xmas in july :: new home christmas card

Every year, my husband and I design our own Christmas cards. On Christmas Eve of last year (crazy, I know!), we moved into our new house. Since the timing coincided (and it reduced my workload!), we wanted to combine our holiday card with our moving announcement. I didn't know what I was going to do until I saw this design from my friend, and the always creative, Kim from The TomKat Studio. 

Along with the 3-D ornaments, I added "We are decking NEW halls this holiday season". I thought it captured both purposes of the correspondence beautifully.  

(As much as I love visitors, I want you to call before you come, hence fuzzing out the address. Ha!)

xmas in july :: ice cream and christmas

So, I'm a day late and a dollar short - what's new!? Yesterday was National Ice Cream Day and I had a post prepared to share, but missed the actual day. I couldn't stand not showing you these adorable ice cream ornaments though. National Ice Cream Day and Christmas in July are surprisingly a perfect match.

Some you can buy...

{via Trendy Tree}

Or how about making your own...

{via Until Wednesday Calls}

xmas in july :: tree decorations

Today I want to share the rest of the creative idea and detail pictures I took from last years Ronald McDonald House Trees of Hope event.

A cupcake inspired tree... If I had a bakery/store front, this would definitely be how I would display items for purchase! Sprinkles, liners, etc.

Here are a couple of tree topper options I thought were pretty cute...

In addition to a chef's hat, I might have to add the wooden spoons to my kitchen tree this year.

I like this flag idea if you have a region specific tree or as a way to share your heritage around the holidays.

Not that I was crazy about the "Cars" umbrella, but I think the idea of using an umbrella as a topper could be very theme-fitting on some trees. What about a Spring/Easter tree!?

Feathers will never get old as tree toppers. This was a very naturalistic tree and the pheasant feathers fit beautifully.

Now for some overall themed trees... So whimsical

Giddy Up! A cowboy tree complete with a hat and red bandana.

Definitely the most unusual at the event had to be this tree. A true forward thinking fashion tree.  Pretty creative wouldn't you say!? They pushed and pulled branches until it resembled a body shape. Then proceeded to dress and accessorize her to the max. 

I enjoyed the bounty and detail of this school themed tree. Kids would LOVE to help with the whole process. Designing, buying, making the pieces (ruler star topper, paper chain garland, etc.) and of course decorating the entire tree. This would be a great way to support a school or church program for charity.

Woodland creature trees have become very popular in recent years due to Pottery Barn, Pier 1, Restoration Hardware, etc. selling rustic animal ornaments. I thought the fence detail on this woodland tree was adorable. The fake snow definitely adds a nice little touch too. 

And finally, a unique way to add detail to christmas tree lights. Do you have a beach themed tree? A beach house? This is for you! 

Enclose each individual bulb with seashells. Watch with wonder as this craft takes you back to the tranquility of the beach where you picked up the shells. Even if it is in the dead of winter!

xmas in july :: red, white and blue tree

Every year, I attend a holiday fundraiser called Trees of Hope put on by the Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut. My attendance is two fold - 1) I will support anything with the children in need being the beneficiaries and 2) a selfish curiosity to see new creative decorating ideas for Christmas trees. I will share some fun trees I spotted at last year's event in the coming days, but today it's all about the

 red, white and blue! 

Check out this Patriotic Tree...  Like using a black tree for both Halloween and Christmas, you could use a white tree for both Christmas and the 4th of July. More bang for your buck - I'm all about that!

There are also a couple of specific details I want to call your attention to. I love the flag bunting used as the tree skirt. (Promise me you won't put an American flag on the floor. Okay? Okay.) I also love the clumping of the ornaments. It reiterates the red, white and blue of this tree specifically, but image it on another tree with it's own special color scheme. I'm making a mental note of this decorating technique for my clients' trees as well as my own tree this coming season.

Happy Birthday, America! 

Hope you all have a wonderful and safe holiday!

xmas in july :: ornament storage

After all the gifts are opened and the guests have left, the next holiday season job is the decoration take-down. A big job!  (Doesn't it always seem like much more work to take it all down than it is to put it up?) Here are a few brilliant ideas to help with your ornament storage.

(image and how-to via Design a la Mod)

(image via Martha Stewart)

(image via Re-Nest via Pinterest)

xmas in july :: christmas cakes

These are a couple of holiday cakes I've done in the past (and previously posted), but I couldn't do a Christmas series and not have any holiday goodies, right?! 

xmas in july :: wine bottle wrapping

A bottle of wine is a very traditional hostess gift. During the holidays, why not make it a little more festive with jingle bells. Simply tie a bow from any wide holiday ribbon to your bottle of wine.  Next, tie jingle bells cascading down onto a very thin wire ribbon.  Wrap and tie the bell ribbon in front of the bow.  Viola!

xmas in july :: homemade gifts

Every year I make a few homemade gifts for neighbors, friends and others that help me throughout the year.  I started looking for ideas for this year's gifts and thought I'd share some of the gems I found.

Homemade Granola

(image and recipe via Country Living)

Homemade Salt Scrub

(image and recipe via Sunset)

Homemade Flavored Sugars

(image and recipe via Style Me Pretty)

(you can also use other flavors like vanilla, peppermint, etc.)

And for the kids...

Snowman in a Box

(image and how-to via Make it Do)

xmas in july :: eco-friendly holiday cards

This idea is from December 2010 Martha Stewart. I tore it out because I thought it was such a great idea. You use one piece of paper for the card/letter and then fold it into the envelope.  Not only is it one less piece for the sender to purchase, but the environment will thank you, too.

(image and how-to via Martha Stewart)

xmas in july :: advent calendars

Kids love Christmas.  The countdown until the 25th is like torture for them.  How about making it a little easier with some of these creative (and adorable) advent calendars.

(image, tutorial and free printables via Just Something I Made)

(image and how-to via Homework)

(knitting pattern available for purchase here)

xmas in july :: creative wrapping

It's been said a million times before, but definitely deserves to be said a million more times.  The presentation of a gift can be as important as the gift itself.  The way it is wrapped can build even more anticipation of what lies beneath the paper. The recipient will appreciate, and feel special, for the extra effort.  Here are a few examples/ideas of taking your gifts to the next level.

(images via goodhousekeeping.com)

(image source and how-to)