Branch Out With Your Holiday Decorating!

Pinecones, branches and fresh greens are always a part of any holiday decorating scheme at the A&A house. I don't think I'd know where to start without these basics. I use them regardless of whether I am going with a rustic or more polished holiday look. It's what I add to these elements that change the design direction for me.

This year, two photos provided some inspiration for a space that is a hallway that separates two rooms in our house. The first was from the November/December issue of Veranda and this gorgeous aqua Chinoisere wallpaper in a bedroom done by Miles Redd.

The other came this past week from a foyer table from the December issue of Country Living. I loved the hand printed green toile wallpaper! It was a beautiful backdrop to the gold painted walnuts and chandelier prisms the homeowners used to decorate their tree branches. It must have taken a lot of patience to get those walnuts drilled or hot glued to hang up...maybe a project for my glittered nuts to try next year!

We've had several very windy days and fallen tree branches are all over the yard and deck...gotta love nature for doing the work for you!  I used 2 Beech Tree branches, tied them together at the base and put them in a French style galvanized planter. I've used urns and a champagne bucket before for branches and they are great alternatives if you want to give this a try.

I  hooked several mini Christmas balls using the colors in both wallpapers as a guide, teeny-tiny glass drops along with 3 pale green birds with teal and brown feathered tails. The best part of this project is that it requires no special skills or tools and it only took about 30 minutes to assemble!

A few other branch trees to inspire you!

Famille Rose Chinese Celadon Plates

I was drawn to these plates simply for the color and beautiful artistry after first seeing them at an antiques fair.  I began to look for them each time there was an opportunity.  Several years ago during the fall, my husband and I attended an antiques show and purchased one large, two medium, and two small plates from an English dealer.  We were so fortunate that day, because not only were we able to purchase these plates at very reasonable prices, but they were void of chips and the overall condition was excellent.  In addition, he took a few moments to give us a brief history:

The celadon plates were made only in the 19th century.  They are hand painted using a raised enamel technique.  Along with the rose details, butterflies and the bird of paradise are prominent features.  The plates also have gilding around the edge.  The dark blue Chinese signature on the back makes them more desirable to some.

Later, I came across this absolutely stunning collection of celadon plates in the November 2004 issue of Country Home magazine.  The homeowner is an antiques dealer!!!  Not only was I still (and continue to be) on the hunt for more small plates, originally I had no idea there were so many other interesting sizes and shapes.  Occasionally, I will come across one on ebay, but still prefer to see them in person.  Hopefully,  one day, I will be able to add some of these beauties to my tiny collection. Then maybe, I too could create a more interesting arrangement!