Twig & Berries!

Deck the Halls

Today I officially began to decorate for the holidays. Yes, it is way too late, but I have been finishing up projects for clients, going from soiree to soiree ( yeah right ), & traveling a bit these last few weeks of the year.

So, today it was time to deck the front door, get it ready for the holidays and set the mood for guests as they enter our home this holiday season.

Each year, I try to get creative with my decor & my front door is never an exception. This year I stuck to the natural "green" wreath in a simple 12" base of greenery, picked up at the local tree lot for $9.95

This is the end product, complete with a base of greens, varigated English holly, red berries from my sisters expansive garden, twigs, and a Burberry inspired ribbon picked up from my recent New York trip. I would say the total cost for this wreath was around $ 20.00

A closer view of the layers of holly, berries, twigs and ribbons.

Start with a base of greenery, layer the base with branches of the holly, add clusters of berries, then use twigs ( mine came straight from the front yard) then adorn the wreath with a pretty bow.

This shot is for Joni over at Cote de Texas, whom I had promised a pic of the newly designed, painted and finished front door a few months ago. This is also my curtain panel designed by Moi, in a nice double hemmed & scalloped pleated natural linen material. I added the wrought iron rings so I can just slide the panels open in the day time to let in the sunlight.

One side of the curtain panels. I used a rod from Levelor, customized it with a finish similar to the bronze hardware on the front door, as well as the rings. The panels were a splurge from Calico Corners, ssshhhhh we are not going to tell my darhling the cost of these little babies!

The knotty alder door was a find that I had to have. I distressed the door, painted it, finished it in a peely painted French feel finish, sealed it and had antique German glass cut and I inserted it and used moulding to finish it on both sides.

Joni, a closer look at the painted peely finish. The antique seeded German glass looks like bubbles and is a bit warped in design but it is imperfect and antique, so embrace imperfection! My BFF is a wonderful connection for the glass, a hard item to find these days!

Another look at the painted finish. I wanted that French Old World feeling for the front door, it is a great addition to the rough & ridiculously roudy rendevous at La Maison Fou!

The view from within, with a little sunlight poking it's way into the newly painted entry hall. The seeded glass gives enough privacy without blocking out the light.

The layer of the outdoor wreath BEFORE the twigs were added, I think it gives the wreath a rustic feel. A little sculptural feel to the shape of the wreath is achieved by adding the wood.

A side view of the wreath, with the shades of green, brown & red. There is a bit of black in the ribbon, the Burberry inspired pattern was a find.

The first layer of the wreath, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

A new twist is the double bow for me, i love to use interesting ways to tie bows and add color toan otherwise plain shape and form.

The beginning of the most wonderful time of the year!

A shot of the door, before it is finished, I will be adding some cypress garland this weekend, I will share the finished product. I have a bit of rummaging to do in the morning as the local flea market is open & always a treasure trove for the hunter! Alas, I will be stalking some vendors for their wares in the wee hours in the morning! Wish me luck!

A little bit of holiday, I am definately starting to feel the holiday spirit.

 I only need to tackle the tree tonight!

I will keep you posted on my progress, but baby it's cold outside!

Leslie Rowlands Interiors LLC