decorating for christmas

{boxwood wreath similar here / door hardware similar}

one of the simple pleasures of the holiday season for me is decorating for the season. i look forward to it each year and we have made new traditions each year. we love picking out our tree, turning on a christmas record, drinking eggnog, and stringing lights. these pictures are really poor quality and it may not be what the holiday season is truly about, but it sure feels festive. merry christmas!

{fairy lights / rug similar here / basket similar here / sunburst mirror similar here}

{lighting the japanese maple}

{dining and barcart}

{wooden garland}

{garland similar here / christmas memories book / deer figurine}

{red berry branches trader joes / the best candle / snowglobe}

{picking the perfect tree}

{and the tree all lit up}

even our office is feeling the cheer...

{parsons desks / file cabinets}

happy holiday season!

madeline

nyc bound

we are going to nyc!!  so excited to visit with our great friends and see all the sights.  we are in need of some time away; we might even get to see some snow! does anyone have any recommendations on places to visit, things to see, or places to eat or drink?  we have a shamefully long list of places, but would love to hear your thoughts.

image via

thank you in advance.

xoxo madeline

gift guide and holiday inspiration

does anyone else use pinterest for gift inspiration? i worked really hard on these gift guide pin boards...and then got too busy to post them.... but if any of you are procrastinators like me, then you still have some holiday shopping to do! follow my gifts board if you still need some inspiration for christmas or follow my holiday board for decor, party, and cocktail ideas. there are some awesome items....i would be thrilled to receive any of them!  

follow my gifts board on pinterest:

also follow my holiday boardfor wrapping ideas, decorating ideas, cocktails...etc:

oh, and naturally follow madeline made on pinterest.

once you purchase, be sure to check out my gift wrapping essentials.

xoxo madeline

holiday wrapping essentials

has anyone else been a tad busy lately....? i have not been updating and have missed it! this week has been full of office parties, shopping, and gift wrapping. we decorated the house and hosted our christmas party this week and i will be sharing more on these tomorrow. for most people, this is the week spent getting that last christmas gift and gift wrapping. i have always loved wrapping presents - i am detail oriented....the love and time put into the wrapping are another part of the gift. gift wrapping is best while watching a movie or listening to christmas tunes. here are some of my holiday wrapping essentials that i keep in my studio year round and have ready for the holidays.

image above: wrapping papers from target

the paper

cardstock kraft paper / lace doilies / handmade stickers / initial rubber stamps / gift hang tags / personalized holiday labels / letter stencils

the supplies

craft paint / gold permanent marker / mod podge / chalk pens / crinkle cut paper / tacky glue / muslin bags

the ribbon

bakers twine / crepe paper / ribbon / washi tape

the greenery

fir branches / magnolia leaves / rosemary stems

happy wrapping!