Wednesday, December 15, 2010

A Holiday Decorating Inspiration

Creative Home Magazine / Photographer - Michael Partenio
Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

Over the years my holiday décor has incorporated an ever increasing amount of natural elements. I have traded in much of the red and gold for a more subtle palette of white and silver. This transformation began about four years ago when I discovered the article shown below.

Creative Home Magazine / Photographer - Michael Partenio
Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

The story which appeared in the no-longer-existing Creative Home Magazine featured the home of designer and friend Elizabeth Tanny.

Creative Home Magazine / Photographer - Michael Partenio
Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications 

Her mantle with its fresh wreath hanging from a vintage garden gate set me on my own quest for a gate – which I finally found last year!

Creative Home Magazine / Photographer - Michael Partenio
Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications 

I fell in love with the way her holiday decorations were incorporated into the existing décor of her house. She did not simply set out more stuff.

Creative Home Magazine / Photographer - Michael Partenio
Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications 

Instead, she swapped her usual all white throw pillows for ones of green and brown. She also replaced white ironstone with presents covered in coordinating wrapping paper

Creative Home Magazine / Photographer - Michael Partenio
Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

Her use of fresh flowers makes it a simple transition from holiday decorating to beautiful winter décor.

Creative Home Magazine / Photographer - Michael Partenio
Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications 

As you can see, Elizabeth’s holiday decorating style has definitely stood the test of time. Her décor looks as fresh today as it did four years ago and has inspired many of the decorating choices I have made in my own home.

Creative Home Magazine / Photographer - Michael Partenio
Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications 

Have you ever been inspired by a magazine article or friend for your holiday décor? I would love to hear where your ideas/inspiration comes from!


10 comments:

  1. Oh, thank you for posting this! This is the kind of Christmas decorating I really, truly love. So clean and simple looking, too. I'm going to see if I can print out the photos you posted for my files ...

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  2. Very beautiful pictures. Would love it if someone would come and do these things to my home. :)

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  3. So simple, so elegant, so gorgeous. I wish I had the restraint for this. Lol !

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  4. Most of my Christmas decorations are from when I was a kid - I find it hard to part with them because there are so many memories attached to them. I've pared back a bit this year, and spread the Christmas joy here and there as opposed to everywhere in the house!

    Love the colour palette in your inspiration pictures :-)

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  5. So beautiful! Simple and elegant and cozy! Perfect!!

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  6. I love Donna Talley. She is very talented and I remember this article. Thanks for bringing it back.

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  7. Beautiful images!!

    Thank you so much for entering my New Giveaway from My Sparrow!

    Xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  8. Well.....it's bloggers like you that truly inspire me. I haven't gotten my paper whites or amaryllis yet. I usually don't start them until after Christmas to give me something to watch and look forward to during the long dreary winter months. There's nothing like a bright red amaryllis blooming in February. Looking at your photos I will put some small silver glass ornaments at the base of the dish that houses the bulbs. Have a merry and bright Christmas. xo Lynn @thevintagenest

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  9. Inspiration abounds! I find it everywhere—store displays, magazines, homes of friends and family, blogs... I love to take things I see and give them my own twists.

    Please be sure to come by and enter my fantastic year-end giveaway. Click the picture in my sidebar for details.

    Blessings and a very Merry Christmas!
    Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
    http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

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  10. I'm with you all the way. I use white hydrangeas, paper whites,silvery greens and juniper berries these days.
    Best,
    Liz

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