Well the Holiday insanity has begun here in Omaha. I started early this year for a couple of reasons. One it takes me 3x as long to do stuff as it used to, and two, I’m having a Nibbles and Sips for my Quester’s Group on the 4th of December. My goal is to be done before Thanksgiving so I can enjoy the season. What about you?

All the cabinets are done, with some minor tweaking, the next thing is the massive drape. Greens, greens, and more greens. The railing, the ship, my Queens Head, all need a bit of Christmas cheer. The tree will be the last thing I do. I feel good about the way things are going, and now getting anxious to get it all done.

Last week I did a bit of scouting. I have certain decor shops that I always hit mainly for an idea, a glimpse, and a light bulb moment. I hit Prairie and Bloom because they always have great greens and if you like a more primitive look it is a great place for inspiration. This year though they had plenty of wonderful things to look at, there was nothing that made me gasp. (Always my indicator!)

These felt trees were adorable and would be such a fun craft project.

Then I stopped Into LEE DOUGLAS, Oh my! I stopped in last year at this time, and had the same reaction. This is a full service design studio, with furniture, and art their main focus. But they also have a wonderful department of faux greens that are extraordinary, and home decor, plus party central. They lean more transitional to contemporary in their esthetic but, with some imagination anything in their studio could work in a well curated home.

So I opened the door, and in the large vestibule the outdoor planters had me at hello. Then I stepped in and just looked. Geared toward larger homes, you can imagine the trees are taller, the ribbon wider, ornaments larger but the magic just begins. I gleaned lots of ideas for my small humble home.

My esthetic is always a bit woodsy, a bit elegant, and I want surprises at every turn. It is challenging every year to come up with new ideas. I always want a bit of a story, even if it’s an absurd story! The hoarder swan, just one example. Stay tuned! For me, I’ve learned that I just have to please me, and sometimes the same old is just the right thing.

Next step was House of J. They always do a lovely job and are geared for both the average home owner and the high end client. Pops of color are always to be expected as you step thru their doors.

With inspiration in hand and a couple of small purchases, I was off, back to my own chaos, created with love.

Lunching with a friend last week, as I was driving thru the parking lot I kept seeing signs for European Market. Well, what’s this? Marvella Mercantile, never heard of it. So I went home and looked it up online. This is a restored barn near the small town of Yutan NE. Ok I’ll bite. Market was Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Early Friday morning, I hop in the car and make the 1/2 hour drive to County RD K! Thank heavens for GPS. I found it with no trouble, and joined the hoards waiting for their opportunity to walk thru this lovingly restored barn. I didn’t know what to expect, so I kept an open mind. There were plenty of scrubbed pine cabinets to choose from. Yes they were antiques. Were they all from Europe? I didn’t ask. A bit of upholstered furniture, a set of vintage china, on a scrubbed farmhouse table. Lots of Norfolk Pine greens, candles, etc. I hope they make it because it is a good concept, and fun atmosphere. I think they were just open for the weekend and they probably sold out by Saturday AM. They didn’t seem to have enough stock or variety of items to fill the space. I know how hard it can be to prejudge what your needs are going to be to fill such a large space with a loft. Keeping all this in mind I will be watchful and hope for the best. I wasn’t really on the lookout for anything and walked away without a treasure but, it was a great first effort and I applaud them.

How is your holiday decorating going? Started yet?

Thanks for stopping

Shelley