Creative Gift Wrapping

 My Friend PK over at Room Remix is having a linky party.
It's a Christmas Gifts--Gift Wrap--Bows--Tags Linky Party
I am also linking up with Kara at Elements Interiors today
So I am linking up.
Recently I did a presentation to a group of ladies on creative gift wrapping ideas, so this linky party is perfect to share a few of those things with you
First I want to show you how to look like a professional gift wrapper by just having the right tools.
My favorites are: Tulle, Cellophane, cello bags, and raffia. I alos liek to pick up ornaments for 1.00 or less to add to the charm of the package.

These items are fool proof!! They make a package look professionally wrapped but are so easy to use
For example, Don't just present a bottle of wine to the host at your next party, dress it up a bit, like this one:

Here is another one I love to do.
Take a dish towel or a placemat from the dollar store and place it over a pound of coffee. Easy wrapping and an extra gift for your host.

Dollar store placemat

I just used a couple of "t" pins to fasten the placemat at the bottom

Here is another creative way to wrap a gift card to a home improvement or craft store

I just used a mini paint can from Michael's
stuffed it with tulle, hid the gift card inside and embellished it
 with ribbons, bells, and paint brushes

Now for those of you wanting a more "earthy" look, Brown Kraft paper (I get it at the dollar store) and greens found in your yard are fun to use!!

For this one, we just ripped strips of burlap and tied it on the box with some pine cones and a package tie

And finally one of my favorites!!
I have "bowl" thing and love to give them as gifts, but, I do not like to give them empty.So off to the  dollar store for cookie mix, sprinkles, and a cookie cutter or two.

Often I have used a spreader or spatula as the tie on instead of  the cookie cutter too

I have so many other great ideas but I think you get the picture. Make your wrapping fun. Have an area set up to do your gift wrapping in, with everything you may need at hand. Pick things up to use as "tie ons" that are not always meant for that. The dollar store is a great resource and so are clearance bins throughout the year.

 

Doors of Welcome

Here is a peek at my front door all done up for the holidays. You may have seen it last year, but since I have no creativity  right now thought I would share it again

Decorating your tree like a pro

This is a tree we did for  client last year

Want your Christmas tree to like like it was decorated by a designer?

1) Start by making sure all the branches are fluffed if it is not a real tree.

2) Make sure all lights are working before putting them on the tree.( this will save you lots of hours of frustration)

3 )Next decorate in layers

4) Start with your ribbon and fabrics
I like to use fabrics to fill in where branches are sparse.

5) Next work on the top display. Break away from just an angel or star on top. Use unexpected items like floral or branches, glitter picks, etc to create a unique and elegant tree top. (like the one shown here)

 6) Next add your balls and ornaments. Start at the top and work your way down in a pattern around the tree so items are evenly spaced.

7) Finish by adding some floral picks or sprays or even berries to fill in the areas that need it.

The important thing is to have fun, use what you already have, go through your fabric and craft boxes and see what might be able to be used. Old snow shoes, Skates, Mittens, Stuffed toys. I have been known to undo floral arrangements that look tired and use the parts in the tree.  I have seen tress done with Kitchen items like spatulas and wisks.You would be surprised what works
Here are a few pictures to help inspire you.

images courtesy of Silver Sage,Elements, google images

Better than Cyber Monday Deals

Okay Friends I know I have been hitting you hard with Willow House Deals lately. I Hope you will bear with me on this.  The savings are just too incredible not to share!!!  First I want to say a huge
Thank You to all of my blog friends who have placed orders from my online store. You have helped me get my business off to a wonderful start!! I have a few more goals to meet and would appreciate your help, by placing an order from my store. Great gift and entertaining items for all of your holiday needs

Now for the deals:

Just in great savings on the weekly deals Here is a sampling
This Italian bowl just $9.96, The covered compote is an incredible $5.96 Get over to the outlet now while the selection is best

Check out these items at 25%off 
(Extended thru December 15th)

And these deals of at least 40% off

And then, there is the outlet with even more incredible savings

Don't miss the chance to save your feet and shop from your seat!!!

***Remember spend $100.00 or more and I will refund your shipping cost***

*Shipping cost will be refunded up to $15.00

Great gift idea!!

Give the gift that gives all year long!!

Perfect for that "hard to buy for" someone!! And the best part is: It only cost $22.00!!That's right 16 issues of Southern Living Magazine plus 12 issues of Cooking Light too!!

Seriously, where else can you find a gift for such a wonderful price that keeps giving all year and beyond

If it is a gift be sure to leave me the address in the notes section of the pay pal payment so the gift gets to the rightful owner