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Home » Blog » Winter Decorating

Winter Decorating

by Sarah Turner Clover Lane

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I took all my Christmas decorations down.  My house looks so empty!  I loved it for about 5 minutes, and then I thought…January is a long month,  I’m not a lover of winter, and Valentine’s Day is a long ways away.  I decided instead of  “getting through” this long month, I will embrace this winter season and all it’s beautiful, freezing cold, white, glistening, snowy glory.

I went to Target and bought some wintery, clearance Christmas decorations and made a garland for my kitchen windows.  Snowflakes, ice skates and mittens, snowmen…bright colors.  083 088 089 109 112 144 Abbey and I created a winter scene with glittery snow and trees (clearance again!) and little forest animals (tree decorations I didn’t put away).062 063 064 077 I found a beautiful white blooming hydrangea plant for my dining room table and set it in a glass salad bowl.060 108 I love the mitten garland above my chalkboard, but it’s a little too Christmasy for me.  I’m going to attempt to make a new one with felt and ribbon and rickrack, using some different colors.104 105 And all these winter touches worked like magic…I feel cozy and warm in my sweet little house.

I forgot all about:

Putting boots and mittens and hats and scarves on thousands of times.

Stepping in slush left all over my kitchen floor.

Having chapped hands.

Freezing my bum off going sledding.

Shivering in the car.

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December 30, 2009 · 44 Comments

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  1. Robin says

    December 30, 2009 at 11:00 am

    I love the whole idea! I usually leave an icy wreath on my door and some form of icy tablescape in the dinning room but I'm doing the garland too this year! Wonderful!
    Robin
    All Things Heart and Home

    Reply
  2. Maiden Jane says

    December 30, 2009 at 12:21 pm

    I love the decorations! Check out the Purl Bee blog (from Purl Soho). They made a cute garland out of felt circles – so colorful and festive. I may put Annie on that project when we take down our things. I'm happy we have snow at least – kids have been out sledding every day. But we have to face/embrace this for a full 3 months! And what a great idea to battle the grey with a bit of color, whimsy, and charm!

    Reply
  3. Mika says

    December 30, 2009 at 12:26 pm

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  4. Meeks says

    December 30, 2009 at 12:28 pm

    Great idea! Sometimes we can be in limbo…not quite ready to move on from the festive season…but the Christmas decorations need to be put away…this is a great compromise

    Reply
  5. Lynne says

    December 30, 2009 at 12:46 pm

    Very cute. I do a "snowman" theme in my classroom. I leave up the white lights and put out snowman decorations. The kids love it. I hope it will magically give us a few snow days!

    Reply
  6. Laura says

    December 30, 2009 at 12:50 pm

    Sarah-
    I just wanted to say Happy New Year. January 3rd marks one year of blogging for me, and I will never forget how generous and helpful you were when I first started.

    Thank you,
    Laura

    Reply
  7. Jodee says

    December 30, 2009 at 12:52 pm

    That turned out soooo cute! I just bought some of those same ornaments at Target on clearance.

    I took down our holiday stuff and went straight to Valentine's Day! I am soooo done with winter since we have had one snow storm after another! Spring can't get here fast enough!

    Reply
  8. Love Being A Nonny says

    December 30, 2009 at 12:53 pm

    Love all the ideas….and the choice to be happy and embrace the long month of January!

    Reply
  9. Shell in your Pocket says

    December 30, 2009 at 1:00 pm

    Very cute…I am taking all my stuff down today…it will feel very empty but I am ready for that :)!
    sandy toe

    Reply
  10. Anonymous says

    December 30, 2009 at 1:05 pm

    Adorable…I was wondering, could you possibly do a tutorial on how to make your header larger?? I love all of your tutorials and have tried to use them, but just can't figure out how you get your header so wide.

    Reply
  11. Kim says

    December 30, 2009 at 1:08 pm

    Wonderful! Very whimsical and fun.

    Reply
  12. Jess says

    December 30, 2009 at 1:09 pm

    What a great idea! I'm trying to muster up the energy to put away the Christmas decorations today. This was a great boost.

    Reply
  13. gretchen from lifenut says

    December 30, 2009 at 2:01 pm

    Adorable!

    Reply
  14. Sarah says

    December 30, 2009 at 2:02 pm

    Mary….follow the the tutorial on making a cute header using Picasa…at the bottom it talks about sending that header to a folder and Picasa lets you pick the size…it also depends on the template of your blog…you need to choose Minima Stretch. Hope that helps.

    Reply
  15. Tricia says

    December 30, 2009 at 3:35 pm

    What a great way to enjoy January. 'Cause I gotta tell ya', I'm looking at "making it through" right now. haha.
    Happy New Year, Sarah.

    XO*Tricia

    Reply
  16. meg duerksen says

    December 30, 2009 at 3:51 pm

    so pretty.
    we got snowed in and didn't get to do the target after christmas sale.

    Reply
  17. kami @ nobiggie.net says

    December 30, 2009 at 4:42 pm

    All the little mittens on clothes pins are my favorite! so cute!

    Reply
  18. Robin Johnson says

    December 30, 2009 at 4:45 pm

    You have your christmast decorations down already! You go girl!

    Your winter decor is ADORABLE! Great idea, may just have to make my own. The little owl is so cute!

    Reply
  19. Sarah's Simple Life says

    December 30, 2009 at 5:06 pm

    I love your idea! I think it will make me feel better about taking down the tree 🙂

    Reply
  20. Heather @ Life Made Lovely says

    December 30, 2009 at 5:22 pm

    I love your garland! And those mittens are just scrumptious!! Adding a little winter cheer to our house is on the agenda for today. Thanks for all the beautiful inspiration!

    Reply
  21. Ange says

    December 30, 2009 at 6:05 pm

    I too decided to leave some Wintery Decorations up for January. The house always look so bare when all the Christmas decor comes down. I am glad we are going to leave some up, there still needs to be some decorations up!

    Reply
  22. Cherie says

    December 30, 2009 at 6:15 pm

    I love this idea! I tend to leave my snowflakes all out after Christmas and this year I have decided to leave out my pretty evergreen and pinecone garlands as well.

    Reply
  23. heidi @ wonder woman wannabe says

    December 30, 2009 at 6:19 pm

    Looks darling!! Love all the bright cheery colors!

    Reply
  24. Kris says

    December 30, 2009 at 7:45 pm

    Hi there. Happy New Year. I have been stalking your blog for some time now. My daughter and I both do . Love it!!! Just thought it was time I said hello.
    Love your winter garlands!
    Kris in So. Cal

    Reply
  25. Rose says

    December 30, 2009 at 10:20 pm

    Too cute! I will have to hit up Target for some decorations! Great ideas!

    Reply
  26. vera says

    December 31, 2009 at 2:53 am

    I LOVE this!! I have been confined to bed rest in my little bed room, so I'm going to spend the next few weeks pretending I live at your house (or Meg's from Whatever) ha!!

    Reply
  27. Nina Diane says

    December 31, 2009 at 3:53 am

    I love your winter decorations. I also packed my Christmas away and even though I'm enjoying the clutter free of my home, I think I need something too. You have inspired me….I think I'll work on a banner tomorrow. Happy New Year!

    Reply
  28. Kati @ Housewife_Swagger says

    December 31, 2009 at 4:54 am

    wonderful decorations!!!

    Reply
  29. Lisa Z says

    December 31, 2009 at 3:05 pm

    That is adorable! I just told my husband that now I have to go to Target and see if they still have that garland…

    Your winter scene on the buffet reminds me of the nature tables that you see in the Waldorf schools. My kids went to a Waldorf preschool and we've often tried to keep a nature table in the house. You've inspired me to put something out for January.

    Reply
  30. Julie {Angry Julie Monday} says

    December 31, 2009 at 3:48 pm

    That's perfect! I should have thought of that. I saw that cuteness at Tar-jay too!

    Reply
  31. Diva Kreszl says

    December 31, 2009 at 3:54 pm

    your lovely cheerful decorations could take you clear through to spring!

    Reply
  32. Unknown says

    January 2, 2010 at 4:13 am

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE the winterscape! I am an owl fiend, and I have all of the cute little Target owls. So cute, and a great idea to keep things cute and festive after the holidays!

    Reply
  33. Unknown says

    January 5, 2010 at 12:09 am

    Wonderful! I love the garlands especially. Funny thing, I posted about winter decor today too, but I'd love to add these ideas to my house.

    Reply
  34. Anonymous says

    January 6, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    I love your mitten garland. I actually made mine into an advent calendar this year. you can see it here: http://beautyinallthings.wordpress.com/2009/12/02/advent-calendar/

    Reply
  35. Nepperess says

    January 6, 2010 at 3:33 pm

    Love the snowflake garland. I've been on the hunt for similar things, thinking the house will be just a little too bare when I finally get around to taking down the Christmas stuff 😉

    Reply
  36. Sara @ It's Good to be Queen says

    January 6, 2010 at 4:33 pm

    L.O.V.E. your big ol' chalkboard!! Did you make it or by it? If you made it, HOW?? I so need one like that!

    Reply
  37. Little Lovables says

    January 7, 2010 at 6:09 am

    oh, it's wonderful!! thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  38. Staci K. says

    January 7, 2010 at 10:36 pm

    The little winter scene on your sideboard is too cute!! I love it 🙂

    Reply
  39. Liz@HoosierHomemade says

    January 8, 2010 at 2:37 am

    Love the garlands! I added your post to my Friday Favorites list!
    ~Liz

    Reply
  40. Pamela says

    January 8, 2010 at 3:11 pm

    Thanks for stopping by Frenchknots! So glad you did because then I got to see your amazing blog, with your beautiful kids and house. Love the chalk board. Your post has inspired me even more to decorate for the long January ahead. Thanks.

    Reply
  41. somedaycrafts says

    January 11, 2010 at 6:34 am

    Can I have your mitten garland, please!!!! It's so cute! I featured it at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com Grab mY "featured" button.

    Reply
  42. Ellen says

    January 12, 2010 at 8:01 pm

    Sarah, this is one my favorite posts of yours yet. I love the idea of freshening things up, rather than just taking decorations down, and yours turned out so great. I can't wait to come visit. Which will be soon. Really.

    Reply
  43. joyh82 says

    January 23, 2010 at 7:34 pm

    Adorable, I love the chalk board and the mittens hanging over it! Great decorations.

    Reply
  44. Amanda says

    December 3, 2010 at 2:29 am

    Just dropping by to let you know that I linked to this post in a round up today from the Home & Garden channel at Craft Gossip. 🙂 This will appear in the main Craft Gossip RSS feed, on the main home page and can be found directly here
    http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/9-advent-calendar-ideas/

    If you would like a "featured by" button, you can grab one here!
    http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/grab-a-craft-gossip-button/

    Reply

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Welcome!

Sarah Turner

When our first baby was placed in my arms I knew there was no place I wanted to be other than home with him every day. Twenty five years, and five more babies later, (six children, now ages 26-8), I still feel the same. I blog here about motherhood, how to make a house a home, easy recipes, and simple living. You can read more about me here.

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Nothing pretty, flashy, or spectacular. Just an o Nothing pretty, flashy, or spectacular.  Just an ordinary Monday morning breakfast counter after the kids leave for school.  Because ordinary gets the short hand in our culture but really it's extra special. 
It's a symbol of unselfishness, contentment, prudence and gratitude.  There is a certain peace about the ordinary.  It's the opposite of temporary-it holds the joy of contentment and gratitude and prudence all in one hand.  It's lends itself toward peace, and a settling in, not a constant search for more or less or anything.  Ordinary is authentic and good enough- in short it's a gem in disguise. 🍃
I love my home and I hope you do also. With all t I love my home and I hope you do also.  With all the imperfections and maintenance it requires, when I pull up and walk in I want to stay, to relax, to feel safe, for daily life to be easy, and to care for "home". I want simplicity, ease, convenience.  To me when my home is simple, without being filled to the brim of things that just take up space I love it best.  I hope if you've participated fully or even partially as time allowed in 40 Bags in 40 Days you've found that joy and pride in your home.  I plan to share more little challenges and tips as the year proceeds to trouble shoot areas and keep maintenance effortless and the house love flowing.  Daily life in our homes should bring us joy and ease while we care for our families, we should be thoughtful stewards of our money and of our time and simple living is the answer to that. 
Thank you for participating! 🏡
I think this is one of the best things about the 4 I think this is one of the best things about the 40 Bag decluttering process.  When I know what I have and have removed all that I don't, it cultivates more discretion and caution about what I bring back in.  I think there is also some realization of how much money is wasted on fads, or thoughtless purchases.  It's quite eye-opening.  I've become so much more careful, and find we all take better care of things, as do my children.
The final week of 40 Bags in 40 Days! I've tackle The final week of 40 Bags in 40 Days!  I've tackled all the areas of my home with exception of my oldest daughter's room (not the photo)- which she is excited to work on this week.
The simpler the room, the easier it is to clean an The simpler the room, the easier it is to clean and straighten up.  And then the more enjoyable it is to actually sit in that room.  It's not a hard equation, all it takes is ruthless purging-and not just little things but larger items also.  Functional furniture is the key and very few decorative pieces especially when children are in the home, makes life so much easier. 
🍃
As we head into the last week of the 40 Bags in 40 As we head into the last week of the 40 Bags in 40 Days Challenge I'm hearing from so many of you what a difference it has made in your appreciation of your homes, a certain contentment, and at the same time a thrill of looking in on the organized kitchen, closet and living space.  I agree!  I love purging, cleaning and organizing a space and then going back later that day just to get that wonderful sense of accomplishment.  It makes such a difference! 
🍃
A lighter, fresher, calmer home is the result of de-cluttering.  I even had a participant who had been planning on listing her home, start 40 Days just to get her house ready to sell, and then was so ruthless in the process and also thrilled by the results that they decided to stay put in what seemed like a new home to them.  What a savings of time, money and energy. 
🍃
Next week I will be talking maintenance and answer all questions! ☀️
Tips For Shared Kids Rooms- This bedroom has seen Tips For Shared Kids Rooms-
This bedroom has seen every configuration possible.  With kids spread out 18 years apart, I've had to be creative over the years-which I think is the key to sharing rooms.  It is all possible-I consider it a rare luxury and privilege to not have to share a room although I know that is not the norm today. 
🍃
I like to create a simple look with white furniture (this ends up making room transitions easier also when moving someone out and someone else in.) I also like to match bedspreads for a cohesive look. 
🍃
Clip on bed lights save space. 
🍃
A simple shared book shelf can hold a child's special books and knick knacks and if necessary can be assigned per shelf.
🍃
When my kids were younger I had my dad build me a large wooden roll out box for under each bed.  This held each child's toys. 
🍃
All clothes are kept in a closet instead of dressers to save space.
I feel like I bailed on everyone following 40 Bags I feel like I bailed on everyone following 40 Bags progress and tips.  My excuse is the stomach flu ravaging us all here in the last week with me being the last to fall and the slowest to recover.  On top of that the weekend before I tried to roller blade (don't even ask how many steps I made it) and majorly bit it.  Thankfully I think I just sprained my arm. So I've been using one arm for nursing sick children back to health, and doing whatever cleaning and cooking and straightening I can do.  Alas, last week was a wash.  We have two weeks to go.  I'd like to continue and end on a high note.  How about you?  Even a little de-cluttering counts! Spring is in the air and I can't wait to throw open my windows and let fresh clean air circulate through my fresh clean orderly home. ☀️🌷🌱
Especially where kids are concerned- we tend to th Especially where kids are concerned- we tend to think that the more things they have the happier and more occupied and loved they will feel.  Nothing can replace human interaction and I've found that too many toys has the reverse affect.  They cause overwhelm-just like us - we'd rather sit in an orderly space than one filled with too many things to do and too much stuff.
☀️
When it comes to kids closets here are some tips-
1. Hand me downs don't all have to be received.  Or received at all.  Be choosy and keep just what they will use and need.
2. When children are presented with too many choices, tension and acrimony can exist.  Being able to open a closet with a reasonable amount of outfits can create more peace.
3. Cultivating independence in care of clothes is easier when there is less and the space is simplified and organized. 
☀️
More tips coming on the blog this week.  I am moving my blog platform so I can't make any promises - it's under construction and that's exciting!
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