Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

Oh Hello!

What is the most magical element in a room or an area this time of year?  Is it the sound of bells? Decorations? Maybe food?!  Well I think the Christmas Tree is the most magical.    They are not just beautiful but they tell and convey a story.  They induce memories and excite even the “Grinches” of Christmas. Be it a traditional evergreen or a tinsel tree or even a Charlie Brown Christmas tree, they all add the essence of the holidays.  

I’ve had several readers submit their photos of their Christmas trees this year.  They are beautiful photos.  Notice how each picture tells a story or conveys a feeling.  What do your decorations/tree say about you and/or your home?...What story are you wanting to tell?  I was also allowed to take a quick photo of the famous Christmas tree located in the center of the Walnut Room at Macy’s in Downtown Chicago! As well as Union Station.  

Please enjoy the photos below!

"This year, I expanded my glass ornament collection and focused on jewel-tones.  I think the lights reflect the glass so beautifully, and perhaps it is symbolic of the notion that I have had a more than reflective year, and am ready to shine a little brighter in the next one. "  
Bridget, Anothur Decor  Blog Reader

Christmas Tree at the Daley Plaza, Downtown Chicago.

  I've been told great detail goes into placing the strand of lights on every single branch of this beautiful tree; it is time consuming however it is done with love and care!  Patrick, Anothur Decor Blog Reader. 

45' Christmas Tree in the Walnut Room at Macy's, Chicago.

 

Christmas Tree at Ogilvie Train Station, Chicago.

All lit up and ready for Santa Clause, this tree glows for passers by on the street.
I also like that the tree is a little bit short so that it can be placed on a 2' base for all presents!
Michael, Anothur Decor Blog Reader

Series of Christmas Trees & over-sized ornaments at Union Station, Chicago.

Good Day and Happy Holidays!
--D Charles

Nutty for Nutcrackers!

Oh Hello,

I recently visited a friend that has an amazing collection of nutcrackers!  All different sizes, characters and styles from around the world.  He has been collecting nutcrackers for many years and has a collection of 48 so far.  Below are some photos of some his most valuable nutcrackers! Many of them are the beautiful German handcrafted Steinbachs! http://www.steinbachnutcracker.com 

Every year when he purchases a new Steinbach he places the date on the bottom for reference. This collection is amazing!  Each nutcracker is in mint condition and is cared for with love.  I love how he incorporated the nutcrackers throughout his home;  especially the 6 foot nutcracker that meets you at the front door (This is his favorite.)

I believe that is a design factor as well.  If you have a collection of some sort, place the pieces throughout the home (within reason of course).  This gives people a glimpse of your passion and therefore creates a connection.

Thanks to my friend for sharing his passion and wonderful collection of nutcrackers!

Good day!
--D Charles

Wing Chairs...Part Deux

Oh Hello!

As many of you know I love a pair of wing chairs!  Well recently my friends Nora, her husband Mike and their very energetic dog Rascal asked if I would like to come over to their home and see their set of chairs...my response was "Of course!"

Upon entering their great room I was ecstatic to see two beautiful and large wing chairs! The exaggerated arms and wings give these chairs a "wow" factor when entering the room.   They frame the great view of the back garden outside the arched windows and give the room a since of symmetry.  This must a be a great place to sit for an afternoon cup of tea or to read a good book!  I was told that they can not move the chairs to another part of the house because they simply do not fit through any of the doorways, except for the front door!

I honestly tried to get a picture of Rascal sitting on one of the chairs...however he was just to excited to be showing off "his" chairs to hold still for the camera. Nora claims the chairs are for the King and Queen of the house; however I have a feeling Rascal in-bodies both!

Please have a look at the pictures.  If you have any comments or question please leave them below or email me directly at anothur.decor@gmail.com.

Good Day!
--D Charles

One of a Kind...My Fab 5!

Oh Hello!

There is nothing like finding that perfect gift or home decor piece. That is exactly what I found at the One of a Kind Show and Sale http://oneofakindshowchicago.com. This is the event's 11th year in Chicago and has more than 600 artisans from around the country selling their crafty goodies.  This was an amazing demonstration of  fine art, sculpture, jewelry, food and furniture.  With every turn I discovered beautiful and unique pieces... Feast your eyes on some goodies below.  

I encourage you to visit their websites...You will be inspired and impressed! Plus, you may purchase their goods for this upcoming Holiday Season!!!

The Elizabeth Element
Eco-Friendly Tree Stump Furniture & Decor
TheElizabethElement.etsy.com
Elizabeth brings function and art to stumps!

J. Diemer Artisanry
Handmade Bird Cages
http://www.handmadebirdcages.com
J. Diemer creates the most beautiful, jewelry quality birdcages I've ever seen!

Boutique Home, LLC
European Inspired Couture Bedding & Drapery
http://www.boutiquehomeonline.com
Shari and Alberto bring couture European style and pop to the home!

Sublime Rockers-Kevin DesPlanques
Wood Sculptor & Furniture Designer
http://sublimerockers.com
Kevin creates the most unique and smooth rocking chairs I have ever sat in!

Michael Szabo
Water Works
http://szaboworks.com
Michael creates incredible water work sculptures that are absolutely fascinating and elegant!

Good Day! ...Happy Holidays :-)
--D Charles

One of a Kind...Sounds Interesting

Oh Hello!

So I keep hearing all the buzz about the One of a Kind Show and Sale at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago http://oneofakindshowchicago.com.  I've been told I must go see this!  Without much twisting of my arm i'm planning to go to the One of Kind show Saturday.  I'll report back and let you know all about it!

Good day
--D Charles

HGTV Christmas Decorating Ideas...Love it!

Oh Hello!

I was on HGTV's website http://www.hgtv.com/deck-the-halls/package/index.html and found a great resource of Holiday Decorating Ideas..no surprise there huh?!  They have ideas for trees, mantels, gift wrapping and more. My favorite section is the Wreath Section.  Below are a few of my favorite wreaths from the website.

Check it out and be inspired!  Send me pictures of your creations!!

I love this!  Look close...it's sheet music : )

This beautiful and natural wreath feels so organic and earthy.

Bling bling wreath!

Good Day

--D Charles

'Tis the Season to go see Macy's Windows

Oh Hello,

Well it's that time of the year again...shop til you drop and then get up and shop some more!  Carrying all the bags, fighting the crowds and going in circles it's good to stop and escape for a moment. One of my favorite holiday escapes is walking on State Street in Downtown Chicago.  Macy's http://www.visitmacyschicago.com  (formally Marshall Fields) is continuing the 140 year old tradition of having a seasonal window displays!  Despite the hustle and bustle of the street, live musicians playing their music and the crowds of people, you can get lost in these beautiful and magical vignettes. The color, design and puppetry convey stories of hope and tradition.

These window displays give me great ideas for creating my own little holiday vignettes at home; maybe on my mantel or in my entry way.  I think an important thing to remember is that a vignette tells a story, or has a common thread.  Are YOU going to create any holiday vignettes?  If so email me the pics!  

Good Day!
--D Charles

DIY Floral Centerpiece

Oh Hello,

I had a chance to visit my friends at my favorite florist, Marguerite Gardens (http://www.flowerpowerchicago.com  or margueritegardens.blogspot.com) this past weekend.  I asked to be shown the process of creating a simple, yet elegant centerpiece. And with the holiday's just around the corner, I thought I should take notes and share with you the 1,2,3s of making a simple, elegant and inexpensive centerpiece.

This arrangement is what they call "low and moundy." A low arrangement will allow you to keep the centerpiece on the table and still be able to have conversation without it blocking the other guests.  Having this in mind, the arrangement is made to look round, like a mound; that way no matter what angle you look the arrangement you can enjoy it's full beauty.

So let's begin...

We used a a clear glass cube vase, one Ti Leaf, Hydrangea, three Roses and a little Queen Ann's Lace.

Overview of Steps

1. Prep the Ti Leaf and place in glass vase
2. Cut the Hydrangea and place in glass vase
3. Cut Roses and arrange within Hydrangea
4. Cut Queen Ann's Lace and sparingly place in arrangement
5. Enjoy!

We used a simple cube vase for our arrangement. 

Step One

Prep and Place the Ti Leaf

Cut the stem and approximately 2-3 inches off.

Shave stem to same level as the leaf.

Gently massage the leaf. 

Roll the leaf.

Gently place rolled leaf in vase and release.

Add water.

Step Two
Prep and place Hydrangea

Cut stem to appropriate length.

Place in the vase.

Step Three
Prep and Place the Roses

Place the vase to the edge of the table and cut the stem accordingly.

Place Roses within the Hydrangea, almost as if they were growing from the Hydrangea.

Step Four
Prep and Place Queen Ann's Lace

Cut and Prune the Queen Ann's Lace.

Place the Queen Ann's Lace around some of the edges as well as within the Hydrangea.
This will give it a full organic look.  It will also add another layer of texture to the arrangement.

Tada!

Good Day

--D Charles