6 Ways to Create a Garden Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland ideas

 

Christmas is fast approaching, and soon enough there’ll be frost on the sidewalks and carols playing to sound Christmas cheer. If you’ve been nicer than naughty this year, I’m sure you have, there’ll be sleigh bells ringing and the pitter patter of reindeer on the roof one special night.  Christmas isn’t just a magical time for the kids, but a magical time for the whole family.  What better way to make it special than turning your garden into a Winter Wonderland! Check out ideas on how you can create the perfect winter wonderland in your yard:

1. Winter plants

First, a garden in full bloom isn’t only for the Springtime.  In winter there are many beautiful flowering plants for your garden.  So, you are guaranteed more foliage than just a Christmas tree!  Both Heather and Japanese Quince bloom in winter.  Their pink and red blossoms say Christmas.  If you’re looking for a plant which flowers in spring but is still decorative at Christmas, check out the bare stems of a Red-Osier Dogwood. They turn a fiery red.  Quite like the suit of a certain Mr. Claus!

2.  Make it Snow

Second, not everyone is lucky enough to live in a place where it snows, and it naturally turns into a Winter Wonderland! But that shouldn’t stop you from having that perfect Christmas card snow scene.  There are plenty of options for snow without the sky opening. You can buy or make artificial snow at home.  Even a snow blanket that you simply roll across your lawn will do the trick.  Your kids will be thankful to have a little slice of a winter wonderland in their own backyard.  It will be a festive season they’ll never forget!

3.  Lights

Additionally, with cold nights rolling in and the days getting shorter, it’s good to add some shine to your Christmas garden.  We decorate our trees with lights and sometimes our houses, but lights in a garden can add Christmas magic.  A good way to do it without breaking the bank is just to add lights on the trees and shrubbery.  If the understated look isn’t your thing, go for a Santa, reindeer and little elves that light up.  They’ll make the kids eager for the magic of Christmas morning.

4.  Magic Touches

It’s nice to decorate the Christmas tree in front of a roaring fire, while you and the kids choose your favorite ornaments to hang on the tree while you’re listening ten to your favorite Christmas songs.  Spending time with family is truly the best part of the Christmas season.  It’s a great way to make memories you and your family will treasure for a lifetime.

Decorating your garden is another way to share the magic of the season with your loved ones. Kids will love to hang tinsel upon the plants outside. Helping to transform the garden into something like  Santa’s Grotto will be something your kids will never forget!  It’s nice to put Candy Canes along the footpath if you have one, or around the border of your lawn, as they are an easy and affordable way to make the garden all Christmassy.  A Santa Please Stop Here!  sign will remind your children of the joy of Christmas morning, and cut- outs of reindeer keep the magic of Santa alive.

5.  Get Out and In it!

Next, winter plants are blooming in fantastic reds, the Christmas tree is up and sparkling in your garden and fake snow has made everything Christmas Card perfect.  And, those special little touches truly add the famous seasonal magic.  Looking at your garden through the window is nice, but it’s much better to get out and in it.  Bundle up and go outside and enjoy your winter wonderland.  Tell your children Christmas stories and sing Christmas songs.  You’ve created the  perfect setting, making it truly the a real live Winter Wonderland!

6. Make it Cozy It

It certainly gets cold outside this time of year. The best way to enjoy your Winter Wonderland is to use a patio heater like those from Best of Machinery.  That way you’ll be cozy in the magical winter wonderland your family created.   Finally, when the little ones go to bed, you and your husband can enjoy a glass of eggnog or two in the perfect seasonal setting!

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Favorite Christmas Decorating Items

Christmas decorating ideas, Christmas decorationsdeo
Today I’m sharing my favorite items that I use in my Christmas decorating displays.  I love, love, love nutcrackers. I started collecting them years ago, and I use them in every nook and cranky that I can find. I did scale back this year, but many found their way out of storage.  
 
These little fellows found a place on my dining room table. I’m not hosting a formal dinner this Christmas, I’ll be serving a buffet style gathering after Christmas, so I decided to do a simple center display using the nutcrackers, over sized ornaments, and a simple table runner.    

 

 

I added additional nutcrackers on my coffee and end tables.  As you can see I also love adding ornaments to my displays. The vintage glass bowl is a gift from one of my aunts who passed away this April.  I put a together a cook-book in her honor that I will be giving as a Christmas gift to her siblings.  Stay tuned for that post.  
Christmas Table Settings
I did bring out a set of my informal Christmas dishes that I use in my breakfast room. I like for my rooms to feel festive during the holidays. I picked up the miniature stockings to house the utensils at Walmart. Great price, 4 for a $1.00.  I thought they added a festive touch.  I gathered some greenery from the backyard to add to the centerpiece, I love how the greenery smells in the house. I added a few sprays of berry pics that I picked up at Michael’s for $.99 each. The pine cones were picked up on a trip to North Carolina when we were scouting colleges for my daughter, and the dish is a vintage milk glass cake plate. I like to use it with the Christmas dishes.  I love how the white makes the red pop.  
Christmas Place Settings
 
 
 
My artificial tree. Yes, I finally purchased one after struggling with the idea for several years. I softened the blow of not having a live tree by purchasing new ornaments.  I love the color, I went with chocolate and gold this year. The tree is starting to grow on me.  I have to say that I was completely lost when it came to shaping the tree, but once I got the hang of it I moved pretty quickly.  If only I had room to store it put together, lol.  
 
 
 
Now, I want your honest opinion.  Which do you like, the artificial or the live tree at the bottom.  I may revert back to the live tree next year.  Do you have a live or artificial tree? What are your favorite decorating items, and do you use a color combination on your tree.  Please leave me a comment, I love them.   

28 Holiday Recipes, Crafts and Decorating Ideas



Happy Holidays!  They’re around the corner and if you’re like me, you’re looking for delicious recipes, great decorating ideas, and fun crafts for kids.  I like to start decorating after Thanksgiving. Check out my holiday round-up, here’s 28 great ideas for recipes, crafts and decorating.  

I have so many Christmas decorations that I acquired over years, so I’m always looking for a way to re-purpose them. As my readers know, I’m all about budgeting and doing things in the most cost effective way. Not only have I hung to years old decorations, I’m surrounded by woods and evergreens.  So I look for ideas to use with natural items that I can retreat from my neighbor’s or my yard.  A can of paint from the Dollar Store and a new twist on an old item and I’m good to go.  

Lets get ready to whip up fabulous dishes, decorate awesome trees and tables, and spend time making fun crafts with the kids.

holiday ideas, holiday round-up

Rainbow Christmas Tree found at Inspired by Charm
White Center Piece found at Discover 0
Candy Cane Sleighs found at  Princess Pinky Girl
Champagne Punch found at Between Naps On The Porch
Chocolate Spoons found at Cherished Bliss
Gingerbread Kids found at Just Imagine
Grinch Punch found at Parent Map
Pillsbury Christmas Tree found at Pillsbury
Holiday Sled found at Junk Chic Cottage
Christmas Party Punch found at Fashion and Pop Culture
Candy Cane Candle Holder found at The Mother Huddle
Popcorn Snowmen found at Creative Kids Snacks
Epsom Salt Centerpieces found at Hing Design
Santa Bread found at Taste of Home
Christmas Wagon found at Style Estate
Baby Food Jar Snowmen found at Hip 2 Save
Snowman Doughnuts found at Dukes and Duchesses
Christmas Mail Box found at Christmas Holiday
Paper Plate Christmas Tree found at I Heart Crafty Things
Oranges and Cloves  found at Your Nest Design
Rainbow Tree found on Ebay
Monogram Wreath found at Martha Stewart
Mistle Toes found at Babble
Pull Apart Christmas Tree found at Electric Recipes
Gift Basket Idea found at Megan Shipton
Wine Glass Center Pieces found at Pinterest
Tomato Cage Christmas Tree found at NEDC Design and Construction
The Stair Case found on the Relax Deco

 I’m loving the Monogram Wreath, Stair Case, and the Doughnut and Popcorn Snowmen. My grandchildren love both, so guess what will be on their snack plates during the holidays.  I hope these ideas have motivated you too. If you need more information on how to create your inspiration, click on the link and go check out these crafty bloggers.  What are some of your favorites? 

Holiday Decorating Ideas

 

 

 

holiday decorating


Entertaining this holiday season?  Looking for holiday decorating ideas?  Mother 2 Mother found these center pieces and wanted to share the ideas.  If you’re like me, you have tons of extra Christmas ornaments in storage that you don’t use.  These center piece ideas will make a great conversation piece if you set them in the center of the dinner or buffet table.  How about the center of your coffee table.  You can use wooden or glass bowls or wood crates.  Be as creative as you like. 

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