a very merry christmas

Our dear readers, 'tis the season of joy, giving, and light! And also holiday movies, fresh pine, Christmas carols, glitter, vacuuming glitter, delicious gingerbread, twinkle lights and 60 degree weather. Or snow, which would be way better. It's Emily here, excited to discuss and share my Christmas decorations! (What can we say, we love them.) Last year, I BARELY decorated for the season and the year before that, I made a single wreath which was quite lovely but this year, I wanted to go all out and maybe a wee tad over the top. SO. I restyled a few things, added some fresh greenery, ornaments and candles, made a few wreaths, and of course, decorated a tree that I will be the first to admit needs like triple the amount of lights. 

ANYWAYS, making wreaths with fresh greenery is just the best because no matter what you do, it turns out amazing. And you really only need green wire and maybe a twig wreath base if you want your wreath to look a little more perfect. You can forage the greenery which would be ideal because FREE, although much easier if you don't live in the concrete jungle. (I got mine at a farmers market and a near-by greenhouse.) Regardless, they are so easy and satisfying and if you need some ideas, check out our previous post here. I linked some of the buyable pieces in case you are interested in getting the look! (See Target.) Enjoy!!!

 brass crane | tiny bud vase | faceted candle

teak bowl | brass moose | gold urchin

awesome pillow | sheepskin | wood tray

wall sconce | bistro chair | tree topper | gold tree | white felt tree | pink vintage ornaments 

Happy Thanksgiving

Every other year the Schmunk family gathers on Thanksgiving to eat homemade cinnamon rolls, make fun of the Thanksgiving Day Parade Mystery Science Theater-style and go bowling. And, as stated in the previous post, we like to do up our table nice. See exhibit A. 

Mostly we work with whatever is laying around with the exception of the floral arrangements and place cards (made by my talented sister Lauren who is key in the "tablescape" I'M SORRY development) and everything came together beautifully if we do say so ourselves. Most importantly, we had a lovely meal, filled with laughter, family and all around thankfulness. 

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wreaths 'n things

Last year, Rehabitat posted about decorating for Christmas and specifically about an heirloom wreath made by my grandmother. This year, I tried at my own wreath and turns out, it was easy as pecan pie! AND it brings lots of joy to my living room. It's December 15 which means you have 10 days to try your own. (And you will still have more time to enjoy it than back in the day, when Christmas trees weren't set up until Christmas Eve! See A Christmas Story.)  

Pictured here: a twig base, fresh greenery from the tree, and seeded eucalyptus spray painted gold. (Lasts longer that way!) 

 { Merry Christmas from Rehabitat }

advent.

We love Christmas. 'Tis the season for celebrating the birth of Christ and DECORATING! I will also accept being with family, White Christmas sing-a-longs while gift-wrapping, and eating too many ginger snaps. My every waking moments leading up to Christmas day are spent being utterly creative and... maybe a little over the top. Definitely. This year, Rehabitat took inspiration from an amazingly creative source and family member,   Handmaden. This advent calendar reminds us of the peace, joy, and purpose of the season, and BONUS it's also pretty. Here's our versions.

on wreaths, garlands and pinecones

I'm being distracted by pinecones everywhere.  They are a beautiful and elegantly designed thing of nature, and I never get tired of them.  Of course it helps that they are plentiful and cheap, renewable, and yet last for years - so that we at rehabitat can reuse, reinvent, and repurpose till our hearts' content.

My wreath this year is a vintage one, made by my mother over 40 years ago.  She not only made wreaths, but pinecone trees, stylized topiaries of the 60's and kissing balls, among other concoctions, way before glue guns made it easy for DIY's.  

My fingers don't bleed like hers did as I decorate my windows and doors, but I am reminded of her  joy of creative expression that she passed on to her daughters and grandaughters.

 I hope these few other ideas inspire you, as they do me, to do justice to the elegant pinecone.