Decorating

For our launch we created a number of lovely nibblies and drinks for our guests.  One of the most popular, and the easiest to create was our Strawberry Santa Hats.

After months of planning, buying, designing, pricing, displaying and finally cleaning, our 2012 store is now open. We have managed to fit in over 20% more stock than we had in 2011 and  created a clear focus on 3 key areas of decorating...

We are lucky to have Kate Mudie pop into the store each year to take a couple of beautiful photos for us (and she always manages to find a couple of special pieces to add to her Christmas decoration collection).  She has captured some of the hundreds (if not thousands) of  stylish and whimsical decorations in our 2011 collection.

Another great success at our season launch, and something you could easily incorporate into your Christmas entertaining, was our Christmas Lolly Bar. Visit a local bulk lolly supplier and you buy chocolate buttons and jelly beans in individual colours. Layer the lollies to create great focal pieces and then add

One of my favourite suppliers of Christmas decorations is an American company called Raz.  They know how to have fun with Christmas - which is what I think Christmas decorating is all about.

I can't wait for the new images from Raz of their gorgeous decorated Christmas Trees to come out each year.  I love the voluptuous use of decorations in the their trees and each year can't wait to receive our Raz decorations so we can create something like these in-store.

I've seen so many gorgeous Easter desserts on Pinterest I had to give one of them a go.  So last night my family were pretty happy guinea pigs for a pre-Easter dessert extravaganza.

While we wait for the release of the 2012 Raz Imports decorated Christmas Trees, I thought I would re-look at some of the amazing trees Raz Imports have created over the past few years.

Well, here's my first attempt at using mesh to create a wreath.  In this example I wanted to work purely with the mesh and ribbons, however you could obviously add other decorations to this piece.

Thanks to so many wonderful Christmas fans for entering the 2011 Christmas Decorating Competition.  What I love about viewing these trees and display areas is the great decorating ideas that can inspire each of us for future years.

Finally have a moment to show you my Christmas Tree for 2011. Every other year I have set up a tree with all my favourite ornaments my family and I have collected from near and far.

If you don't decorate the outside of your home for Christmas the one thing you are likely to have is a wreath. The wreath style sets the tone for your decorating style so what should you consider when buying or creating a wreath?