffee.

This time I used coffee.

I bought these little floral tubes at the floral supply store and I simply stuck them into the dirt. I filled each one with water before popping in the carnation.

The tablecloth is white. I laid crocheted doilies and ‘snow’ down the center and I loved how the doilies resembled snowflakes.

I really wish you could see this table in person. You can get big drama by choosing flowers in one hue and these simple, red carnations look so stunning against a white backdrop.

 And the best part is, these red flowers will make perfect party favors for your dinner guests.

 little details matter

none of these touches are expensive…you probably have most of these items already.

…mason jars filled with candles, cranberries and holly

…adding seasonal candy to your flower arrangements

 

…winding garland and ribbon in your chandelier

 

…sprucing up your chairs with Santa hats or you might tie a single bulb hanging from a grosgrain ribbon

and how about a hot chocolate bar on a side table?

This is so easy to do. I draped white fabric, snow and white lights on my sideboard. I used glass canisters for the goodies and a little blackboard I bought at Michael’s Crafts Store.

It looks so pretty at night.

 

 

Well…what do you think?

did I give you any ideas you can use?

I sure hope so.

Don’t forget to stop back for my Holiday Tour. I’ve got lots of pictures to show you.

And while I’m relieved to have the house finally ready to sell so my life can get back to normal,  I have to admit, we all have mixed feelings. Moving out of our family home will definitely be hard.

Life is sure interesting.

How is your December going?

xo

Leslie

 

I’m linking this post up with these friends:

• http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2013/12/nifty-thrifty-tuesday-no191.html 
• http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2013/12/194th-inspire-me-tuesday.html
• http://www.stonegableblog.com/2013/12/the-scoop-96.html

 

 

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