December Guest Blogger: Betty (a.k.a Nanny my Grandmother)

For my December guest blogger I asked my Nanny.  She is a huge inspiration to me.  Her house is always decorated to the nines, no matter if it is Christmas or a beautiful Spring day.  So if you need great ideas for your centerpiece or what to do with your chandelier for Christmas, read more for tips and tricks from Nanny!

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The first tip is for a centerpiece for a small table:
I chose a 16"-18" wreath with small pine cones.  Lay a red and gold bead garland randomly on top of the wreath.  Next put some smaller red beads in the bottom of a glass compote.  Pull some out so they drape on the outside.  Add some ornaments on top of the beads.  Place compote in the middle of the wreath.  Use some balloon style wine glasses on either side of wreath and put some holly berries on the stem.  Put a tealight in the bottom.  Get some inflammable snow and put it around the bottom to hide the tealight.  

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You can use any colors of beads and ornaments that you choose.  It is a simple centerpiece and small enough for people to sit down and have a conversation. 

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The second tip is for a small chandelier with casual decor:
Use a pine garland or greenery from your own pine trees.  Wind them or lay them on top of your chandelier.  I put some red berries in among the garland.  Hang an ornament from your chandelier with sheer 1/4" ribbon for more interest.  You could also add a garland of more beads for more color.  

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The third tip is for a chandelier with formal decor:
If you have pine trees in your yard cut some fresh branches to use.  They make your room smell very nice.  I used some fresh branches and a silk/plastic boxwood garland.  Lay both garland and fresh branches on the arms of your chandelier.  You may have to wire your greens with floral wire to keep them in place.

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Put a bead of garland on the greens with colors you have chosen.  I used red, gold and green.  Then hang ornaments from each of the arms with sheer 1/4" ribbon.

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Thank you very much Nanny for opening your beautiful home and sharing great tips for our holiday decorations!  Don't forget to check back tomorrow to see if I can recreate one of these pieces!