Tis The Season: Christmas Decor, Santa Clause, Parties and More!

 

I’ve decorated countless homes at Christmastime over the years including a great many model homes, but none more beautiful or more fun than the house I recently had the pleasure of doing.  When Kurt and Darla Buehler, two very successful realtors here in the Flower Mound area (check them out here), asked me if I would be available to do their home for Christmas this year I was more than happy to oblige.

After a tour through their home for a look at some of the Christmas items she had on hand I new I would need some more “stuff” – as well as some more help – to get it done in time for their annual Client Appreciation/Christmas party so I recruited my friend and faux artist, Julia Roberts to help me.  Yes, Julia Roberts – no, not that one.

After a quick shopping spree we got to work to create a cozy Christmas atmosphere for Kurt and Darla to enjoy and give the house a festive holiday facelift for the upcoming party.  First off we combined some of their Christmas décor with our new Christmas décor and created a welcoming holiday display on her entry chest to greet the guests as they arrived. 

Since Julia and I are both sort of “blingy” girls with a tendency to believe in the old adage that “more is more”  we decided to make the entrance into the dining room just off the entry hall a bit of a holiday “experience” I guess you could say.  So we dressed it up with some holiday glitz and glam…..

But, when we stood back for a look we decided it needed even more oomph! so we added this copper mesh ribbon to top it off.   It was just what it needed.

We dressed up her dining table by sprucing up the chandelier with greenery and ribbon; and created a lavish centerpiece on the table simply by adding large scale ornaments and greenery.  Sometimes the simplest touches have the most impact even for the girls who like the “more is more” approach.

Of course the office across the hall got it’s Christmas touches, too.

It’s always fun to decorate a staircase for Christmas and Darla’s was no exception.   This copper ribbon compliments the ribbon over the doorway that you see peeking down on the upper right leading into the dining room .  The combination of the copper with the burgundy creates a very “rich” look, don’t you think?.

Darla wanted to get this bust in her niche into the holiday spirit so we added more greenery, more Christmas berry picks and more copper ribbon.  I think he looks quite festive!

We gave these amazing pendants in the kitchen a holiday facelift with some fun, festive, over the top holiday bling….

As well as her gorgeous chandelier….

 

To the pot rack we added greenery and berries….

.

Just the right touch for her incredibly cozy kitchen.

Not a great picture of the tree, but it really was beautiful.

Here’s a closer look.

We sprinkled little touches of Christmas here, there….everywhere…

In the niches we added holiday picks and large scale pine cones. 

So fun!  And all in time for the special event! 

Of course the Buehler’s invited jolly old St. Nick to the shindig to liven things up for the kiddo’s (well, and the adults).  Here’s Kurt and Darla partying it up with the big guy….And, to top it off they had a professional photographer there to take pictures of the guests posing with him.  Each guest received a flash drive with their Santa pictures on it to take home with them for Christmas cards, etc. I mean….how cool is that?

Ummmmmm…..did I mention Santa was there for the adults, too?  As evident in this picture – we never really outgrow him do we???   Here he is hangin’ with the Buehler’s staff.  Do you think they’re having just a little bit of fun?

Since Santa was making an appearance at the big party I invited my daughter-in-law and grandkids to come take advantage of the occasion.

My grandson, Eli, was fine with Santa, but my 2 year old granddaughter, Kaisley – well, not so much…..she was overwhelmed, petrified and refused to go near him!

As you can see Eli was quite comfy and content….

And, Julia and I had no problem snuggling up to Santa for a picture. 

I finally got Kaisley over near Santa for a quick shot.  (I just sort of inched my way over and leaned in – that’s his noggin in the corner – not sure why he wasn’t in the picture, but I just love this shot of her.)  Is she precious or what?!!

Julia, myself and my good friend, Susan, who lives next door to the Buehler’s – all having a great time at the party.

And, it wasn’t just any party.  It was also a wonderful benefit to raise toys for the Toys For Tots program chaired by the US Marines. Each guest was asked to bring a toy to be donated to the charity.  What a wonderful idea!  They were able to collect enough toys to fill three huge Toys For Tots boxes and are still collecting more.  (If you are interested in donating please contact them here.)

  Great food, great fun, and a great cause……all the makings of a very Merry Christmas I’d say!

Happy Decorating!!!!