Cubic Zirconia Jewelry - Travel Accessory

Cubic Zirconia jewelries are treated as perfect jewelries that can be used while traveling because they are very cheap as compared to diamonds. Besides these they are very durable as compared to other kinds of gemstones and crystal ornaments. CZ jewelry is just perfect for all those diamond lovers who just wish that they could have their whole jewelry collection packed with them as their luggage. Cubic zirconia jewels can be found in wide range of prices. They can be found as prices as low as 25 dollars for just a very small piece of the Cubic Zirconia ornament.

CZ jewelry can be found in the form of lightweight CZ bracelets as well as ear studs that can act as perfect substitutes for the diamond collection. Moreover they are handier and can be used very well as travel accessory. Cubic Zirconia stones are now gaining importance in many countries and are therefore being crafted at a very large scale. You can easily get them in modern as well as classical designs that can suit all your needs for different occasions. These crystals are considered as perfect in terms of the economical jewelry collection because of their durability and beauty.

There is one main advantage of this Cubic Zirconia jewels that they are crafted as well as designed in many different kinds of lightweight forms. It can be seen that they are very light as compared to the diamonds. More and more women now prefer Cubic zirconia jewelry over they earlier ornaments since they are very easy to replace and are available in all forms, designs and patterns. The main reason for their success is the low budget that they offer makes it possible for especially women to have a big collection which is quite apt for all types of occasions. They form perfect thing for your traveling kit.

The Crazy Cubic Zirconia Jewelry

Men’s usually wear less jewelry as compared to women. They are mostly interested in wearing rings and when it is a cubic zirconia ring then they sparkle on their own. These rings are available in hundreds of styles and sizes and can be used by you on any of the occasions. The cubic zirconia rings are such that they look like the diamond ring but will cost you like a cheap ordinary ring. The cubic zirconia stone is often said as fake diamond as it looks exactly the same as a real diamond.

The cubic zirconia stone is colorless and is really very hard. This property of the stone makes it to resemble with other stones like sapphire, rubies, etc. Most of the people cannot afford to buy diamonds as they are the most precious stones of all times. To fulfill their wish of wearing a diamond stone people go for the CZ jewelry which looks a lot like diamond but costs nothing as compared to diamonds. For men these rings are available in various metallic combinations which give a rich look. The size is the most important thing which you should consider before buying these kinds of cubic zirconia rings.

A few times back these stones didn’t use to shine as they shine now. This shine of the cubic zirconia bracelets and rings has helped it to stand in the market for a long period of time. Now these rings are not only used as engagement rings but rings for daily wear also. These rings are eye catching and some or the other person will definitely praise it after watching it in one of your fingers. To have a better look at these rings you can search on the net about these rings to find the best one for you.

Trend Alert: Canopy Beds

Thom Filicia

Canopy beds aren't just for little girls' rooms anymore. Lately, the classic furniture piece has been popping up all over shelter magazines and in interior designer's portfolios -- and I can't seem to get enough. Following the old mantra that "bigger is always better", builders today are making incredibly large master bedrooms. Sure, these may seem like a luxury to prospective buyers, but more often than not, homeowners are left wondering how to fill the vast spaces to create cozier, more romantic bedrooms. Canopy beds are a great solution for those oversized bedrooms as they not only take up a greater volume of space in the room with their height, but they also create the feeling of a room within a room. Additionally, canopy beds are a wonderful way to demarcate between sleeping and sitting areas, which also makes a canopy bed is a great solution for a loft.

When I saw this gorgeous quatrefoil bed in a recent spread in House Beautiful, my jaw literally dropped. {And for your reference, it's the Asilah bed from Ironies.} Hand-carved and inlaid with bone, it is, for me at least, the ultimate bed (I burn, I pine, I perish...).

David Mitchell

For a more modern look, keep the lines of the bed clean and architectural. Forgoing a fabric canopy will enhance the look. In this small bedroom designed by David Mitchell, the dark spare canopy is a wonderful contrast to the clean white walls as the vertical lines of the bed sharply set off the horizontal slats of the paneled walls. The height of the bed also highlights the height of the room, which is particularly important when the footprint of the room is small.

Kathryn Scott

I love the clean, Early American farmhouse feel of this bedroom. While both the headboard and floor-to-ceiling curtains sport an intricate floral pattern, the simple bed linens keep the look from being fussy (or stuffy).

Kara Mann

In this room by famed Chicago designer Kara Mann, I adore all the contrasts of the dark brown lines against the clean whites of the room -- from the floor to the bed too the walls, large white spaces are framed by dark brown lines. The more intricately carved wood sidetables keep the room from veering into cold and geometric.

Kara Mann

A second room from Kara Mann. While I generally prefer canopy beds without any sort of fabric on top, a simple, gauzy white fabric, draped casually on top has a wonderful beachy feel and would be a great way to change your room up for the seasons.

Kim Coleman

I love the metal work on the foot of this bed -- so much so in fact that I might have foregone a bench altogether just to show it off more. That said though, I do love how Coleman used simple white drapes just at the head of the bed to create the impression of a soft and dramatic headboard. By leaving the rest of the canopy unadorned, Coleman keeps the look from being too precious.

Tom Stringer

I love the look (and feel!) of an upholstered headboard. In this bedroom designed by Tom Stringer, you get the best of both worlds with this bed that features a canopy bed with an upholstered headboard. The soft yellow stripe, paired with yellow sidetables, is such a refreshing jolt of warmth in this predominately white and blue room.

Tom Scheerer

I love the coral color of this bed, especially in contrast to the china blue bedding and denim colored rug. I also like how Scheerer has designed the canopy with its tautly pulled cover and gentle pleatings on the panel behind the headboard.

Jodi Macklin

Another example of how well a canopy bed works in the light, beach-inspired bedrooms that I find myself so drawn to as of late. The injection of navy blue, in lieu of a lighter shade, is a refreshingly bold (but not jarring) choice for a bedroom.

There are literally dozens of wonderful options for canopy beds available on the market today. Here are my perfect dozen, from a budget-friendly IKEA bed to a "price upon request" (i.e., if you have to ask, you probably can't afford it) stunner by Oly Studio.

Sourcelist (from top left): 1. EDLAND bed from IKEA ($299). Since this bed is made out of wood, it's a great candidate for a bold paint job. 2. Turner canopy bed from Restoration Hardware ($999.99). I love the subtle tapering of the posts on this bed, crafted out of black cherry. 3. Canopy metal bed by Annie Selkie for Vanguard Furniture ($2,599). You can't get much more "Chinoiserie Chic" than this. 4. Modern Glamor Hayward Bed from Ethan Allen ($2099). This bed is a wonderful blend of British Colonial and Hollywood Regency. 5. Italian Campaign canopy bed from Anthropologie ($1250). This bed has risen to iconic status, thanks in no small part to Miles Redd. 6. Antonio canopy bed from Pottery Barn ($1,299). A great bed at a great price; swap out the headboard fabric for your own to get a truly customized look.

Source list (from top left): 1. Summerland Key bed from Cottage and Bungalow (call for pricing). This gorgeous faux-bamboo frame comes in over a dozen great colors. 2. Milleunanotte canopy bed by Emaf Progetti from AllModern.com ($7,161). The bed-equivalent of the Parson's table, this simple bed will never go out of style and would work in both traditional and modern interiors. 3. Legion Bed from High Fashion Home (pricing upon request). Low to the ground, this platform bed draws upon both Chinoiserie and Romanesque influences. 4. New Country canopy bed from Ethan Allen ($1049 bed; $179 canopy frame). The black finish and paired-down details on this bed skirts a traditional country look in favor of a cleaner, more architectural style. 5. ducduc Cabana canopy bed from AllModern.com ($1895). Technically a child's bed, I love the idea of using a twin-sized version of this bed (with the matching bolsters) as a wildly glamorous daybed. 6. Oly Studio Walker Bed from Tonic Home (call for pricing). Similar to Anthropologie's canopy bed, but with an upholstered headboard.

Best of Our Year

It’s hard to pick just one favorite, one that hit the mark or that one you will never sell once created. But eventually, all of the pieces that are designs do get sold. Looking back over the year, these are the ones that ‘got away’ and become our ‘favorites’, though everything is a favorite.

Melon Shell Onyx Coral Fossil Pendant wired black/brass (to the right)

(to the left) Turquoise Ivoryite Cacilicia

Amethyst Citrine Agate wired Gold (to the right)

(to the left) Artistic Jasper Ivoryite Swarvoski Crystals







(to the left) Brown Agate wired Brass

Mosaic Turquoise Ceramic Agate wired Bronze (to the rigtht)

(to the left) Orthroceras wired Silver Coral (dyed) Crystal Earrings

Lapis Lazuli Pearls Sapphires Kyanite Sterling Silver (to the right)

Eminence of Cubic Zirconia Rings

The Cubic Zirconia rings stand to be those which seem to be the most eminent in the market along with the fashion industry. Not only they are beautiful but a number of people agree to the artistic call of them. To start with, these rings are made up of a mineral which is of a synthesized form which is basically used as a substitute of diamond. Hence there seems to be a great controversy when it comes to distinguishing between diamonds and this cubic zirconia. The artificial material is chiefly so-developed to come up as a substitute for those costly diamonds.
The benefit that you would get out of purchasing CZ rings is that they can serve to be beautiful substitutes for those costly diamond rings on which you have to spend those extra sums of money. Besides this, it sometime becomes practically impossible for those who have a limited budget to buy those costly diamond rings. Hence, in order to beat that inevitable economic crunch getting these rings for your beloved would be a great gift. Besides the beauty that the CZ rings have is breath-taking, so you can easily think of gratifying your loved one with it.

While, it would bring you a great satisfaction by the feeling that you are going to give a diamond ring to your fiance, the price tag associated to it would ruin all your fantasies and excitement seeing that how expensive it is. Here is where these rings work wonders for you. Not only they are much cheaper than those regular diamond rings but most of them are beautiful enough to gratify all your desires and fantasies. Apart from this, a number of high-profile people and celebrities just love to have these very beautiful CZ jewelry so you don’t have to be guilty if you have bought them as a substitute for the diamond ring.

How to Find the Best CZ Jewelry

Times have been an inevitable evidence of the items that have been elegantly acting as substitute to even the costliest items. And when it comes to acting as an elegant replacement to those costly diamond jewelries, CZ jewelry has come up to be the most excellent player. The sole reason why most of the manufacturers of jewelry are resorting to the development of this kind of jewelry is that though this kind of jewelry is lavishly beautiful, yet they are much cheaper than the costly jewelry of diamond. In simpler words, this kind of jewelry is a pure replication of the diamond jewelry.
Price is always an issue for the people no matter what they are buying. And when it comes to buying jewelry, the concern becomes really demanding. Then they are concerned about the prominence of the jewelry in the fashion world while they are buying it. Therefore the CZ jewelry, especially bracelets seems to be occupying all these requirements not only when it comes to prices but to the artistic appeal that they make to the consumers. Basically jewelry is not a necessity for the people; instead they are those premium articles that make it to the list of your possessions that are related to fashion and glamour.

The basic characteristic of the Cubic Zirconia jewelry is its low price blended with lavish beauty. Hence no other jewelry product can manage to surpass the utility that this kind of jewelry does like offering elegant beauty at the most reasonable prices. Besides it is the best for them who have a limited kind of budget and want to have the most beautiful kind of jewelry at the most affordable prices. This kind of jewelry is actually a pure replica of the diamond jewelry hence, once you wear this, it becomes difficult for one to distinguish between the diamond and this jewelry.

New Year New You

I just love the feelings I get at the onset of a new year. An entire twelve months of possibilities, opportunities, and new beginnings. I plan (with the help of God Almighty), to live in divine health (I'm so sick of saying lose weight), get to a healthy weight, create an atmospher of positivity and love within my family, discover a brand new layer and level of love and passion with my husband, work hard on my lipgloss line, continue to build myself as a professional esthetician, and go full force with the message of modesty.

I hope that this new year of 2010 brings all of you joy and dreams finally fufilled. Remeber that with God, all things are possible. All you need to do is eliminate the negativity from your mind and spirit, and set forth on the wonderful course that he has set for you.

I hope all of you will help me this year bring the message of modesty to women of all ages. Be that becon of light and an exapmle of true femininity and beauty with me. I will leave you all on this positive note. You have the power (with God) to have the type of life you always dreamed of. Be blessed and be modest both in dress and in spirit!!

Happy 2010,
Raveena

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you all! I hope you woke up this morning with everything (and everyone) you could want underneath your Christmas tree. As I reflect back on the blessings of this past year, I know that starting this blog has given me some of the best gifts I could have wished for: a voice and an outlet for my creativity and, just as importantly, a community of wonderful and supportive readers and fellow bloggers. Best wishes for a wonderful day full of merriment, memories and (of course) style.

Photograph courtesy of Canadian House & Home.

Importance of Cubic Zirconia Jewelry

Cubic zirconia was discovered long time back. It was done mainly for experimental and industry concerns. However, when the science was making use of this material, there were other materialistic minds who understood its commercial worth. Hence they came up to further enhance their qualities and make something totally different to what it is generally used for.
Hence, the scientist developed it to a stage where it can be used to produce CZ jewelry. This type of jewelry looked exactly like diamond jewelry, and to say even better to that. The diamond has a refractive index which is lower to that of the CZ jewelry. Hence the cubic zirconia has a better shine than that of diamond. Furthermore, diamonds are always found with impurities. Hence to get a pure and colorless diamond piece is very difficult. To be able to get the spotless beauty of diamond, you better employ cubic zirconia jewelry for this purpose. To get the spotless quality of cubic zirconia you need to create it. This is not a difficult task to do. Hence to get a spotless CZ jewelry is very easy, and to which can be easily being fooled to be real.

The idea of all this promotion is or has never been to introduce illegal practices in the world. It is just to show a development which humans have made and how they are no more dependent on the nature to get ourselves what we wish for. We can create whatever we want, at that very moment.

CZ bracelets also has many qualities available. The lowest price one is not worth buying, as they not at all look like diamonds. They look very bad, but if you choose the most expensive of all. Then, the quality is impeccable. You would get a replica of diamond in this category.

The Best Clip-on Earrings for Every Look

Clip on earrings have made a comeback as of recently, with new styles and settings stealing the scene. Now, the only problem might be deciding which pair to purchase. If you’re having trouble deciding, then check out our suggestions for the best clip on earrings to wear with different combinations from your own closet.
If your style is glamorous – Opt for a pair of clip earrings that have oversize rhinestones set in gold or silver tone. These clip earrings are not only fashion forward and fabulous, they’re also super affordable. This season, dark stones reign supreme, but bright colors are also a favorite.

If your style is artistic – Try adding an art deco inspired pair of clip earrings. With symmetrical designs and mixed color metal, these are the perfect contemporary accessory that works well day or night. Black and white clip earrings look great with colored outfits and geometric designs can be a fun 80s flashback, when worn in moderation.

If your style is classic – Sport a pair of delicate clip earrings in a silver or gold for a look that won’t overwhelm the rest of your jewelry. These type of clip on earrings make great everyday accessories. For safe options, go for small studs, hoop or teardrop shapes.

If your style is romantic – Go for a pair of clip earrings that are just plain pretty. Oversize pearls, large tiered chandelier or oxidized silver are all great choices that will add to the feminine appeal. Pair with a little black dress and a metallic clutch, and you’re ready to go.

If you’re not sure about any look, your best bet is to play around with different options. Lay out outfits on your bed, take photographs and keep a fashion journal of what works. You can even invite your girlfriends over and make a night of it.

Article source: The Best Clip-on Earrings for Every Look from fashion jewelry blog

Merry Christmas To Everyone

We wish all of our friends, family, many customers, and followers a very Merry Christmas; may it be a safe and wonderful holiday season for you all.

It comes every year and will go on forever. And along with Christmas belong the keepsakes and the customs. Those humble, everyday things a mother clings to, and ponders, like Mary in the secret spaces of her heart." ~Marjorie Holmes, American writer.

The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others' burdens, easing other's loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas." ~W. C. Jones

Let this Christmas season be a renewing of the mind of Christ in our thinking, and a cleansing of our lives by His pure presence. Let His joy come to our weary world through us. ~Gerald Kennedy

Christmas Decorating from Coast to Coast

After posting pictures of my Christmas decorations earlier this week, I was so excited when several of you took me up on my offer and submitted pictures of your own homes all decked out for the holidays. My excitement became even greater when I realized how wonderful so many of these pictures were -- I am so impressed! In particular, I love how many of you go well beyond traditional holiday decorating (i.e., a Christmas tree, stockings and a wreath). Instead, decorations line stairwells, tables, and just about any spare corner in your homes creating a wonderfully festive atmosphere throughout the house. Perhaps best of all though, I love the variety of decorations and styles that these photos display; no matter what your decorating taste, I'm sure you'll find something you like.

Our first stop is to Dallas, where loyal Odi et Amo reader Nichole lives in a charming traditional home. There's such a line when it comes to outdoor decorating between being festive and being tacky, and I think Nichole tows that line beautifully with some simple garlands around the columns (which highlights her charming portico) and a wreath on the door. I also like how the decorations can be enjoyed in daylight as well as at night.

Aside from the Christmas tree, festive garlands hung along a banister are my favorite holiday decorations and when they can highlight a gorgeous stairwell, as they do here, all the better. I also love how Nichole placed two small Christmas trees on the landing. Well done, Nichole!

I suspect many of you will recognize this D.C.-area front door as belonging to Beth (author of two of my "must read" blogs, Chinoiserie Chic and Style Redux). Her red angel wreath is such a gorgeous and fun alternative to a traditional spruce wreath and really pops against Beth's black door.

Colorful blue and pink ornaments bedeck more towering greenery in Beth's sitting room.

A close-up of Beth's Christmas tree in her family room shows off an array of beautiful metallic ornaments. I love the mixture of textures and styles here, all made cohesive by a gold and silver color palette. Beth has done a wonderful series this month over at Chinoiserie Chic chronicling her holiday decorating room by room; if you're looking for innovative ways to deck the halls in style, it's a must read.

Our next stop is southern New Jersey, where we'll check in on the home of A Lil' Welsh Rarebit's Christy. Christy's colorful Christmas tree reminds me so much of the Christmas trees of my childhood -- the colorful lights, mix of ornaments and lovingly wrapped gifts just sing "welcome home for the holidays!" to me.

I love the warmth and personality of Christy's mantle, which displays are variety of holiday treasures both old and new. There's also a certain urban quality here with all these colored lights against the brick wall that I find very appealing.

Next we'll make our way to Iowa and Kara's midcentury modern-inspired living room. I love how Kara kept her holiday decorations in line with her overall design aesthetic. The effect is simple and modern, but still cozy and festive.

A few simple snowflakes, a bowl full of blue and green ornaments and a cute throw pillow were all Kara needed to make this corner of her living room feel festive.

And, of course, how could I resist including a photo of these cute faces? Kara's adorable pups are Arlo and Minnie, respectively. Be sure to check out all their many adventures over at Kara's blog, Living in the Moment.

The final leg of our virtual tour brings us back to the Dallas area at the home of Liz, whose blog It's Great to be Home... chronicles the ongoing renovations of her charming '60s-era ranch (as well as the house flipping venture she recently launched with her husband). Liz's gorgeous living room (and that stunning fireplace!) is hands down my favorite room that she and her husband have redone. For the holidays, Liz has shown the fireplace off to its best advantage with two small trees and a lovely green garland.

Liz's Christmas tree is just so joyous -- I love the tightly edited red and gold color scheme, which compliments all the creamy neutrals and rich browns of her home. The simply wrapped ribbon really makes a statement, doesn't it?

Finally, Liz decorated the buffet in her dining room with more greenery and a red runner, which ties the tablescape in with the decorations elsewhere in her house. I particularly love Liz's collection of large silver candlesticks, staggered at different heights thanks to a silver cake stand (brilliant!).

Thanks again to everyone who was kind enough to submit pictures and I hope the rest of you are as inspired by them as I am. Tonight Dave and I are off to Florida to spend Christmas with his family and, while I'll be sans-laptop while I'm gone, I'll be back home on Monday, enjoying our "staycation" and blogging away. But until then...

Merry Christmas!

Facets and Benefits of CZ Jewelry

If you want to have the best of the best jewelry it has to be the very beautiful cubic zirconia since they are ones who would not only make you proud of their breath-taking beauty , but would lend value of every penny spend by you of your hard-earned money. After all, the pace at which the prices of the diamond jewelry are inflating, one would find buying this kind of jewelry an excellent option, not only to save money, but to be proud of giving such beauty to his beloved. Besides this, such kind of jewelry is the best one for those who finds their budget too limited to be invested in any kind of costly diamond jewelry.

Actually this CZ jewelry is made of a sort of artificial material which is largely used as a substitute for that highly expensive diamond jewelry. Since more often than not the prices of even the regular diamond jewelry are always hiking like anything, development of replica of the diamond jewelry is largely adopted by the common people who really cant afford to buy those expensive jewelries of diamond. As a matter of fact, at times these jewelries appear to be the most flawless and elegantly beautiful than the diamond ones which are available at a bigger price than these.

Ever since the cubic zirconia jewelry has been introduced in the market, even the high people and a number of celebrities have become their naever0failing fan, because of the artistic appeal that it makes to them. Besides this, the look that this kind of jewelry gives is flawless to such an extent, that you would really have a hard time differentiating between the two. Apart from this, having this kind of jewelry has become more of a status symbol, especially amongst the people of the middle section, as the celebrities love to wear them for their elegant beauty and glamour.

Read more articles about bracelets, earrings, rings, necklaces at my blog: jewelry style

Cubic Zirconia Jewelry Makes Designers Life Easier

Apart from rings, you can see a whole range of CZ jewelry in the market. It is hence not just the rings that you can get experimental with, but the whole segment of jewelry. Be it brooches, necklaces, chokers or bangles bracelets. There is every kind of Cubic Zirconia jewelry available in the market. This compound has reduced the cost that a designer had to bear for producing diamond jewelry. With the advent of CZ jewelry, they are able to try new designs in something that was absolutely acted like diamond. Hence, they are able to try out new designs and possibilities, without compromising on the quality of the material used.
Cubic Zirconia is second to diamond in no way. Instead it has taken over diamond because of its properties. The biggest factor in this case is the price. Then what makes it a better is the fact that there is no ‘luck’ factor associated to it. You are sure to get it when you need it, whereas, the diamonds are found in the mines. And since they are made by the humans under created conditions, you can get the right type, and size of the stone.

And for these reasons, a Cubic Zirconia jewelry is easier to get and desirable to make. This new discovery has revolutionized the way people wear jewelry. Charm and glamour are now accessible to everyone, and hence you are able to wear your style and wish without having to think over twice, or give up anything else for that.

It has not only revolutionized the way jewelry is produced and made but also how it is worn. When you wish to wear a beautiful diamond neckpiece, you can easily get to wear one. The difference would be that it would be made of cubic zirconia. Otherwise, the appearance of the jewelry piece would be exactly like the diamond piece, or maybe even better than that!

Best Year in Wired

Wired designs are very fun, they give me the ability to really create and highlight the stones I’m working with. Designs are accented with either links, wire wrapping, or pendants that have been wired with different bail techniques. So, after deliberating long and hard on this one, here’s this year’s best in wired designs from our collection.

(to the left) Brazilian Ocos Agate wired brass

Spiderweb Agate Kyanite Pearls Crystals (to the right)

(to the left) Onyx Crystals Pyrite/Onyx Pendant wired Black/Brass

Sardonyx Agate Black Jet Crystals Black Coil Links (to the right)

Our Best Year the Sea Offered

Another posting of this year’s best of our collection; this time we are highlighting our best designs using what c comes from the sea; pearls, mother-of-pearl, and shells in all shapes and sizes.

(to the left) Black Agate Pearls Silver Mother-of-Pearl Pendant

Philippine Shells Pearls Dragon Skin Pendant (to the right)

Purple Spiny Oyster Ivoryite (to the right)

(to the left) Turquoise Pearls

Decorating for Christmas

I've been meaning to post photographs of the house all decked out for the holidays for several weeks now, but between long workdays and even more demanding nights and weekends (I can't remember my social calendar being this full since, well, ever!), I've only just gotten around to uploading the pictures. In an effort to work with what I've got, I didn't go out and buy all new decorations this year -- though I'll readily admit I was tempted, especially since the color scheme in the old house (largely browns and golds, with some red and green accents) is so different from the color scheme in the new house (primarily blue and white, with a strong dose of metallics for good measure). Accordingly, I can't say that the end result represents precisely the look I was going for, but I'm happy overall with how everything turned out, especially in light of my limited time to devote to decorating this month.

I'll admit that I love a real Christmas tree; however, between my allergies and my neatnik nature, real trees don't exactly love me. My compromise then is to pick up a lovely spruce wreath every December at Whole Foods for the front door; that way, I get a bit of that gorgeous smell every time I walk in the door and the mess (and my hay fever) stays outside where it belongs.

I love the look of gorgeous garlands draped dramatically down a curved staircase. Alas though, this year I couldn't find one that suited both my taste and my budget, so I simply made do and threaded a few light strands around the banister. Hopefully I'll be able to score a few garlands on the cheap during the post-Christmas sales. So while my light installation isn't exactly gorgeous during the day, at night it beautifully frames the lighted Christmas tree, drawing you into the great room.

The dining room is where most of the new holiday items found a home. Inspired by the many images of gorgeous chandeliers bedecked with graceful ornaments that I've seen this year, I picked up a few sets of inexpensive snowflake ornaments from Target to outfit the chandelier. The mirrored Christmas trees (which I love -- they're truly impressive in person!), beaded runner and mercury glass votives are also from Target. The tablecloth is by Marimekko and available at Finn Style.

A close up of the snowflake ornaments. I initially started with just 6, but added another layer after deciding that it looked a bit underdone.

I pulled a similar trick in the breakfast nook, only this time I went with larger mercury glass ornaments (also scored at Target) that I rehung using inexpensive ribbon. Since this chandelier is much smaller, I thought it could handle just a few larger ornaments. The beaded snowflake runner is also from Target. Next year, I'm going to try and add a few lights and/or ornaments to my topiary for a bit more festive flair.

The mantle was decked out in our Christmas stockings (which I purchased at Pottery Barn several years ago) -- and yes, even the pets get their own stocking. I'm hoping to replace these in the next year or two with a bespoke set in silver, white and blue to coordinate better with my new family room.

The Christmas tree, with Olivia sleeping underneath it (all the animals love the Christmas tree and spend the month of December camped out underneath it -- I assume they're attracted to all the sparkling lights). You'll notice my tree doesn't really have a theme; rather, the ornaments are a mishmash of heirlooms (I have several sets from both grandmothers), childhood favorites and new purchases. While I adore the look of a well-curated Christmas tree, with ornaments in only one or two different colors, in practice I can't part with my own rag-tag collection, which bring back fond memories of childhood and my grandmothers.

My attempts at a high quality shot (which was supposed to end up on our Christmas card) of Olivia underneath the Christmas tree were largely fruitless. That said though, doesn't she look adorable all curled up in her pink bed and wearing her pink coat?

And what about you? Did you go all out and deck the halls this year? If so, please send me your photos -- I'd love to share them here at Odi et Amo.