This Tuesday, Christmas took place in my house and I wanted to share a few of the pictures with you without giving it all away. What I thought would be a piece of cake turned into quite an ordeal! But then isn't that what Christmas decorating is usually about? Beads and baubles, ornaments and wire, paper and ribbon, festive food and greens. I am stilling piling up the debris after all was said and done.
Better Homes & Gardens does a special issue each September titled Christmas Ideas and this year I will be included. The editor, Ann Blevin found my blog, saw my style and thought I would be a good fit. (or diversion!). After twirling my mantle in five different ways I suddenly thought, 'Has anyone ever done a Goth Xmas?!' -because it looked like I was about to! I had an idea to use this fabulous black tree I bought for a friend last December. After helping her decorate it I was in love with the contrast of the black tree against the bright turquoise ornaments we used. With her modern decor it looked like something for Domino magazine. So I thought I would buy one for me. After adding some appropriate ornaments, hurricane candles and gold frames on the mantle, I was very happy but couldn't help but wonder how it would fit with all the other green and red the issue will indoubtably have. It did look a bit Gothic because of the black but as I said to the editor, "If I saw this in the magazine it would make me stop!" So on I went doing the black tree.
Here are some other shots:
A hodge podge of silver (most on the table that you cannot see)
A great shot on the porch with champagne cooling in a giant urn of snow...
A shot with my friend Julie Reed's folded paper sculptures and Wendy Addison's new line coming this Christmas...
My vanilla vignette using every ivory prop I could find (many off camera here)...
Not shown, a sofa set-up with a giant lamb painting, stone angel and French sconce. Only six months until you can see more!

41 comments:
Great Ideas Deb!!!
And you are so right. The black (Goth) pulls your attention instantly to stop and see more. Where the red,green and more traditional colors can easily just slip by without much thought. With the vintage whites and creams you almost have a Steampunk thing going on!! :) I haven't pick up one of BHG publications for years but I'm looking forward to seeing this Christmas issue!!
Pattie ;)
Mazatlan Mx
I'm really not ready to get in the Christmas spirit, but some of your ideas are definitely going in my Christmas "file". I can't wait to get my hands on the paper version. Congratulations and nice job. It's all very beautiful!
I'll be looking for the BHG magazine this September. Love the sneak peak of your decorating!
Kris
Thanks for a wonderful Christmas tease....can't wait to see it all
next fall. It looks amazing.
Pattie...youe right! It does have a Steampunk thing going on...LOVE it! Being a Halloween artist I always love using a black tree for any holiday!
Bugs & Hisses
Patty
CONGRATULATIONS! BEAUTIFUL! Thank you for the sneak peak tease. I hope they make you a "regular". Love your style!
I look forward to that special issue mag every year. I'll look forward to "seeing" you there!
This is one of my favorite holiday magazines. So glad you are being included and will look forward to seeing more of your beautiful home.
I love the idea of a Goth Xmas! I will be buying that mag. You've brought a fresh new look as usual. kath
I can't wait to see the issue, what a dream come true! Everything looks amazing. If only I lived in Kansas City so I could visit your store!
I always pick that issue up - can't wait to see more of what you come up with!
Congratulations on your column and the upcoming feature in BHG. I recently discovered your blog and read and reread your posts and study your photos.
Thanks for sharing.
Brenda
I love your blog! I was wondering how do you hang the silverplated trays and serving dishes???
All but one were hung with regular plate hangers. Some were too big so I added a wire around the handles.
Deb, I can't wait for the magazine to come out. What a wonderful idea, a Goth Christmas. You certainly have a flair for the unusual. Happy Anniversary too!
What a refreshing change from the predictable holiday decorating! I wouldn't be surprised if they used your images on the cover. Congratulations on a great shoot and I will certainly be picking up the issue in September.
Love it!! Can't wait to buy the magazine!!! Your talent never ceases to amaze me!
I love that magazine! I can totally see you doing that. Congrats! Can't wait to see the real deal!
Love it all! So original! Just beautiful!!
I love the wall of silver! That is inspiring~
Blessings,
Renee
I DON'T THINK I CAN WAIT...LOOKS AWESOME. Congrats on this one too! That would be my dream come true...enjoy the fun!!!!
Janet
Love the silver wall and (as a one time goth enthusiast!) adore the idea of the goth tree! Love your blog:).
i can't wait to see more!!
Thanks for the sneak peek and please give your readers the heads-up when your issue goes on the newsstands. I will be watching for it and even though I gave up excessive magazine purchases for my New Year's resolution I will make the exception for this one. Goth = genius.
LOVE IT! I am so excited to see that issue. And Congrats!
you make playing house-so much fun-
Wonderful! I love a Goth Christmas theme. Check out Crystal of Gothic Rose's version here http://pandorasparlor.blogspot.com/2007/11/wicked-christmas.html She is also a big fan of silver and black. I'm looking forward to seeing your magazine spread when it comes out!
Wow that's going to look FANTASTIC! I did a "black and white" snowman tree in my store this year and it was a huge hit. I didn't use the actual black tree but I did use a lot of black ornaments and a top hat instead of a star.
Your store always has such wonderful things. I dream about visiting someday :)
Ciao!
Stephanie
I love that black and white little chair. I'll look for this issue in the fall.
I know everyone on this blog will probably stone me, but I have to yawn at this yet another display of cream and black. I know that's your trademark, but how many times can you do a pile of cream/white/gray stuff and call it pretty? Maybe I just need a nap.
love your decorating style!
chasity
Very Beautifull!
Love it! Thanks for the sneak peak and something to look forward to in September. I will definitely by the magazine with your ideas in it. Love it!
Gretchen
http://mimitoriasdesigns.blogspot.com
Oh My gosh... I love that magazine!!! I am so excited for you and can't wait to see it!
This is so exciting! Congrats on the posting with BH&G!
Dixie
I don't know if you could ever be tired of cream and black (that's pretty much my house)! I love everything in these pictures. Makes me almost want Christmas to come. Almost . . . but can't wait for the magazine!
Lanette
I must have struck a nerve with My Comment about you taking your christmas iceas from Edgar and Edgar. I see you did not publish the comment.......Sooooo Sad
Who the heck is Edgar and Edgar? I don't know what you are talking about and almost always post comments that make sense, don't ramble, are spelled CORRECTLY and are of value to someone whether the reader agrees with my style or not. Especially those who do not hide behind an anonymous address.
Sorry if you were disappointed not to read your clever musings.
I can't wait!! I love black it comws from my Amish quilt exploring days. Black makes everything pop!!
anonymous is..... soooo sad.
No need to publish this but really yawn! to anon!
Please Anonymus,
If you think your style is so much better then you should show your blog or website so people can critic it or else just keep your comments to yourself. Deb at least doesn't hide from who she is.
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