Take some time to add a personal touch

Even if you just do it for yourself…..there are a few extra things you can do around your home and before the holidays that will add the “peace” you are looking for amongst all the hustle and bustle of the season.

Add a little red

Adding red to any décor works when it’s Christmas – if you are into the color then try a little dash of it. These vibrant red earthenware vases will add sparkle and shine to a sideboard or mantelpiece. Available in two sizes, these deep crimson beauties will attract lots of compliments. They're not watertight, so don't fill them with fresh flowers. Instead, opt for dry botanicals; consider amaryllis or paper whites for festive flair.

Stop to smell the…..

Whether it’s an oil burner or a fresh swag on the mantel – there is a smell of the season that always warms your heart. Try a fresh over sized magnolia wreath to capture that sense.Simple and understated, this magnolia wreath will add natural beauty to your home. Perfect for the front door or above a fireplace, this wreath features lovely, fresh green leaves mixed with silver and gold faux leaves.

A touch of whimsy

I think a little bit of whimsy can go a long way especially if it’s as special as these mugs. So cute, so stylish even if your by yourself. These ceramic reindeer mugs just make you want to fill them with something tasty and wrap your cold hands around them while you sit in front of the Christmas tree. Don't forget to fill them with hot chocolate on Christmas Eve or tea and coffee on Christmas morning – indulge!

Festive Surfaces You know by now my love for holiday dinnerware – why not use them all season long? This set of four porcelain plates will make a statement on your holiday table or throughout the winter. A modern square design paired with a striking black and white snowflake pattern makes this set perfect for a contemporary table. A set of four is beautifully packaged for gift-giving too.

Beautiful Candle Light Lit candles add such a festive feeling during the holidays. The design of these ornate candlesticks is inspired by the luxurious, opulent living of 18th century France. Placed on the dinner table, they're sure to add a warm and inviting ambiance. I would place them allover to carry the glow from room to room.

Adding warmth with Cashmere Add warmth to your home décor with extra pillows and a cozy throw blanket. At arms reach, a warm throw blanket is a must have – great for curling up after an evening of wrapping gifts.

So take time to relax - grab a festive plate full of sweets, a whimsical mug of hot cocoa, light a candle and sit back to enjoy!

Creating a warm glow for the holidays

There is nothing more impressive then the warm glow of the holidays along with the fresh scent of gingerbread or pine. I have found some beautiful items for the holiday season that are sure to add to the Christmas spirit.
Pottery Barn’s metallic bark candles pair natural materials with a glitter finish. Each is wrapped with real bark that was gathered from trees legally harvested for furniture making, then trimmed with a layer of holiday shine. All are unscented wax, and the largest size has three wicks.
PB’s mercury glass votives provide all the sparkle and shine you need for the holidays. Mercury glass was first produced in the 19th century. These double-walled mercury glass accessories are hand blown and silvered between the sealed layers, using an antiquing process that mimics the look of the originals. PB offers them in a set of 4, one of each color.

While traveling this year I came across some other beautiful mercury glass votive holders with matching tray and pretty tea light holders. Also, while traveling I came across these great silver candles holders with bright bold and colorful holiday images.
I love the dome shaped ones here – you place the tea light inside and it can sit tabletop of hang…the candles’ glow is outstanding when wrapped in the bold colorful red interior.

For something really different check out the Lumen Candles at red envelope.com. Illuminated by flickering flames, this oil lamp casts lively, festive shadows through its delicate cutouts. The shadows change with the lamp’s position—the closer to the wall, the more detail; the farther away, the more intriguingly abstract.

Evelyn and Crabtree always have wonderful holiday home fragrance sets…here are a few.

Noel Fragrance Keepsake Candle is a gift within a gift; this exclusive compact-style ceramic carrier holds a fragrant (spicy evergreen fragrance) NOEL candle. Couple this with their beautiful room diffuser (last year’s design shown here – I think its nicer then this year) or poured candle – and your space is guaranteed to be filled with soft candlelight and festive fragrance.Or how about these diffusers from Pier I. The green one has loose jingles bells within the bottle and the mosaic glass one is exceptional too! The large glass block with potpourri and craft snow is also a lovely addition to your home.

I hope these inspire you to add a little holiday scent and glow to your home – or maybe even all winter long!