Holiday Prep and Onecklace Gift-Giving

The holiday season is right upon us.  I don’t know about you but there are specific details that need to be checked off the list in preparation for seasonal celebrations.

In previous years, I would take down the decorations and get straight to work.  This isn’t ideal because I would enter the new year with frozen meals and closets filled with miscellaneous items.  Thankfully, I learned from my unorganized ways and began to structure my home to truly ti’s the season.

Featured Photo Style:  Tweed Blazer: Express | Heels:  Jimmy Choo | Bow Ring:  oNecklace

#4 Lessons for Holiday Prep:

Lesson #1: Start de-cluttering before the new year. This is not up for debate!  If you wait until after Christmas, this will include gifts and leftover household items.

Lesson #2:  Clean the freezer prior to Thanksgiving.  This simple task will make room for extra food and potential freezer meals.  The holiday season can get busy, having freezer meals on hand eliminates the question, “What’s for dinner?”

Lesson #3:  Put up the Christmas tree prior to holiday festivities.  The longer you wait, the more stressful the holiday season will become.  I like to gather my entirefamily and pull down the tree at least two weeks before cooking the turkey.

Lesson #4:  The previous lesson leads me into the next one.  If the month of November is your busiest season in business or civic engagments, consider ordering the turkey.  There are several delicious options and this can be a time-saver (and energy-saver.)

Oh, in terms of gift-giving, check out oNecklace for one of a kind, personalized pieces.

The Sideways Letter Necklace and Bow Ring has been a elegant addition to my jewelry collection.  Both of the pieces are timeless. 

What are some personalized gifts that you will be giving this year?

Sideways Letter Necklace

Collaborative Post with oNecklace

FIVE DECORATING TIPS FOR A CLEAN FRESH MODERN HOLIDAY SEASON

Laura Muller, the Principal Designer, and Owner of Los Angeles-based design firm, Four Point Design Build, has five easy and effective tips for decorating a perfect holiday home worthy of your in-law’s expectations. Check out these inspirational photos ALL from Laura’s personal home!

☆ Tip 1 ☆

That’s a Wrap!

For a fresh and cozy style, add a single pine cone or cedar stem to your gift wrapping. Tie packages with raw linen strips, cotton ribbon, or twine. To give a cohesive look to your whole décor, coordinate the gift wrapping details to your tablescape!

☆ Tip 2 ☆

Deck the Decor Make sure to keep your holiday color scheme clear and consistent throughout your décor. For a clean, fresh, modern look, we use white candles in clear glass. For visual interest (and for the collectors at heart), we suggest all clear glass, but mix it up in size and shape! Use assorted greens for dynamic contrast. Keep greens fresh and in the same proportion for a full and elegant display.

☆ Tip 3 ☆

Let There Be Light Place a table or desk next to a bright window and group three to five mini pine trees with gifts. Display with a collection of assorted white candles in clear glass, and stacks of holiday books for inspiration.

☆ Tip 4 ☆

Add an Easy But Noticeable Accent! Adding simple fresh stems of pine can give your kitchen countertops a cozy wintery feeling! Lace fresh stems in between canisters for a fresh touch of the holiday and fresh mini Christmas trees look perfect in white ceramic utensil crocks!

☆ Tip 5 ☆

Tabletop Trinkets When thinking about your everyday holiday table settings, start with some basic year-round pieces. A large natural grain rustic charger will ground your entire décor theme. For a clean fresh modern farmhouse style, layer with simple white pantry pieces. Once you have the basics, all you need to change from theme to theme is the napkin details!

FOUR POINT DESIGN BUILD INC. is an award-winning, full-service residential and commercial interior design and construction firm based in  Los  Angeles,  CA serving clients nationwide. Established in 2010, and led by the husband-wife team and Co-founders, Cliff and Laura Muller, Four Point Design Build was the result of a chance in-class meeting at UCLA, followed by nearly a decade of successful collaboration and noteworthy published design-build projects, and finally, a beautiful romance. It is Four Point’s commitment to cultivating, building, and leading a  strong project team of experts; working closely with all project team members during every phase of project development and execution. Laura has been voted into the Top 15 of Designhounds Top 100 Design Influencers for 2017 and 2018 and has the distinct honor of being one of four top interior designers selected to the prestigious DXV Design Panel (2018 – 2020).

Easter Celebration – Simple Lifestyle Tips

Easter can be an exciting holiday for everyone.  It’s the ultimate symbol of the Spring season and a time of rebirth.  Although celebrating Easter can be a lot of fun, preparation for this joyous holiday can also be overwhelming!

As a new mom (many years ago) I wanted to attack the holiday from all angles.  My eagerness stemmed from the excitement of having my very own children.  Over the years, I’ve learned to focus on what really matters.   The small details will come together once you concentrate on the priority of the day.

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Easter Brunch 2015 – Flemings Prime Steakhouse

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Caesar Salad and Omelett

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National Aquarium with the boys

Easter Celebration Tips:

  1. Create your dinner menu – Decide whether your family will dine in or out.  Either option provides a good opportunity for quality fellowship.  Traditional Easter meals (if you’re cooking) include a honey glazed ham, roasted leg of lamb, baked salmon, green bean casserole, rice pilaf, scalloped potatoes, macaroni and cheese, or home-style dinner rolls.
  2. Coordinate Easter crafts with the kids – This particular tip can vary depending on your interest but the idea is to teach your family the meaning of Easter.  Quick holiday crafts include decorating eggs, planting a Spring garden, or designing Easter bookmarks.
  3. Consider taking Easter photos – Start thinking of the right location, lighting, and even the weather.  Also, we can’t forget to coordinate the perfect attire whether a traditional suit or casual spring outfit.
  4. Decorate, Decorate, Decorate – Nothing brings more excitement than putting out spring decorations.  Add a wreath to the front door, create a tablescape, or flower arrangement in the hallway.

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Easter Tablescape

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Pre-school Easter Celebration

Some of my favorite Easter traditions include Sunday morning worship, egg hunt, brunch, and spring photos.  What are some of your favorite Easter traditions, share them with us here?