The Design Boards

Sorry it's been a little quiet around here lately.  I've been feeling under the weather.  It seems the stress of the holidays has gotten the best of me and I've come down with a nasty head cold.

I have to admit I'm having a hard time getting into the holidays this year which is sad because this is my absolute favorite time of year.  There are just so many projects in the works that Christmas almost seems like a hurdle in my path rather than a blessed distraction!  I hope to share with you a few of these top secret projects I'm working on after the new year.  Until then I will share a few  inspiration photos that I'm using to help me get in the holiday mood...

I just finished wrapping all my gifts, now all I need to add are the embellishments.  I like simple things like bakers twine and pine cones.  I'm drawing inspiration from photos like this one with simple butcher paper, twine and stars.  Lovely....

Isn't this citrus cake beautiful? I already have my Christmas dinner menu planned out but I am keeping this one marked for next year.

I'm seeing a lot of black and white Christmas decor this year. I have to admit that I love it. I don't know that I'm brave enough to ever pull it off in my own home but it is still beautiful to look at!

On Christmas day I always like to keep snacks around for guests who want something to much on while waiting for dinner to cook. An assortment of mixed nuts and dried fruit is simple and easy and there is no prep work involved!  Add a few spice cookies and some sweets to the mix to appeal to all your guests tastes.

I love rustic and simple decor, especially in holiday decorating.  This table setting is so lovely isn't it?  A few cuttings from the tree, some small lanterns for candlelight, a few groupings of flowering paper whites and the tree sparkling in the background....a perfect setting for a holiday meal. 

Here's another rustic inspired table setting I love, this one has a little bit of color thrown in which really makes it feel festive.

Sources: Christmas wrapping inspiration via ett horn av eden / Citrus cake via Pure Vegetarian / Black and white Christmas inspiration via Lily / Holiday snacks via Stylizimo / Rustic Christmas table setting via Stylizimo / Red and white rustic Christmas via Lolalina