Heather Bullard

A Christmas Wish

It's been cold and rainy for a week which has put everyone in the sit by the fire, snuggle, bake treats and watch movies kind of mood. It's the perfect weather for being home for the holidays. I'm going to take some time to be with my family, decorate cookies, wrap presents and celebrate the meaning of Christmas. I wish the same for you and your family.

May each of you enjoy all the magic and wonderment of the holiday season with your loved ones. Whether it be ice skating with your children, a cozy dinner by the fire, singing neighborhood carols or attending midnight services. Whatever your Christmas wish...may it come true.

From our home to yours...Merry Christmas
Heather & Family

Thoughtful Small Gifts

   Don't you think the smallest of gifts can be the most special? Sometimes adding a few small touches to a simple gift can elevate it to something more grand. I thought I'd share with you the little things I added to my girlfriends presents to make it just that!

{ 1. } Antique German Dresdens were used as gift tags. I found a big pile of these at Junk Bonanza and couldn't pass them up. You can find similar ones online or at flea markets & antique stores. Keep your eye out for these year round and tuck them away for your special packages. 
 
{ 2. } World Market had a ton of unique chocolates and holiday wrappings. I kept with a simple red & cream theme with a little bit of gold for sparkle.
{ 3. } Instead of using a paper bag I found these woven sacks with red braided handles. Too cute!
{ 4. } To wish the recipients Good Luck for the coming New Year I added chocolate horseshoes and tossed in a handful of foil wrapped coins.
 
{ 5. } And these adorable Tea Cakes (box of 6 for 2.99) fit the bill perfectly with their red & white striped foils. Inside is a marshmallow topped shortbread cookie covered in chocolate! Wouldn't these be perfect for a stocking? They look like they've been made by Mrs. Claus!

What kind of little touches do you like to add to your holiday gifts?

Christmas Mantle

Had a slight change of plans for my family room mantle this year. Usually it's decked out with greens but when I pulled out my oversized Pottery Barn ornaments I decided to do a more serene display.

Antique pickling jars were perfect to hold cut branches. I slipped oasis foam in the bottom, inserted the branches and covered with faux snow. The mirror is from a local antique store. I didn't buy it the first time I saw it and went back for it a month later. So glad it was still there! Someday I may paint it. Maybe.
  
And I've gotten started on my presents. Crate & Barrel had beautiful, heavy duty wrapping paper in modern metallic prints. Love, love the one with branches and wish I bought more of it.

I feel kind of late with my holiday decor. As I write this my tree isn't even up. And it seems I've missed participating in all the holiday blog parties. Maybe there's hope for me next year.
How about you...how's your decorating going? Please tell me I'm not the only one...

Evergreens

 
I was on a mission today to find fresh evergreen garlands. No luck. I think a trip to a tree farm might be in order. Fortunately I did come across some beautiful evergreen bouquets at my local Trader Joe's so I bought quite a few bundles. These will be going on the mantle in the family room.

They also had petite European Trees in burlap covered pots and fresh unadorned wreaths so I picked up some of those too. I think I'm going to decorate the wreaths with a simple satin bow. Maybe in a beautiful chartreuse green or muted teal.

The best part of the whole day was leaving them in my car while I ran errands. Everytime I got back in.....heavenly scents of Christmas greeted me. It sure made the errands more enjoyable. You should give it a try!

10 Etsy Holiday Favorites

Don't you just adore Etsy? They have so many fantastic artists, photographers, designers & shop keepers. It's the perfect place to find lovely handmade or vintage Christmas gifts. I thought I'd share a few of my latest favorites! 

1. Kimono Style Robe. I absolutely love the colors in this robe and it's name Jardin Bleu. In my southern California climate the cotton voile fabric would be divine.  

2. Lotus Sea Glass Earrings. Again, such yummy color and I love the intricate knot design..gorgeous. I think I would wear these a lot!

3. Angora Twisted Cowl. The perfect accessory to perk up your jeans, jacket & tee. Such a stylish way to keep warm & cozy.

4. Paris Rooftops Photograph. I've been adding to my gallery wall and always love finding another rooftop photo. It's like a mini vacation every time I see it.

5. Petite Paris Calendar Sets. In my book, anything by Little Brown Pen is fantastic. These mini calendars would be the perfect 'little something' to give away.

6. The Handy Box. Just what the name implies..a charming assortment of tags, twine and boxes. All beautifully packaged to boot!

7. Frosted Winter Cones. A sweet box of tiny pine cones to decorate your gifts or holiday home. This adorable shop always has the best petite prizes to choose from.

8. Vintage French Teacups. Just what I need for my latest morning addiction...lattes! The blue pattern is so cheerful and there are 4 in the set. Coffee date anyone?

9. Homemade Marshmallow Sampler. With all the shopping, wrapping and decorating you'll need lots of energy to keep going. How about these delicious treats to perk you up? 

10. Ornament Cookies. Quite possibly the most beautifully decorated Christmas cookies I've ever seen. Just about anyone would love getting a box of these!

Hope you've enjoyed some of my favorites. What about you? Have you found any handmade holiday gifts on Etsy? Or will you be making your own this year?

Holiday Weekend

Hope you have a wonderul holiday weekend! The Man and I are planning to take a drive and do some Christmas shopping..a day long date! And Sunday I hope to start decorating for the holidays. How about you? What are you plans for the weekend?