Well, it’s done - my Christmas tree is decorated. After some deliberation on determining my Christmas tree decorating theme for this year, I chose to go with the “Give It All You Got” method of decorating. Basically, I gave it all I had. Instead of picking one specific decorating style, I used all of my ornaments, most of my garlands and simply added new ribbon for bows. And you know what? I love it!

continue reading "Oh Christmas Tree!"

In the past, my little boy was only interested in un-decorating the Christmas tree. This year however, he has been very excited about putting ornaments on the tree. It started with the Christmas tree at school (daycare), all of the little people were given the opportunity to put on one ornament. The excitement carried over to decorating at home. Monday was a snow day, so my little monkey and I spent some quality time together digging through Christmas decorations. What turned out to be the most fun, was watching him decorate his own tree.

continue reading "Christmas Trees For Kids"

I couldn’t believe it - a blue poinsettia flower! Actually it was pale purple and blue with a little sparkle. The longer I looked at it, the better I liked it. In the right setting it would be stunning.

For those who prefer the traditional bright red poinsettia plant, there are lots of them around and there are many creative ideas for including them in your Christmas decor.

continue reading "Christmas Decorating Ideas for Poinsettia Plants Plus - Choosing Poinsettia / Poinsettia Care"

This was too funny not to share! RemodelingMySpace just wrapped up their big Remodel, Blog & Win online contest, but for a little extra fun and to kick off the Christmas season, they held a mini contest this past weekend asking for creative posts about their article on Christmas Tree Pictures. This is what Project Kraemer Lane submitted: Remodeling the Christmas Tree. I think they’ve definitely covered the creative aspect!

continue reading "Christmas Tree - Remodeling Theme"

‘Tis the season to decorate a Christmas tree!

Do you use the same Christmas ornaments each year or do you like to shake things up a bit? I kind of like to shake things up a bit - you know, try out a new color theme, use some of my existing ornaments , but add new ones too. Something as simple as using a new ribbon can make all the difference in the world. Of course over the last few years, I’ve made changes to my Christmas tree decorating to accommodate the new little hands in the house. Who says you have to decorate the bottom half of the tree?!

The only thing that doesn’t change each year is the fact that I always go on a hunt for fresh inspiration. Even if I’m not in the market for new decorations, it’s fun to see how different people and places decorate their trees. Obviously I don’t go door-to-door, so where do I find that fresh decorating inspiration? Garden centers, florists, home decorating stores and not to be left out, the internet. This year has been a bit crazy and I’ve only made it to one decorating store, but thanks to the internet, I did come across a very inspiring article on RemodelingMySpace.com. I haven’t made it to a garden center, but the folks at RMS sure did! They toured a garden center and took beautiful pictures of decorated Christmas trees, so now I don’t have to.

continue reading "Christmas Tree Decorating Inspiration"

To keep things simple, I’ll present these Christmas gift ideas in list fashion. Each item is linked to pictures and a location where it can be purchased.

Garden Journal- to keep track of those important and noteworthy garden happenings

Wall Tattoos - for indoor garden enjoyment all year round

Shufflers- a new take on the old slipper standby

continue reading "32 Christmas Gift Ideas for the Gardener"

There are two things that I take with me practically everywhere I go - my digital camera and my garden shears. Last weekend the garden shears saw a lot of action. While visiting at a friend’s home in the country, I harvested a ton of greenery, red dogwood branches and grapevine. My car smelled like Christmas all the way home! The plan - do something with the baskets that have been hanging empty on my front porch for the past year.

I may be slow, but I am most certainly sure. Those hanging baskets are now heaped full with three different types of evergreen branches, highlighted with some lovely red dogwood, and thanks to our weather yesterday, a little dusting of snow.

Here’s a picture of one completed Christmas / winter-themed hanging arrangement (including snow):

continue reading "DIY Inexpensive Outdoor Christmas Decor"

Do you have gardeners on your Christmas gift list? Put together a gift package with a garden theme!

Before all the gardening stuff disappears from the store shelves to make room for sleds and snow shovels, pick up a some special things to include in a gift package for your favorite gardener.

Here are some garden-themed items you can include:

continue reading "Christmas Gift Ideas - Make A Garden Gift Package"