Lord knows, I wish I knew when to give up stuff and what stuff! Just four months ago I gave up a beautiful, beautiful fine china Lenox tea set with all of the accompanying servers, cups, saucers and dishware; a gorgeous set of cobalt blue glasses and plates (perfect for serving iced coffee with whip cream and flan), its other complementary tableware; and a drop dead gorgeous set of margarita stemware. I thought I’m never going to use this stuff again because I’m done entertaining; I already have two tea sets; I’m tired of packing and unpacking and moving this stuff from one house to another; and so on and so. I even found myself empathizing with hoarders in the most personal way. I was afraid I was becoming a hoarder. So I didn’t succumb and gave up stuff–again.
Then just last week, I discovered that there is a whole culture of women and I guess men who design, set up and share their creative tablescapes. I’m so inspired. I love beautifully designed tablescapes almost as much as I love sitting down to one and having a fine meal. I want to join these designers. I looked through my stuff with face fallin’ heartbreak and remembered all the stuff I sold and simply gave away.
I sat and thought of what I once had: a thick-down cushioned shabby chic sofa with its soft cream cotton slip cover; a beautiful like-new reupholstered over-stuffed chair and ottoman; and a wall of Ikea white Billy Boy bookcases. All of which I had sold literally for nothing. I wanted them back. I want the sofa, chair and ottoman to use to display the decorative throw pillows I now love to make. I want, no I need the bookcases for my new studio. You see, I’m retired. Sold my lovely home, moved too far south then moved half way back up the east coast. On the one hand, I’m faced with downsizing. On the other hand, I’m an entrepreneur working out of my lovely new apartment and studio.
Oh, I’ve given up lots of things before and more often the results were to my benefit: like that so-called “good job” as a billings clerk so that I could go to college full time. And then there was the time, I gave up a going-no-where-life-style to work for less as a Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa. And the books, upon books I’ve given away only to buy more. I often justify giving up stuff or some thing for some other thing that is better–a piece of mind, an accomplishment or a chance to just give. I confess more often it’s for space for more stuff. It’s times like these I must ask myself when do you give up stuff and what? And not regret it?
Ever given up some thing and dreamed of having a life eraser??
With just a week left before Valentine’s Day, there is still time to find some simple to elegant creative ways to celebrate and profess your undying love to your person of choice. However, if it is just you, well then cheer yourself anyway with some of these ideas I found on the internet, like this vase of red hots candy and red carnation flowers. It’s simple–and significant. Red is the color of love and passion.
From Design Like
If you’re going for a little more elegance, you can’t go wrong with bouquets of red roses in a silver vase. The silver and red gourds and silver coins extends the reflective beauty of the vase. Purity is found in the white place settings, clear water and wine glasses, and the white wine. All of which is then grounded by the brown colors found in the napkin and runner. Of course, no romantic tablescape is complete without candle light. This setting was designed for multiple guests but it’s also perfect for a dinner for two.
My Desired Home
I absolutely love the soft spring colors found in this next vase of hearts candy and tulips. The soft pinks, yellows, blues and white and the lovely handwritten note is to die for when first waking up in the morning. That lucky person!
Tea Cup Centerpiece found on Stacy’s Shabby Shoppe
In the photo above is another fun idea for a centerpiece, a bouquet of roses surrounded with white (looks like peppermint) candy in an over-sized glass coffee cup. The clear glass votives are a nice touch.
The red tulips in the photo below convey two very important messages: love and the coming of spring. What can be more inviting than that!
Original Gratis
I found this wonderful tablescape on Between Naps On The Porch, my favorite blog for table settings, dished up with southern charm. I love rummaging through the collection of tablescapes in what the creator for this blog calls Tablescape Thursday. It’s so inspiring.
Discovered on Between Naps On The Porch
Kiss a frog, marry a prince. Well, sometimes that happens. Okay, it happens a little less than sometimes? No? ALL RIGHT, once in three blue moons it may happen! With these adorable guy frogs romancing dinner guests, it just doesn’t matter. This has got to be one of the most adorable, fun place settings I’ve ever seen. These fat, smiling green frogs with their bulging black eyes (twinkling with a red heart) , red bow ties and single heart bouquet sparkle all over with love. I can just hear them croaking “I love you.” Passion overflows in this setting as found in the red heart shaped plate, napkins, charger and wine glass and floral centerpiece. The gold wedding ring is referenced in the napkin holders, even the flatware.
I hope you have or found your prince or princess for Valentine’s Day and all your days to come. But don’t just limit your love to romance, remember there are family and friends to profess your love to as well.
And who needs it? “It’s a bed, for heaven’s sake! A place to sleep. Clean sheets and a sleeping pillow is all that’s needed! Now it’s a “scape!” That sums of the words of the husband of a friend of mine. Perhaps it’s the sentiments of many others. The name “bedscape” suggests there is a decorative intention. And there is: piles of sleeping and decorative pillows with a complimenting coverlet or comforter. That’s how I see it. A bedscape doesn’t have to be boring or stiff and formal.
From Ikea, the bedscape below illustrates all of the elements of layering to get that plush look that completes the room decor. (See Adding Layers To Create A Posh Decor, by Valarie Michelle.) The color scheme is minimal, following the style of modernism; still, lots of interest is given in the varied textures and patterns. This bedscape oozes with inviting comfort, complemented by the table stacked with books, a reading lamp and shag rug to caress your bare feet just before you slip into bed.
From Ikea
Here’s another “plush” bedscape, piled with pillows and blankets in a fabulous collection of black and white patterns and varied texture. Yes, it does look rumpled and unkempt. But then, that’s the fun of it all!
Uncovet Blog
Okay, so your preference isn’t a casual, crumpled look. You prefer something more tidy, perhaps a little more formal and colorful. That’s easy to do by simply continuing with the elements of layering but up the fabric selection and pillow styles. In the photo below, the dark blue broad-striped sham is finished with a wide flange and small red welt, a more traditional motif. It’s classic, it works beautifully and is striking. The bright red decorative pillow and cording mimics the sham pattern. Note that the pillow fabrics are not wrinkled. Yet, the fun “number nine” throw pillow adds levity to the bedscape and saves it from a too serious face, in spite of the navy blue blanket and comforter.
Delorme Design blog
Now here is a pretty bedscape below, so nice and neat and formal. It has a great color scheme in turquoise (who could not love turquoise), yellow, beige, beautiful taupe and cream. A gorgeous collection of patterns and texture are in varied sizes and shapes. But I keep asking myself if this is bedscape where I could have breakfast in bed, wearing my knitted socks and reading the newspaper with sections scattered around?
Found on The House of Turquoise blog, a fun place to check out.
The creator for the bedscape below had the daunting task of downsizing from a 3000 sq ft home on the west coast to a 1000 sq ft apartment on the east coast! She then came up with this lovely bedscape, a fabulous mixture of texture, color and patterns.
From Made By Girl, the creator for this bedscape
If glam with a pile of pillow is what you prefer, well, in the words of Emeril Lagasse . . . “BAM!” But you’ll have to kick it up a lot’a notches for the next two examples! I’ll say no more:
Found on PinterestFound on Pinterest
Bedscape is more than just a place to sleep. Aesthetically, at the end of the day, however bad or good it may have been, there is something soothing to the psychic to first look at a beautifully made bed filled with sleeping and decorative pillows, and then to just crawl into it. And for readers eager to continue that good book, there’s nothing more comforting than having our backs against a pile of pillows.
So dear reader, if you got this far, why not tell me what you think?
Have you ever walked into a space in your home and felt that something was missing? On top of that, you don’t know what it is. You have all your furniture in perfectly in place, art work neatly centered on walls and chic decorative window treatments framing your windows. So what it is? Well, the truth is that there are many decorating elements to make interior spaces work and one way is through layering. This post will teach you how top interior decorators add layers to create a posh decor that is rich and inviting.
But first, what is layering? Layering is using many design elements harmoniously. These elements include the use of texture, color, pattern and style. I’d like to take you through visual examples to better explain so join me.
Mix Up Texture:
San Jose Interior Designers & Decorators JTM Interiors
This living room space by JTM Interiors has a great mixture of different textures. First, there is the smooth wood flooring topped with a soft area carpet that divides up the living space. Then, there is the rustic hard round mirror which creates a strong focal point with delicate flowers in view which visually creates a rich personality altogether. The prickly and coral accessories create another layer richness with its unique, unexpected texture.
Mix Up Color and Pattern:
Coburn Architecture
This living room space by Coburn Architecture is a wonderful example. Starting with color, there is a variety of yellow, blue and violet hues used for accessories and smaller pieces of furniture. Since these three colors are split complements, which is one of the top color schemes used by top decorators, this will create a lot of interest and flair. Then to top off the fun and zesty color scheme, two contrasting patterns are used. There are those beautiful floral throw pillows, topped on the neutral grey sofa that sits next to the zig zag accent chairs in blue hues. Zig zag patterns and floral prints certainly do create an interesting pair don’t you think?
Mix Up Style:
Morrison Home From Houzz.com
Now, with styles, just think about eclectic or transitional spaces you’ve seen in the past. Ever notice how there is a mix of furniture that come from different styles? For example, the style of the sofa would be a sleek modern shape but the style of the chandelier is a two tier antique french type lighting. Mixing up different styles will also create a lush decor. This dining room space designed by Morrison Home is a beautiful visual example. There is the classical arm chairs with a stylized damask pattern on the back mixed with the modern style photography used as art. The style of the pendant light above the dining table is also modern in terms of simplicity and shape. Adding layers to any space of your home is one of the many tools interior decorators use to create rich atmospheres. Now that you know some of design elements try adding layers to create a posh decor yourself to notice the difference.
About the Author
Located in New York, NY, Valarie is an interior designer and owner of Valarie Michelle Decor LLC (www.vmdecor.com), a drafting and rendering service that illustrates a client’s vision. A guest contributor, she is a fabulous find for Annsliee’s blog. I hope to share more of her decorating wisdom with you.
Many years ago, I read Laura Ashley’s book, Complete Guide To Home Decorating. The forward was written by Nick Ashley, who in his last remark, wrote “Be Bold.” It was many more years before I had courage enough to step outside my neutral-colored world, it’s so safe and calming. And though I had continued to cling to neutrals as the foundation for my home decor, I found that I could still be bold–well, a little. Ergo . . . .
Photos from my former home in Northern Virginia.
A faux painted entrance of an interpretation of a Red Bud, Forest Pansy tree over castle boulders.
The Cocoa Room, a guest bedroom with Hershey chocolate walls, paint is Library from Ralph Lauren. I always meant to hang that print! (LOL).
A hall bath with faux suede painted walls.
What I had discovered during that five-year decorating project was that color contrasts, solids and patterns, textures, and statement furniture were all key elements to making the scheme work. Most important was deciding how I wanted to feel when I entered a room. My previous profession had provided me with more than sufficient stimulation during the day! I wanted my home to offer just the opposite. I have since moved to a lovely apartment in a coastal town less than 20 minutes from the nearest beach and Atlantic ocean. And so I now get to re-decorate all over again and with a studio! Perhaps I’ll blog about that project next year. In the meantime for inspiration, I’ll just keep adding to my annsliee Pinterest boards on Life Styles: Be Bold and Interior Life Styles.
Pinterest from Fenton and Fenton, Australia.
Even a dramatic painting or print, such as the one above, can make a dramatic centerpiece in a room. Or mixing patterns of the same color value gives a room a real power punch. The colors from the settee and wall come together very unexpectedly–and stunningly.
Perch BlogspotTraditional Home Showhouse
Not only are the colors simply fabulous in the above image of the corner of the room but texture is wonderfully varied from the dark turquoise leather desk to the velvet seat cushion to the linen drape. In smaller accents are the smoothness of the sides of the two vases, the chair legs, and the gold trim that frames the wall paper. Patterns are repeated in the floral motif chair back and wall print. Note how each piece of furniture is a statement in itself. This is such a fun and glamorous place to sit and write a note to a friend.
The irony is that I really love these boldly decorated rooms with their vibrant, dramatic display. And I can even image myself sporting blue jeans, a silk Armani shirt, and large dangling earrings; and yes, a watermelon martini. So cool, No doubt I’ll still cling to my neutrals but I’m thinking I may just decorate the apartment with a bit of a twist. a little more courage. . . hummm. a bold decor with a beach theme? I’ll need some time to contemplate that! First and foremost is getting up a hammock for my porch. I really like this one:
So, what’s the boldest thing you’ve ever done in your home?
Too soon to imagine, wish for or predict using Google Glass for interior decorating? Not really.
I spent 13 years in system development, servicing a human resources office. When I started, 98% of the forms were completed on paper. Tearing pen and paper out of the hands of the specialists, giving them a mouse and computer met with more skepticism than hope. Responses were expressed with large eye-ball rolling, in-your-face sneering,–occasionally verbal expletives. With each implementation of a new application, the complaints were typed in single line, small print on reams of paper. While a second ream of paper was quickly filled with requests for more features and functionalities: “We need more doo-hickies in the program! Can you make a doo-hicky do this? Can you make it do that? Can you reverse the doo-hicky to a hicky-doo, make it spin, jump up and down, then flash with warning messages. No, no this is not a new requirement!” The cycle repeated itself over and over. Even the I-love-my-paper-and-pen-forms diehards joined the choirs for new features, more functionalities. And so it is with each new technology, we just clamor for more doo-hickies.
A Google Glass app for home decorating may be in a galaxy far, far away. But I just can’t help imagining the possibilities. If you are not already aware of Google Glass, you may be asking “what is it?”
In short, it’s a wearable computer attached to a frame, similar to wearing glasses. It get’s it name from the small glass prism (the screen) located just above the right eye. The beta version which became available 2013 from Google was $1500.00 but by now you would be lucky just to get on the waiting list. The Glass Explorer beta version performed seven functions:
Make a phone call
Send a message
Get directions
Take a picture
Record a video
Access Google+ hangouts
Perform Google search
At the writing of this post, Google Glass Explorer Edition XE V2 is available on Amazon with prices ranging from $1659.00 to $2,499.99. But don’t rush off to Amazon. That Explorer Edition is still the beta version, not the expected app enhanced version for the general consumer. Moreover, prices for the general public are expected to be much reduced. (Note: Microsoft and Apple are also working on their version of a wearable computer.)
So what does Google Glass look like?
Google Glass
Catch this video review by Lucy Hedges and get a feel what it was like to wear the Google Glass Explorer Edition, the beta edition. (Click on the image to play the video.)
Now that you know something about Google Glass, here’s were I begin . . .
You’re an interior designer, a decorator or just a DIY kind of person and you are the happy, face-glowing owner of a Google Glass. It’s enhanced with an interior designing app from out of this world! Your first project is to redo the master suite. The blessings of heaven are upon you because all furnishings and window treatments have been removed. You get to start with a blank slate and a fabulous theme: “Suite Haven.” The occupant is female, wanting a “room of her own.” It must ooze with comfort yet rejuvenate; feminine but not frilly; accommodate multiple activities from resting to writing to watching TV. Each area must gently flow into the next.
You think, soft, neutral colors with a touch of heat, hard wood floors to ground the light colors. Furnishings are over-stuffed arm chairs, a vintage chair with a shag seat cushion juxtaposed with the simply lines of a modern desk. Of course, the bed is the focal point. You walk the edges and corners of the floor, stopping to gaze out the windows into the garden, The room is expansive with space sufficient for a king size bed, a sitting area and small library for private reading, a writing table and chairs for a private breakfast; and of course a wall mounted TV over a fireplace. While we’re at it, bring in built in speakers, floor to ceiling window treatment. Oh dear, I digress!
It’s time to take off your shoes and you sit on floor with your back against a wall. You pull out your Google Glass and start with a series of commands:
” OK Glass, what is the size of this room?” The computer projects sight lines and gives you the measurements.
“OK Glass, save the measurements to each wall.”
“OK Glass, take a picture with measurements”
“OK Glass, save the picture to my private Google+ page called “Suite Haven.”
You have some great ideas but decide to search the internet for more inspiration:
“OK Glass, go to my Pinterest boards, start with bedrooms. You search through several boards, select and save a few for color and layout to your mood board. With each selection you viewed it against the backdrop of the room.
Found on PinterestFound on PinterestSally Wheat Oil PaintPink Chandelier Blog
You like the shades of corals and white scheme but think a soft lilac, green and natural wood for accenting.
“OK Glass, search Google for coral and white fabric.” After a while, you select a few possibilities and give Glass a command to save them to your mood board. It’s almost lunch and you have just enough time to search through a few paint chips for the walls.
“OK Glass, search Benjamin and Moore neutral colors for interiors.” You quickly find a few possibilities and add them to your mood board.
Before you go off to lunch, you make a few calls and check messages:
“OK Glass, call . . . .
“OK Glass, check my messages”
Dear reader, you get the picture of my world for using Google Glass with home decorating? That’s right, you would capture those initial ideas before even committing them to paper, yet have them on a draft mood board to later edit. Select colors, fabric and furnishing and view them right against the back drop of the room you are in. Wouldn’t it be cool to create your mood board with all the pieces in place, send it to your client (who of course would have a Google Glass!) and then they could see their new room in the room!
“Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable” and
“OK Glass, search for Annsliee handmade pillows.”
How would you use Google Glass or imagine you would use it or does it even peak your interest?
It can make us feel calm and sedate when we use it or view its use by others. Blue suggests trustworthiness, dependability, and commitment. It’s not “gender specific” being favored equally by both men and women. Its hues and shades range from a light blue sky to an aquamarine to navy blue to the deep blue-black water.
As the collective color of the spirit, it invokes rest and can cause the body to produce chemicals that are calming.
From color expert, Kate Smith, she goes on to say that
…not all blues are serene and sedate. Electric or brilliant blues become dynamic and dramatic — an engaging color that expresses exhilaration. Some shades or the overuse of blue may come across as cold or uncaring.
Indigo, a deeper blue, symbolizes a mystical borderland of wisdom, self-mastery, and spiritual realization. While blue is the color of communication with others, indigo turns the blue inward to increase personal thought, profound insights, and instant understandings.
Indigo blue, as Ms. Smith suggests “increase personal thought, profound insights, and instant understandings.” (Now you know where to hold your next staff meeting. Look for an indigo blue room!)
A classic collection of blue and white ginger jars accented with blue and neutral nautilus seashells and white coral, accented with feathery green found in the long grassy-like leaves. What does this setting evoke in your emotions?
From William Sonoma Found on Pinterest
Here, a touch of blue in these accent throw pillows adds its warmth and calmness to the warm tones of the wood table and server.
Warm blues, such as denim and ocean blue, contain hints of red. The red in the color comes towards you and makes the room feel cozier. (From Real Simple, Decorating With Blue). While cool blues in shades of cobalt, turquoise and ice blue have a yellow tint. The yellow in the blue makes it appear to recede, making a small space look bigger. Referencing color experts, Real Simple states that the cool blues encourage calmness.
From Pinterest
What do you think the bold use of blue in the two following rooms say about its occupants? (Note the use of light, medium and dark blues.)
From ARKpad.com.br
Too much of a dark color, in this case blue, can make a room feel crowded, closed in, even depressing. But the room below works well with the dark blue walls and sofa. It’s balanced with the wash of bright light from the window; the white heat register; the white ceiling and the scattered white in the wall paintings and accents. The yellow pentagon in the painting becomes a bright, happy punctuation demanding visual attention. The bold black and white zebra pattered rug anchors the room.
From ARKpad.com.br
Here are some inspiring uses of blue in the various tint, shades and hues (Click on images to make them larger). Can you pick out why the blue works so well in these rooms?
Found on the blog Daily Cup of Couture From Sandra Morgan Interiors From Amanda Nisbit From blog Design Indulgence Found on Pinterest A fabulous idea: Blue denim period chair found on Mia Linnman’s blog, Solid Frog. I would LOVE, LOVE to have such a chair, given my decades-long romance with blue jeans!
The color blue has a long and ancient history. Try your knowledge on a few of the more modern facts: True or False (Answers are at the end.)
1. Pink was the generally accepted color for boys while blue was worn by girls from just before WWI and up to WWII.
2. President John Kennedy made popular the two-button blue suit.
3. Blue suits became more popular than black suits for men in the mid-20th Century.
4. The color blue is a common color found in many foods.
5. Blue is a primary color.
6. Tints, shades, and hues of blues are not generally perceived differently.
7. Blue is favored equally by both men and women.
Do you think the blues in the flatware below are cool or warm?
4. False. It is the least common color in foods. Can you think of which foods they are?
5. True. Of course it is, along red and yellow.
6. False.
For example, dark blue can be seen as elegant, rich, sophisticated, intelligent, and old-fashioned, royal blue can represent superiority, and light blue can mean honesty and trustworthiness. See Bourn Creative, Meaning of the Color Blue.
7. True.
So, are you now inspired to use the color blue or just use more of it? Would love to see your comments of what you think of the color blue.
And get honest. If you make resolutions every new year but fail to keep them, then you know what I mean. It’s so easy to make those lists of things we want to change. We even make an action plan: I’m going to the gym 3x a week; I’m going to eat healthier; I’m going to be more organized. And it goes on and on and on. We mean well and have good intentions but the truth is, life gets in the way. I don’t have a 5-step or 10-step or 20-step recommendation. I have only one suggestion: Give yourself 10-15 minutes first thing in the morning to organize yourself, your day but take it one day at a time. Or make it part of your evening just before the bedtime ritual, like brushing your teeth.
You know when you first wake up, there is that moment of total clarity of thought. Your mind is clear. But two seconds later, things to do and places to be start crowding in your thoughts. Already, you have nearly lost control. It can’t always be helped. So I say, give yourself a specific time as early as possible that is all yours–collect your thoughts, write an action plan for the day. No, I’m not saying you shouldn’t have short or long term plans or resolutions or goals. Call it what you will. These to do’s are necessary. But just take it one day at a time.
Okay, you have a husband or wife or significant other and small children. Tell your partner your new plan to give yourself that much needed organize-myself-my-thoughts. They’ll understand that you need that little bit of time. It’s those little ones whose needs must be taken care of first. Here’s where being creative to grab that 10-15 minutes comes to play. Ask your partner to take over the little ones. Get up earlier before they wake. If the evening is best, then when they’ve gone to sleep. Try even asking them to share a quiet time with you but give them something to do. Use a funny clock and show them when the little hand is here, give mommy a big hug and kiss. Share with them what you decided. Thank them for that time. Let’s face it, children are much more savvy than we give them credit.
Of course, if there is no significant other or children in the home, you have the luxury of setting aside time to organize yourself, your day. Why not reward yourself too with something special, like a hazel nut dry cappuccino and cinnamon scone from Starbucks (Okay . . . so I’m a Starbucks junkie!); a most favorite CD; a hot shower and bath oil scrub; send a happy email or text note to a friend. Or just finish with a look in the mirror, smile and think “how wonderfully, clever I am!
I must confess, I do have days, more than I would like, that start in a chaotic rush and I let the day get ahead of me. But many days do start with just that bit of time to collect and organize myself, my day. I love those days.
Planning a New Year’s Eve dinner party? Great! Wow your guests with inspiring tablescapes such as these–and do have a wonderful, wonderful party.
From HomeIntensive.com
Glamorous, sophisticated, intrigue are all offered in this classic black and white theme. The white masks and black attire are countered with white doves perched on the backs of chairs. A white lace tablecloth, candles and candle stick holder are accentuated with the black runner. A touch of the orient is found in the origami bird and soft pagoda-like shapes of the china ware.
From Mumum Designs
When you’re serving up the champagne, DON’T FORGET THE DESIGNATED DRIVERS. Have virgin cocktails ready for them when they walk in the door!
Create a special pin for their lapels saying something fun like
“I’m a Designated Driver
Not Accepting Alcohol Tonight . . .
But I Do Accept Kisses!”
Chic Coastal Living blogChic Coastal Living blogJust FamilyFrom My Home Ideas, a Toasting TablePartyCity.com
Celebration At Home blogFor the recipe, go to The CurvyCarrot.comFrom a blog called Cooking Book
Between Naps On The Porch
It’s difficult to say which tablescape is my favorite but I can say the next two really made it difficult . . . no, impossible to decide. But each gives wonderful tips on how to make many of the excellent detailed accents.
She created the place cards using mini silver picture frames. You can probably find lovely mini fames in vintage and consignment shops.
She “used 8″ x 10″ copies of clock faces. And, these simple glass plates….”
From Pizzazzerie, comes this stunning New Year’s Eve “Midnight Blue” themed dinner party for the rooftop of a condominium. And the place to be!!
Notice the details in the use of black-eye peas to hold the sparkle sticks. Black-eye peas, in case you are not aware, is a traditional NYE serving for good luck.Menu for the “Midnight Blue” theme dinner party designed by Pizzazzaerie
Of course, no NYE party is complete without the traditional singing of Auld Lange Syne (From the Wikipedia)
Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind ? Should old acquaintance be forgot, and old lang syne ?
CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we’ll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup ! and surely I’ll buy mine ! And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have run about the slopes, and picked the daisies fine ; But we’ve wandered many a weary foot, since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have paddled in the stream, from morning sun till dine† ; But seas between us broad have roared since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
And there’s a hand my trusty friend ! And give me a hand o’ thine ! And we’ll take a right good-will draught, for auld lang syne.
HAVE A MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM MY HOME TO YOURS!
It seems here at Annsliee studio, my tree top apartment, the time from Thanksgiving to Christmas just goes so fast. This year again I will be celebrating A Contemplative Christmas–alone. That is to say, a Christmas season truly focusing on what it means to me. No, it doesn’t mean I have forsaken or am ignoring family and friends. And it definitely does not mean this is a protest against what some would call the “commercialism” of Christmas. I say, bring the gifts as did the three magis! It simply means, for me, slowing down to an absolute crawl and luxuriating in spending a good amount of time alone. It’s precious time to reflect, to do some personal growth–and when I return to the real world, hopefully, find myself the better person.
Boston MA, One evening in December 2013 (Courtesy of Ellie M.)
Many people and for many reasons will find themselves alone, or at least think themselves alone: whether it is due to an illness, being out of town or even out of the country and away from family and friends or having to be at work or even on the space station. Some will be alone due to unreconciled disagreements with loved ones. Then there are those who simply choose to be alone. This blog is for those who choose to do so. And perhaps even for those who simply find themselves alone. I found some really wonderful ideas on the internet on making a Contemplative Christmas and even patted myself on the back for having already done some of them.
So if you choose a Contemplative Christmas, here are some things you can do:
*For Christians (or even the not so Christians), set aside time to read the story of Christ’s birth, imagine what it must have been like for Mary and Joseph in the winter months looking for a place to stay. Any parent who is expecting a child or given birth, especially in the worse conditions, can empathize with that night. You don’t have to be a Christian to appreciate Mary’s circumstances with not even a midwife to attend her.
*If you haven’t yet done so, decorate your home, your apartment, your room! Put a wreath on the door and let the world know you’re open to the meaning of Christmas: love, peace and joy!
Still in Boston, MA (Courtesy of Ellie M.)
Add a tree (big or small). My fondest memory of one Christmas was after working half day on Christmas eve, I rushed off to get a live Christmas tree. I thought it was small one, but after dragging it up three steep flights of stairs to my apartment, I swear to this day, the tree grew on the way up. It wasn’t very small, it was over 6′!
You don’t have to go for the big or elaborate decorated Christmas tree! Even a hint will bring a quiet smile to your face. Have fun and create your own Charlie Brown Christmas tree.
Add a bowl of your favorite ornaments to a cocktail table, a side table, your night stand, your dresser; better yet, add it to your dining table.
From Christmas Time in the Cityannsliee bowl of ornaments
Dining alone or just one other, dress up the table for dining such as adding a floor length table cloth and roses.
Speaking of dining, don’t forget to cook! Sip on a glass of wine while making up your menu (do an occasional gaze out the window), then off to the store, carefully walking up and down the isles filling your basket with your favorite holiday foods. Add one never-had-before food item. I love snacking on smoked oysters, green olives, cheese and crackers, and a great bottle of sherry–preferably Harvey’s Bristol Creme sherry.
You hate to cook! Not a problem. Order out. Now’s the time to go for your favorite foods. Pizza anyone? Or even try something new or different for a holiday meal–snow king crab legs with lots of garlic butter or a real ground sirloin 2″ thick burger where the juice runs down your arms. Just broil it in the oven. Love roasted leg of lamb? Don’t deny yourself! If you really can’t stand being that alone, drag a friend to the table for that lamb!
More and more restaurants are catering to folks who don’t want to cook for the holidays. I say God bless ’em. Just go early, if you want a good table:)
Christmas morning is one of the most quietest mornings for street traffic. It’s a wonderful time for that long, thoughtful walk. If you’re fortunate to live near a park, it’s the perfect place to go. Or just take a walk through the neighborhood, enjoying the outdoor Christmas lights and decorations. There is so little distraction, it almost cleanses the mind of “stuff.” As you slowly return home, let your thoughts turn to a special treat, like a nice hot Irish coffee cocktail. Take your time and have a late or should I say breakfast brunch. May I suggest switching pancake Saturday to pancake Christmas Day!
ABOUT THE IRISH COFFEE COCKTAIL
This hot, creamy classic Irish Coffee will warm you to the bone.
Ever tried no music? No TV? No cell or telephone calls? No internet (this is hard!)? Even for a short period of time? Having tried it, successful or not, still be sure to play Christmas music. The list of great Christmas DVDs is almost endless. It seems every artist has made an album. You don’t really have to wait for holidays to play them, they’er great anytime of the year. Include a thought-provoking book to read during your Contemplative Christmas or just a light-hearted book that is not too demanding. After all contemplation is about taking and using quiet time to gather and examine one’s thoughts and feelings.
In this very busy, hustling and bustling world we live in, Christmas becomes the ultimate punctuation of stress as we try to fulfill “made” obligations. You can still do this before and after Christmas but for people who choose the reflective Christmas, time is given to self. In the end, they come back the better person.
The list of things to do–or not do–is of course very long. And I would of course be remiss if I left out things to do if you simply are not in the contemplative mood. So I’m including here a list of sources that expand on some things to do when alone for Christmas–by choice or not:
Christmas season really is the most beautiful time of the year. However you choose to cherish it, I MUST add one more wonderful thing you can do. Scour the internet for Christmas flash mobs. They are great and will definitely put a smile on your face. Do start with remembering our men and women who serve in our armed forces and then
From William Sonoma 
Found on Pinterest
From Pinterest
From ARKpad.com.br
From ARKpad.com.br
Found on the blog Daily Cup of Couture 
From Sandra Morgan Interiors 
From Amanda Nisbit 
From blog Design Indulgence 
Found on Pinterest 
A fabulous idea: Blue denim period chair found on Mia Linnman’s blog, Solid Frog. I would LOVE, LOVE to have such a chair, given my decades-long romance with blue jeans!
annsliees 