Christmas Tea

I don't normally post too many photos of food as I have a personal blog for that (although in the new year I am thinking of consolidating my blogs) but just had to post photos of the Christmas tea I had the other day at the Old Curiosity Tea Shop. In addition to the scones and tuna and mint sandwiches, we were offered cranberry turkey sandwiches, and a lovely cranberry and orange zest sandwich. I also had to share pics of the AMAZING mouse peanut cookies and other sweets. I think this would make a great theme for a holiday party!

6 Classic Ways to Decorate Your Home for Christmas

Even though we're missing the snow on the ground (and this post is a little late), I thought i'd share 6 different (not as cliche) ways I decorated my home for Christmas this year since people have been telling me that they're tired of the same old same old :) For more of my home ideas, visit my other blog at Creative Design Therapy! Merry Christmas everyone!

 Wreaths dont have to just be on your front door! Hang it above your fireplace or on a feature wall. I dressed up this otherwise plain wreath with some gingham ribbon and twine from the dollar store. Be sure to throw a cozy throw on the arm of your couch!

 Use the traditional Christmas colours of red and green in new ways. Here i've used yellow green hydrangeas, an arrangement of faux red roses and hydrangeas, a light green Lauduree box, and a teal green framed print.

 Add the unexpected in your traditional decorations. I've placed cast iron bunnies in the garland to add a bit of whimsy and create a story.

Dress up your dining table. I've used another wreath that I made dressed up with gold feathers, Christmas balls and acorns, and used it as a centerpiece surrounding 3 candle holders. Yes, it is ok to mix brass, silver and gold! Dont be afraid of breaking the rules.

 Here's another example of using things around your house for Christmas. I've used a celadon green vase with a sage coloured book to prop up an arrangement of red flowers in a cream pitcher. Books are the new Christmas decoration!

Instead of hanging plaques on walls, why not put it on a book stand? I've also used a small glass vase to contain mini Christmas balls and acorns.

Xenia and Derek's Wedding Flowers (Purple and Green)

For this wedding, the bride and groom had a very vibrant purple and green theme color combination. To soften up the look, I suggested adding cream hydrangeas. I also used coolwater roses, lime and mauve cymbidium orchids, blush coloured roses and green hypercium berries.

 Here are the lush and lovely bouquets waiting to be picked up by the groom himself! (You can opt not to have them delivered).  Such a fresh combination for a cold november day! Congratulations Xenia and Derek!