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You are here: Home / lifestyle / holidays / {Inspiration Workshop! — Holiday Decor}

{Inspiration Workshop! — Holiday Decor}

December 8, 2011 · 27 Comments
Filed Under: holidays, Inspiration Workshop!, our home

This week’s Inspiration Workshop! prompt is Holiday Decor. I’ve been *waiting* for this prompt for weeks now, even though we decorated just last weekend. Decorating for Christmas makes me super happy… bringing up the boxes from the basement, rotating fall decor for winter decor. Living in Minnesota ~ and growing up in Michigan, we experience all four seasons ♥. Which means we get lots & lots of snow at Christmas, which I do love!!!

Zack and I are so blessed to have a home filled with so many reminders of our family & friends. Most of the things inside our home has been gifted to us by them, which makes rotating our decor each season super sweet & sentimental.

Want to tour the Whitley home?

Grab a cup of coffee, here we go…

The quirky yellow lamp is from a local thrift shop, the snowman is from JoAnns a few years ago and the glass jar filled with jingle bells used to store Peppercorns ;)

Winter family photo taken in Petoskey, Mi, white paper/cork balls from Target, white stand from Ikea // burlap table cloth from JoAnns, glass tea lites from Target

Stocking holders, felt + fabric winter trees from Target ~ A D O R A B L E, right?!

Glass jars from Ikea, glass cylinder from Pier 1, pine cones from our backyard {tee hehe}, silver string beads + red berry sticks from Ikea, silver glass ornaments from Target,
greenery passed down from my mom :)

Gutted sewing machines {obsessed!} from a local thrift store, red string beads from Ikea, bunched up table cloth

Snowman ornament from a local Minneapolis store, wicker ball from Pier 1, green vase + square platter from Target, wire birdcage from a local artist, silver glass ornament from Target

Nutcracker ~ a gift from my Aunt, mini Christmas tree from a local Minneapolis store, bird wall piece from JoAnns

Our tree — absolutely loving the red + green plaid, the shiny red ornaments and the handfuls of fun and quirky ornaments that tell their own stories. Vintage tins sit under the tree, also from my mom

Minnesota state ornament {from I Like You, local shop}, red & white paper ornaments from Target, Gingerbread “G” for Gussy {right photo, bottom right corner} a gift from my mother-in-law,

Willow Tree nativity set {love this!}, a Christmas gift from my parents the past couple of years

“Bauer’s first Christmas, Minneapolis 2010” ornament by Lisa Leonard. More favorite ornaments ~ passed down from family members {great aunts, grandmas, moms},
gifted to us at our wedding or at our first Christmas

.

Here are some things I’ve learned that help us decorate:

* Be open to the quirkiness of holiday decorating! We love having memorable Christmas ornaments, but we balance their “uniqueness” by having a few select themes: red + green plaid ribbon on tree & shiny red ball ornaments. We carry this plaid theme to our tree skirt, which is a 2-yard scrap of red & green plaid fabric.
* Gather like items to create small collection. Glass jars, natural items {plants, pine cones, sticks}, themed items {Nutcrackers, snowmen} are perfect for this.
* Add natural items to your home. Nester wrote a great post on this on Monday. One of my favorite things inside our home are the pine cones I brought in from the backyard.
* Carry like colors throughout. For us, this means lots of red, silver + green.

Want to see our home decor from years past? From 2009 and from 2010, part I and part II.

SHARE WITH US: what are your favorite memories or moments during the holidays? I love the warmth of our home, all the family time {we’ll be heading to Michigan soon!!!}, and twinkling lights and remembering what Christ did for us. xoxo

* * *

This week’s Inspiration Workshop! prompt is HOLIDAY DECOR!
♥ Share your blog post with us by linking up below. I’ll be clicking through the links so I hope you join the party and share your inspiration!!!! You have through Sunday night to share your DECOR IDEAS! :]

It’s a-OK! to link up an older post to the current weeks Inspiration Workshop!, or link up on Friday, Saturday or Sunday {instead of on Thursday} — just as long as it’s relative to the weekly prompt. The linky parties are open through Sunday nights at 11:59pm CST, and you certainly may link up a post that you previously wrote :]

Want even more inspiration? Read all previous Inspiration Workshop! posts by clicking here.

Gussy Sews Inspiration Workshop!


♥ REMEMBER to click on the links added that surround yours, and if you like what you see leave a comment. xo!


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27 Comments
Filed Under: holidays, Inspiration Workshop!, our home

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Comments

  1. Skye says

    December 8, 2011 at 6:37 am

    Maggie I love your decorations! :) I also have a Willow Tree Nativity set that we got pieces of for Christmas. It is time to start adding to it! :) Enjoy the holidays lady! :)

    Reply
  2. Kasey M. says

    December 8, 2011 at 7:20 am

    Maggie your home looks A-MAZING! I love the themed clusters, especially the pinecones/greenery/cork.

    You asked about favorite memories/moments during holidays. My favorite memory is whole family gathering at my MomMom’s house on Christmas Eve when I was a kid. It was the one time every year I got to play with all of my cousins (we’re spread out). I loved the night of eating/gussying/playing and the tradition of getting a new pair of pajamas to wear for when Santa came!

    Hope you’re having a great holiday season. Merry Christmas!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      December 8, 2011 at 11:17 am

      THANK YOU kasey! xoxo

      Reply
  3. Suzanne says

    December 8, 2011 at 7:29 am

    I laughed when I saw Bauer’s first Christmas ornament – I have the EXACT same one from my daughter Caroline’s first Christmas last year!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      December 8, 2011 at 11:27 am

      haha, yes, Bauer is really a little boy dressed up like a dog.

      Reply
  4. jessica says

    December 8, 2011 at 7:32 am

    i love you decorations! we’re going to get a tree tomorrow (our first as a little family) and I couldn’t be more excited!
    hope you’re staying warm- every christmas (except this one) we travel to MN to spend the holidays with my husbands family (about 3 hrs. northwest of the cities). it’s always so cold! :)

    Reply
  5. Cassie says

    December 8, 2011 at 8:01 am

    LOVE your Christmas Decorations!! So pretty!!! =D

    Reply
  6. Jacky {The Sweetest Petunia} says

    December 8, 2011 at 8:22 am

    I love all these sweet holiday touches in your home, Maggie! Those trees on the mantel are so cute. :)

    Hubby & I are celebrating our first Christmas together, and I had SO much fun decorating! I need to take pictures {should have done it already} so I can share! We went pretty simple, but I think it’s lovely. ;)

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      December 8, 2011 at 11:28 am

      such an awesome first Christmas to be celebrating :)

      Reply
  7. Veronica says

    December 8, 2011 at 9:10 am

    Your home looks great, love your nativity.

    Reply
  8. Libby says

    December 8, 2011 at 9:31 am

    You house is so freaking cute! I wish mine was as cute!! We are working on redecorating right now or I would post pictures of our Christmas decorations.

    Reply
  9. Ashley | Domestic Fashionista says

    December 8, 2011 at 10:06 am

    Yay, I have been meaning to link up and then just saw this was the last one for the year! Next year I will be more on it!

    I love your quirky little trees from Target and the beads on your sewing machine! Everything looks great and your home is so adorable!

    Reply
  10. Chelsea says

    December 8, 2011 at 11:38 am

    Very festive! Love the Willow Tree nativity set!

    Reply
  11. Pam says

    December 8, 2011 at 11:53 am

    Your house is so sweet! Such fun seeing all of your clever touches. I love all the jars filled with holiday goodies. Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  12. Kassie says

    December 8, 2011 at 12:46 pm

    Love the little touches of Christmas in your home! Simple, but great!

    Reply
  13. Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails says

    December 8, 2011 at 2:36 pm

    I love my Willow Tree Nativity too. I dont have the wisemen yet but Ive got all the other pieces. Its such a serene set…not gaudy at all. My mom actually got the camel & shepherds sets for me one year at a gift shop the day after Christmas for 1/2 off! Now thats a deal:)
    Im curious to know if you’ve discovered anyone else with “our” fireplace:) Im still amazed that yours is the only other one Ive ever seen in blogland. Its one of my favorite things about our old house so Im always on the lookout for others. Weird maybe but its got so much character.
    Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  14. Jami says

    December 8, 2011 at 2:38 pm

    Love, love, love your decor. You’re home looks so inviting! Thanks for sharing and for allowing us to link up :)

    Reply
  15. caroline says

    December 8, 2011 at 3:06 pm

    such a beautiful home and decorations {i love the wire bird cage}! we didn’t decorate because we’re moving in 10 days but from now on, i’m going to shut my eyes and pretend i’m surrounded by your lovely decor. thank you for sharing!

    as far as favorite family moments ~ one of them is that we love to watch “Elf” together!

    Reply
  16. Sandy a la Mode says

    December 8, 2011 at 9:00 pm

    seriously, your space is soo beautiful!! i hope to one day decorate our house that nicely for xmas!!!

    Reply
  17. Lori says

    December 8, 2011 at 10:10 pm

    LOVE your decorations. Such fun touches everywhere. Your house is so pretty!

    Reply
  18. catie says

    December 8, 2011 at 10:27 pm

    i love all your decorations! they tell such a great story, which is my favorite party of christmas! getting to know people is the best part about blogging!

    Reply
  19. Carly @ Createlive says

    December 13, 2011 at 11:44 am

    Gah, I love these photos. They really set an interesting mood. I love it! I actually just did something similar with a super easy, modern DIY Christmas decoration piece that mimics a Christmas tree but was super cheap.

    Thanks for the photos. Super inspiring :)
    -Carly @ Createlive

    Reply
  20. Jen @ a place 2 call home says

    December 19, 2011 at 1:38 pm

    Your decorations look great. I live in an older home too, it was built in 1890, I see a lot of your home in mine. Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  21. Miss Charming says

    December 29, 2011 at 2:02 pm

    You have such a beautiful home. And I love your nativity. It is so pretty.

    Reply
  22. Susana@citrusandorange says

    July 14, 2012 at 9:32 am

    The photo 61. above belongs to my site, http://www.citrusandorange.blogspot.com.

    Reply
  23. Adrian says

    March 18, 2014 at 7:53 pm

    Pam and Nikki, some ideas you can have your students do with these cards:* Students can spell words with matengic letters* Students can spell words with pipe cleaners* Students can rainbow write words (always a favorite in my class)* Students can cut letters out of a magazine to spell words* Students can stamp words* Students can use bingo dabbers to spell words* Students can form letters with play dough to spell words (or cut them out of play dough with letter cookie cutters)If you have students that can put these words into sentences that would be wonderful. They can even use the words to write a story! It all depends on their level :)Caitlin

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Holiday in my home « Il Bel Far Niente says:
    December 8, 2011 at 7:36 pm

    […] late in the day than never, here are some snapshots taken in my home today. Linking up with Gussy Sews’ Inspiration Workshop! Head over there to check out other bloggers’ takes on Gussy’s theme. Cinnabar red dish […]

    Reply

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ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Maggie Whitley weaves her writings around joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith, and simple living. She homeschools her children, enjoys a quiet room while reading, and roars with laughter over the challenges & delights of motherhood. Maggie and her husband, along with their four young children, live in metro-Detroit. She has been writing online since 2008.
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JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

maggiewhitley
Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomo Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomorrow :) small celebrations like this are very life giving! PS. thinking of starting a zoom book club — I need more sisterhood in my life. 👏🏻📖
The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are turning. The tea is calm. 🖤☕️🧺📖
Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his ful Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his full costume and laser blaster and of course the Buzz action figure he flys around 🌟💚💙💨someone has discovered a superhero crush! #joyinmotherhood #slowmornings #surprisedbymotherhood // Landon @ 2.5yo
Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to read this year. Plus my reading goal for the year. And a few practicals ways I fit in reading as a mama of four young children & homeschooling them. Basically, all the good stuff ☺️💓📖 #maggiewhitleydotcom #readersofinstagram #read #readmorebooks
It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the fu It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the furniture as we took the tree down Tuesday midday. Def one of my fav things to do.🎄👋🏻 We made it through our first week back to school since mid-December! It was rough to begin but ended with high fives. ⭐️✏️This morning I zoomed with a mama friend and I’m impressed with the many topics we covered. Sisterhood is sooooo necessary! ☕️👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼

Just a few cheery memories from my week! How about you?
Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activiti Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activities. I finished my last book moments before 2020 ended, which brought my started list to a close. Small joys add up to big joys ;)

What are you reading this year? Currently?

How many books are you planning to read? What’s your goal?

I’ll share what’s on my list for 2021 soon as I received some nice titles at Christmas. 📖✨🤍
We’re driving home in the dark of the winter nig We’re driving home in the dark of the winter night after a beautiful, hard & intentional couple of days working on a project ✨I’m committed to work on this this year; 2021 is already great. 🤩🤐😘
Ohhhhh, this year. Ohhhh, specifically these last Ohhhhh, this year. Ohhhh, specifically these last 3 months. I’ve had more anxiety than ever, and it’s seriously putting me on my knees in prayer —almost daily. My mind and chest aren’t unfamiliar of the attacks, but the grip it’s had on me since September has been so strong. The attacks are painful. But... Worship music has been one of my main healers. 🎶I know God is close to the broken-hearted (Psalm 34:18), and singing this truth really soothes me. Social media has been a big trigger for anxiety for me. I don’t want to “miss out on my life”, which is why I’ve hugely stepped back in posting and scrolling. 

One song in particular comes to mind:

“We step into Freedom. 
We step into all you have for us.” -Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson

There IS freedom from the anxiety attacks. For me: music, scripture, eating healthy, vitamins, rest, crying, prayer, honesty — these things help tremendously. Also getting up and MOVING when my anxiety sits on me like a boulder, that helps too. 🖤

Another soothing truth is from the end of Psalm 34:19 — “many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the lord delivers him of them all.”

Seriously. Thank you lord. Thank you for music and for rest and for the words in your book. I need them. I need You. I need Your freedom. I trust you’ll deliver me.
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We piled in the car this morning for a nature walk We piled in the car this morning for a nature walk. When I finally walked out and sat down, they shouted, “THE QUEEN! EVERYBODY CHEER FOR THE QUEEN!” (yes, they really call me that...☺️💓☺️)

I brought our basket of mittens and gloves and hats. The older two brought RC cars. Bauer the dog came along; we had a wonderful time on our walk.

The afternoon was harder, but overall the day was sandwiched between two really sweet time slots.

Bedtime tonight was wonderful. We read two chapters from our read aloud and Max lost another baby tooth.

This job I have, it really wears me down AND fills me up. It’s a constant take away AND fill up. Even when the moments feel so fitful, I know the story is rich. 

🕯🌙 Hello, sweet slumber. You’re carrying my babies away to a peaceful land. Goodnight, my children. Goodnight.

#motherhood #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodissanctifying #naturewalk #michigan
There’s a woman on Instagram I check on every co There’s a woman on Instagram I check on every couple of weeks because she is so sparkly & cheerful. She shares little pep talks, she wears fuchsia lipstick. She says, “like so, like that” when she’s explaining something. She’s a hoot. I love the joy that bursts from her eyes when she talks. In her own unique ways, her perspectives pull back the fog I often find myself in. I’m a weary mama, and her energy and gentleness feels nurturing, though I haven’t met her... I would love to meet her. 👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼I’m inspired by the snippets of life she shares online. Thank you, Tabitha for sharing your light. 🕯💓💄🌿@iamtabithabrown
What has kept you and your home busy as of late? F What has kept you and your home busy as of late? For us, it’s this…

The sound of Julia Robert’s calming voice is playing in the background of our playroom. Yesterday we finished another read aloud, Charlotte’s Web, so today my children are watching the movie. Knowing in-detail the lessons they are learning, along with reading books together, definitely adds to the joy of motherhood; the joy of teaching my children and being with them for so many hours each day. We experience so much together. Even when things feel chaotic at home, when I can’t call something by the correct name they still long to be near me and work alongside me. Tired has been a dear companion to me for the last seven years, but my children are gentle with their responses.

💞💬More on my blog! #maggiewhitleydotcom
It’s the season of perpetual hope. 🎄✨📖Of It’s the season of perpetual hope. 🎄✨📖Of books that shape our minds, of anticipation, of creative projects that mar our kiddos clothing (but morph our memories into beauty). Oh right! There are cookies cooling on the counter — gotta go! ✌🏻
Keeping my hands busy (making wooden bead garland Keeping my hands busy (making wooden bead garland for our tree; link posted to Stories) and my mind inspired (watching HGTV). I really enjoy the quiet of the evening after a full, rich day. God is so kind to give this to me today. What have you received today? 🎄💫📿
This guy is my steady; my Zack. This is a latergra This guy is my steady; my Zack. This is a latergram from October, from one of our many fall adventures with the kids. We had so many fun day trips, I don’t even remember where this was taken 👏🏻⭐️. I’m gonna guess Cranbrook Gardens.
This morning I sat on the front porch and read my This morning I sat on the front porch and read my book & drank coffee. The birds were with me, nearly a hundred of them. Fluttering from rooftop to treetop to hiding inside the bushes. So beautiful and calm. Mother culture... the path to joy in motherhood & homemaking.
Well kiddos, we had a great summer together! 🥳👏🏻🛴⛱🍦🤸🏼‍♀️🎨🎹🏊🏻‍♂️🧺🎠📚📺🍿🌿🌷☀️🚲

Thanks for coming along with me to the pool, nature trails, the park, hosting friends in our backyard, reading adventures, popcorn & movie night, art, planting flowers, planting a garden, bike rides, neighborhood walks, lake swimming, and supplying the ice cream truck w/ roughly $84 this summer. 

I loved our time together! 🥰🧒🏼👩🏻👧🏼🧒🏻

And the great news is this: we have autumn to enjoy together, too! 👏🏻🌾🍃🍂 so thankful.
Even if you don’t have students learning at home Even if you don’t have students learning at home, these ten “field trip” ideas will give your day a boost. 

When your mind feels foggy, step outside. When your home feels too small or too big, step outside. When the bickering is loud or your internal criticism is high, step outside. 

Give yourself (and your family) the joy of an adventure away from the home. 

🌾Visit my blog for the full post, link in profile or #maggiewhitleydotcom
It’s come to my realization there’s plenty of It’s come to my realization there’s plenty of time these days to craft a letter when I wash dishes, take my kids on a walk, or take care of our garden. All that silence, it makes my internal monologue even louder 🤣. 

Many times we are out & about in the neighborhood and I think, “oh the flowers surrounding your porch are lovely!” Or, “wow” (to the elderly man) “you have such a great smile, thanks for sharing it with us!” Wouldn’t it be great to jot that down in a card and send it through the mail as well?

We are always in need of community & kind words! 🌷💬

I remember many years ago, when nearly pregnant with another baby and our personal finances were THE PITS, my best friend came over with $500 cash. Just to bless us. She also included a personal note. Of course, I’ve always known how special personal notes are, but this card really meant so much.

And so I’ve decided as the year-end nears: wouldn’t it be nice to send a letter a week for the final 20 weeks we have left in 2020. Me thinks so 🙂. 

Community & kind words: I’m coming for you!

PS. wanna join me in sending 20 cards by Dec. 31?
🖤working on our school room, mid-process update 🖤working on our school room, mid-process update! this wall is inspired by @mygrandparentschair 👏🏻 

I saw her feature in a recent issue of “Better Homes & Gardens” and I was all 🤩🤩over her foyer. I’m using 1/2” black masking tape (mistake-making friendly) instead of paint, also renter friendly. 

Working on this project has been so good for my mental health. Doing > worrying.
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