fake it

When it comes to plants and flowers, there are those of us who manage to keep them alive and there are those of us who forget to water them, overwater them and well just kill them off. Fresh flowers in the home are always a lovely idea but can often be expensive and the pounds soon add up when bought weekly. Plus if you can't keep plants alive then this becomes an extra cost and also such a waste to keep replacing them! We think fake or artificial flowers and plants are an easy option to place around the home to help add some greenery and we say this loosely a 'natural' element to any room. Although we do think this topic is probably like marmite, you will either love the idea of the fake ones or you will hate it and prefer the real, living options. 

If you are willing to try artificial then are lots of fake options available to choose from. These can be easily added to any room without any mess, no need to water or maintain, they are perfect for anyone with allergies and are also pet friendly (although we have seen with our own eyes that cats will try to eat fake plants though!) We would also advise to be quite careful when selecting artificial pieces, as some can often look a little too green or a little too shiny. Try to find some really good quality ones that look as realistic and convincing as a 'fake' plant can look! Most often already come in pots and include gravel and stones for extra decoration. Why not opt for something quirky, like succulents arranged inside a vintage book or a cute hanging glass terrarium. 

So why not try adding some greenery or some brightly coloured flowers to match your room decor, around the house but without the hassle of the real deal!

Peach flowers Not on the highstreet £9.95 / Terrarium globe Fred Aldous £3.96 / 

Succulent mix Blooming artificial £38.39 / Cactus with gravel in glass pot John Lewis £8 / 

Succulents in book Not on the highstreet £29.50 / Succulent in grey pot Farthing £21.50 / 

Grass Ikea £20 

Sarah and Holly

      

setting the christmas table

Christmas dinner has to be the highlight of Christmas day for us and with this in mind we think setting the table is as important as the food itself! A beautifully decorated table helps create the festive atmosphere as you, your family, guests or whoever you spending Christmas with, are all seated and ready for the food to be served. Christmas comes but once a year as does a Christmas turkey dinner, so on this one special day of the year indulge and make the effort to create a memorable and fun day! Take some extra time and plan the layout of the table and decorate to create something fun and exciting. Here are a few ideas to make the table extra special. 

Place cards labelled with guests names ensure no confusion over who sits where (make sure you pick wisely to avoid arguments!) DIY or make your own place cards or opt for pre bought depending on your theme or the time you have! Some christmas table confetti scattered on the table adds some extra detail nestled around plates and cutlery! Keep it easy and use a disposable paper tablecloth and napkins so any spills or drops of gravy are not a worry (you don't want to spend the day cleaning up!) And Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without crackers and those classic, colourful paper hats. 

We all enjoy a nice drink with our dinner so some festive themed tumblers or wine glasses can hold the perfect Christmas beverage. The centre of the table should be the centre of attention on Christmas day. Scented candles or some seasonal flowers and plants (or both) arranged beautifully together to create a show stopping focal point that is sure to get everyone talking (or those interested in homeware!) Once all the food has been consumed and everyone is full, an after dinner game can be a fun activity (we have picked up the Obama llama one) or maybe take some family photographs with a fun photo prop set or kit. Now, we understand everyone has their own traditions or preferences, but why not try something new or incorporate some different ideas into your Christmas dinner, day and table this year!

Place cards Paperchase £2 / Wooden confetti Not on the highstreet £2.99 / 
Table cloth Ebay £2.79 / Napkins John Lewis £2.50 / Crackers House of fraser £25 / 
Tumblers Next £16 / Table candle centre piece Farthing £9.95 / 
Obama Llama game John Lewis £20 / Photo booth prop set Lakeland £6.87

Sarah and Holly

      

the stockings were hung by the chimney with care..

Hanging stockings from the fireplace is a lovely tradition that as children we loved. We had knitted, fairisle, patterned stockings with our names stitched on them! (we will try and instagram these as we still have them!) These are unpacked from the storage boxes every year and they are a reminder to us both of all our Christmas memories! But these don't have to be purely decoration or for children either! Stockings can be a great alternative to using a gift bag and the stocking is also a bonus present! Pick a stocking that reflects the receiver of the presents or personalise by adding a name or adding your own additional decorations!

There are so many great stocking filler present options, that can fill the "christmas sock" with some exciting and fun treats! Chocolate coins, fun gadgets, socks, gloves are a few ideas but you can add anything you want! Why not pick a stocking out for all your loved ones and instead of giving expensive, large gifts choose lots of smaller, personal and special items that can fill the stocking right to the top. Or if you still fancy splashing out (it is the one time of year we all feel like we can) and are worried that the stockings size will restrict your options, then opt for a giant one! There are some out there too! Just maybe don't try hanging this one from the fireplace! 

Deer stocking Sasse & Belle £9.50 / Grey stripe stocking This modern life £25 / 

Knitted stocking Not on the highstreet £15.99 / Penguin stocking M&S £15 / 

Extra large stocking Not on the highstreet £17.50 / Animal print stocking John Lewis £12 

Sarah and Holly

                 

      

dasher, dancer, prancer...

... vixen, comet, cupid, donner, blitzen and not forgetting rudolf! (who else thought of jingle all the way as they read that!

Reindeers we believe are one of the most iconic symbols of Christmas. As children we always looked out of our bedroom windows on Christmas Eve, with the expectation of hopefully getting a glimpse of Father Christmas and his reindeer as they flew through the sky and listening out for the jingle of the sleigh! Now we are older we are glad to say we don't spend our Christmas Eve this way but we still love the idea of the reindeers! 

Sometimes shopping for Christmas decorations can be daunting! The shops are saturated with some many themes and styles (sometimes too much choice can be overwhelming!) and it can be difficult to select multiple items and imagine them all pieced together without it looking like a jumbled up mess or a mix and match! So often it can be easier to choose just one single element and roll with it! Luckily there are lots of different variations of reindeer out there! Realistic and wild, cute and adorable, simple and figurative or as part of a farisle print, it is easy to incorporate these creatures into your Christmas decorating. We think reindeers are a timeless, classic, familiar and simple choice that can be repeated and replicated Christmas after Christmas. The best part we think is that you can build up a vast and varied collection and pick up new pieces each year to add to it, so there is no need to rush out and buy everything you can find in your chosen theme! Collections take years to build up and that's the fun part! Here are few ideas to inspire!

Candle John Lewis £12.00 / Candle holder Ebay £19.99 / Heat changing mug Boots £9.00 / Pom Pom decoration Oliver Bonas £4.00 / Draught excluder M&Co £10.50 / Reindeer names print Not on the high street £9.10 / Metal Reindeer Habitat £45.00

Sarah and Holly

                 

      

it's a wrap!

Once the christmas shopping list is ticked off and complete its time to start thinking about how to thoughtfully wrap those important gifts. Just as much thought is needed in wrapping a gift as well as buying it, thats part of the fun of giving. Lets face it, buying the presents is the easy part but starting the mammoth task of wrapping all those presents is not one we look forward to. So why not get creative and enjoy it! There is a huge choice of paper, tapes, bows, tissue paper, string and tags, so you can get as creative as you like. You could stick to traditional colours and imagery or pick on trend designs that use hints of luxurious coppers and metallics. Character based designs, typography, there really is a massive range out there. 

If you are feeling really ambitious what about creating your own paper designs or crafting home made gift tags. If you are not as ambitious as that Sarah & Bendrix did a blog post about their printable designs, check the post out by clicking on the link. You could even incorporate small gifts into your wrapping. Tying a christmas decoration to a bow adds a thoughtful and sentimental touch to a gift. 

We have picked out some of our gift wrapping favourites below. 

Washi Tape Hobbycraft £5.00 / 2M Wrap pack Next £6.00  / 

Large gift bag Paperchase £4.00 / Red film bow John Lewis £2.00 / Personalised gift stamp Not on the high street £17.50 / Sticker Roll Wilkos £1.00

Sarah and Holly

                                                             

with every christmas card I write...

In our now very modern world of technology and gadgets you would think it impossible that the modest traditional Christmas card would still be so popular! Although sending a card does require a greater amount of effort than simply sending a text message or email, you can't deny a card has more thought and meaning. Thats why we like the idea that someone has picked a card and thought about you! There is something very nostalgic and pleasing about writing a card, sticking on a postage stamp (a christmas one of course) and popping it in a red post box! A simple and easy process, which gives a satisfying and warm feeling. In the run down to Christmas receiving a card is a lovely and thoughtful gesture to let someone know you are thinking of them at this time of year. As children we always loved opening the brightly coloured envelopes, to reveal an array of different designs. These were then always hung from string, which our Dad had attached from one side of the room to the other and by Christmas Eve there was quite a collection! 

The selection of card designs out there is vast and we think it is important to pick the right card for the right person. Designs and themes can range from humour, to cute and kitch, glitter, glitter and more glitter, traditional, scenic winter landscapes, modern and simple, charity cards, typographic, food... we could literally go on and on! The best tip we can give you, make sure before buying your cards to write a list of everyone you intend to send a card to (and maybe buy a few extra just in case you forget anyone!) there is nothing worse than running out of cards when you are in card writing mode. Our second tip, invest in a good quality pen and get practicing your handwriting. Now we all type on screens and keyboards constantly, so lets just say the handwriting skills might be a little rusty! Our final words of wisdom, don't leave it until the last minute to send out your cards, you don't want people to receive them on Christmas Eve! 

Christmas wishes Not on the highstreet £2.90 / Leap through the snow John Lewis £4 / 

Pea and pud Clinton cards £2.99 / Ski cat Paperchase £2.25 / Reindeer Whsmith £2.75 / Tinsel and elf M&S £5  

Sarah and Holly

                 

      

by the fireside

Living in a new build or modern home can sometimes be tricky when it comes to furnishing and decorating. Often the rooms can lack features and focal points. Older buildings offer beautiful original and historical features, which add character and charm. Don't get us wrong we love our houses, they are modern, fresh and bright! However, it can be hard to decorate or arrange a room when there is nothing to act as a centre piece! If this is the case then why not treat this as a blank canvas and an opportunity to make your mark and create a space that's right for you. 

A fireplace can be an easy and simple way to add focus within a room as well as creating a much more cosy atmosphere. There are many free standing electric fires to choose from in varying sizes (compact ones are available if you have a small room) as well as various different styles. These are easy to assemble and install as they don't require a chimney and many come already assembled! Just unpack, plug it in and wait for the room to get toasty!

As Christmas approaches we have spotted various images on Pinterest and in magazines of magical, dreamy rooms with roaring fireplaces adorned with stockings and beautiful garlands! (you always want what you don't have) But whatever shape or style room you have, a fire place can be included to create the perfect homely living room. And yes we know these may not be the traditional roaring open fires with logs that we all wish we had but this a good compromise, that is quick and easy to do yourself!

Smeg fire John Lewis £444 / White compact fire Argos £149.99 / 

Black traditional style fire Homebase £399 / Walnut shelf fire Fireplace world £499 /

Stove and surround Very £499 / Cube shelf fire Next £399

Sarah and Holly

                                 

      

put the kettle on

Now we are heading towards the colder months and the winter season, hot drinks for us become a must and necessity. The perfect way to warm up! Cups of hot tea, coffee, cappuccinos... well you get the idea! (we don't need to list them all!) Now we know kettles may not seem like the most exciting or interesting item to talk about but without these appliances we wouldn't be able to snuggle up and enjoy a nice hot beverage on these now darker, cooler days!

Kettles are a functional item but this doesn't mean they can't look stylish sat on the kitchen worktop. If you shop around you can find a variety of different shapes and colours to match your kitchen decor. There is a huge array of kettles out there depending on taste, ranging from copper / rose gold effect to bright and bold colours. Pretty patterns adorn some, while others use a more traditional shape and style! We even found some that change colour as they boil! The choice is yours! Just remember kettles don't have to be dull and boring and you can have a lot of fun deciding which one you want! The humble kettle is used everyday so why not pick one that is just a little bit more exciting! (the smeg one though how cute and available in lots of other colours too!)

Copper kettle Debenhams £110 / Red heart kettle Next £32 / 

Colour change kettle John Lewis £46 / Cuppa kettle Argos £29.99 / 

Smeg pink kettle Currys £99.99 / Cranberry kettle Asda £54.99 

Sarah and Holly

                                 

      

man on the moon: john lewis christmas advert 2015

For the last few years the John Lewis Christmas adverts have never failed to disappoint us and this year was no exception! With the sweet message about making someone feel special at Christmas, this advert follows a young girl who spots an old man living alone on the moon! The song choice (a cover of Oasis), the moral story line, highlighting the issues of isolation and loneliness felt by many older people at Christmas and the friendship between the two characters we think reflects what Christmas should really be about! If you haven't seen the advert then you can watch it below!

We have to admit before the adverts became so huge and popular we had never visited a John Lewis store! Now every year it has become a tradition to buy a new tree decoration to add to our collection! (the choice and selection never fails to disappoint!) We all think that adverts don't work but they have managed to entice us back very easily (once again this year!) using snowmen, bears, hares and cute penguins! Year after year this has worked as we return dazzled by the magical and fantastic adverts we have come to expect! 

The John Lewis Christmas advert always marks the countdown to Christmas for us! Its starts to make us feel festive and seasonal (just a little though.. it is still November!) It prompts us to start writing and jotting down ideas and presents for our loved ones! It's better to be early and prepared so you can enjoy the festive countdown and if you start buying now you wont be disappointed or miss out on the decent stuff! 

We have picked a selection of some of our favourite Christmas decorations and baubles from John Lewis this year. 

Be merry bauble John Lewis £8 / Stripe bauble John Lewis £3.50 / Fox John Lewis £4.50 / 
Stag John Lewis £5 / 3D star John Lewis £4.50 / Gold bauble John Lewis £3.50

Sarah and Holly

                                 

      

feathered friends

Its another animal inspired blog post this week (these are our favourite to write). So, this week's post is a homage to owl inspired homeware, as it seems to have a strong presence on the high street and online. With the winter months finally here and woodland/nature inspired trends influencing homeware, these feathered friends are a prefect addition to a room. Animal inspired pieces seem to stand the test of time and it seems owls are no exception. 

They really do seem to be available in all forms. From lighting, to textiles, to ceramics, it seems you can add owls in to any room in a home. They add a sense of character and personality (and we just love them). We personally love the cute, stylised and illustrative interpretations of these woodland creatures. 

Here are a few of our favourite items. 
We had a hoot picking them out... (we had to..)

Duvet set Debenhams £36-£60 / Soap Dispenser BHS £10 / Cushion Debenhams £ 17.60 / Chalk board Tesco £14.99 / Copper wire owl Habitat £12 / Lamp Dunelm £19.99 / Tea towel John Lewis £12

  Sarah and Holly

                                 

      

autumn glory

We have really embraced autumn on our blog and have posted quite a few seasonal posts recently (we just love this time of year). You might think we are been a bit premature with a post about wreaths (bear with us). But, with Halloween and bonfire night approaching and the season now in full swing we have seen more and more autumnal inspired items appearing on the high street. We think wreaths in particular would be perfect way to to decorate a home. 

Using natural materials and warm autumnal colours these wreaths add a hint of this nostalgic season to both inside and outside the home. We love the mixture of leaves, twigs, fruits and berries.

We think its a nice way to celebrate the change of seasons, the warm and rich colours and materials that represent this time of year.

Here are a few we have picked out...

Leaf wreath Etsy £35 /  Berry wreath Tk Maxx £19.99 / Apple wreath Tk Maxx £24.99 /

 Heart wreath Wilkos £5 / Mug Emma Bridgewater £17.95 / 

Tray Habitat £28 

  Sarah and Holly

                                 

      

they call it puppy love

Growing up we had a pet dog and she was a cross between a Yorkshire terrier and a Caine terrier. We had her for 17 years and it is safe to say she was a huge part of our childhood and our lives growing up. We haven't had a pet dog since and instead we have ventured into the world of cats! But this doesn't mean we have lost interest in dogs and in fact in the future we can definitely envisage two (one each) long haired miniature dachshunds, which would be our dream companions (one day!) 

A few weeks ago we published a cat themed blog post and we thought it was only fair to post a dog themed post too. It is safe to say there are many unique items for mans best friend on the highstreet and online. Home ware seems to be inundated with pugs, dachshunds and other pooches. So if you don't like the idea or the responsibility of a real dog, why not indulge in some dog themed home ware instead. We know we will be sneaking in some dachshunds themed pieces in our homes (just don't tell the cats!) 

 Towels BHS £8 / Cushion Anthropologie £39.95 / Totally dotty print Duck and dog £49.95 /

Notebooks John Lewis £6 / Candle holder M&S £12 / Oven glove Debenhams £7 / 

Tea towels Debenhams £14 / Cushion Urban outfitters £50 

  Sarah and Holly

                                 

      

cosy up: winter essentials

We thought for our post this week (and because of the change in weather, its getting pretty chilly out there) that we would pick out some winter essentials. Things that we think will help us to embrace the looming dark nights ahead. So here are some ideas that might help.

Adorn the fireplace or side board with some nostalgic and seasonal candles. We love lighting candles, especially in Autumn and Winter. Our favourite scents are vanilla, cinnamon, cherry, well we like lots really. 

 Add lanterns or fairy lights to a room and make it feel atmospheric and warm. Oliver Bonas have some really pretty copper ones. 

Cuddle up with some big, fluffy cushions or throws (a hot water bottle is also a must!).

Pick out a favourite mug and enjoy a hot drink (we love hot chocolates).

Here are a few of our favourite items that we have found to help us prepare for the cold nights ahead.

Copper string lights Oliver Bonas £9.50 / Large Jar Candle Primark £3.00 / Chevron Throw Next £25 / Hedgehog Mug John Lewis £10 / Cushion Not on the high street £65 / Lantern Wilkos £12

  Sarah and Holly

                                 

      

fall into autumn

As the nights start to draw in and the summer season comes to an end, its time to start

thinking ahead to those cosy nights in. A new season is the perfect time to introduce some new elements and items into your home.

Autumn is literally everywhere we look now. Fall inspired this... and autumn/winter that... and we have to admit this does makes us very happy! Autumn is our favourite season. Creating warmth and introducing textures from the outside into the home. Making the house feel loved, inviting and warm as you walk through the door. The addition of a few new pieces celebrates the changing weather and prepares you for those cold winter months ahead. 

But do not fear as Autumn doesn't have to be all about those stereotypical oranges and reds. We are not denying this is wrong if it compliments and works with your current decor. However, we believe it is important to make sure your home will still work the rest of the year by using transitional items that are coherent with your current theme or style. 

Adding some new patterns and textures will add some warmth and spirit and a few new soft cushions thrown on the sofa with a new snuggly throw makes the sofa an autumn haven. Woody browns and some earthy tones allow you to embrace the time of year to the full. We can't deny we will miss the long, light, warm summer nights! But this time of year should be embraced with just a few small changes around the home it might not feel so daunting! 

Lantern Matalan £15 / Wallpaper Wilkos £8 a roll / Cushion John Lewis £25 / 
Stag Asda £8 / Owl candle The Range £2.99/ Throws Debenhams £50 / 
Light shade Asda £8

  Sarah and Holly