Christmas Decorating Theme: Merry & Bright

It's almost December and many of you have already begun your Christmas shopping and decorating. I'm planning on pulling out my boxes of decorations this weekend and getting to work! As promised, today is the first day of several posts that where I'll be covering different color scheme and decorating ideas to get your creative juices flowing. I know many of you are just like me and look forward to changing things up from year to year. To kick things off, I'm starting with the colorful and cheerful theme: Merry and Bright. Enjoy and please share your thoughts, ideas, etc!

Color Scheme: Change up the usual red and green color combination with fuchsia and turquoise for a fresh and updated look. 

This bright and cheerful table setting is festive and fun! If you have trouble finding a tablecloth that works with your color scheme, purchase a couple yards of fabric from your local fabric store or fabric.com to use instead of a traditional tablecloth. [Image via Joie LaLa Photography]

[Image via Joie LaLa Photography]

Float single roses or carnations in stemless wine glasses for a simple and elegant centerpiece, or place around your home for added pops of color.

Wrap a large canvas or piece of art with festive wallpaper and hang above a console table or dining buffet (as shown in the image above). Mini cupcakes and pies that coordinate with your color scheme make for great desserts at your holiday cocktail party! [Image via Hostess With The Mostess]

These beautiful Double Glass Ornaments are great for dressing up the tree! They also look great when hung from a chandelier, over a kitchen island, or from the bannister of a staircase.

Clip a sweet little note or guest's name to the drinking glasses at the next party you host. [Image via Joie LaLa Photography]

Simple, bright and colorful idea for decorating the Christmas tree. [Image via House to Home]

Here are just a few of many fabulous ornaments and decorations that you can purchase to acheive the Merry & Bright decorating theme...

a. Jester Pink Candleholder

b. Deer Head 

c. Juicy Couture Pink Sequin Stocking

d. Mini Antique Glass Blue Ornaments

e. Custom labels for Champagne or Wine bottles

f. Gold Metallic Glitter Glass Ball Ornaments

g. Potted Twig Tree in Gold

Let the Holiday Season Begin!

It's already been a hectic week for me and it's only Tuesday! I'm lacking the time to do a proper post today, but wanted to give you a heads-up of what to expect on Belle Maison over the coming weeks! Starting tomorrow and through the rest of the week, I'll be covering several different Christmas decorating themes and color schemes ideas. I like changing it up every year and am constantly searching for new ideas that venture away from the traditional "red & green" scheme. And all next week, I have several talented bloggers (Jen from Made by Girl, among other amazing women!) sharing their top gift picks for the holiday season. I look forward to getting in the Christmas spirit with all of you! Meet you back here tomorrow. xoxo - Julie

[IMAGE FROM HERE]

Quote of the Week

“Rooms are albums that provoke memories. What you decorate with should remind you of a street you wandered down or an experience that made you happy.”

— Designer Amy Hase

[IMAGES FROM: ELLE DECOR; HOUSE BEAUTIFUL]

Happy Thanksgiving!

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” 

— William Arthur Ward

 [IMAGE VIA PINTEREST]

Dining in Style

Is it time to do a little re-styling in your dining room? If you're planning on having guests over during the holidays, maybe it's time to spruce up your dining room or kitchen nook! I'm hosting a Christmas dinner party next month and having guests over always makes me want to update the decor in my apartment. Sometimes a fresh coat of paint, new chandelier, or new dining chairs can be just enough to do the trick! I've rounded up several fabulous dining spaces for inspiration. Do you have any plans on updating your decor before the end of the year? If so, please do share! On that note, I'd like to wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to reflect on what's important in life and to acknowledge all of the blessings God has given me in my life. I have so many things to be thankful for this year. Cheers to a fantastic day filled with family, friends, happiness and LOTS of delicious food and drink :) xoxo - Julie

[IMAGE CREDITS VIA MY PINTEREST BOARD: DINING IN STYLE]

DIY Snapshot: Ornate Framed Chalkboard / Dinner Menu

[IMAGE CREDIT: HGTV.COM]

I came across this beautiful gold framed chalkboard via HGTV.com and thought it was a great DIY project idea to share with you! With Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's right around the corner, a "fancy" chalkboard is a fantastic way to introduce the evening's menu to your dinner guests. And when you're not hosting a soiree, it doubles as a place to write reminders, notes, etc. for everyday things. Click here for instructions on how to tackle this project yourself. Cheers!

Quote of the Week

What we remember most about rooms we like is the 'atmosphere.' 

- Charlotte Moss, A Passion for Details 

 [IMAGES VIA HOUSE BEAUTIFUL; DECOR PAD; HOUZZ; HOUSE TO HOME]

New Etsy Shop: Coco and Toast

Happy Friday! Today I'm excited to introduce you to a brand new Etsy shop called Coco and Toast, featuring gorgeous handmade jewelry created by Erin Villegas, who also happens to be one of my best friends :)  Erin has an amazing eye for fashion and style, especially when it comes down to the small (but very important) details of accessories and shoes. She has a serious passion for beautiful things, especially jewelry, which is why she decided to launch her own little Etsy shop. "Jewelry, to me, is the finishing piece of any fabulous outfit, and adds that super special personal touch," says Erin. Each piece is carefully crafted using high-quality materials and I've rounded up some of my favorites share with you. To view her entire collection, which she updates often with fabulous new pieces, click here. And Erin was so sweet to offer Belle Maison readers an exclusive 10% discount on all orders! Just use coupon code MODERNCHIC upon checkout to redeem. With Christmas right around the corner, Coco and Toast might be the perfect place for you to get some shopping out of the way (think friends, your sister, co-workers...).  Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend! xoxo - Julie

{Gold Filagreed Hand of Fatima with Blue Jade Bead Bracelet}

{Lilac Moroccan Jade Pendant Gold Necklace}

{Gold Evil Eye Necklace}

{Delicate Gold Black Jade Pendant Bracelet}

{Sterling Silver Evil Eye Necklace}

{Super Chic Gold Olive and Brown Feather Earrings}

Sweet & Stylish Nurseries

Pregnant + interior designer = nursery decor on the brain! I've been bookmarking cute nurseries and kid's rooms to refer back to when I start to decorate my little son's space in our bedroom (we don't have a nursery yet - just one bedroom for all 3 of us to share). I'm due early May so I have quite a bit of time to work on pulling the design together. Today I've rounded up several great inspiration photos for boys & girls. Do you have a baby or toddler, or maybe you're a mommy-to-be? What color scheme or theme have you gone with for your child's room? P.S. - Thank you so much to everyone who left such warm and thoughtful comments on my post yesterday announcing the big news :) I appreciate each and every one of you so very much. 

[IMAGE CREDITS: DECORPAD]