Tis the Season for Tartan

Plaid never feels more appropriate than during the Christmas season.  My tartan shirts are in heavy rotation, but I'm also looking at ways to pull the pattern into holiday decor.  Maybe re-use an old blanket as a table cloth? 

 

 

  (Click on images for sources)

Holiday How To: T-Shirt Pom Pom Ornaments

Each year I like to make ornaments to add to my tree and I wanted to share a quick and easy project with you guys that you can make using old t-shirts: 

1.  Starting with on old t-shirt (or in this case a tank top) cut and rip 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide strips. 

2.  Once you've ripped the shirt into a pile of knit strips, you're ready to make them into a pom. It's OK if the t-shirt strips are varying lengths and widths.

3.  Wrap the strips around your a piece of cardboard slightly bigger than the width of the pom-pom you want.  When you hit the end of a strip, just layer the second strip over the end and keep wrapping around.

4. Once you have layered on the strips of t-shirts, pull the ball off the cardboard and tie an additional strip tightly around the center with a double knot.

5. Squeeze the scissors into the layers of t-shirt strips and cut them in half.  

6.  Now,  you should have a slightly lumpy looking pom-pom.  From here, fluff up the edges and then trim it into the an even shape.

Finally, tie it onto an ornament hook or present and you've got a festive handmade holiday decoration!  

In the Mood for Velvet

As we enter the holiday party season, we also enter the season of velvet.  I'm pretty averse to velvet most times of the year, but I think the fabric has a special place between now and new years.  I especially like velvet pieces in classic black and navy paired with simple menswear inspired pieces like white button downs and classic trousers.

My current favorites from left to right:

Midnight Velvet  Tuxedo Blazer– I think this tuxedo inspired blazer is a perfect holiday investment that  you can pull out in December for years to come.  It’d be perfect  with jeans and a white blouse or thrown over a simple LBD. ($115  at TopShop)

Striped Velvet Dress – I love these velvet stripes and the sheer sleeves make it a bit sexy while still appropriate for a work or family party ( $140  at House of Fraser )

Maroon “Hagette” Stretch Velvet Pants – All these trousers need is a white button down and a festive statement necklace ($245 at Tory Burch)  

Rosa Velvet Heel – I love the gold heel! I’d pair this with a simple black dress and piles of gold jewelry. ($115  at Juicy Couture)

Holiday Decor: Expanding Your Color Palette

Although it's easy to stick to a 'classic' palette, the holiday season doesn't have to mean you fill your house with tons of red & green.   Each year, I find myself inspired by festive homes that pick a unique color palette for the season and stick to it.  My problem is that if I buy all my decor in some non-traditional colors, I worry I'll be sick of it after a year or two.  But then, I see something totally unique and inspiring like this insanely cute pink and light blue holiday party from Sitting in a Tree (Found via Pinterest)

Or, the peacock blues and greens that Emily Henderson has been using:

It's also fun to see when people pick holiday decorations that match perfectly with their year-round home decor, like these ladies did with yellow.

Focusing on silver for the holidays can be equally impactful, but feels a bit more traditional.  Check out this tree from Martha Stewart.

Happy decorating!