Trimming the Tree Alicia B. Style

Martha Stewart tree.

Trimming the tree is one of my favorite things to prepare for Christmas. My sisters and I take turns putting up ornaments to make sure that everyone gets an equal amount (or someone ends up crying or hitting each other). It's like a storybook Christmas (It really is.) This year however, I am forced to be a workaholic and work on Christmas Eve so my family will decorate the tree without me (dagger to my heart). My favorite ornaments have a history or are the ones that I have made over the years; a giant construction paper Santa that is not easy on the eyes, Mary and Joseph made out wooden spoons, etc. I also love the vintage ones that my parents grew up with, too. They are so beautiful. Here are some fun cute ornaments I found...I guess I have to live vicariously through my blog. Sigh.

A German tradition (though we are not German) is to hide the green pickle in the tree branches. My younger sister hides it every year and we are caught searching for it for way too long. This one from Oriental Trading Company for $4.99. Also can get them at Crate and Barrel.

How cute is the little Squirrel Nutkin from Conran Shop? For $19.50.

Pretty and makes a beautiful noise; these bells from Vivaterra for $24.00.

Surprisingly cute Sock Monkey Ornaments from Gumps. Set of 4 for $24.99

Faux Fur mink coat Ornaments from Ballard Design. Set of Six for $12.00! If only I had one in life size, and not faux. Ahhh.

Classic vintage ornament from Etsy seller JunkyardGypsy. $20 for four boxes! I love these vintage ones mixed in with regular ornaments. They add such a beautiful, festive, and traditional look.

Mini Munchkin Mice from Crate and Barrel for 17.95. Oh. God. These mice in hats are KILLING ME with cute.

Adorable Cabin Ornament from Anthropologie for $12.60 I keep seeing these fabric ornaments and I'm loving them.

Well, looking on the bright side, I won't be there to get in fights with my sisters and I still get to hear my father read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Tear.


Alicia B.

Gift Guide Number Two: UNDER $25

In honor of the fact that this is my 125th post, I shall share with you some great gift ideas for $25 or less! Also, I love shopping so it's just plain fun for me. Enjoi (as in joi in french which means joy).

I DIE over this Fleur de Lys tea cup and saucer from Anthropologie for $10.

This would be a perfect gift for me (ahem!). A pocket mirror and its own sack from Anthropologie for $14. You can have them in any letter, not just "A."

Remember what life was like before email and people wrote real letters? I love Crane's stationary and I write my sisters all the time using it! Get back to basics. THESE are $16 for a set of 10. Lots more to choose from on the Crane's website.

How can you not adore Simon Doonan? As Diane Von Furstenburg says. "Who better than Simon to write about glamour and eccentricity? He is both!!!!" This book from Amazon or your local independent bookstore for $24.00

When I have time I really want to make this gift from Martha Stewart. It's Sugar body scrub because I love sugar and I love exfoliating! Priceless.

Here are some fun folders for the person in your life who loves organization and loves to decorate! From this great site Spoon Sisters which has fun creative gifts like this one. $ 9.95

I love cook books dedicated specially to certain desserts like cupcakes or cookies or pies.
This one from Spoon Sisters for $ 15.95.

A bright idea? Wow, that was cheesy. This candle lightbulb from Spoon Sisters again for $25.00 Kind of a cute idea for your environmentally conscious friend.

Nobody likes a moisture ring on the table! They (I) do like these coasters, though. La Mer Coasters (set of 4) for $15 from Williams Sonoma.

Only FOURTEEN DAYS left until Christmas and TWELVE DAYS until the first day Chanukah!

Alicia B.

Hardcore Hardware

Fellow designer friend of mine from Cafiero Lighting Design asked me for my advice on sources for hardware which sent me into a wild search for new hardware ideas!

This is her pick above from Nanz Hardware http://www.nanz.com/ which is an excellent source for hinges, drawer pulls, locks, knobs etc and they do custom finishes.

Here are my favorites below:

www.Anthropologie.com , Medaglione

www.rejuvination.com I love this antique drawer pull

Cygnus hook from Rejuvination also. They are a really great source for vintage hardware.

Dakota Oval knob from Restoration Hardware.

Classic knob with ribbed detailing, Felicity knob, www.restorationhardware.com

www.rejuvination.com vintage "frog" hinge. Perfect.

I am terminally in love with Daisies because of my highschool. This one is from Anthropologie as well. Nancre Daisy.

Did not see this slate switch plate coming but SUPER love it from www.restorationhardware.com

Alicia B.