Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Using What You Have to Create Something New!



Thanksgiving was a blur--since I spent most of the weekend sick in bed and although I'm not back to 100%, I am getting better and in a few more days, I should be back to better health. Thank you to all the kind comments I received and emails--they were very much appreciated.

Yesterday, my Mom hosted a large dinner party at our home and we had spent the day getting ready for it--cleaning, decorating, baking and cooking. I love getting the house ready for the holidays, putting up the Christmas decorations and making our home look and feel all cozy. This year is the earliest we've ever put up our decorations and we have everything up, except for our tree, which we will go get next week.

As we were re-arranging things in our home (you know how it is, moving regular items that sometimes get put away, to make more room for the holiday decorations), we were almost finished putting up the holiday decorations and found we still needed to find places for a few things.

One of them was a white pitcher that had to be moved and we didn't know where to put it. We jokingly put it on our table in the breakfast nook, since we had taken down the autumn centerpiece and then I looked around to see what we could put in it. I had a bag full of large candy canes sticks that were just purchased as ingredients for a few of the holiday desserts and I was still looking for a place to store them.

Then an idea hit!

Why not arrange them in the pitcher/vase for a festive holiday look? My mom happen to have some holiday ribbon that she fashioned into this fabulous bow and voila!



A fun, festive, holiday centerpiece! I love taking everyday items and creating a new look--and we got many complements that evening for something that was made from items we already had.



Candy Cane Centerpiece:

Vase or pitcher (medium size)
Holiday Ribbon
Candy Cane Sticks (large)

What are some of your favorite holiday decoration ideas?

12 comments:

  1. Thanks Jill...you've gotten me in a festive mood again!

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  2. I love that look! What a great idea! (I could never make such a fabulous bow.)

    I love gingerbread, so I like to decorate with gingerbread cookies and cookie cutters (on a ledge or hanging), and have a gingerbread scented candle going at all times, almost:) I framed a cute fabric gingerbread recipe too and hung it in the kitchen:)

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  3. Danny: I'm so glad!! :)

    Sue: The bow is actually pretty easy to make--my Mom literally whipped it out in less than 5 minutes--I may have to have her make another one and I'll take pictures and post it. :)

    I LOVE GINGERBREAD TOO!! I have a ton of gingerbread holiday decorations. I love your idea of the fabric gingerbread recipe--I'd love to see a picture of it! :)

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  4. Such fun! This looks so festive =D.

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  5. I wish you get well soon, Jill!

    This is the month of the year I love most. With all the festive mood and the coming holiday, days seem to be smooth and beautiful. Just as beautiful as your candy cane centerpiece.

    The ribbon goes so well with the candies, in terms of color and pattern. Great choice! I might need one myself.

    Sawadee from Thailand,
    Kris

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  6. My sister in law is the ultimate decorator, I usually end up with something that looks much worse. I normally get flowers and herbs from the garden for the table. I wish I were a little bit more like Martha when it comes to decorating. I love rustic looks so your pitcher is perfect. I can see it filled with those branches full of red berries you see around in the winter.

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  7. This is really pretty. It looks so festive and inviting. I just want to reach out and take a peppermint stick!

    I hope you're feeling better. I have something for you over on my blog...

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  8. That's such a cute idea! Hope you're feeling better!

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  9. Glad you are feeling better! I am looking forward to your DB post. Mine will be late too. This month was crazy for me!

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  10. Hi again -- Just wanted to let you know that I gave you an award on my blog. Congratulations!

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  11. Lauren: Thanks!

    Kris: I love this time of year too! :)

    Laura: Ohh, that is a good idea--I'll have to look for some red berries. :)

    Kate: Thanks for the award and the well wishes!

    Megan: Thanks, I am feeling much better now.

    Jenny: Thank you!

    Msmeanie: Thank you for the award!! I really appreciated it! :)

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