Merry Christmas!

I can't believe Christmas is here! It is my favorite holiday by far!!!

I hope your Christmas is bright and exceptionally sweet.

And I hope the gifts you receive are filled with love and joy.

As for our Christmas, I made this sweet dessert to share, along with lots of presents!

Holiday Dinner: Setting the Table

Every year, I host my family for the holidays. I love setting up the table to help add to the Christmas cheer. Last year I used mini stockings to hold the silverware with a simple napkin folded underneath.  And, of course, I had red chargers and Christmas plates too!  

Source: Crate & Barrel

Then, my centerpiece was a vase filled with cranberries and candles.

Source: Simplified Bee

The year before that, I wrapped up my napkins in Jingle Bells and set my plates on gold chargers.

Source: Jinglebell Junction

And my centerpiece was awesome! I filled a vase with little bells - it was so cute!

Source: Mad in Crafts

And this year, as you know, my home is decked out in purple and gold. I have a poinsetta from a friend, Thank You!, on top of a gold platter, surrounded by gold garland and purple candles. I haven't decided yet on how I'll do my napkins, but here are a few great ideas for those of you entertaining at home.

Holly Napkin Holders, Source: Martha

Tree shaped napkin rings, Source: Martha

Ornament Napkin Ring, Source: BHG

Another great idea would be to slip your napkins into a cookie cutter. And then place a cookie on top of each plate with the person's name attached.

Source: Amazon

Source: Country Living

Now that would be sweet!

It's a Nice Day for a (red and) White Wedding

If this doesn't inspire you to have a Christmas wedding, I don't know what does.

Source: Flickr

Red and White is such a beautiful and simple combination, whether it's Christmastime, Valentine's Day or the peak of Summer. Oooh - Christmas Wedding in July!!!

Here are a few ideas on how to make your Christmastime Wedding memorable and sweet.

I adore these simple bridesmaid dresses.

Source: The Knot

This manzanita tree makes me swoon. Crystals adorned on the branches would make it even sweeter.

Source: Lotushaus

These branches are even more romantic.

Source: Scent Boutique

And of course Martha knows how to set the table!

Source: Martha Stewart

I love the look of lush petals lining the aisle, whether it is indoors or out.

Source: Events by Nadia

This inspiration board is perfect!

Source: Rebecca Calagna

Hope your Christmas wedding is sweet!

Vintage Christmas Decor

I love Christmas more than any other holiday! I love how it continuously brings families together year after year to celebrate traditions, old and new.  Speaking of old, I absolutely love the look of a vintage Christmas. Decorations were simple, passed down from generation to generation, and the colors were magnificent!

I love these different looks, from pinks to whites, to blues and greens.

Source: Digs Digs

My favorite look from above is the vintage pink Christmas. It's so romantic! Don't these vintage cards make you want to watch It's a Wonderful Life? I bet if that movie was done in color they would've had pinks and blues throughout their home!

Source: Pink of Perfection

And when you decorate with pink there are so many possibilities! The sweetness of pink comes through whether you pair it with reds, silvers, blues or greens.  I love the combinations!

Source: Flickr

This tree is amazing! Reds, golds and pink make such a gorgeous Christmas display.

Source: Country Living

And my favorite pink Christmas is just incredibly sweet. It's a Sugar Kissed Christmas from Two Crazy Crafters complete with vintage Santas and Elves, and their very own Sugar Kissed Tree.

Source: Two Crazy Crafters

Holiday Colors: Purple, Plum & Gold

Every year, I can't wait until I can put up my tree and decorate the house. Christmas is my favorite time of year, so much, that I contemplated a December or January wedding for myself... but I knew an outdoor wedding in 5 degree weather would not work...

This year, I decided to do something different when decorating my home for the holidays. Instead of traditional red and green, or even silver and gold, I found some beautiful plum and purple ornaments for my tree and some gorgeous decorations for my home.

Source: Martha Stewart at Kmart

I love these home decor photos of gorgeous purples and golds used throughout the home for the holidays. It makes me want to paint my walls a rich shade of purple and buy a gold tree!

Source: Ideal Home

Source: Daily Mail

Of course, as I was decorating my home, I couldn't help but think how beautiful this color scheme could be for a winter wedding! I have visions of sugarplums dancing in my head! 

Check out this beautiful inspiration board!

Source: Utah Bride

You can even stick with traditional Christmas plants and have purple poinsetta.

Source: Beekenkamp

Purples and Golds can be used at any time of year, but I think the color really stands out during the holidays.

More holiday color ideas will be coming soon!

Another Treat to Consider

The holidays have been crazy - but I have lots of great ideas coming!

But, first, one more post about sweets, because, of course, I love them!!!

Macaroons are all the rage right now and make a perfect treat or guest favor. I love that you can make them in any color or flavor combination to perfectly match your style.

Source: Flicker