Deck the house with a party

My husband and I had a little party today over lunch in our home.  Always fun to stop the day for something that feels festive.  I always prefer being in a home vs. a restaurant, don't you?  We made homemade lasagna and it was a tag team effort.  My husband made the sauce and I made the lasagna.  We served it with ceasar salad and fresh bread from Central Market.  When hosting a party, not everything has to be homemade.  You would never entertain if that was the case.  My philosophy is to make it easy on yourself so you aren't stressed out.  When the hostess is relaxed then everyone has fun!
I ordered these little bundt cakes from Nothingbundtcakes.  Like their motto says "they are so good, you wish there wasn't a hole in them."  I did put the little decorative toothpicks in each cake because I thought they weren't dressed up enough.  It made the platter looks so much happier.  They are delicious little nuggets.
When throwing a party, the dessert is key in my opinion.  I had tried these before and knew they would be a hit.
Holiday punch was enjoyed by all.
Glass candy cane straws and wreath decor for each glass.
(shh, shh,  I used this idea at my last party but different people so we are okay)
My Christmas plates were happy to see the world.
Real holly makes things feel so like Christmas is here.
  Wow is it ever prickly!
A pop of red is needed at any Holiday party. 
  
Touches outdoors!  Jing a ling.
Finally cold enough today for a fire!
The wall sconces don't feel left out now that they are decked out with garland.
I finally have a few gifts wrapped.  My elves are slow this year.
Starbucks coffee for all.  What's a party without after dessert coffee.  My husband bought me these new china cups for an early Christmas present a couple weeks ago when we were in Jefferson, TX over Thanksgiving.
Bought one of these little stands for some of my friends on my Christmas list and of course one for us/me!  It is so much fun to write grocery lists, to do's, notes to each other, etc.  I'll use it as my menu card for parties too!
 
As you can see, my girls are already loving it.
Didn't take long.
A package above the refrigerator is noticed by every kid that enters.
A little elf stocking adds whimsy.
It is in my blood, I love to entertain and have guests in our home.  It brings joy to me and makes it feel like the holiday season!  We had great conversation, lots of fun and laughter.
That makes me happy.
Hope your weekend is wonderful.
 I'm sure you have a party or two to attend.
Participating in Tablescape Thursday.
Click above to read more entries.
Ruthie
The key to your decorating needs!
Visit DecRenew Interiors Website to be inspired.

DecRenew Organization for 2011

I was recently at an estate sale and found 5 of these black storage boxes.
I've learned that I love to find a treasure but have put one rule in place to keep me in check.  If I find something great, I must put it to use right away.   If I don't have time to do that, I don't purchase it.  I feel like this rule keeps me from becoming a hoarder.  If the items needs to be painted, repaired, etc. then I have to evaluate whether I have the time that week to do it or not.  If I don't, I don't purchase it.  It is a hard rule to go by but I have to do this or my garage would be full and my husband would kick me out there with all my stuff!

This week, I've been extremely busy finishing up a clients home so they can have all their final decor in their home before Christmas!  However, I decided I wanted the boxes badly enough and could stay up really late one evening to accomplish my goal (a girl will find time to do what a girl wants to do).   I've put my new boxes in my office and have created the new labels for each of the items in the box.
I don't like having disorganized, junky shelves but have to be practical about having my printer paper, photo paper, sketching pens, etc. at my fingertips. 
Problem solved now and everything is hidden away and I am happy...
yawn, yawn!
By the way, the boxes cost me $5.00 for all - Yippee!!
Ruthie
Visit DecRenew Interiors to see before and after pictures of my projects.

Budget ideas for your Christmas wrapping, bows and tags

Every year when it comes to wrapping my presents, I always try to find paper that isn't too Christmasy.  It seems that I always have tons left over.  My time is valuable and I like to stock up on my supplies and keep them throughout the year in my wrapping paper station (an old antique armoire that was given to us).  
Picture by google images
I thought I would give you some tips for your shopping this year and get you inspired to choose the right items to save you cash and time.
WRAPPING PAPER
When selecting my wrapping paper, tissue paper, bows and tags, I usually try to choose things that I can use all year round for any event that creeps up on me.



The above paper is actually wedding paper.  There is no reason why it couldn't be used for any occasion.  Tied with a red or gold bow would make it very festive for Christmas.
Purchase at Container Store
Red wood grain from Container Store
Red paper is a GREAT choice but this doesn't scream Christmas which allows you to use it all year.  Tie it with a black or gold bow and you are good to go for your holiday gifts under the tree.
Container Store
The wood grain paper is perfect for the man or co-worker in your life.
Leopard - Container Store
You can't go wrong with an animal print.  A gold metallic bow or red satin bow would make the person receiving this amazingly wrapped gift feel really special and excited.
Copper Tapestry - Container Store

This paper is so classy.  I Love the design because it is traditional yet has whimsical personality. 
 Quick Ruthie Tip: Any wrapping paper would make a beautiful place mat under a plate for your Christmas table.  Cut with decorative scissors around the edges and you have a really sophisticated table setting in no time and for little expense.  It can be used as a table runner too.
Herringbone - Container Store
I think this Herringbone paper is my favorite this year. Tie your package with a red bow and you instantly have a WOW present.  For the rest of the year you could tie a white, cream, pink, lime green, turquoise or any other color satin or wired ribbon bow around this package and it would be so striking.
Bohemian - Container Store
My oldest daughter will go nuts for this paper.  Tied with a lime green tulle bow and a fun sparkly copper or gold tag and your teenage girls will be thinking you are so cool.  Her friends will love it too.
The paper can be used for birthday parties all year long.
You might be the person that can't stand to be generic and want your wrapping to be totally personalized.  Well you got it.  Go to Giftskins.com and go crazy designing your paper for your family!!!
Quick Ruthie Tip:  You could design your own paper and decoupage it on your walls as a wallpaper treatment.    They don't just have Christmas paper that you can design.  Imagine how fun it would be to put pictures of your vacations at the end of a hallway wall or even on a side table or coffee table. 
Can you believe this is wrapping paper?
TAGS
Who wouldn't love these vintage tags hanging off their presents?  So adorable! 
Anything sparkly added to a gift is so much fun.
Etsy
I've got to have these vintage tags, they won me over!  The red satin ribbon makes them stunning.
Simple brown bags are perfect for generic wrapping.  I keep a these in every size on hand at all times.  You can enhance them with fun tissue paper, beautiful bows or you can even STAMP THEM (see below)
This stamp would be perfect on any brown gift  bag.  You can use a silver or gold metallic paint on the stamp and it looks very classy.  Black would show up nicely too.
Any craft store has these Metallic Acrylic paints in a variety of colors.
How about having your own family stamp made?   It could even be your family crest. 
This stamp is for a Birthdays, Showers or Weddings
  
This bag could have some red paper added or even a leopard print paper and you would be good to go.  Add a touch of Christmas by adding one of the red sparkly tags above that I mentioned and now you are set.
Pink ribbon tied to a chocolate brown bag is always true perfection.
Quick Ruthie Tip:  Glue gun grosgrain ribbon to the top and bottom of the bag on each side and you have something custom made immediately.
Amazon.com
Wouldn't these  leather embossed bags be amazing with some silver or copper metallic tissue paper added.  No reason why you can't make something look like it is suppose to be for the holiday season.  Love these bags for hostess gifts.
BOWS
You can't go wrong with a satin ribbon. It always looks so crisp on a package.  I like to choose a two sided ribbon so you have more choices when you are wrapping.  It also looks nice to see two colors on the gift.
Tulle is another one of my favorite ways to wrap a gift.  Wrap around the present a few times and tie a nice bow and it looks like a million bucks was spent.  Be bold and use multiple colors!
If you are doing a lot of wrapping then a ribbon that has wire in it is ALWAYS makes it easy.  I especially like it because if the kids are helping me wrap, you cannot mess a bow up.  Perfect for those that don't feel crafty.
Bend it to the right position you want and it always turns out GREAT.  

HOPE SOME OF THESE IDEAS AND TIPS HELPED YOU WITH YOUR GIFT WRAPPING SELECTIONS THIS YEAR.
Last year I used a black and white swirl paper and I have used it all year for gifts with a variety of ribbons and bows.
We are all watching our budgets and I hope you save some time and money this year with these holiday tips.
Ruthie
Go to my website to see additional pictures that will inspire you with your decorating!
Book your consultation today.

2010 Christmas

Christmas is my favorite time to decorate!  Who doesn't enjoy it?
Each year the girls and I enjoy getting out all the ornaments.  We've collected blown glass, crystal and our definite favorites are the ones they have made over the years.
The tree is so sparkly at night and is in our entryway this year.  I placed it in a garden urn to make it feel grander and we are really enjoying it! 
I tried to keep it minimal so it doesn't look like Christmas threw up in my house.
Love my noodle ornament that my youngest made for when she was in kindergarten.
These large crystal prisms are my newest this year.
My garland is creeping up the mantel for a new change.
 
All my left over Christmas greenery landed in this giant bowl on my dining room table and it turned out so simple and elegant.  Didn't have to do much to make it look great.  Added the antlers so my husband would be happy!
These birdies love their yearly wreath that I wrap around their necks.
Metallic silver ornaments placed on a rustic wooden tray speaks volumes.
Outside urns got a touch too!

My gate feels special this year because of its new candy cane bow.
Rejoice is right!  I'm rejoicing that it's this time of the year! 
Love all the festive parties and more time with family and friends.
I'm participating in a Deck the Halls party!
  Visit the link to see all the wonderful Holiday decor to inspire you!

Click here to go to my website to see before and after pictures of my work!

Tobi Fairley's Design Camp & Her Home

Tobi and I in her home in front of her freshly decorated mantel.

Last month I attended Tobi Fairley's Advanced Design Camp.  As you know, Tobi is a Designer in Little Rock, AR and was voted as one of the top 20 designers in America. 
See Traditional Home Magazine for full article. 
Such a colorful person, inside and out!
Her work was also featured on the March 2010 cover of House Beautiful Magazine. 
She offers Design Camps throughout the year and I had to attend! 
There were about 15-20 of us, some designers and some who just have a passion for design.  We had a great group with an amazing dynamic.  I had never been in a room filled with such creativity and it was awesome! 

The first night, we had the privilege of having our first session in Tobi's beautiful home. We sat around her living room casually and her topic was focused on entertaining.  She is filled with ideas and has such a fun, magnetic personality.  She spoke and answered questions about anything and everything from flower arrangements to party story boards.  
From the moment I walked into her entry, it felt like home to me. You know the feeling of a space that welcomes you in.  She was greeting each one of us at the door as we came in.  Her smile is contagious, very warm and completely genuine just like I thought it would be from reading her blog over the past year.   
Each room had a glorious surprise in every corner.  The best part was that it was filled with rich colors and incredible patterns.  Tobi was born to work with pattern and vibrant color that's for sure!! 
Tobi took us on a tour of her home and I was hanging on every word that came out of her mouth.  It was so much fun to see how her designer mind thinks and creates.  She is incredibly gifted and is definitely doing what God created her to do!
Aren't these chairs delightful on each side of her Christmas tree?

This room is a place where you can't help but feel peaceful. 
Notice that she has a lot of items on this table.  The key to this looking so beautiful is that she used only a few colors, different heights and complimentary calm patterns that rest your eye and don't compete with each other.  The dining room setting doesn't distract from the rest of her furniture, accessories and artwork in that room.  CRISP AND CLEAN!
Yes, we got to eat those cupcakes!!

This table was set in her kitchen eating area.  Such a happy space.  I know her daughter must be in heaven!  I imagined myself eating a wonderful family breakfast at this table Christmas morning.  I'm sure that is what her family does.  Tobi is definitely a woman of traditions and family so I know every bit of her home is used for all the family time she holds dear to her.
I loved everything about this table setting but one thing that I really liked is how Tobi added the pom pom fringe to the edge of the napkins.  It is a small detail but it brings the whole table together.  Notice how your eye sees the tall black Eiffel towers and then the black napkin fringe and then you will notice in the picture the black stripes on the rug.  It all flows together magnificently.  These are the details that make GREAT DESIGN. 
One more thing about this table is the fact that it can be used for other occasions (valentines day) as well.  Change out a few plates, etc. and take the Santa chair cover away and make one for cupid.   Christmas decor doesn't have to be all the traditional colors.  Tobi really mixed it up in her home and it all goes beautifully with her every day decor.  Functional, beautiful and practical are what Tobi's tips are all about - so refreshing!
The Entry
The black and white wallpaper is stunning.  I had seen pictures in magazines and on her website before but in person it is so much more beautiful.  I almost stole the entry lamp on the way out!
The wallpaper continues all the way up the stairs and a colorful painting greets you at the top.
This is her daughters playroom.  My girls LOVED seeing pictures of this room.  They are teenagers and were crazy about it so her daughter will grow into this space as she gets older.
The pink chair spoke to me!  The black piping really is the icing on the cake.
Her Christmas tree is climbing with with sock monkeys. 
After a delightful time in her home with amazing food provided by her dear mom we headed back to the hotel to get a good night sleep for the next days camp.  This was a great time for me to get to know my new friends!  We sat in the lobby and lost all sense of time as we talked and compared notes!
It was fun to be in Tobi's gallery and studio on Saturday.  
We learned so much and it was a delightful experience for me.   What an honor to be trained under her.  A lot of designers are closed about their ideas but Tobi is willing and open to share about how she became successful at what she does.  I can see why her clients love her because I did!
Thank you Tobi for a wonderful Design Camp! 
Get ready world, I'm taking my design to the next level.
Visit Tobi's Blog here to see all the pictures she JUST POSTED TODAY of her home dressed for the holidays.  The pictures are gorgeous!!!!
Also visit Tobi's Website:  Tobi Fairley Interior Design
I challenge you to find someone that inspire you, it is exhilarating.
Ruthie
to see before and after pictures of my work!