It's been fun looking at the holiday home tours going on all over blogland these past few weeks. Lots of inspiring ideas! As much as I love seeing the bedrooms, bathrooms and every other room in the house decorated, I've just decorated my living and dining room. I bought a bundle of fresh mixed greenery on the weekend and have tucked it all over - it smells like Christmas in here!
I've been seeing chalkboard signs everywhere and really like them. My handwriting isn't that great so I decided to make one using photoshop. I'll share how I did it in my next post. I'm happy with how it turned out and it actually looks like it was written on a chalkboard!
To keep the greenery fresh, I tucked a plastic dish filled with water inside this bowl and then added the boughs. You could also use floral foam but I didn't have any and didn't want to venture out to buy some. This seems to be working and if it starts to die off, I've got some extra branches I can use to replace it.
My mantel needed something to fill in the vast expanse of mirror so I decided to make this"joy" banner. It's hung with mini clothespins on jute twine and I used tiny suction cup hooks that I placed right on the mirror.
I made the snow "globes" with Epsom salts, bottle brush trees and mini Snowbabies ornaments.
Taking photos indoors on these gray days definitely presents a challenge. All of these photos were taken with no sun, no artificial light, no flash and minimal editing in Lightroom. I've been playing around with my camera to figure out how to take better photos on dark dreary days and found that by increasing the ISO to 400 or higher and increasing the exposure compensation, I can manage to get a decent photo. The higher the ISO the grainier the photo is so I've found that for me, 400 ISO is the highest that I like to use. And a tripod is a must.
We bought our tree today! Once it's decorated, I'll share a few more photos with you. I think I'm finished my shopping but I haven't baked a single cookie yet. Bobby had his 6 month CT scan and check up and he remains cancer free! (My scan is on Monday but I won't get the results until January.)
With all the shopping, decorating and medical appointments, I'm really behind with your blogs! I'm hoping for a few quiet days to catch up ... see you soon!
xo,
Lynda
I do the very same thing, Lynda (just a couple of rooms). I would actually like to do more, but I know who will be having to put everything away in January, and it keeps me under control with the decorating. :-)
ReplyDeleteEverything here is so beautiful, and those snow globes are genius. LOVE them!
Have a wonderful evening, my friend. xo.
Thanks so much, Lisa! My least favourite part is taking it all down and putting it away. I think about that too when I'm decorating! xo
DeleteIt really looks beautiful. Yay for a great report!
ReplyDeleteThanks Vee! :)
DeleteYour photos are perfect! I know my problem is being too lazy to get out my tripod! I love all of your decor. Merriest of Christmases to you, Lynda!
ReplyDeleteThanks Elizabeth! My hands shake so badly that I'd be lost without my tripod. :)
DeleteMerry Christmas to you too! xo
An early Christmas gift for Bobby & you with this scan results!! Keeping the good thoughts, prayers & positive healing going westward to you -- that your scan will be good too!!
ReplyDeleteLynda, keeping it simple is the way to go -- everything you have done in your home...and only on the main floor, living/dining area -- is gorgeous. I feel like I'm reading Style At Home -- the photos are crisp, light and clear -- so whatever you've been doing with your camera, it's working!
You have such an eye for colour and placement and for making things look dreamy yet realistic. Your home is warm & inviting...no surprise really -- given that is how I feel about you! xoxo
Thanks so much Sherry! xoxo
DeleteMy fingers and toes are crossed! :)
Enjoyed this! You have put together a lovely seasonal touch. :) That is an awesome idea about adding water to the greenery. I just got some seasonal greenery last night and I was wondering how to keep it fresh. Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lara! One week later everything is still nice and fresh. :)
DeleteYour Christmas decorating has just the right touch, Lynda, and it looks lovely. Since we downsized, I use less of our decorations each year. I have never been a fussy decorator, preferring to use things of sentimental value, but even that has been pared down. Your simplicity gives me inspiration to continue to decorate simply all year round.
ReplyDeleteThanks Laurie! I've simplified things out of necessity but have found that I like it much better. Not sure if I'll change that when I get my energy back! :)
DeleteHello Lynda! I feel as if I have found a long lost friend. I have missed you. This morning I opened the Christmas edition of Homebound and there your name was! So I had to come right over.
ReplyDeleteI have just caught up by reading all your posts for the 2013 year. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother and I am happy to hear that your numbers are coming down.
What you have done with your home is beautiful and I am so thrilled to once again enjoy your gorgeous photography. Wishing you the Merriest of Christmases and many blessings in the coming year.
Hugs ~ Rebecca
Thanks so much Rebecca! I'm so glad you found me again! I've lost touch with a few people that I used to keep up with on Flickr and Facebook.
DeleteMerry Christmas to you too! xoxo
Thank you Clotee! I'm happy to have you here. :)
ReplyDelete