Mom's Turf: 2008

Fabulous Holiday Decorating Inspirations

Holiday Home Decorating is one of the most fun and exciting things to do for most women and homemakers. It gives us an outlet to express our creativity and even an excuse to splurge for some of us. Holiday or Christmas Home Decorating has come a long way from the times of the pagans to our present times. Yes, it is believed by many that most of our Christmas decorations have been around for a long time and have been used in pagan festivals before. There are more variety of Christmas decors in terms of style, color, texture, shape and items that we can use these days, and of course, the more the merrier. But having more Christmas things and themes to choose from sometimes cloud our judgment of what to choose and create. Most of you have finished your holiday home decorating by now but for those who have not, especially those who have not started yet it is not yet too late to start now. Liven up and ready your living rooms, dining rooms, and even your fireplaces for the coming holidays. Let your family, friends and guests enjoy the season with your holiday home decorating as backdrop to the happy moments about to unfold this holiday season. Here are some fabulous rooms elegantly decorated for the holidays to inspire you.

photos: 1, 2, 3, 4

‘Tis The Season to Decorate your Homes

Christmas is just around the corner and everywhere you look it is starting to be festive, cheerful, and jolly. The season to celebrate and give our homes the happy vibe is here especially if you have children or planning to have some company during the holidays or any other excuse you can think of to adorn and decorate your home this holiday would just be fine. It is time to bring out those family treasured holiday ornaments and accents, and of course it is also time to shop for new ones. Speaking of shopping, which of course is becoming one of the most-enjoyed and well-loved hobbies of women all around whether there is a crisis or not, I have quite a few nice finds for some holiday decorating. These holiday decors and accents will surely spice up any dull and boring space in your home and hopefully add to the holiday spirit of everyone that gets to see them. These decors are something you would love to add to your collection of family treasured holiday ornaments.

Silver and Glass Spheres

Reduce. Rejoice. Recycle. Celebrate in eco-friendly style with these blown-glass spheres,all handcrafted from reclaimed materials.

Glass Cone Trees

Crafted by hand, these trees possess a lustrous metallic finish styled with a festive swirl. Their simple, elongated forms make a striking display on a mantel or table.

Mercury Glass Log Votive Holder

Lend character to candlelight with this faux-bois holder, crafted of glistening mercury glass.Holds five votives or tealights.

Swarovski 2008 Star Ornament

Swarovski's collectible annual ornament adds undeniable sparkle to the tree. The original design in faceted crystal is accented by the traditional blue ribbon.

Santa Shimmer Light

A holiday party conversation piece, this pink-faced Santa becomes animated when heat from a halogen bulb inside makes the glitter revolve.

Cracked Pomegranate Ornaments

Add a festive flourish to holiday settings with these luscious, sparkling faux pomegranates. Handpainted with realistic details and finished with just a hint of glitter, each is handcrafted of resin.

Old-World and Baker Nutcrackers

Old-World Nutcrackers Steinbach is recognized around the world for their heirloom-quality nutcrackers. Handcarved in Germany, these holiday nutcrackers are dressed in the guises of a 19th-century confectioner (shown left) and gingerbread maker (shown right).

Peppermint Twist Candlesticks

Like stacks of bright candies, swirled red and white glass make merry on the holiday table. Each is a single piece of glass that's carefully mouthblown and shaped, then handpainted.

Crystal Snowflake Ornaments

Sparkling snowflakes bring a wintry feel to holiday decor, whether hung on a tree or suspended from a garland.

Murano Angels

Canes of clear, white and colored glass are fused together, then reheated and mouthblown to create these delicately striated angels. Touches of gold accent their halos and wings.

Waterford Musical Santa Snowglobe

Snowflakes swirl to the tune of "Jingle Bells" as the stationary Santa in this holiday scene double-checks his list.

Monogrammed Holiday Guest Towels

Personalized with a single initial, these embroidered linen guest towels are a distinctive accent for the bath - and make a thoughtful hostess gift.

Images: Gump’s

Romantic Spaces

Meg Braff

We love romantic spaces because they are charming, cozy, and relaxing. Romantic spaces may seem to lean on the feminine style but it is something that the men and boys in our life may appreciate and enjoy. Many think that the only room in the house that needs to look romantic is the bedroom. This is not so, because almost every space and nook in your home can be turned into something romantic and charming. Whites, soft neutral colors and even pastels are commonly used in a romantic space but nowadays there are a variety of other colors that can be used to set the tone for a romantic space. Décor and accents are elements that are very important in creating a romantic space. Flowers, candles, lace, soft and light fabrics, whimsical and memorable things are some of the popular items that can be added in a romantic space. Romantic spaces are oftnetimes associated with country and cottage style but it is not only country and cottage designs that can look romantic and can have a romantic ambiance. A romantic space has a universal appeal because of its casual elegance, charm and pleasing ambiance.