Hello Christmas Cards

Yes - it's February and I am finally posting photos of our Christmas cards from this year (ahem - last year now). I used these gift tag templates from Eat Drink Chic. I cut off the top portion to make them look more like cards instead of gift tags. I then added ribbon, some glitter, and wrote messages on the backsides.

OK, I'm really done with the Christmas related posts now. I promise. Although I could probably look at burlap year round.

Hello Christmas Table

I'm finally getting around to posting the photos from Christmas day at our house. I know it's a little late (as in more than a month) but better late than never right?!

Here is our table.

Bird's eye view. I purchased bunches of white flowers from a local florist.

The linen is from Crate and Barrel and the runner is just a $2 piece of burlap from JoAnn's.

Owl salt and pepper shakers from etsy.

I purchased Jadeite dinner plates on etsy and ebay, and the salad plates are my grandma's china. I love the gold greek key pattern on these.

Here is a look at our bar. I set it up on the console table in our entryway. Our entryway is right between our dining room and living room. The idea here was that hopefully by putting the drinks and appetizers out here it would keep the party out of the kitchen - it definitely helped to keep the kitchen a little quieter and less chaotic.

I grew paperwhites for the first time this year and I loved them.

Cantaloupe wrapped with prosciutto.

Gold and white polka dot glasses purchased at an antique store and silver straws from west elm.

I'm in love with this pitcher (belt and all) - another antique store find. These bacon wrapped dates were delish and very easy to make.

I hope you enjoyed our Christmas dinner decor!

Blogiversary!

So yesterday was this blog's 2 year blogiversary! I wanted to be back to regular posting yesterday to celebrate but it just didn't happen. Life has been a little crazy around here between the Holidays, my husband's birthday, lots of miscellaneous parties and on top of all of that we're refinancing - which let me tell you is a huge hassle!

I figured I would celebrate Hello Lover's 2nd birthday with one of my favorite party ideas I've seen in a while. It's a Modern Christmas created by the talented people over at Sitting in a Tree and photographed by Joielala Photography.

So here is to you blog - Happy 2 years!

How perfect and fun are their color choices?! You definitely need to check out their site and take a look at their past work - they do some pretty amazing stuff!

Now on to business - sorry I was away for so long - but I promise to be back to regular posting next week - I have lots to show you from our own Christmas celebration!

Hello Michelle Morgan Harrison

Obsessed does not even begin to describe my feelings toward Michelle Morgan Harrison's Christmas decor as featured in Connecticut Cottages and Homes December '08 issue.

What a great DIY idea for an advent calendar.

I am a huge fan of paperwhites during this time of year - although I must admit - the one's I purchased last year did not smell so great at all. Has anyone else ever had this issue with these flowers?

I purchased little houses similar to the ones above at Homegoods last year. I love the books wrapped in craft paper and ribbon.

Great silver wreath. I plan on making one Eddie Ross style with some green, gold and silver ornaments purchased from Target last year.

I love the simplicity of it all - the colors are subtle and not overdone, and the effect is absolutely beautiful.

I really like the look of the pale blue buffet and that ornate gold mirror.

I would love to come home to this everyday!

This home literally has it all for me - paperwhites, sage, burlap, greenery, and silver. I'm on a mission to create a Holiday look in my home that is as refreshing, soothing, and stunning as this. Last weekend I planted some paperwhite bulbs that I purchased at Home Depot - I'm hoping they will look as beautiful as hers by Christmas. I am on the hunt for the perfect sage satin ribbon, I have a burlap tree skirt that I basically just cut out of a big piece of burlap fabric I purchased at JoAnn's last year. All of that along with some greenery and I'm hoping to come close to this look.

What is your favorite thing to see in Holiday decor?

All images via here, here, and Habitually Chic