Holiday decorations!

[audball]

I just bought it! (and the book too, that talks to you..... )

cheers--Sharon

YAY! I just loved it. The size, the saying, everything.

 

[JaneSmith]

I LOVE that rainbow tree! I'm doing that next year.

 

[yennyfire]

I so want to be Christian at this time of year. The decorations are so pretty and none of the tacky Hanukkah decorations (not your tablecloth of course Sarahbear!) come close to the beauty and elegance (and endless possibilities) of Christmas stuff. Sigh.

Here's my attempt at pretty Hanukkah decorations. A friend made the box for me and I painted it silver, lined it with the same blue burlap that I made the table runner from and filled it with homemade mercury glass (I got the vases at Goodwill). I then filled some apothecary jars with gelt (it's a running battle to keep them full, as the kids keep sneaking pieces every time my back is turned!) and dreidels that I painted blue and silver. Lastly, I used an outdoor deck post newel and a wooden dowel to make a dreidel. Martha Stewart, eat your heart out!

 

[Gypsy]

Hi Yenny, I don't know... I really love some of the Michael Aram menorahs, and OMG did Williams Sonoma have a Hannukah table to DIE FOR when I was there a couple weeks ago.

I've seen some lovely dradels. Personally, I think you DO have to get more creative with it. But if you really want to... I think you can get some amazing stuff. A dradel collection, beautifully displayed. Some snowy houses in a display (that's not Christmasy, just wintery), and a lovely table set up with lots of gorgeous crystal and sliver, plus a knock out Menorah???

I think the biggest challenge is... and this is a non-jew's understanding. Hannukah isn't a celebration of "plenty" it's a celebration of "just enough and grateful to God for it"... which is really what Christmas should be, but well... isn't anymore. So opulence and over the top decorations kinda clash with that message. But that doesn't mean that you can't do understated elegance in your decor, right?

 

[yennyfire]

Ok, Ok...I'll stop whining. . It is really hard to find Hanukkah decorations or even winter decorations that don't have sprigs of holly or candy canes attached to them. I remade some snowmen by ripping off the angel wings and halo, but my Mom still wanted to know why I had Xmas decorations in the house. I'm going to check out Williams Sonoma tomorrow and see what good ideas I can copy! There's still no comparison to the beauty of Christmas decorations...

 

[Mayk]

Our Mantle.....and our tree.... We're ready...

 

[Rosebloom]

Roseinbloom, that's just gorgeous!!! One of the best decorations I've seen! Love it.

Davi, WOW. Where did you get the white cut out trees under that mirrored hall table? I really love that.

Wow, thanks Gypsy!

 

[Rosebloom]

I love these glass ornaments I have hanging like a mobile. Feels like snow!

LOVE that mobile!

Thank you!!

 

[Rosebloom]

I so want to be Christian at this time of year. The decorations are so pretty and none of the tacky Hanukkah decorations (not your tablecloth of course Sarahbear!) come close to the beauty and elegance (and endless possibilities) of Christmas stuff. Sigh.

Here's my attempt at pretty Hanukkah decorations. A friend made the box for me and I painted it silver, lined it with the same blue burlap that I made the table runner from and filled it with homemade mercury glass (I got the vases at Goodwill). I then filled some apothecary jars with gelt (it's a running battle to keep them full, as the kids keep sneaking pieces every time my back is turned!) and dreidels that I painted blue and silver. Lastly, I used an outdoor deck post newel and a wooden dowel to make a dreidel. Martha Stewart, eat your heart out!

I love your centerpiece! Wow - you've got skills!!

 

[Gypsy]

http://ab.pbimgs.com/pbimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201236/0002/img34o.jpg Yenny do something like this. Only those gold-ish pattern containers should be substituted for silver ones in mercury glass like these: http://www.westelm.com/products/dotted-mercury-hurricanes-d235/?pkey=e|mercury|14|best|0|1|24||4&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-

Take those apothocary jars put then on a hall table and super size them and do 4 or 5 of them. Filled with blue and white candy like taffy (not christian), snow, and blue dradels. You need to go BIG with decor, oversized instead of putting all those items together in one container. Break them out into several different displays. Do different shades of blue throw pillow covers on your couch/chairs.

Do a Gorgeous tapestry above the Apothocary jar display: http://www.buy.com/prod/woven-wool-and-silk-chanukah-hanukkah-menorah-themed-wall-hanging/243316947.html?listingId=249624789

Your TABLE is your tree with Hannukah. Do something like this: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/tree-of-life-menorah-stoneware-salad-plates/?pkey=chanukkah-holiday-decor&cm_src=hanukkah-holiday-decor||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_- Fabulous linens are your tree skirt and the stemware your ornaments. And your menorah your star. REALLY make it fabulous.


Put large http://www.westelm.com/products/mercury-glass-logs-d280/?pkey=e|mercury|14|best|0|1|24||2&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_- or http://www.westelm.com/products/mercury-vase-a904/?pkey=e|mercury|14|best|0|1|24||8&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_- Vases of Blue and White flowers around. Or even something like this: http://www.everythingfurniture.com/nn-hydrangea-centerpiece-1.html?cmp=channeladvisor&kw=nn-hydrangea-centerpiece-1&utm_campaign=Pricegrabber&utm_medium=Comparison&utm_source=PGR_EF&utm_term=4622-BL&utm_content=NearlyNatural#axzz2EKTX9c7Q

Put some Hannukah towels up in the guest bedroom. These are perfect: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=204948


Buy the three white snowglobes here and put them together on an end table: http://www.westelm.com/products/snow-globes-d327/?pkey=call-holiday-decor They are winter, not Christmas.

Do a couple of these owls. Blue and white are available: http://www.westelm.com/products/st-jude-ceramic-owls-d390/?pkey=e|owl|21|best|0|1|24||11&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-


That's how you decorate for Hannukah like it's Christmas. You go OVERBOARD.

 

[Sparklelu]

Davi your decorations are TDF! I love the rainbow tree.
I love the look of ribbon on a tree but can never get it right. I bow to you ribbon ninjas!
Part of the house is done. Two trees go up Saturday.
One is Garnet and Gold the other is mostly silver and white but has all our family ornaments.
I put a Christmas decoration in every room including the bathrooms.
Also I have been making wreaths to give as gifts.
Keep posting the beautiful decorations I love seeing everyone's decor.

 

[yennyfire]

Ummm, yeah. Gypsy, you freakin rock!!! Where have you been my whole life??? Now can you wave a magic wand and have it all here by Saturday? I have to go shop now!

You are so sweet Rosebloom. However, it looks like I can do a whole lot better and can't wait to implement some of Gypsy's ideas!

 

[Gypsy]

MORE FOR YENNY:

GORGEOUS and easy to make at home. Have the kids help you make them: http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/116952921542918328_2jAWjd0u_c.jpg The dreidels are constructed from colorful paper, then decorated with Hebrew letters. Or this: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zOnGNeh7fk4/TukKHgNuoLI/AAAAAAAABRw/vuxQq47fLzc/s1600/garland1.jpg Or this: http://bios.weddingbee.com/pics/98050/hanukkah_garland.jpg

http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/desktops/dyd100167018.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg

http://ab.pbimgs.com/pbimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201236/0002/img34o.jpg Yenny do something like this. Only those gold-ish pattern containers should be substituted for silver ones in mercury glass like these: http://www.westelm.com/products/dotted-mercury-hurricanes-d235/?pkey=e|mercury|14|best|0|1|24||4&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-

Take those apothocary jars put then on a hall table and super size them and do 4 or 5 of them. Filled with blue and white candy like taffy (not christian), snow, and blue dradels. You need to go BIG with decor, oversized instead of putting all those items together in one container. Break them out into several different displays. Do different shades of blue throw pillow covers on your couch/chairs.

Do a Gorgeous tapestry above the Apothocary jar display: http://www.buy.com/prod/woven-wool-and-silk-chanukah-hanukkah-menorah-themed-wall-hanging/243316947.html?listingId=249624789

Your TABLE is your tree with Hannukah. Do something like this: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/tree-of-life-menorah-stoneware-salad-plates/?pkey=chanukkah-holiday-decor&cm_src=hanukkah-holiday-decor||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_- Fabulous linens are your tree skirt and the stemware your ornaments. And your menorah your star. REALLY make it fabulous.


Put large http://www.westelm.com/products/mercury-glass-logs-d280/?pkey=e|mercury|14|best|0|1|24||2&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_- or http://www.westelm.com/products/mercury-vase-a904/?pkey=e|mercury|14|best|0|1|24||8&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_- Vases of Blue and White flowers around. Or even something like this: http://www.everythingfurniture.com/nn-hydrangea-centerpiece-1.html?cmp=channeladvisor&kw=nn-hydrangea-centerpiece-1&utm_campaign=Pricegrabber&utm_medium=Comparison&utm_source=PGR_EF&utm_term=4622-BL&utm_content=NearlyNatural#axzz2EKTX9c7Q

Put some Hannukah towels up in the guest bedroom. These are perfect: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=204948


Buy the three white snowglobes here and put them together on an end table: http://www.westelm.com/products/snow-globes-d327/?pkey=call-holiday-decor They are winter, not Christmas.

Do a couple of these owls. Blue and white are available: http://www.westelm.com/products/st-jude-ceramic-owls-d390/?pkey=e|owl|21|best|0|1|24||11&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-


That's how you decorate for Hannukah like it's Christmas. You go OVERBOARD.

 

[Gypsy]

Ummm, yeah. Gypsy, you freakin rock!!! Where have you been my whole life??? Now can you wave a magic wand and have it all here by Saturday?

All it takes is money. LOL. And a little time. And you also need to embrace a little decorating DRAMA.

 

[yennyfire]

Ummm, yeah. Gypsy, you freakin rock!!! Where have you been my whole life??? Now can you wave a magic wand and have it all here by Saturday?

All it takes is money. LOL. And a little time. And you also need to embrace a little decorating DRAMA.

I consider it an investment! I definitely lack DRAMA (and apparently good internet searching skills)....thank you so much for the help!

 

[justginger]

If I wasn't grouchy BEFORE this thread, I certainly am NOW! For goodness' sakes, how in the world do you people do it?! These things are so beautiful. David, your house looks like a bloody magazine, absolutely jaw-droppingly stunning!

In comparison, my house has:

no tree
no wreaths
no table decorations (and honestly, no horizontal surfaces to put them on without 99.9% chances of breakage)
no cards
no mobiles
no holly
no candles
no garland
no presents
no Santas

GAAAAAH! Must resist urge to go buy every Christmas decoration in sight to keep up with the Pricescope Jones family!

Honestly though - two large dogs, 2 grown cats, one teenage kitten-catten, and 7 kittens. Nothing in this house is safe, and more than likely never will be.

 

[Enerchi]

Davi - your house decor is STUNNING!! I LOVE your multi colour tree, your table scapes, your white tree --- EVERYTHING looks amazing! WOW!

...and I especially love your humour - "we put the "B" in subtle"!!! LMAO!!! Totally cracked me up!

 

[stargurl78]

WOW, Davi can you please come decorate my house?!?!?!

 

[SB621]

OMG Gypsy LOVE YOU!!! That is awesome!!! Sorry I'm sort of in the same boat as Yenny that Chanukkah stuff is few and far between.

Yenny have you seen the plates at crate and barrel this year for Chanukkah? I actually really like them. We have some that are a little similar that we pair with a tableset (also C&B but years ago) that are silver and dark blue. Dramatic but doesn't actually scream Chanukkah if you know what I mean. I have actually found a lot of great stuff at Marshalls and TJ Maxx but that was when I lived in New England. Since moving down South most stores don't carry Chanukkah decorations.

And my menorah looks pretty much exactly like yours We have 2 others for the kids that are more tacky/ kiddy but our big one is very similar to the one you posted. When my table is set I will try to post back with a picture to show.

 

[partgypsy]

If I were decorating for Hanukkah there are so many silver/white blue decorations that are more winter specific than Christmassy that would look great.
I'm thinking hanging snowflakes, glass icicles, blue white and clear globes.
West Elm also has cut-out wood trees that can be used as some kind of tableau or on a mantle (get fake snow and tuck blue or white lights underneath it!
Though it is not Hanukkah specific there are music boxes, etc that show ice skaters or other winter themes.
I like how those branches with little white lights look. Adding some to an urn on the floor would add drama but doesn't look like Christmas tree.
I've seen some tapestries of tree of life that are really beautiful. The tree transcends religions and the shape echos the shape of a menorah.

 

[webdiva]

Pretty decorations, everyone! And oh my, Davi! Gorgeous!

I did the easy decor this year! Tree with just lights (which are built in!) So pretty!




Plus this from Walgreens!



I love the merry glow in our house from just these two items!

 

[Gypsy]

This is what I mean by scale of apothecary jars:
http://www.makoodle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/winter-apothecary-jars-1.jpg
http://craftionary.net/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-P5gPaek4Alk/UA8tm-I7GOI/AAAAAAAAFaI/FvpLv7hgo0g/s640/Apothecary-Jars.jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zvyiRRgdC7k/TNXgUg9aEMI/AAAAAAAAFDI/ctYKR7PdT6c/s1600/apothecary+jars+with+red+white.JPG

Just put silver, white and blue items in them. Use fake snow in them if you want. Put in blue and white bows (like the red and white ones in that last pic) in them. Whatever. But makes sure the scale is LARGE.

This page is awesome for inspiration: http://www.craftionary.net/2012/08/25-diy-apothecary-jars-what-to-fill.html

 

[bunnycat]

Well- I tried to edit some photos for this, but they keep posting upside down. So I'll just say for now how wonderful everything looks!!!

 

[Gypsy]

Webdiva, I love the plain lit tree, and your room and display behind the tree are lovely. I really like that lamp and vase.

 

[violet3]

Here's our little tiny tree - we have a crazy dog who would knock over a big tree. This is our third year with a little table top tree and we love it! It's a REAL tree, just very small (about 2 feet) and it sits on top of our book cases in the dining room. The butterflies are on top because any tree toppers would be way too big for the little tree. They're not always the most symmetrical trees, but they are really easy to clean up when the holiday is over.

 

[webdiva]

Webdiva, I love the plain lit tree, and your room and display behind the tree are lovely. I really like that lamp and vase.

Thanks, Gypsy! The lamp is from a thrift store, I painted it white and added that shade that was on sale at Home Goods. The vase is from Home Goods too! Looooove that place! Most of our stuff is from thrift stores (and painted/refinished), craigslist, IKEA or other local shops. It's soooooo much fun decorating! That dresser is about the same color as your front door (Love the color!), I paid $75 for it and painted it!

Violet! Cute tree and little figurines, let's see a closeup of those little guys!

 

[davi_el_mejor]

Thanks again guys I have to give credit to the better half though... it's all him I just take better photos

I'm working on getting some of those glowy tree pictures to post. Real ambience

Violet - Love the little real tree! I think we're going to add a little one to our "forest" next year

Webdiva - Love it all! So simple and elegant.

Elisateach - Your wreaths are so pretty! Such wonderful gifts. Also, the trick to ribbon... proportions. You really have to step back every three minutes to see how it looks and feels. If it's not right, it's not right. Gotta go with a wider/narrower ribbon or change the spacing.

MayK - Love it! Totally jealous of the mantle!

 

[Enerchi]

Thanks again guys I have to give credit to the better half though... it's all him I just take better photos

I'm working on getting some of those glowy tree pictures to post. Real ambience

Violet - Love the little real tree! I think we're going to add a little one to our "forest" next year

Webdiva - Love it all! So simple and elegant.

Elisateach - Your wreaths are so pretty! Such wonderful gifts. Also, the trick to ribbon... proportions. You really have to step back every three minutes to see how it looks and feels. If it's not right, it's not right. Gotta go with a wider/narrower ribbon or change the spacing.

MayK - Love it! Totally jealous of the mantle!

Well, Davi, your SO is a very gifted and talented man with colour and decor - Kudo's to him!!! I just love your decor - I want to come and stay at your home for the holidays and just be surrounded by that beauty!

 

[davi_el_mejor]

Aww thanks

We'll keep the lights on for ya

 

[distracts]

Wow, everybody's holiday decorations are so amazing! Especially Davi's - that's absolutely crazy, Davi! Where do you KEEP all that stuff?

This is the second Christmas I've lived with my fiance and I'm trying to step up the game. Before I lived with him, he just did a wreath on the front door and outside lights, which is very different than what I was used to with my mom going nuts on the whole house. Last year I bought this little tree at Michaels... it's one of the kind that's like a foyer tree for a McMansion, but it fits in our house without having to move any furniture, I only had to buy a few ornaments to make it look totally covered, and it doesn't freak the dog out. We have a loose spaceships/scifi theme. New additions to the house decor this year include a table runner (which I was very excited about), some cheapie red and white garlands from the drugstore, Star Wars Christmas bobbleheads (Darth Vader, C-3P0, and R2-D2), and little felt stockings that I hung on all the drawers that had knobs. I'm going to buy some more spaceship ornaments but I can't decide which ones. We can't go TOO crazy with decorations because we don't have much closet space in our house to store them. So I'm trying to buy things that take up minimal space when stored but still add a festive touch.

Tree (with spaceships and an X-wing topper):


Dining area (we have a real other dining table but can't agree on chairs so we're stuck using this until we agree, lol... this one is so out of place in the house now that I've redecorated it - you can't tell from these pictures but everything else is dark woods):


Mainly I decorate my pets...

Jingle dog (my fiance had her before meeting me and he gets very disapproving when I dress her up... I do it anyway for the cuteness):


My sweet little bunneh elf:










My fiance thinks all the decorations are silly because we're atheists. But we still give presents on the 25th because we like reasons to give presents, and decorating is funnnnnnnnn. Makes these dreary winter days less depressing (especially when you decorate the pets).