12.01.2014

Trimming the Tree, Literally

Hoarding has its privileges.

                                                                                mrs. V

I’ve said it before and I will say it over and over again. It pays to hold on to things.  Well, maybe PAY is a bit ambitious.  My husband wholeheartedly disagrees, vociferously.  But if I didn’t have a fabric or Chinoiserie addiction, I would not have been able to trim the tree this year or deck chez V’s halls.  Well, maybe NOT is also a bit ambitious, so let’s just say without spending mucho dinero.  And that is a lot like paying, no? 




With that in mind, I have taken the whole ‘trimming the tree’ bit rather literal this year.  Rather than buying new trimmings, as I often do each year, I raided my stashes to pull off a fresh look for Christmas.  Armed with loads of extra yardage of my very favorite Greek Key trim, I literally trimmed my tree with it.  Additionally, I used remnants to make up some new stockings, complete with lining and trim! These are now officially my most favorite things ever.  I may never take them down.  Cheers, it’s Christmas every day of the year!





In true chez V fashion, I corralled some of my blue and white collection together, pairing ginger jars and cache pots with bright accents and greenery for a very colorful Chinoiser-V Christmas look.  Much like my very Chinoiser-V Easter look from last year.  Blue and white is a lot like bacon and animal print, in my book.  Makes the everything better. 






It also makes linking up to Jennifer’s blue and white bashes over at The Pink Pagoda very easy because blue and white is a staple at my house, like bacon and animal print.  Thanks for having me, dear!




To further prove my hoarding resourcefulness, I fashioned my own Chinoiserie ornaments using sharpies and extra white ornaments I had on hand, which, as it turns out, seems to be all the rage this season.  Tons of great examples floating around.  I used my own collection as inspiration and simply free handed them.






I have yet to tackle my fresh garlands or the rest of the house, but I think this is off to a smashing start.  Check back in the next few days for a proper holiday house tour when I’ve gotten things buttoned up and photographed in better light.  For a taste of last year’s holiday shenanigans, go here and here.










Cheers to a great and colorful holiday season!

All design, styling, and photos by Emily Vanderputten

kisses,  mrs. V

16 comments:

Lucy and Jenn said...

I am absolutely blown away by all the amazingness happening in your post. The ornaments you made with sharpies are beyond impressive. And putting magnolia clippings in your chinoiserie vases is such an easy way to add green to a room -- I definitely am going to follow your lead on this one. I am so happy to have found your blog today via the link up! Jenn at East Meets South

designchic said...

I must get myself in gear - loving all of your inspiration and the vases on the mantle look gorgeous!!

Kerry Steele- Design du Monde said...

You really must move in next door to me and gussy up my house too. I'll provide the wine and silliness and you the inspired holiday look. I just lose all motivation half way through.

The Pink Pagoda said...

If you weren't so nice I'd have to be very jealous. WOW, Emily, what can't you do??? Do you realize you could sell those stockings and ornaments? I love everything in this post. Thank you for linking it up to The Bash!

Andrea said...

Unbelievably gorgeous, I am Pinning away!!! Will you come do my house next, please? :)

XOXO,
The Glam Pad

Improvement List said...

Love those ornaments. You have inspired me to try a few of my own.

pam {simple details} said...

You rock, Mrs. V ~ I always love your fabulous one-of-a-kind style!! The Greek key trim on the tree is so good!

Kim said...



Okay ... copying is the most sincere form of flattery ... correct? A million things I'd like to copy! Gorgeously done in true Mrs. V Fashion!! xokim

Katie {Miss Dixie} said...

your house is like a page out of my favorite magazine! trimmed to a T with my most favorite things! so funny bc I had seen someone selling the sharpie ornaments not too long ago and thought about a DIY version (even though theirs were DIY as well) and then I saw yours and well, they blew them out of the water! Ive made a few but they are nothing as good as yours! :)

Tracy Laverty said...

LOVE Greek key trim! I love it on your tree and all your beautiful decorations!

Naomi Walters said...

Oh wow! Your Christmas decor looks amazing. I love the splash of colors in everything. My particular favorites would have to be those rad looking socks. Hahaha! Thank you for sharing those lovely pictures of your seasonal decor! Wishing everyone all the best!

Naomi Walters @ Chicora

Unknown said...

Spectacular. So smart to use the leftover trimmings to hang the stockings too. Love the lush and layered look - you do it so well!

marsha cannon said...

I love it all and especially the greek key trim on your tree! This year I had taken down some valances in my bedroom and they magically transformed into a tree skirt! Your ornaments are lovely, so glad I found you!

Julie Taylor and Danni Greenwalt said...

I love the ornaments you made and the stockings are so cute!

Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door said...

Amen sister! Love that you used what you already had and of course love that you love bacon. I'll be over to steal those ornaments you made and those killer stockings. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful tree! The ornaments, ribbon and decorations are perfectly mismatched! I love that there are so many different things going on but that it all works so well together.