Have Yourself a Very Victorian Christmas

1843 was a good year for Christmas.  Not only did it see the release of Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol, but it also marked the sending of the very first commercial Christmas card.  This card, to be exact.

Since that time, the sending of Christmas Cards has cemented it’s place as frequently observed Christmas Tradition.  Victorian Christmas cards, specifically, possess a unique sense of elegance and class that is unmistakable.  Use them to decorate your tree, send them to friends, tie them to presents or incorporate them in any way you’d like.  Sometimes the originals are just too hard to top!

Theme-a-palooza

My Mom is fiercely committed to everything in her life…her family, her work, her church...everything but her Christmas décor.  She reserves the right to change the decorating theme each year and in my twenty-five years I’ve pretty much seen it all.  Just when you think she couldn’t possibly think of a new concept, she busts out with a Christmas interpretation of something like ‘fruit’ or ‘musical instruments’ (both real examples).  And year after year, she pulls it off beautifully. There’s no need to change things up entirely every year (although, speaking from experience, I can tell you it’s a lot of fun), but if you see an idea you love, you can always start collecting pieces for future use.  Here are a few of my favorites. 

Winter White

Perhaps the easiest theme to incorporate is Winter White.  White is such a clean, fresh color…it makes spaces look bigger and can breathe life into the dullest of rooms.  It’s a simple way to unify decorations throughout your house and won’t be going out of style…well…ever.  Win, win- don’t you think?

Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay

As seen on: At Home with Kim Vallee

Birds of a Feather

At the risk of pulling a line from ‘The Notebook’, I’ve gotta say…If I was an animal, I’d want to be a bird.  I love how delicate and free they are.  My favorite way to incorporate birds into a Christmas theme is by using varieties that are synonymous with Winter (like the Cardinal) or have ties to Christmas (Partridge in a pear tree, turtle doves, etc.).  A color palate of reds, deep greens and all shades of brown keeps your design rustic and natural...but you can always jazz things up if your heart so desires.

http://www.marthastewart.com

Photo Credit: Gridley & Graves

http://www.anthropologie.com

Organic Chic

If, like me, you have ever asked yourself the question ‘What Would Anthropologie Do?’- you may want to consider an organic-chic holiday look.  This theme takes full advantage of materials like yarn, paper, wood, burlap, felt and the like.  Perfect for young adults, do-it-yourself-ers, and activists of any variety.

             

Click Here for do-it-yourself instructions

http://www.anthropologie.com

http://www.etsy.com

Outdoor Wonderland

When you’re a single gal there are certain things that- like it or not- you just have to learn how to do.  Taking out the trash, learning how to put air in your tires, hanging shelves…it all comes with the territory.  Now, I’m willing to try a lot but before you start a round of ‘I am woman, hear me roar’, I should tell you there is a line.  Somewhere far on the other side of that line is the notion of hanging outdoor Christmas lights.  I’m not going to do that.  But boy do I applaud those who can!  One of my favorite parts of Christmas is driving around and marveling at the light displays…whether it’s someone that got it so right or oh so wrong, it’s an undeniably enjoyable view.  I did a little research and found that Better Homes and Gardens offers some fantastic tips for hanging Christmas light- you can check them out by clicking here.  And here are a few pictures of houses with lights that get an A in my book.  Have a fantastic (and safe) weekend!

Deck the Table

I love my roommates.  Adore them, really.  I won’t bore you with a list of reasons why, but you should know they’re two of the loveliest, kindest, most entertaining girls you could ever have the pleasure of meeting.  The reason my house is in it’s current festive state is because Courtney decided to surprise Jess and I with Christmas last week.  We literally woke up to Christmas music playing, the tree up and decorated, garland everywhere, stockings hung, the whole nine yards.  It was like the spirit of Buddy the Elf was in the room…I couldn’t help but yell “It’s Christmas!” like a five-year-old.  Court did a great job with the decorating…in fact, here’s a little show and tell for you.  Here’s our tree....

And our stockings....

And as of today, here is our kitchen table.  

You may remember my post about a month back explaining how keeping our table set has helped to control our ‘pile problem’.  If you haven’t read it, check it out here.  I’m happy to report, the system is working for us.  The harvest theme I had going wasn’t exactly relevant anymore, so I’ve been on a mission this week to make the necessary updates.  I’m almost embarrassed at how many different places I searched to find items in my budget I was happy with, but after today’s visit to Hobby Lobby I’m happy to report all systems are a go.  I kept the plates and goblets from my original place setting, but the rest is new.  One of the most important things to remember in decorating (especially when you’re talking about a shared space) is to know your audience.  In this particular case, my audience is equal parts goof ball and class act, so I tried to keep things simple but fun. 

One more quick bonus for you- I was checking out Delish and found some other fantastic Christmas table settings.  Check these out!

"...hung by the chimney with care..."

What’s not to love about December 1st?  It’s late enough for the holiday high to seem more legitimate than premature but early enough to keep the stress that often accompanies Christmas at bay for at least a little while longer.  It’s perfect!  My house is already decked out in it’s Christmas finest- decorated tree, hung garland, carefully placed wreaths and- the finishing touch- stockings on the fireplace.  I love Christmas stockings because they offer such a fun opportunity to express personality.  I did some hunting and found a few keepers you may be interested in.  

Burlap Ruffle- $34

Personalized Christmas Stocking- $48

Ivory Felt- $18

Sherpa Stocking- $38

Velvet Mongolian Stocking- $19

Shell & Raffia Christmas Stockings $195

Flamenco Inspired Stocking- $25

            

Martha Stewart Stockings

Leave it to the always fantastic Martha Stewart to design gorgeous and unique do-it-yourself Christmas stockings. Follow the link for instructions on how to make any and all of these pretty present holders.