Family Chic

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A rainy Christmas day - I like it.

Plain glass ornaments hang from knots on a strand of jute to create a delicate garland that looks like a string of glassy bubbles.

Try hanging the strand in a window. The glass balls look great backlit with natural light.

Plain glass ornaments are available at most craft stores. To make this garland -I chose the smallest size globe I could find and removed the metal caps from the ornaments.

Cut jute to desired length and make several knots all along the strand - I spaced mine about 5 inches apart. Make knots large enough that they can be forced into the ornament opening and not come back out easily.

Walnuts, spray painted silver, mix in among pewter and silvered glass votives to create a glimmering centerpiece.

You could also use gold spray paint - but I was in the mood for silver.

My living room. At this time of year - I like to transform my surroundings and create a change that is refreshing - but can also be reversed easily when the season passes.

To add texture and interest - I draped the mantel wall with burlap.

My old tool box is filled with wood shavings and vintage Christmas ornaments.

Feathers, found at the beach this year with my daughters, are tucked into evergreen boughs.

This year I had the good luck (in my mind) to come across a large bag of old house numbers at a thrift store. Priced at only $1.00 - I couldn't pass it up. I wasn't sure what I was going to do with them at the time - I just knew I had to have them. Once the tree was up - the idea hit me. I tied each number with jute and hung them on the tree.

Old photographs, purchased at an estate sale years ago, are clipped to the tree with antique German curtain rings.

Bits of an old sweater are clipped into small squares and strung on yarn to make a soft, textured garland.

...more numbers.

I've never liked tree stands. Our tree sits in a burlap wrapped planter that is filled with pea gravel.

Glass icicles hang from the windows.

To wrap my gifts this year I chose leopard and tartan printed papers. I love animal prints when paired with all sorts of checks and plaids - the combination of the two patterns create a pleasing contrast.

Candy canes in bright colors add a modern touch.

Purchase plain tags at Office Depot and stamp with your own designs - this is far less expensive than buying printed gift tags and much more personal.

They're not just red and white anymore. Candy canes are pretty hip looking these days - grab a few boxes of brightly colored sticks to add to gifts.

Skeins of yarn left over from previous projects are put to work once again. This project is great to do with and for children. However, it is such a cheery looking wreath, you may want to keep it for yourself!

I started out by making the base. To start this stage, you could buy a foam wreath form at a craft store - however - I used a firm paper plate- cut out the center to create a wreath shape and wrapped it with batting. I cut out, from the back of sweater, a wreath shape that was about 1-2" larger than the plate wreath shape.

I wrapped the sweater cutout around the wreath frame and stitched it closed in the back using a large sewing needle.

Wrap strands of yarn around wreath and tie on large silver jingle bells (sold by the bag at craft stores).

In our home we try to upcycle and reuse items as often as possible. Before you toss glass jars into the recycling bin - try making these easy candle holders. Start by soaking off labels and cleaning jars thoroughly. Wrap jars in paper doilies, tie with jute and drop in a white votive candle.

Use large and small doilies as well as silver and white to create an interesting variety.

The more the better- a grouping of these on a tray is really striking in a dimly lit room. They are like delicate, illuminated snowflakes- perfect for a winter get together with friends.

Each year, I try new ways to display my favorite holiday collections to keep the style of my home feeling fresh. This year I filled apothecary jars with artificial snow (available in craft stores), fresh evergreen clippings and a few vintage ornaments.

A honeysuckle vine wreath is covered with moss and silver jingle bells. This wreath took me about 20 minutes to make. Hot glue moss to wreath - wrap with jute and tie on jingle bells. All of my supplies were purchased at a craft store and totaled less than $20.00.

I chose to hang this wreath on my china closet- one of my favorite pieces of furniture. I picked it up at a garage sale for $25.00 - painted it a flat gray and lined the inside and glass doors with burlap. I hoped to take it from 1970's suburban American to 18th century Swedish - it works for me.

Using large sugar cones, branches, a strand of wicker star lights and a glass globe light from Ikea, I created a winter still life on top.

A $4.00 bird ornament from Target and a real bird's nest create a the kind of surprise that kids love to discover.

I like to mix real with artificial - the cotton snow is from Target - $3.99 for a fairly large bag.

I purchased my pine cones at Windy City Garden Center on Green Bay Rd. in Evanston.

An old brass house key and a house number hang from the knob to add interest and sparkle. My younger daughter just turned 5 - so she loves this detail.

I've always loved preppy looking ties - crisp, bright stripes and paisley patterns are my favorites. I tied 3 silk ties together -end to end- and wrapped them around an evergreen wreath.

Every man has a few unwanted ties in his wardrobe. Check with the guy in your life and grab a few from him or search resale shops and garage sales.