Last year I told you I traded my fat tree for a skinny tree. Why? It doesn't take as long to decorate and the same amount of bulbs make it look totally full.



To get this full look, I start by adding ribbon. Save your money and make your own ribbon! It's a lot cheaper and you'll get a much more glamourous look! I like to use a variety of textures within the same color family. Here I used a chiffon, burlap and a giraffe print.



I like to use fabric for ribbon because I can just tear wide strips of fabric on the grain. I usually tear about 12-18" strips so the ribbon is really plump. Chiffon works really well, but I also used narrow strips (about 6" wide) of printed burlap on this tree.



I even used a wad of burlap for the tree skirt. I just puddled and bunched it up underneath the tree.



I was going for a more neutral look this year so, I used a white, silver & beige palette in the living room. My favs: mercury glass, linen, burlap and anything silver. (I saved the red for the kitchen. I'll show you that in a bit).  As you know, when I shop estate and garage sales, I'm always on the look out for anything silver and the holidays really give me permission to bring it all out! I also love vintage linens.



Filling jars and bowls with ornaments is one of the easiest ways to all holiday cheer.






Here, my three of my favs: mercury glass, silver and glass combine for one amazing pop of wow!



A couple of years ago, I made a ton of these silver leaf ornaments. There's not enough room on my tree for them so I spinkled them around the house. I originally bought one at Target, copied the pattern and cut out a bunch out of matt board (found in the framing dept at Hobby Lobby. You buy it in sheets larger than poster board for about $6 a board). Yes, my hands hurt after cutting out 25 of them, but it was so much fun! It was worth the pain.



I also did the joy letters the same way.




If you want detailed directions on how to do this, check out my blog post  on  Glitter Words.

If you aren't using your silver coffee creamers and sugar bowls, use them for display! Fill them with a touch of greenery and a little pinecone. Sometimes it's the simple touches that make the biggest splash of holiday cheer!



Same thing with your silver serving trays! Why hide them in the pantry? I use them all over the house. Layer one on a footstool for a easy reach for a drink.



I love to repurpose items. This coffee urn is now a beautiful vase for my entry table.



I absolutely LOVE this pop of red from a vintage candy tin. What a super steal it was! 10 cents at a garage sale! I also got the card holder for a quarter and spray painted it. Spray paint is my best friend! Black and white photos are a great way to add a touch of nostalgia.


Ok...enough for today. Check back soon. I'll post kitchen photos this weekend!

It's not Christmas decorating, but you might also enjoy a new video I uploaded, Decorating with Repurposed Junk.