Style Your Table In The Latest Christmas Fashion
Your gifts are all wrapped, the turkey’s in the fridge, and that yummy Christmas pudding is all set to be cooked. Now all that is left is to dress and style your Christmas table.
Here are four of my favourite table settings for a uncomplicated, warm and family focused Christmas. They are super easy to replicate and make your own and they will impress everyone at the table.
Natural Wonders
Create an uncomplicated organic setting with pinecones and wheat. The gingham tablecloth and natural rattan tablemats add ease and comfort to this table-style. The silverware and the simple fanned-out napkin adds flair and style.
A Pop Of Plaid
Keep it simple but with a touch of drama. The black and red paired with the blue and a sprinkle of green is warm and inviting. The added pearl detail around the plain rolled napkin gives a touch of understated elegance.
Festive Scene
The mix of green, cream, and browns paired with the red accents creates the perfect unembellished table setting. The paired potted greenery like rosemary, dried potpourri sets of beautifully against the red pillar candles, and the Christmas horse and nutcracker ornaments. The gold fabric runner complements the natural elements like the wooden bowl and the table beautifully. This is just simplicity at its best.
Eco Subtlety
Subtle touches of gold are definitely something to celebrate because they add festive charm to your table. And this table is just so straightforward. are no The perfectly placed baubles around the mini Christmas tree adds festive charm to the table. It is easy going, eco- stylish with just a touch of glam with the gold cutlery.
Things To Remember When Styling Your Table:
Use what you already have in your home and create unexpected combinations that will make your table uniquely yours and take your Christmas table to the next level.
Choose a theme - Start by matching the colors to your dining room or Christmas decorations. Opt for a simple tablecloth and pair it with a decorative table runner to create your centerpiece.
Create homemade place settings - Homemade place settings is a great way to welcome your guests to the table and adds a personal touch.
Choose your centrepiece carefully - Your centerpiece is the focal point of your table, but you do not want it to take up too much space. So, pick candelabras or vases with narrow bases so you can still see across the table and have plenty of space for the food.
Introducing Pattern Into Your Home
I always find that when the weather starts to go grey I just want to surround myself with at much pattern and colour, in order to brighten up my day and boost my spirits. So, if you are in need of some inspiration to give your space that extra oomph? I have got you covered. Read on to find out how to inject some fun into your interior spaces.
Let’s Kick It Off 
Okay, what I have learned is keeping things simple is the best way, so start on the floor. Adding a statement rug of your choice, size, pattern, and color is the perfect way to add patterns into your room. Yes, this is hassle-free and the easiest way to add instant oomph to your living room or bedroom.
Furniture Items
Go with rattan, a hot trend, to add interest to your space.
Or go for something that will really stand out and brighten your space like these really awesome pattern painted furniture pieces from Oliver Bonas. You can keep that summer feeling alive and feel like you are in a tropical jungle especially on those really yucky rainy days.
Layers Always Work Well
Layer it up with smaller décor accessories like baskets or ceramics The possibilities are endless.
Another option is to choose something you love and double it up. Start with your bed and then move on to your sofa and smother it in color and pattern. I am just in love with this collection of patterns from George Home.
So, now that we know the how and even the where we have no excuse to not brighten and pattern-fill our interior spaces
How To Create An Amazing Gallery Wall
unsplash.comAlways keep in mind proportion and balance. When hanging prints above your sofa or bed leave enough space between the sofa/bed and the framed prints. But do not leave to much space as well.
unsplash.comYour prints should not be wider than the sofa/bed because you do not want the prints to overwhelm the furniture instead of enhancing it.
unsplash.comA good general rule for hanging your prints is that the bottom of your frame should hang 8 inches to 10 inches above the back of the sofa. But when hanging a grouping of frames you can play around with the measurements a little. Just make sure that you hang it low so that you can still have all your prints in eye view even when sitting down.
unsplash.comCreate balance by hanging your prints at least 2 to 3 cm the length of the sofa. If you want to create a bigger piece you can hang two prints together to create one bigger piece. When hanging a group of prints be sure to leave at least 2 inches to 5 inches between each frame to achieve even spacing. Be sure not to hang your frames too far apart as it will only look disjointed and as if you are trying to fill the wall, when what you want to achieve is a cohesive look, almost like each of the pieces are connected to one another.
unsplash.comA Wall Of A Statement
Picture Source: Adapted from Unsplash.comHome is where we will be for the next while and if that is where we are going to be we might as well make the most of it. And with it being spring which is usually the season to spruce up our homes. There is no better time than now to inject happy and positive color and playful patterns into our homes. And not forgetting that we are on a bit of a tight budget we have a quick, affordable and easy way for you to brighten your living room and bedroom.
Picture Source: Unsplash.comCreate An Accent Wall
We all know what it feels like when you feel boxed in and all you can see around you is four white walls. Aagh!! That alone will drive you bananas. So, the solution, create an accent wall. You can, of course, paint your accent wall but there are more fun and creative ways to make a statement. And here are two of my favorites that will create interest and add texture in your living room or bedroom.
Dress it with a piece of your favorite fabric. This works the same as hanging wallpaper and using fabric with a large floral pattern will add color and added texture to your room.
Picture Source: Unsplash.comYou will need:
● Textile fabric
● Scissors
● Drop cloths
● Stepladder
● Laundry starch
● Paint roller with low-nap roller cover
● Paint tray
● Wallpaper smoothing tool
● Metal straightedge
● Sharp utility knife
Instructions:
Prepare the Fabric and the Walls. Opt for fabric with a large pattern like floral's and make sure that you have enough fabric to cover your chosen wall. Make sure the fabric is clean and dry. If you want to be sustainable have a look through your old flatbed sheets.
Cut the lengths of fabric to fit the wall, allowing about 2 inches of extra fabric at the top and the bottom, and along wall edges. Wash the wall down and dry it before you begin, and remove everything from the wall.
Apply Starch - You can use starch to attach the fabric to the wall. This will not damage the wall or the fabric and will allow for easy removal Cover your wall to avoid too much mess.
Apply the starch to the wall using a paint roller as this is less messy and faster than using a brush or dipping the fabric into a container of starch. Make sure to cover all of the wall surfaces completely.
Hang the Fabric - This will take patience, but it is not difficult. Apply the fabric while the starch is still damp, beginning in one corner and moving across the wall. Get the kids to help to make sure that everything goes on straight. Have a helper stand back from the wall to ensure the pattern remains properly aligned and that they match at the edges. Use a wallpaper smoothing tool to flatten the fabric against the wall.
Now, roll more starch over the fabric and let it dry
Trim the Fabric - Trim off the excess when the starch and fabric are dry to the touch, use a straightedge and sharp utility knife. Just be careful with the sharp blade
After Care:
You can keep it looking fresh clean by simply cleaning it with a sponge and some dish-washing detergent. When it comes time to remove the fabric, use a wet sponge and soak the corners until they come away from the walls. The fabric should peel right off.
Picture Source: Pexels.comThis is a brilliant idea for small spaces with boring white walls. Follow the step by step instruction Emily’s Blog Everything Emily Blog, on how to use black washi tape to create a repeat pattern.
An oldie but always a goodie is a Gallery wall. Gather all the old frames that you have laying around the house and fill it with new wall art.
Picture Source: Pexels.comNew Year Confidence
Each- and- every new year we wow to do better and take on new challenges, promising ourselves that this year we are going to do better than the year before. But come mid-year, and we start to take stock of all our set out intentions to move forward and out of our comfort zones. We realise that we have not achieved half of it. So, the question remains, how do we go about achieving our set out intentions? Personally, I believe that the key to that is Confidence.
Read on to discover my personal tips on achieving New Year Confidence.
Take care of yourself
It is amazing how much of a difference a new hair colour or smelling beautiful and glowing skin can have on your self-confidence. Looking good and feeling great is a fantastic boost to your self-image. So, take the time to take care of yourself indulge in those small things like a new lipstick or trying a new eye-make look. It will turn your mood around from feeling glum and grey to bright and sparkling.
Dress nicely
You cannot look all pretty and not be dressed nicely, if you dress nicely, you’ll feel good about yourself. A nice dress or a pants suits will make you feel successful, presentable and ready to tackle whatever the day hold and brings. Invest in good quality items and build your capsule wardrobe with pieces that will make you feel confident when going for that all important meeting or interview.
Re-brand your self-image
Our mental picture of who and what we are, so often determines our confidence. If we feel good or negative about ourselves, we reflect that outwards. In the way, we carry ourselves and how we allow others to interact with us. Let 2017 be the year where you make the choice to re-brand your self-image. Make small changes, like having a mantra, my favourite is, I AM BEAUTIFUL, I AM WORTHY, I AM CONFIDENT, I AM CAPABLE, I AM NOT LESS THEN OR BETTER THEN THOSE AROUND ME, repeat this every morning in front of the mirror and with time you will start to carry yourself in that manner and not allow yourself and others to make you feel small and worthless. Remember, who you want to be and how others perceive you, is your choice. So, choose to show you true worth.
Think positive
This is an important part of re-branding your self- image and building self-confidence. Positive thinking can open- up new opportunities. It is all about the energy you bring into a situation, so if your energy is positive you will be more open to feel good about yourself and to become the best version of yourself.
Smile
A smile lights up your face and will instantly make you feel better and it will help you to be kinder to yourself and those around you. A small but beautiful thing that can have a wonderful chain reaction. Your smile is one of your best assets so use it well this new year.
Stand tall
Good posture will make you feel taller and more confident. If you stand tall and walk with confidence into any room people around you will take notice. Stand straight and pull your shoulders back and stand tall and walk talk and be proud and have confident in yourself, your beauty and that gorgeous smile.
Have a wonderful 2017 and may you achieve at least one of your set out intentions for this new year.
Get Festive With Red
With Christmas, just a few sleeps away, it is time to, really get into the joyful spirit with the colour of the festive season Red. So, let’s go bright and bold and spread some holiday cheer.
Feel sassy, confident and just a little naughty in this Bardot style figure-hugging pencil LRD
When slipping into a LRD keep the rest of your look neutral with modest gold and or complementing black-and-white pieces in simple silhouettes to keep it understated but classy.
www.oliverbonas.com
For just a touch of red, add a red necklace, like the red Martha rubber coated ridge necklace from Oliver Bonas. To make it pop wear it with something blue, like a polo neck jumper, like the Serena polo neck jumper from Oliver Bonas. Just a side note; when mixing bold colours together, keep the lines simple to add to the elegance.
Kick up a storm in the office with a pair of red wide leg trousers, love this cut and style from Topshop, well-tailored and waist cinching all those wonderful things to make you look just as attractive as a really good bottle of red wine.
A well-fitted double breasted blazer adds a certain panache to any day or night look giving off an air of confidence. Literally saying, “I am in control of this Baby!!
Pair that blazer with a pencil skirt and a pair of timeless fiery stiletto’s, like these wrap-around red ones from Very and you will have them all staring for days.
It might be cold outside but you will be so hot in a sexy lacey halter neck bra and briefs from Coco De Mar at House of Fraser.
www.prettylittlething.com
Bring the festive cheer on your next big night out in this red lace-up satin maxi dress from Pretty Little Thing, definitely my choice for a OMG LRD
www.topshop.com
Keep it festively retro in this red leather jacket from Topshop, perfect for a casual date when you need to bring the heat.