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I was so thrilled when Houzz asked me to be a part of their Christmas entertaining contest.
Now, we live in a unit and are the youngest couple in our families, so (thankfully) no-one expects us to host a huge sit-down Christmas dinner. For us, Christmas parties are more casual get-togethers with friends. But having a small space doesn't mean we have to trim the guest list. With a few simple tweaks we were able to create a festive atmosphere for a crowd.
As an additional self-imposed challenge, I decided to see if I could pull it together without buying anything new. I'm pleased to say that (apart from food) I didn't spend a cent.
Still don't think you have the space or money for a holiday party? Read on (and if you're inspired, please leave a comment!).
Now, we live in a unit and are the youngest couple in our families, so (thankfully) no-one expects us to host a huge sit-down Christmas dinner. For us, Christmas parties are more casual get-togethers with friends. But having a small space doesn't mean we have to trim the guest list. With a few simple tweaks we were able to create a festive atmosphere for a crowd.
As an additional self-imposed challenge, I decided to see if I could pull it together without buying anything new. I'm pleased to say that (apart from food) I didn't spend a cent.
Still don't think you have the space or money for a holiday party? Read on (and if you're inspired, please leave a comment!).
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How about a quick 'before' photo of what our living room usually looks like to set the scene.
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We don't have the space to etiher store or put up a full-size Christmas tree. Instead we use some branches in a pot (actually a repurposed wedding decoration).
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Decorators are always telling us to pull some of the furniture away from the walls, so our couch is normally in the middle of the room. Sorry, decorators, but the easiest way to create more space for entertaining is to push everything against the walls (or in our case, the stairs).
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We pulled out the ottoman from under the stairs to create more seating.
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Don't feel limited by the existing furniture your room - take a walk around your house or garage and you may find the perfect piece to create extra surface space for decorations and food.
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In this case, an old ladder became a display stand for Christmas cards and treats.
(Cards from www.akimbo.com.au)
(Cards from www.akimbo.com.au)
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The entertainment unit has been transformed into a dessert buffet with a table runner and pretty cupcakes.
(Cupcakes from www.sweettreatscakes.com.au)
(Cupcakes from www.sweettreatscakes.com.au)
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Don't forget to invite your guests with a gorgeous invitation.
(Woodland pocket invitation from Akimbo http://www.etsy.com/listing/61543846/woodland-fill-in-invitations-5pk)
(Woodland pocket invitation from Akimbo http://www.etsy.com/listing/61543846/woodland-fill-in-invitations-5pk)
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Pretty lighting is an easy but effective way to up the atmosphere. Even if, like me, you chose non-holiday specific options, it still looks festive.
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Create zones for your party. I cleared our sideboard to turn it into a bar.
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I don't have a lot of specific Christmas decorations or servingware. But by reusing everyday items in a certain colour palette I can achieve a coordinated look.
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It's a busy time of year, so I didn't really have time to sweat it out in the kitchen making lots of fiddly hors d'ourves. A cheese platter is an easy but elegant way to keep the crowd happy.
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One problem with having a different colour scheme every Christmas is I end up with loads of pretty decorations left over. I couldn't bear to keep a couple of these favourites in the box for another whole year, so I emptied out this basket (normally used as a magazine rack) and filled it with gorgeous baubles and a string of battery-operated lights to create a unique centrepiece.
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To extend the space further, we encouraged guests to spill outside by adding a couple of simple decorations. Additional seating comes from the retaining wall.
It was a beautiful balmy evening and everyone had a great time kicking off the festive season.
If you like it, don't forget to leave a comment to register your vote!
It was a beautiful balmy evening and everyone had a great time kicking off the festive season.
If you like it, don't forget to leave a comment to register your vote!
Comments
Catherine Kopp simply gorgeous
19 months ago · Like
Erika Ensign Beautiful and inspiring!
19 months ago · Like
Deborah Bobo Simple and inviting!
19 months ago · Like
Alanna Lock Absolutely beautiful!! You have created such a warm and inviting space, perfect for some festive drinks! :)
19 months ago · Like
angeladl I adore that painting above your sideboard, such pretty decor without the holiday overload!
18 months ago · Like
Cherie Raven Really nice stylish festive feel, it gives a fee of a Christmas woodland with all the little extra details.
18 months ago · Like
reeyano Love the tree and the ladder. A very warm and welcoming feel. Well done!
18 months ago · Like
Summer Bonner I LOVE THE LADDER AND THE ORNAMENTS IN A BOX...SO CUTE..YET CHIC..
18 months ago · Like
lyndsaywithawhy I always like seeing a designer's space (that use their own designs)! Nice work Alicia.
18 months ago · Like
Atypical Type A Thanks so much everyone for your lovely comments!
18 months ago · Like
mawsiepaws I love how you have really worked with what you already have to create a fantastic Christmas feel. It's been great following the progress of your redecoration through your blog too.
18 months ago · Like
ljhay so beautiful and inspiring!
18 months ago · Like
brynalyn We don't have space for a tree either! I love the ladder Christmas display you made, and the painting above the buffet is fabulous!
18 months ago · Like
juliemara What an amazing dinning area! The light is beautiful.
18 months ago · Like
manskyfondles Such creative ways to invite the holidays into your home! I especially love the use of the entertainment unit as a dessert buffet! Cupcakes look so yummy :) I am in love with the print above the sideboard, with the lights and candles it is perfect for Christmas decor, but I would leave it up all year round!
18 months ago · Like
aliastephanie Love the red and white color scheme! And your use of ornaments is great. Very inspiring, thank you for sharing! And Merry Christmas! :)
18 months ago · Like
angelinee Lovely and uncomplicated - just like the holidays ought to be!
18 months ago · Like
craftandbake Lovely and charming photos! Thanks for sharing your creativity.
18 months ago · Like
