Seasonal Inspiration

Vintage Easter

Easter is such a lovely occasion!  It heralds new life and all that is good and right and possible.  (Insert contented sigh here.)

This adorable friend was at Homegoods.

If I’m at a home decor store during this season, I’m in trouble. (O.K., ANY season) So many “pretties” to be had! And who doesn’t love new?

However, I’m always delighted when I discover new ways to use pieces I already own.  Obviously, this is the more economical option (three cheers for free!), but more importantly, it tells a story.  At just a glance, I’m reminded of special people and moments, and my family is surrounded by heritage.  What’s not to love?

SO WHAT if the silver isn’t polished.  Use it!

How about “vintage” memories?  My mother-in-law gave my daughter this adorable little bunny when she was just a toddler.  We couldn’t part with him even after she outgrew him, so we added him to our Easter collection and get to enjoy his floppy little self year after year.

In a similar vein, showcase happy moments from Easters past.

These pictures of my kids are some of my all-time favorites.  Tears and tantrums probably lined either side of this photo shoot, but these moments:  priceless!

Easter is one of the few times many families are together and dressed up, so why not capitalize on that effort and display those special memories?

What is meaningful to you about Easter?  Or Passover? Spring?  New beginnings?  Most holidays came into existence with the sole purpose of reminding us what is important–of truths that transcend the daily grind.  Relish that significance in your decor.

 

Life isn’t complete without a healthy dose of humor and fun.

Chalk at-the-ready encourages others to join in the corny jokes and puns.

Happy Easter!

 

Autumn, Seasonal Inspiration

Day of Thanks

–Isn’t it ironic that this little holiday, when we acknowledge what’s already great about our life, falls just before weeks of wanting, buying and getting?  Perhaps, if harnessed, Thanksgiving can be a meaningful pause–a moment to relish our many blessings before the December holiday craze descends.                               

Since most of us are overwhelmed just anticipating all that comes with December, why not keep decorations simple and focus on that which summons gratitude?

We like to pass around a bowl of letters and say something(s) we’re thankful for that begins with the letter we draw out of the bowl.  This simple activity is appropriate for almost any age, can be deep or light-hearted, and requires nominal prep.  You can also use scrabble tiles, magnet letters, flashcards, etc.

 

To keep young guests occupied before the meal, ask them to be traveling artists!  They can trace their hand or one of the adults and turn it into a turkey.  We also supplied some fun stickers because what turkey doesn’t want a mustache?

In honor of the humorously-named presidential turkeys (Tater & Tot, Gobbler & Cobbler, etc.) we asked guests to label their glasses with their “turkey name.”

Let a light and thankful heart rule the day, and may you be overwhelmed with blessings this Thanksgiving!