1. Driftwood “tree” with paper stars, photo by Ellen Silverman on Sweet Paul | 2. Candles and winter bulbs in your tea set – why not! From Johanna Flyckt interior stylist | 3. A forest chandelier from Basic Label Sweden | 4. Painted wood blocks, found on the Norske Interior Blog.

First up is this little taste of the aesthetic I love for winter holidays: simple and natural in white and green, with twinkle lights and candles all around. Pulling in foraged items from nature, including branches, pine cones, moss, seed pods, and driftwood are all free and beautiful ways to decorate a winter home. I much prefer this to tons of store bought decor! That’s not to say I don’t also love a bit of holiday kitsch, pink plastic trees, colorful vintage glass ornaments, and glittery tinsel-y fun – I do! Just in moderation. ;)

1. The Little Deer’s gold leaf embellished dishes | 2. Design Mom’s monogram mugs | 3. DIY snow globes from Under the Sycamore | 4. Martha’s Christmas Songbook | 5. Granola gifts from Design Sponge | 6. Springerle cookies from Country Living

And now for the presents! If you are like me, you enjoy the idea of making handmade gifts, but lack the motivation to tackle anything that seems too complicated or smacks to much of, lets be honest here, skill. Each of the gifts shown above shouldn’t take more than a few hours to create, and actually look like a lot of fun, too! I love the stamped cookies, DIY snow globes in vintage jars, and fabric labels for homemade granola. Those monogram mugs would be great to make in multiples, and I want to print a set of Martha’s songbooks to hand out at our holiday party.

And speaking of fetes, my latest Houzz column is up now, with 20 ideas for throwing your own cozy holiday party. I had a lot of fun putting this one together, I think you will really like it! Above is a little peek, but you will have to click through to see the rest. : )

Okay, so that wraps up this week, my friends! I wish you a cozy, wonderful weekend filled with everything good! xoxo Laura

(images: see post for individual sources)

What about you? Do you have any holiday wrapping traditions? I may eventually settle on a “signature” wrap like my Grandpa had, but for now I am happy to experiment each year. To spark inspiration, I gathered together six of my favorite wrapping projects – I hope you will find something you love here, too!

DIY #1: CREATURE COMFORTS

Above you will find the link to talented Ez’s gift wrap DIY and free printable download. Aren’t those birds the sweetest thing ever? I would love to make some of the paper chains, too!

DIY #2: YOU ARE MY FAVE

Next up, I love these colorful wrap and embellishment ideas. So cute and festive! Pom poms and reindeer and rainbows, oh my! Tip: you can often find big rolls of white paper in the kids section of the craft store for much less cost per foot than traditional wrap.

DIY #3: ROOST

For a more natural look especially suited to homemade gifts from your kitchen, please make your way over to the Roost blog for the lovely DIY shown above. You won’t want to miss the recipes that go along with it, either!

DIY #4: SUGAR PAPER FOR MATCHBOOK MAGAZINE + PHOTOS BY DIANA MARIE

Matchbook Magazine this month put together a stunning gift wrap feature, seen above and below. So simple but high impact. Love that zig zag paper!

DIY #5: SUGAR PAPER FOR MATCHBOOK MAGAZINE + PHOTOS BY DIANA MARIE

DIY #6: CREATURE COMFORTS

And last but most-glittery ;), a peacock embellished lovely from Ez. Happy wrapping, my dears!! xo Laura

(images: linked to sources above)

I am overflowing with gratitude this year! : ) I am so thankful for my husband’s family who are so very kind to me and really treat me like one of their own daughters, for my own family who make sure I feel loved even from afar, for my little house and the warmth and love inside, my sweet husband, and most of all my little one, who I feel so lucky to have. But I am not done yet, oh no! Just in the past week I feel lucky to have had an old friend over for dinner + wine, which was so, so nice because you know how comfortable and easy it is to be around old friends? Oh yes. And I am thankful for new friends as well, like this lovely lady who I met for coffee just the other day, all of the Mamas in my mom’s group, and each and every one of you dear readers, and I could go on…but I’ll stop now, I swear!

If you are looking for something quick and easy to add a handmade touch to your gathering tomorrow, may I suggest this alphabet pasta pie topper? Yes, I said alphabet pasta: genius, right? I love the old school typewriter style look of the dry noodles.

This project was created by Chiara Alberetti Milott for Oh Happy Day, so follow that link to find the complete instructions. Aren’t the place cards darling, too? How fun they would be for a DIY wedding. : )

Well, that wraps it up for now. I’m off to enjoy my four day weekend - woohoo! What will you be up to? Any fun plans? I would love to hear about what you will be doing, or what you are grateful for today. Happy Thanksgiving, friends, I am so grateful for you! xoxo Laura

(images: Chiara Alberetti Milott for Oh Happy Day)

DIY #1: STACKED LOG FIREPLACE

Can you believe that fireplace is a DIY project? It’s true! This one comes from Styled Magazine, see the issue for the how-to. If you are hosting Thanksgiving this year, I found a few projects that would be fun and relatively simple – things to add a little creativity to the celebration.

DIY #2: APPLE CIDER FAVORS

Aren’t those little bottles of cider adorable? They would make a great takeaway from either Thanksgiving dinner or an autumnal wedding. From Styled Magazine.

DIY #3: APPLE AND BRANCH CENTERPIECE

Also from Styled Magazine, this apple and branch centerpiece is my kind of arrangement: organic and casual, yet still festive. If you want something a bit more formal, why not try this:

DIY #4: AUTUMNAL BLOSSOMS + BIRCH-WRAPPED VASE

From Rue Magazine, this DIY is still easy, but looks much more fancy and time-consuming than it is. So pretty!

DIY #5: POM POMS!

And for those long nights and rainy days hanging out around the house, how about trying your hand at these cozy little pom poms? The instructions can be found in Rue Magazine – I want to make these!

DIY #6: WOOD GIFT TAGS

If you are looking for unique gift wrap + packaging ideas, perhaps you would be interested in these nifty wood gift tags from Styled Magazine? I know I would love receiving a gift wrapped up with one of these tags!

DIY #7: LATTICE CUP TOPPERS

Finally, oh my, oh my – aren’t those lattice pie crusts adorable and yummy looking? What a fancy touch for topping apple cider at an Autumn party! This one comes from Styled Magazine. I hope you enjoyed these DIY ideas – let me know if you are thinking of trying one! xo Laura

(images: Styled Magazine and Rue Magazine)

DIY #1: SCRABBLE ART

Nina Holst, who authors Stylizimo is constantly changing things up in her home, so it always feels fresh and inspiring. Whether it is a seasonal arrangement of branches and berries brought in from outdoors, a simple DIY project, or something as big as painting her floors white, I know when I visit her lovely place there will always be something new to feast my eyes on. Lately she has been on a black and white kick, and I am loving it! Above you will see DIY idea #1: a sweet little art print made from scrabble pieces and stamps on paper.

Here is a view of the office she recently redecorated, all crisp and cool in black and white. She did this one for her fiancé, though her own office is all black and white now, too. I told you she was on a roll!

DIY #2: CHALKBOARD CALENDAR

Back in Nina’s own office is one of my favorite DIY ideas, it is her own version of the Ferm Living calendar wall sticker. Instead of a sticker, Nina created hers using chalkboard paint which I think is total genius. Don’t you want one of these now? I think it would be perfect for a busy household with kids.

DIY #3: BUTTERFLY TREE

Another beautiful DIY inspired by a Ferm Living product is this beautiful butterfly tree. So pretty, right? Nina insists it’s not as difficult to do as it seems. Ahem. I think it’s perfect how she incorporated the two floating shelves – this is definitely going into my idea file for the future!

DIY #4: WASHI TAPE ANTLERS

If you’re looking for a really quick and simple yet creative DIY project, why not try your hand at these cute little antlers made from washi tape? Yes, yet another way to use this wonderfully addictive product: wall art!

DIY #5: BIRCH BARK PLACECARDS

I really adore this sweet DIY idea for marking places or leaving other kind messages at the table. The rustic birch bark hearts combined with clean modern label stickers is so unexpected and cool, and the tiny pine cones and natural twine are just the right finishing touch. If I were hosting Thanksgiving I would give it a shot!

Well, that wraps it up for now. I’d love to hear which project was your favorite – I’m itching to try all five! :)

(all images: Nina Holst for Stylizimo)

As you may know, I have a bit of an obsession with stylists. I view stylists as the poets of the interiors world, creating stories and vignettes from the most everyday bits of our lives. Sania is one of my favorites, so I am literally jumping up and down with joy that she is blogging now – hooray!! She’s been blogging for about six months now, so there is plenty of goodness to go back and read – I admit I read the entire archive in one sitting with a few cups of tea. :) Her home is lovely (of course), and I especially love seeking out the special-yet-simple details that might work in my own home. For instance, I love the way she’s placed fairy lights over a simple worn wood panel painted white, above. Beautiful, yes?

One of my favorite projects she shared recently were these driftwood display ideas – including painting on driftwood panels and crafting toys to display. This seems like the perfect goodbye-summer activity: sitting inside crafting and painting on a cool, rainy autumn day, putting all of those beach-combing finds to good use.

She has also done a beautiful job of painting thrifted furniture in lovely, chalky tones so that it all blends seamlessly. And look to any shelf or tabletop in her home and you will gain a mini-lesson in the art of arrangement. Who else could make a single rosemary branch look so artful?

If you would like to incorporate more vintage finds into your home, Sania’s blog is also a great reference and source of inspiration. I know I found myself getting tons of ideas bouncing through my head as I scrolled through the pages.

More simple ideas: a sweet embellished lamp, fabric-wrapped vases, vintage matchboxes as gifts, silver sequins in a glass vase…Don’t you want to try these projects right this very minute? I know I do. Sania has such an artistic soul – isn’t it a joy to watch someone work who is so obviously following their passion in life? If you are as inspired as I am, run over right now and visit Sania Pell at her website + blog, and purchase a copy of her beautiful book, The Homemade Home. xo Laura

(images: Sania Pell; also photographer Penny Wincer for Cico Books)

Why is it that bedrooms are often the last thing on our decorating to-do list? Is this true for you, too? I made a few improvements to ours before Bix was born, but nothing has happened since then. And the photos I shared then strategically avoided the headboard area of the room, which is sadly plain and lacking decent lighting. Our headboard is nice enough, but plain and short. I like the idea of painting a “frame” around it and filling it with small art pieces as shown above (from BHG).

Another great update would be to install swing-arm wall sconces as in this bedroom featured in Rue Magazine. This is a more costly option, but it would be such a space-saver…and in our teensy circa-1920 bedroom, we can use all the space we can get! Plus, I love that upscale hotel vibe. :)

Speaking of space, I wish I had room for a nice, big bedside table. I don’t, but if you do, go check out this tutorial for turning a simple Ikea dresser into the glam nightstand shown above. Lovely!

Feeling a little more crafty? Why not try this DIY woven headboard – and bonus, if you click through the slideshow you will find instructions on making that cute lampshade, too!

I saved one of my favorite projects for last, via Remodelista: hang a vintage Moroccan wedding blanket as a DIY headboard, either from a curtain rod or tacked straight to the wall. Moroccan wedding blankets have been darlings of the design blog world for some time now, and I am not immune to their allure! In fact, I already own a small pillow made from a vintage Moroccan quilt. However, I would be reluctant to use one of these gorgeous blankets on my bed…it would undoubtedly get stained or torn by the cat/baby. Hanging above the bed, though? Perfect.

(images: please see above for individual source links)

photo: Mouse House

That’s right, it’s a dollhouse design challenge! Now, here I thought I was alone in harboring a secret, long-standing obsession with dolls’ houses and all things miniature, but apparently I was totally wrong. Design bloggers from all over are getting absurdly excited about this miniature crafting challenge, and with lovely ladies like Nicole and Erin involved, you know there are going to be some a-mazing mini homes by the end of this challenge in December!

photo: Mouse House

I never did finish making an entire doll house, but I spent years collecting tiny furnishings, crafting my own mini room dividers out of fancy stationary paper, and day dreaming about the little world I was creating. Part of me is saying that I would be nuts to participate, that I am way too busy and with no money to burn, I would need to make everything from found items, completely by hand…but the little me in there is jumping up and down and stamping her feet, saying Just Do It! Succumb to the allure of the tiny world where you can have anything your heart desires. Missoni rugs? Check. Orla Kiely wallpaper? Why not!

photos: Emily Henderson

If you are interested in participating, you can find out all of the details in Emily’s post on the I’m…A…Giant…Blog Challenge!!! And if you live in L.A., there will even be a gallery/party for those participating to show off their little houses and mingle with other miniature-crazed bloggers.

Happy Friday my friends! I’ll be taking Monday off for the holiday here, so I’ll see you on Tuesday! xo Laura

(images: Emily Henderson and Mouse House)

The Fall Issue of Sweet Paul Magazine is out! Hooray! I just adore editor and food stylist Paul Lowe, everything he does is so beautiful and obviously done with great love and care. The Fall Issue is loaded with goodness (of course), from a beautiful Mexican meal to dip-dye crafts to cooking with seasonal ingredients and kitchen tips from Jonathan Adler, you are sure to find something inspiring in its pages…and maybe dinner, too! :)

I loved the feature on Nordic cooking, a small scene from that article is shown above. The photos by Ellen Silverman are wonderful and the recipes tempting. And if you are lucky enough to live in Norway, you might even come across a copy of Sweet Paul in print. After all, Paul himself is originally from Oslo…

…I love this cover! The English cover is splendid, too, but this one makes me just a tiny big jealous of those fancy Å’s and ø’s! But I digress. Back to the issue! If it is crafts and DIY projects you have in mind, you are in for a treat. I loved too many projects to mention here, so I will highlight one article I thought was especially creative and inspiring – a fresh take on silhouette art and decor.

Silhouettes on pillows, dishes, lampshades, totes and more, each one so nicely done. The story was styled by Paul and shot by the wonderful Alexandra Grablewski. Did any of these grab your eye? Or do you have any other fun links to share? Books you are reading, music you are listening to, crafts you want to try, interiors you love – if so, by all means, share, share, share! And have a beautiful weekend! xoxo Laura

(images: Styling and food by Paul Lowe, photography by Alexandra Grablewski and Ellen Silverman for Sweet Paul Magazine)

1. Isn’t this big fat knit lampshade amazing? I do not have the skill to make this, but I love it! The project comes from Norwegian yarn company Pickles.

2. I have had this simple, fun project from Creature Comforts in my to-try file for a few months now, and I think its time may have finally arrived! I already have a small chalkboard just waiting to be embellished and transformed :)

3. I love that this DIY painting from Oh Happy Day! is so elegant looking for very little effort. I also love the reference to Le Petit Prince here, I read it back in high school French class and adored it.

What about you? Any craft or DIY projects on your list? Would you try any of the projects above? I want to know! xo Laura