Monday, December 23, 2013

Beautiful Gift-Giving...

 

As I finalize my purchases and check off my lists, I would like to share a couple of ideas about wrapping gifts.  I really enjoy this aspect of gift-giving, maybe as much as I do of the thinking and shopping for those I love. 

 

 
To start with, it has been very helpful for me to have a little area where I have everything at my fingertips.  Every year it seems, I have moved  the location of my supplies.  This year, everything I need is in an old dresser from my grandparents.  I also enjoy (although not necessary) putting on Christmas music, maybe a delicious treat, tea and light a fragrant candle (a little idea from Alexandra Stoddard).
 
Here are some things I love to use:
 
  
Paper Flowers....

made with pretty scrapbook paper...
 
 
with old sheet music...
 
 
with coffee filters (very creative & resourceful!)
 
 
Faux Flowers, Greenery & Ornaments
 
              I try to think of the person I am giving the gift to; what flowers they may love or colors they adore.  Personalizing it makes it such a joy.  It also reminds me how unique and special each loved one is as I wrap.  Aren't you glad that we are not all the same?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vintage Jewelry...
 
           I have seen some really beautiful and very inexpensive vintage costume jewelery at thrift stores.  I also, sadly, have lost a part (of a pair) of my inherited jewelry from my grandmother and have used the other piece for my mother or daughters gift wrapping or maybe even a close friend.
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
A touch of nature tucked in......
 
       Especially this time of year, I am really beginning to miss my snow-covered garden and all the greenery from outside.  It really gives a wonderful touch and fragrance~very inexpensively or for absolutely no money, if they are from your kitchen windowsill or yard.
 
 
Fragrant Herbs
 
 
Cinnamon Sticks and Berries
 
 
a sprig of Lavender...
 
 Tags....
 
       This is such a fun aspect of gift wrapping.  Limited to only you imagination.  Copies of old photos, vintage-inspired empherma around the house, little Christmas cookies (below) as well as beautiful paper adorned with cute buttons.
 
hang a delicious cookie....

 
a copy of a cherished photo

 
an eclectic ephemera mix
 
 
Stamps & Buttons
 


 

Vintage-Inspired paper
 
 Labels...
 
       The last couple years I have really enjoyed this aspect of gift-giving.  There are some truly talented graphic designers who have been so very generous and given free links to their beautiful designs.  This allows for customizing and a really polished, boutique look.
 
 
beautiful fravored oils or vinegars

 
wrapping delicious cookie sleeves
 

Adorning glass jars
 
 As you take time to wrap all the gifts you have for loved ones, may you enjoy the beautiful and enjoyable process of pulling it all together.  May I encourage you also, to take time and pray for the person whom you are wrapping the gift for.  For truly it is those in our lives who are the gifts.
 

 
 
May you have a beautiful and blessed Christmas!
 
   ~Malinda
  


Sunday, December 8, 2013

A French-Inspired Christmas

 
 

 
     For the last several years, as I have pulled out all the Christmas decorations, I have felt dissatisfied with what I saw.  Through out the year, I had seen how my tastes had changed in the way I decorated our home, now I was feeling it as I dug through the boxes of Christmas decorations. 

      My eyes passed over the reindeer, snowmen and other "cutsie" and rather loud type of decorations and searched for the reverential and rustic manger.  As a follower of Christ, I have craved for the Christ child be center, not lost among the loads of decorations.  For years I have desired this.......yet the manger slowly and quietly suffocated.  
 
     As I have thought about how to resuscitate the manger, I have discovered a way that might be just what I desired.  An Old World style, French-inspired to be exact, one that would be simple and beautiful.  It would be the perfect backdrop to exalt the One who came on a dark and quiet night, long ago..... 



                                           Here is some ideas that I have been enjoying......       
      
      French Linens. 



 

miniature stockings....

Jeanne Oliver
 


 

 

     Beautiful as well as versatile Cloche's......

 


 

 
 
 
 
 
 
a wonderful way to display old pictures
of those we love (and maybe no longer here)

 
 
 
     Natural Elements.......Displaying His fragrant and beautiful creation.  Pinecones, moss, berries, boxwood, pine branches, nuts and twigs.
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 
      Lanterns, to light even the darkest of winter nights.........
 
 
 

 

 
 
 

 
 

     French Food.....( beautifully presented and slowly savored. I know, not really decorating)
 
Buche de Noelle


Strawberry Crepes
 
 
chocolaty Eclairs....


Macrons...

No matter the styles we choose to adorn our home this Christmas, may the beautiful things we place around us, point our hearts and minds towards the precious Savior.  May we consciously choose to nudge back those things that slowly and evocatively try to suffocate the manger's prominence both in our thoughts and in our home and bring forth the Christ Child.
                         
 
May His Love be the gift that we bestow onto those we love and be the aroma that dwells within our homes.
 
 

Christmas Blessings,
  Malinda