As I mentioned earlier in the month, part of my blogging this holiday season would reflect on some past Christmas seasons. And in the last few weeks I have been looking back a several years to when I used to spend 12 hour days starting November 1st through the third week of December (weekends included) covered in glitter and garlands and lights to bring holiday cheer to our clients. It was really hard work but also great fun!! I especially loved one Clients’ Tree covered in her Santa collection and styled with her husbands Fabulous Red Cowboy boots!!
And although I am so happy that I no longer have to spend these long hours on a ladder instead of being with my family, there is a tiny little piece of me that might miss the excitment of it all just a bit! Here are a few of the beautiful Holiday Decorating Projects that my team and I completed between 2000 and 2005. They run the gamut from Tradtional to Contemporary but the best part was they all had a common bond…seeing the smiles our work brought to the faces of our clients, their children and grandchildren. May these inspire you when creating your own Christmas memories!!
posted by Tobi at 1:09 am
It’s that time of year…time to use your dining room! Although I love to entertain and I use my dining room and the good china as often as I can, I know that many people don’t take advantage of their dining room except on special occasions and holidays. So here’s to this holiday dining season!! May all my clients and all of you, feel compelled to use your dining room. I just happen to think it is one of the best rooms in the house! Enjoy seeing these dining rooms of some of my favorite clients!! I designed the room above around this great square table…perfect for promoting good dinner conversation!
This was one of my favorite projects, I really love the custom china hutch that I designed to display the clients’ favorite china and crystal.
Check out this client project in my before and after posts. The transition is pretty amazing!
Here’s what my dining room looks like when it’s not the holidays. I am crazy about my dining table and chairs from Hickory Chair Furniture. The table goes from a 60″ to an 84″ round to accomodate more guests!
I enjoyed creating the “Tobi Fairley version” of French Country!
And another great before and after story!
posted by Tobi at 12:00 am
Well, after many hours of hard work (most by my friend and floral-designer extra-ordinaire, Felecia), my holiday decor for 2008 is complete! And I think it is just grand!!
I love getting back to nature with the pine garlands, pine cones, and grapevine!
And the house is so inviting with wreaths on every window!
The fresh apples on the garland add a unique touch, and my squirrels are enjoying eating them!! Seriously!
My tree looks glamourous in all green and crystal decor!
And I’ve even had a little time for shopping!
The mantle is fabulous! Probably my favorite part actually, especially thanks to the apple chain garland!
A close-up of the mantle shows how it relates to my exterior decorations with the grapevine. The birds add a magical touch!
More birds “nesting” in the mantle!
This photo really shows the detail of the Apple garland…so sophisticated!
And the bannister makes a grand statement in the entry.
The culmination of all the decor here in the entry ties the whole house together! It combines ornaments from the tree with the rustic garlands and fruit and it’s topped off with the green burlap ribbon.
Paper Mache stars add a special touch!
Cascading green ribbon softens the bannister’s look.
And even our family “Elf on the Shelf” (we call him Chuck) is fond of the bannister!
posted by Tobi at 10:00 am
Fruit…it is so pretty in it’s vibrant shades of yellow, orange and green and it happens to make the perfect addition to Holiday Decor! I am excited to share with you my holiday decorations tomorrow covered in beautiful green apples! And on that same train of thought, here are some other wonderful fruit-filled spaces!
Fresh lemons from Country Living.
Southern Accents Fruit-covered mantel.
This gives new meaning to a pear tree! Photo courtesy of Southern Accents.
Lemons enhance this amazing dining room is featured in the current issue of Traditional Home Magazine.
Yummy green grapes make this wreath good enough to eat. Photo from Southern Accents Magazine.
Sugar-coated tablescape also courtesy of Southern Accents.
And Kumquats bring a citrus essence to the cake and the decor. Once again, courtesy of Southern Accents Magazine.
posted by Tobi at 12:47 pm
Nothing welcomes guests to your home during the holiday’s like beautiful front door decorations! They are like a great party invitation…they set the tone of what the interior will hold.
Here is what my front door looks like this year. Fresh green apples and pheasant feathers create a nature inspired look that is still classic, and the lime burlap ribbon is continued in my green color scheme throughout my home! Look for my complete interior and exterior holiday decor in an upcoming post!!
This magnificent white door with fresh green, featured in Martha Stewart Living, leaves guests expecting quaint yet sophisticated decor inside.
Enjoy these other inspirational holiday front doors of all styles. If you have waited until the last minute to get ready for Christmas, maybe these will give you some direction. Or if you are set for 2008 maybe these can help you plan for next year!
The blue door from Martha Stewart Living.
A natural and rustic but sophisticated approach from Country Home Magazine.
Another quaint entrance from Better Homes and Gardens.
And great European Influence in this entry from Coastal Living Magazine.
A fun approach from Cottage Living.
And one last look from Better Homes and Gardens. The snow is a bonus!!
posted by Tobi at 1:44 am
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