Showing posts with label Home Decor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home Decor. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

The Most Beautiful Christmas Stockings for Elegant Holiday Decor

The Christmas holidays are a time when many of us enjoy our festive traditions. One of the most cherished of these is decorating our homes for NoČ…l.

Some families use the same holiday decorations year after year, while others enjoy changing things up and choosing a different theme each year. Similarly, some prefer traditional country cottage themes, while others like more sophisticated, elegant Christmas decor.

Today, I'll review a curated selection of Christmas stockings in elegant fabrics, such as velvet, satin, and brocade, with beautiful, sparkling, and lavish trims such as sequins, lace, faux jewels, and faux fur.

My picks focus on large stockings (18 to 22 inches in length) that will accommodate a lot of treats or long or unusually shaped stocking stuffers. The length is usually measured from the top corner (where the hanging loop is attached) to the end of the toe.

Also, please note that most of these styles feature embellishments on one side only.

If your stockings or other holiday decorations could use an update, or if someone you know will be celebrating the holidays in their own house or apartment for the first time, read on for some classy Christmas decor ideas.

Elegant Christmas Stockings

Gold and White or Ivory

Gold and off-white or ivory is a popular color scheme for those who love elegant holiday decor.

There's something magical about a gold-and-white or gold-and-ivory room, especially at Christmas. Maybe because it's a bit impractical for every day that makes it so appealing for this special occasion.

But gold and white or ivory Christmas stockings and other decorations are also a wonderful choice for a room with colorful walls or upholstery. The light colors really stand out against the colorful backdrop.

Following are some wonderful options that would be chic individually and also would mix and match beautifully for a lovely display on a fireplace mantle. All of them are generously sized (20- or 21-inch length) to accommodate stocking stuffers of many sizes.

This set of 2 Valery Madelyn off-white and gold embroidered Christmas stockings is perfect for someone who loves elegant Christmas decor with a dash of bling. The off-white, pale ivory stockings are embroidered with metallic gold thread and sequins, are accented with clear faux jewels, and have a lavish gold brocade cuff.

One features ornaments and the other a floral lace design.

These come with Santa-themed tags so you can write the names of your family members to identify which stocking belongs to whom.

The same manufacturer also makes this lovely set of 2 Valery Madelyn gold, ivory, and white patchwork Christmas stockings. While patchwork isn't usually associated with elegance, this style definitely qualifies.

They feature gold sequins embroidered in a patchwork of geometric triangles, stripes, and diamond patterns that remind me a bit of Argyle designs.

One is trimmed with ornate gold cords, while the other has a wide band of white faux fur trim near the top.

I think they would look great with either the embroidered set shown above or the gold sequin trimmed set with LED lights shown below.

Like the previous style, these come with Santa-themed tags so you can personalize each stocking with the family member's name.

For those who love to go all-out with holiday bling, this set of 5 white and gold sequin Christmas stockings with twinkling LED lights is sure to please! There are five different sequined designs in the assortment, which may include a Merry Christmas greeting, a snowflake, a pair of reindeer, a Christmas tree, a pine bough with a pinecone, a wreath, or other holiday decor themes.

Each stocking is cuffed with white plush faux fur. The white LED lights are battery-operated. Just put the battery into the compartment, turn on the switch, and watch the stockings sparkle!

Note: Some customer reviews complain about the included batteries. I would suggest buying fresh, good-quality batteries separately if the ones that come with them aren't up to snuff.

Although these don't come with tags to personalize them, each design is different so it's easy to assign a specific design to each family member.

Silver and White

While not quite as popular as gold and ivory or white, pairing silver with white also makes a beautiful and festive color scheme for your holiday decor. As with gold and white or ivory, silver and white Christmas stockings and decorations also create a great contrast in a colorful room.

The following selections in this frosty and elegant palette include luxe, silky, or plush fabrics, and sparkling, luxurious trimming materials.

This set of 2 White Faux Fur Christmas Stockings With Silver Sequin Snowflakes would help make even a warm-weather family or living room look like a winter wonderland.

The plush fabric is velvety soft and begs to be patted, while the silver sequin snowflakes add sparkle and shine to this pristine white set.

These stockings are also a generous 22 inches long, so there's plenty of room to stuff them with holiday goodies.

These are available without personalization, or you can choose the personalized faux fur stockings option to have names embroidered on the cuffs.

Another pick featuring white plush fabric with silver sequins is this lovely Set of 2 Valery Madelyn White Faux Fur Christmas Stockings With Silver Sequin Embroidery. Unlike the previous set, this one has two different but coordinating designs.

One design features silver sequin snowflakes in various sizes scattered across the velvety white plush background. The other is embroidered with silver sequins in a scalloped design reminiscent of a snowy, shingled roof.

The reverse side of each stocking is a silky, white panne velvet fabric.

These stockings are 21 inches long to hold a plethora of holiday treats, and they are trimmed with lavish, long-haired, white faux fur cuffs.

As with the other Valery Madelyn styles, these come with Santa tags that you can personalize with the designated family members' names.

One of my favorite selections is this set of 4 Gray and White Velvet Christmas Stockings With Silver Sequins, Rhinestones, and White Faux Fur.

Two of the stockings are fronted with gray velvet and two are white velvet. All four are embroidered silver sequins in different designs that might include a snowman, a reindeer, a Christmas tree, a snowflake, Santa in his sleigh, or a flatbed carrying a pine tree home to its new place of honor.

Each one is trimmed with a white faux fur cuff and is fully lined to prevent the contents from poking through the fabric.

These are 20 inches long and would mix and match well with either of the two previous selections if you have a large family.

Although there is no personalization option for these gorgeous stockings, each has a different design, so it's easy to tell whose is whose.

A similar and equally opulent choice is these stunning personalized silver and gray Christmas stockings with silver sequins and embroidered faux fur cuffs.

The luxurious silk fabric is the perfect foil for the silver sequin embroidery with clear crystal rhinestone accents. There are six different designs including snowflakes, Santa on his sleigh, Christmas trees, a bough with a pinecone, and other holiday themes. 

These hand-sewn styles are 20 inches long. The white faux fur cuffs can be personalized with family members' names in your choice of four fonts.

You can purchase individual stockings or sets of up to six assorted designs, depending on your needs.

Red or Green and Gold

Red and green are traditional colors for Christmas decorations. Either red or green accented with metallic gold can be a simple and elegant color scheme. This palette can create a bright pop of color in a room with a neutral or subdued color scheme. It also works well with traditional or country decorating styles.

Red, green, and gold can also be used in combination to create a more colorful, yet still classy home decor palette for the holidays. Consider mixing and matching the following selections to suit your preference.

Here are some of my favorite picks in this colorway.

I love the red and gold version of the first embroidered set I featured. The set of 2 Valery Madelyn red velveteen Christmas stockings with gold embroidery has the same two designs (ornaments and floral lace) as in the gold and off-white version, but the metallic gold thread and gold brocade cuff really stand out against the red velveteen fabric.

These are 21 inches long to accommodate plenty of treats from Santa.

Like all the Valery Madelyn styles, these come with Santa tags that you can personalize and tie to the hanging loops.

If you prefer more of a wine-red shade and a less ornate style that's still opulent, this set of 3 red velvet Christmas stockings with gold tassels and corded trim might be perfect for your fireplace mantle.

The rich red color of the velvet and tailored style are sophisticated without being fussy, while the metallic gold tassels and twisted two-tone cord trim add gilded touches appropriate to the season.

These are 18 inches long, a bit shorter than most of the others I've chosen but still big enough to hold a nice selection of stocking stuffers.

This style has an almost vintage feel that would work beautifully with more traditional Christmas decor.

These come in several colorways and are available either as shown or personalized with embroidered names in contrasting colors. You can also choose sets with different numbers of stockings to accommodate the size of your family.

This set of 3 green velvet Christmas stockings with gold cord trim would be a great pairing with the red velvet set above.

The velvet is a soft, slightly olive, forest green that would complement the wine-red velvet beautifully. They both have a simple elegance that would work beautifully in a traditional setting. They could also add a lovely, festive, holiday air to country-style decor.

These are 20 inches long to accommodate stuffers of many sizes and shapes.

They are also available in bright red or navy velvet with the same gold cord trim.

Please note that the embellishments spilling out of the tops in the product photo shown are not included!

These do not offer a personalization option, but you could either tie a gift tag to the hanging loop or, if you are handy with a needle, embroider your family members' names on the cuffs or sew a nametag inside.

Elegant Stocking Holders

Beautiful stockings deserve equally special holders. Here are a couple of suggestions that would look lovely with any of the above styles.

If you're going with gold as your holiday accent color, I think this set of 2 gold-toned stocking holders with removable reindeer embellishments would be a great choice.

I love the versatility of making the reindeer embellishments removable, so you can try these with and without them to see which you prefer. Using just the simple, unadorned base by itself lets your stockings be the star of the show. Even with the reindeer added, they're small enough not to detract from the main attraction they're holding.

Unlike many of the gold-toned stocking holders I looked at, these are a bright, shiny gold color. They're made of a sturdy zinc alloy with a nice weight so they stay put on the fireplace mantle.

These clip over the fireplace mantle and will accommodate a range of widths (check the product description to make sure it will fit yours).

Whether your color scheme features silver accents or you just want a neutral-toned, elegant accent to more colorful holiday decor, this set of 4 silver snowflake, reindeer, tree, and snowman stocking holders would be an excellent choice.

They range in height from 5.5 inches (the snowflake) to 6.9 inches (the Christmas tree), so they are easily enjoyed visually even from across the room.

They are well made from sturdy stainless steel with graceful lines and nice details. They come ready to use with no assembly required, and each holder is lined on the bottom with velour to protect the surface of your mantle from scratches.

If you don't have a fireplace, or if your fireplace doesn't have a mantle, consider this freestanding 8-hook deluxe Christmas stocking holder stand.

This stand measures 41” long x 11” wide x 35.3” tall to accommodate up to eight large stockings, like the ones featured above.

It comes in a choice of black or shiny gold (shown in the product photo). The black would be a great choice for the silver and white stockings, while either the black or the gold would work beautifully with the gold and ivory, red, or green styles.

You can place this stand either on the floor or on a tabletop. I think it would be pretty set on either a small rug or a table runner with a seasonal theme in colors complementing your stockings.


❄❅❆ From our house to yours, whatever you celebrate, may your holidays be peaceful, healthy, merry, and bright! ❆❅❄

The Most Beautiful Christmas Stockings for Elegant Holiday Decor by Margaret Schindel

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Sunday, October 15, 2023

Shake Things Up: Rearranging Your Furniture Can Transform Your Space & Mood

Rearrange your furniture and your mood

Is your furniture stuck in the same old spot? It might be time for a change. Let's review this.

Why Rearranging Your Furniture is a Fantastic Idea

1. Solve the Urge to Move Without Moving:

Feeling the need for a change? That urge to sell your house and pack up your life might not be your only option. Moving is costly and disruptive. So, before you take the leap, consider a simpler solution: rearranging your furniture. Begin by giving your home a thorough cleaning, and while you're at it, think about changing the furniture layout for a fresh, inviting look.

2. A Deep Clean Opportunity:

When did you last vacuum behind your furniture? Probably not in a while, right? You also open the door to a thorough cleaning session when rearranging your furniture. Say goodbye to dust bunnies and hello to spotless and inviting rooms.

3. Transform Unused Spaces:

Your home should reflect your lifestyle. In today's ever-changing world, making the most of your space is vital. That underused living room could become a media room, office, or library. It's all about making your home work for you. Or simply rearrange it to breathe new life into the space, making it more inviting for guests.

4. If Your Family Doesn't Need a Dining Room, Swap the Room Out For Another Use:

Who says a dining room has to be a dining room? If your family rarely uses a particular space, switch it up. Say goodbye to the dining room and hello to something more practical. For example, turn it into a home office, another sitting room, a playroom, or a meditation space!

Our home's original floor plan features a living/dining room combination. Since our family is quite large and we need a big table, the living room has been transformed into a dining room and the dining room into my office.

Here's a personal example: Our home's designated dining room area is now my office. When the kids were little, it was one huge gathering room ... Over the years, it's been changed multiple times.

desk
Dining Room into an Office Area

5. Revamp the Traditional:

Traditional floor plans are so last season. Don't be afraid to break the mold. Turn a family room into a game room, a living room into an office, or that unused dining room into a guest room or play area. These days, there's no such thing as a defined floor plan. Whatever works for your home is all that matters.

We're slowly empty-nesting and recently turned one of our five bedrooms into a TV/sitting room:

Alternate Use for a Bedroom
Bedroom to a TV Sitting Room

6. Achieve a Sense of Accomplishment:

Rearranging your furniture is a labor of love. It's hard work, but the payoff is incredible. Psychology Today even has a scientific explanation for this. 

Your home will feel fresh and exciting, and your family will appreciate the change. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your hard-earned satisfaction with a cup of tea or a glass of wine.

In the end, remember that changing your furniture layout can be a fun and cost-effective way to breathe new life into your space without the hassle of moving. 

Give it a try and see how your home and mood transform!




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


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