Thursday, November 19, 2009

Simple Things Are Best...

By now you are aware that I have a growing to-do list for holiday decorating which will begin late next week. Some of you are wondering where I am getting all of the time to create my list as well as items for My Shop, training, etc, etc.
Well, I am planning on using loads of 'fillers'...things like bunches of greenery with lovely ribbon. This one above is beautifully simple and with the mint leaves would smell wonderful when you brush by.
Unfortunately, I don't have any vintage silverware (except for a gorgeous cake server), but the modern ones I have resemble these ones without the lovely patina. I do have stunning linen like this however ...now to fit it into the to-do list!

Little accents like this just make the whole event special, and make your guests feel like they are important to you...and how simple - a felt snowflake (you could cut this out with a scalpel), a sprig of something fresh (Lavender or Boxwood would be perfect), and a vintage tea towel used as a napkin....I love it!
For this, you wouldn't have to use purpose made tea light holders...baby food jars, small jam jars, anything like that would do. A couple of Autumn leaves and string and voila!! very cute table filler. Here in Australia though it would have to be a green leaf as we are at the end of Spring. It would still look gorgeous though.
...and don't forget doorknobs, drawer pulls etc. I am not saying to put one everywhere there is a handle...but unexpected places seem like you have really thought it out. I plan to put something on our little cupboard outside which houses our water heater! Everyone has to walk past it to get to the back door.
...I really have to get started!
Ness xx
image 1- Jeanne D'arc Living, 2 +3- Country Living, 4- Martha, 5- bhg

19 comments:

  1. LOVE the doorknob decoration! Beautiful!

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  2. Fresh and simple is my motto also. The door knobs looked beautiful. I just switched all mine to vintage crystal and will definitely be trying your idea this year.

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  3. I agree that sometimes we are so busy "Doing" that we tend to over do. I love simple. BTW - I have the same silver pattern. It goes well with my Mother's Chantilly pattern from the 40's.

    Thanks for sharing.

    Charla

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  4. You are SO right. Simple things ARE best. That little sprig with bow on the door knob is such a great idea. I am using that one for sure. All the best, Lori

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  5. Pretty from top to bottom! Thanks! Jennifer

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  6. love it! so simple yet pretty ideas! that doorknob is gorgeous! xo

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  7. No matter if it´s old or new: I love your silverware and would like to ask if you can order it and where ?

    Whshing you a nice day & thank you.
    Eve

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  8. Loved the photos - thank you for sharing them! :)

    I've been thinking of little phrases to help keep my decor choices focused. Things like "keep it simple", "keep it natural", "keep it lovely", "keep it old", and "keep it fun". Love these examples of simple & natural loveliness!

    Jacci

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  9. What great ideas, I especially love the little felt snoflake. I have been busy cutting out pages from old books to make up deco's for our tree. This year its going to have a handmade feel. I must remember to keep it simple.

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  10. So many lovely photos and I think you are right keep it simple and maybe understated for the best look
    Alison

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  11. I love the first and the last image. I have seen them before and plan to do similar decorations in my home. Thanks for the inspiration, Ness. XXXX

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  12. This is a really beautiful post! It's got me into the Christmas Spirit and I'm going to decorate this weekend.

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  13. If we could all agree to simplify the holidays, then the period of over-consumption would be over..........wouldn't that be lovely! less mess, less stress, less spending and get the holiday back to where it started.....a time with family and friends.

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  14. One of my favorite quotes is...

    "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" Leonardo d'Vinci.

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  15. Eve,
    The photo shown is not of my own silverware, but it is very similar. It was given to us when we moved into our first place together and it was from BigW!!
    Ness xx

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  16. Charla,
    I couldnt agree more. It just becomes one over commercialised fan fare and a huge expense. The whole meaning gets thrown to the wayside. I would rather focus on creating a wonderful place for our Family to celebrate together.
    Ness xx

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  17. Jacci,
    I may sound like I have it all under control...but once the decoration box is flung open, I will have to restrain. Thats my mantra for this year - RESTRAIN!
    Ness xx

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