Today’s Christmas inspiration board is much darker than yesterday’s, but I like it! The nice thing about this scheme is that natural elements play a huge role — so, instead of buying tons of store-bought decor, collect pinecones and evergreen boughs, add in some shiny jewel tone ornaments and rich velvet or satin ribbon, and you’re well on your way!

Credits, top to bottom:

First row, left to right: tartan stars from Sweet Paul Magazine; boutonnieres by Honey of a Thousand Flowers (photo by Leo Patrone via Once Wed; pinecone cluster via Something Green

Second row: jewel tone tabletop by Homes & Antiques via Haute Design; cranberry gifts via flickr

Third row: teal Christmas tree from Martha Stewart; tartan wrapping from Sweet Paul Magazine; moody arrangement by Honey of a Thousand Flowers (photo by Leo Patrone via Once Wed

Thank you all so much for entering my Minted giveaway! I’m so happy to announce our lucky winner…

Laura, look for an email from me in the next few days to claim your prize! :)

Photo by Eric Boneske via Southern Weddings

It has been FAR too long since I’ve posted an inspiration board — in fact, the last one was posted in June! I thought it would be fun to post a few holiday-themed ones this week. First, a bright and colorful candy-colored Christmas!

Credits, left to right:

First row: pretty presents via Matchbook Magazine; donut holes photo by Julie Lim via Southern Weddings; ornament wreath by Eddie Ross

Second row: nautical tree from Martha Stewart; sled photo from cocodot

Third row: snowball place setting photo by Scott Clark via 100 Layer Cake; rock candy place setting photo by Birds of a Feather via Ruby Press; glittery party photo by Jill Thomas

P.S. A plum + evergreen board and a glittery blue Christmas board you might like.

After a week of gift ideas for friends and family, I thought you might like to see a few things that are on my wish list this year…

1. A set of those tortoiseshell glasses from yesterday’s gift guide! ($10 each)

2. A pretty neutral ballet flat ($90)

3. A Southwest gift card. We will be doing a lot of traveling next year!

4. A large and in charge utensil crock ($30)

5. A soft throw for our couch ($30)

6. New “city sneakers.” I bought my current pair in seventh grade!! ($64)

7. The pretty birthday calendar from Wednesday’s round up! ($30)

What are you wishing for this year?

P.S. Don’t forget — today is the last day to enter my Minted giveaway!