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The Design Inspirationalist

~ Inspiring Ideas | Spectacular Creations

The Design Inspirationalist

Tag Archives: festive

Minted Holiday Party Challenge & More

04 Friday Jul 2014

Posted by melissaoconnor in Art & Design, News

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

festive, forest, gold, gold foil, gray star design, haunted wood, holiday party, invitations, minted, minted challenge, nature, new year party, photography, prince edward island, trees

Hi all. First off, I hope you all have a happy and safe 4th of July! I wanted to announce that the Minted Holiday Party Challenge is now open for voting. Since I’ve been busy these past few weeks I was only able to submit two designs, both of which I really love. A little bit of glitz and glam on these, perfect for the festive holiday. Please feel free to check them out and vote if you’re up for it.

Minted Holiday Party Challenge & More

Minted Holiday Party Challenge & More

And now for some good news I am excited to share. The winners have been announced for the Eye of the Beholder Challenge, and my photograph ‘Haunted Wood’ was an editor pick! I am so excited for my first win on Minted and couldn’t be happier. Soon it will be for sale on their website, how cool is that? I am so stoked!

Minted Holiday Party Challenge & More

A Circus Themed Baby Shower

04 Tuesday Jun 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Decor Ideas, Events & Parties, News, Real Events

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

animals, baby, baby shower, centerpieces, circus, design, events, fabric, festive, flowers, gingham, mason jars, plaid, raffle, vintage straws

This past Saturday I helped coordinate a baby shower for my brother in law’s girlfriend, Bethany. Since they don’t want to know the sex of the baby, I had to think of a theme that would be fit for both a girl and boy and also be pretty for the mother to be. I decided on a circus theme that had some fun and festive elements but still felt like a baby shower by using light colors and cute patterns. The day was a success!

The invite I designed introduced the theme with cute colorful flags and a few animals. Nothing over the top. Each invitation included a raffle ticket for guests to bring. This entered them in a contest to see who would win the centerpieces.

A Circus Themed Baby Shower - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

The decor of the shower featured a handmade banner for the gift table, red striped straws in all the water glasses, and festive centerpieces in large mason jars incorporating white, green, and orange. Each table as well as the gift table had a blue gingham fabric square in the middle for a pop of color.

A Circus Themed Baby Shower - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

A Circus Themed Baby Shower - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

A Circus Themed Baby Shower - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

I created an additional table where I displayed roasted peanuts and fresh popped popcorn for the guests to snack on as well as little cards for guests to share their “baby wishes” with the parents to be. I also laid a gingham fabric on the table except it was beige to incorporate more of the invitation colors.

A Circus Themed Baby Shower - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

A Circus Themed Baby Shower - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

A Circus Themed Baby Shower - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Each guest had a “baby poll” card where they could choose what they thought the sex would be. Just something fun for them to do.

A Circus Themed Baby Shower - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

The cake was a delicious with vanilla cream and strawberries. Everyone seemed to really like it. And as a little favor and thank you for coming, everyone had a little bag full of animal crackers to take home. A perfect snack to end the afternoon.

A Circus Themed Baby Shower - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

A Circus Themed Baby Shower - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

I am so happy everyone had a great time and the mother to be enjoyed having all the lovely ladies around her. There were so many amazing gifts as well. I think the day went really well. Looking forward to doing more!

A Circus Themed Baby Shower - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Last Minute Holiday Decor Ideas

17 Monday Dec 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in The Home

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

christmas, christmas tree, color, Country Living, decor, decorating, festive, garland, holiday, lights, metallic, nature, ornaments, rustic

If you’re like me, you’ve had your tree up and house decorated the weekend after Thanksgiving. If you’re not, than here are some last minute inspiration to get you moving. It doesn’t have to take all day to dress up your home and I know that sometimes you just need a few good ideas to get you moving. Here are some I found to be helpful, thanks to Country Living.

Go with a metallic theme and stick to it.
Last Minute Holiday Decor Ideas

Choose a rustic theme and keep it fresh, cozy and simple.
Last Minute Holiday Decor Ideas

hunting-and-gathering-fireplace-1212-xln

Hang a few festive ornaments mixed with natural elements where it is unexpected.
Last Minute Holiday Decor Ideas

Create a card garland and display your holiday cards with style.
Last Minute Holiday Decor Ideas

Brighten up doors in your home or the front entrance with shimmery bells and holiday cheer.
Last Minute Holiday Decor Ideas

Brighten up other spaces in your home with a little garland, even if its you who only spends time in there.
Last Minute Holiday Decor Ideas

Greet your guests with a festive foyer and create smiles the minute they walk in.
celebrate-xmas-tree-branch-lgn

Take the kids toys and dress them up.
Last Minute Holiday Decor Ideas

Use old lights and showcase them in a glass urn or vase for some color.
Last Minute Holiday Decor Ideas

Let the Countdown Begin

29 Thursday Nov 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Events & Parties, Everyday Design, The Home

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Tags

Better Homes & Gardens, christmas, christmas tree, color scheme, cozy, decorating, design, festive, garland, holiday, inspirations, stockings, traditional, tree, warm, wreath

Let the Countdown Begin

Well, Christmas is right around the corner and winter days are here. Dressing up your home in a festive look can be done in many ways. Depending on the style you have throughout your house, any holiday decorating you do should still reflect that style. For example, if you have lots of white and cool colors than using silver, blues and white for your festive makeover would be successful. If you have an eclectic home than mix it up and have fun!

Here are some great inspirations to get you busy, if you already haven’t started. I was on it the weekend after Thanksgiving. I hung garland through the house, the stockings are hung and lots of gifts are under the tree. If you need a little push or want some new ideas, check out these next ideas from Better Homes & Gardens and get movin!

Choose a simple color scheme and stick to it. This will bring a traditional holiday a modern makeover. Pick two colors and go with the flow.
Let the Countdown Begin

Keep it simple but feature the color of the season, green! By laying garland on your mantle or around a doorway, your home will immediately feel warm, cozy and festive.Let the Countdown Begin

Get creative and feature a main element that is not traditional. Instead of a wreath, combine a little bit of nature in a basket and you have an interesting arrangement.
Let the Countdown Begin

This is what I am talking about by going with the style of your home. This winter wonderland says it all. With silvery tones, lots of white and pops of blue, this space is classy, modern and gorgeous.
Let the Countdown Begin

And keeping with the nature inspired decor, this space is earthy, warm and classic.
Let the Countdown Begin

Show off your crafty style and mix it up with rainbow lights, vintage flair and unique elements.
Let the Countdown Begin

Show off your holiday collections with style. Get those knick knacks out and feature the little items you love.
Let the Countdown Begin

Use items you wouldn’t normally use for the holidays and create an interesting and unique feel in your home. Get artsy and think out of the box for this one.
Let the Countdown Begin

For more inspiration visit Better Homes & Gardens

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