Isn’t this the perfect winter bedroom? The petite windowseat, the painted wood bed, the plain wood floors, the floral pillowcases, the extra quilts folded on the wooden chest, the chest itself, the natural light flooding in… I love it all. And want to move in.

From Country Living via Mary Ruffle

I LOVE Christmas cards! Love getting them, love sending them. I especially love reading family newsletters, even though everyone else seems to hate them!

Though J and I basically send out a joint card (by default, I suppose, since J wouldn’t send out any cards without me!), I don’t like the idea of doing a photo card until we’re married. I also don’t like the idea of doing a readymade card at this point, even though there are gorgeous options to be had (See here and here for my picks! I particularly love this design my good buddy is sending out.) Of course, I’m sure I will be singing a different tune when I need to churn out 100+ cards, but for now, my list is manageable — 39 this year.

I was very happy with last year’s card, but struggled a long time this year waiting for inspiration to strike. I had numerous starts and stops at the craft table. Then, I happened upon this image from Martha:

Martha to the rescue! With this color palette as my guide, and Kate Spade glitz on my mind, this is what I came up with:

They say “be merry and bright on the inside.” :) What do you think?

P.S. Curious what my Christmas cards looked like last year? Here’s a peek.

(Click to enlarge!)

Time for another Christmas inspiration board! After last week’s neutrals, I wanted to do something colorful, and I think this one fits the bill! I love the soft take on red (pink and coral), and love that it’s mixed with pale blue, jade, aqua, and gold.

The Details
First row, left to right: felt holly boutonnieres from Martha Stewart, wrapped packages from Martha, ornament wreath from Eddie Ross

Second row: Christmas bedroom from Southern Living, snowy wreath photo by Jennifer Johner, ornament boxes from Country Living

Third row: wrapped gifts from Martha Stewart, coastal Christmas tree from Martha, Christmas living room from Better Homes & Gardens

(Click to enlarge!)

Though I fancy myself a classic kind of gal, I can’t resist the sparkles. My love for all things metallic shows up in these gift picks!

Metallics

1. Michael Kors watch. Erica wears one, and everyone knows she’s super stylish. $195

2. Ticker tape mugs. Would brighten up any morning. $50 for two

3. Edible gold stars. The perfect stocking stuffer, as seen on Oh Happy Day! $6

4. Jack and Lulu / The Gold Collection Boxed Notes. The Mainer in me loves the glam lobsters. $18

5. Anthro Ampliacion Ore necklace. Would look perfect with jeans and a white tee or a little black dress! $38

6. Pearl jewel box earrings. One of the few pieces I loved from the fall 2010 J. Crew collection. $68

7. Porcelain ikat bowl. Would make a perfect hostess gift filled with clementines! $30

8. Jingle bell key fob. Kind of ridiculously expensive for a key chain, but chic nonetheless. $50

9. Dahlia placemat. Stunning, and actually really practical, since they wipe clean. $8 each

10. Jack Rogers Navajo. Platinum goes with everything. On my wish list this year! $96

11. and 13. Gold dishes. Light as air pieces from Up in the Air Somewhere. $34 – $42

12. Twirl bow cuff. I’ll be honest and say I would never buy this at this price, but I had to include it anyway! $175

14. Hand in hand bracelet. For a much more palatable price, and a lovely message. $48

I hope you enjoyed my 2010 gift guides! Over the last few days we’ve explored warm colors, cool colors, neutrals, and now, metallics. I’ve also featured pieces from $8 to $175, in the hopes of offering something for everyone.

Next week: another winter inspiration board, and my Christmas cards!