I've been shopping

and it was well worth the wait!

Are you like me, do a little window shopping in November and December and wait for the January sales?  So excited when the items are still available and priced right.  But can you imagine my reactions when someone else liked it also?  Well, there is still a bargain waiting for me.

Something about thriftying is a challenge but very rewarding.
I will always be a thrifty shopper...more for your buck.

Oh happy day when I saw these poinsettia clips and the burlap ribbon. I know the holiday season has come and gone but it's okay. Just planning with pretty accessories for the upcoming season(s).

This ice bucket caught my eyes and my first thought was I have the perfect place to display as a functional and conversational  piece. People get excited when you think outside of the box. You hear the frequent statement, "I would have never thought of that".

Gray and white placemats  and a matching runner.  Since I use silver during the Christmas season, this will definitely compliment.

Just can't contain myself when I see a bargain.  Love creating seasonal vignettes

Love a little glitter and a little glamour. 

These chargers are head turners, that's why I purchased them.  I have always loved copper and use it sparingly in my home. 

I am in love with these white feathered birds. Face it, I am a bird watcher.

and 

little obsessed with  this Mercury glass pumpkin.  Pottery Barn find for less than 20 dollars.

Already thinking about a winter wonderland mantle.

Just visualized these in a vase for a spring look.  Do you shop at HomeGoods?

Christmastime..snow on the branches.  These will be great tree fillers. What do you think?

Happy Thursday to all!

Thanks for stopping by the Houz

Susan @ MiMi'z Houz

appreciating winter beauty

Got the winter blues or the winter spirit? 

Have you ever thought about what life would be like without the winter season?

No boots...love my boots

I must admit I love the cold weather and a snow day, but I don't like being confined to the house.  On the flip side, I have the opportunity to organize, donate and purge.  I call it winter cleaning or should I say having the winter spirit.

Here in NC, one week can be below or at freezing temps and the following week may be a few spring like days. 

My take of winter starts with color

white

then

silver

then

shades of blue.

and

I love simplicity and clean lines... that's winter beauty .

Just imagine what's missing without the winter season!

longer nights which can mean more family time/activities and/or enjoying your coffee indoor

Loving a winter wonderland.

season to snuggle up with favorite blanket and pillow

you and your favorite book by the fire

a soothing retreat with a fireplace

Winter is a wonderful and most definitely a memorable season of the year with the fresh snow flakes and trees loaded with ice.

Enjoy the remaining days of winter

 and thanks for spending time at the Houz.

Susan @ MiMi'z Houz

images via pinterest

Guest Proof Your Living Space for Entertainment

Are you ready for your guest?

Does the gathering room provide sociable seating areas?

Is the gathering room spacious and functional?

Does the gathering room have a defined entrance?

Glad you are here today. Always enjoy the visit. Wishing all a Merry Christmas...

Can't you tell, I get so excited this time of the year?  It's another reason to spend time with family and friends.

I am also excited to share what works for me during the holiday!

as

entertaining can be very stressful

but,

on the other hand,
it is an enjoyable occasion as quality time is spent together.

Let's begin!

with the WOW Factor

I just want to "WOW" each guest with a festive and  welcoming entryway,

as

the foyer serves as a pass through,

and

an easy access to the living area, which is crucial at this point.

Merry Factor

So happy when my guest mingle,  navigating freely around the room

just

because of the layout
(the heaviest piece of furnishings anchored along the longest wall),

but

not against the wall,
small- scale furniture mixed with big furnishings creating a balance for the room
and
less is more

Joy factor

I love the joyful noise

as conversations are engaged simply because of proper furnishing placement.
(sofa and small chairs facing each other creating a 1-on -1 conversation or a group conversation).

and

ample seating (an ottoman can serving double duty: seating, and a place to rest your glass.


How do I know my home is guest-friendly?

...the guest definitely 

not rushed to leave....

 Thanks for stopping by the Houz.

Happy Holidays!

Susan @ MiMI's Houz

images via pinterest

Celebrating the season

Christmas greetings from the Houz...

So glad you are here as we celebrate the holiday with our white tree  adorned with white lights and snowy pine cones. The holiday excitement begins with a trimmed tree and ALL the gifts under and around  it. 

Oh what fun it is as we anticipate the joy of family members gathering to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Here it is.. trimmed and I'm loving it.

Colorful and shimmering ornaments purchased at the end of the season. 

Couple of years ago, I decorated a birthday party in January and used these pine cones to reflect a wintry scene.  This year I decided to adorn my tree with the pine cones .. a little natural look. Surprised at how they attach to the branches without ornament hangers.

I have a passion for my birds.  They really compliment the ornaments. At least two birds on the tree.

I added my white roped ornaments and poinsettia clips creating a little inspiration.  Another sale at the end of the season.  Best time to add to your collection.

White bird definitely makes a statement.

Eye catching white feather wreath displayed on a ladder. A target find last year. Target is a great place to shop after Christmas. Check out the reindeer.

Sharing also a festive vignette on my beverage cart.  Snow flurries and ornaments demonstrate winter wonderland.

Thanks for stopping by the Houz and hope you were inspired.

Susan @  MiMi'z Houz

holiday table setting

Happy holidays!

Oh what fun it is to decorate for the holiday.

It's so rewarding to take the old and the new and create a perfect design, one you love and  an inspiration to others.
Most of my decorations are from previous years. I am loving my holiday table as it's a reflection of me.

Take a look...

Simple but yet festive.

 Not sure how long the reindeers have been around but so precious.   Always part of my annual decor.

Sometimes it's using what you have. Instead of hanging my wreath, I placed it on the table creating a stunning centerpiece.  The glittering wreath helps set the mood for the holiday.

Peacock, pine cone and a frosted
ornament top the winter white plate and charger. Love the peacocks I purchased at the end of the season....soo pretty.

Each year I find new ways to display my decorations. I love the many ways ornaments can be used.

From my home to your home, 

Merry Christmas.

Susan @ the Houz

deck the mantle

Tis the season to be  jolly!

Christmastime at the Houz... 
Just like a child in a candy store this time of the year, especially when I pull out my Christmas bins and visit my favorite stores: so many choices, so many pretty displays and sometimes I am just overwhelmed,

but

I enjoy the moments humming carols as I decorate. Are you one that sing or listen to carols while decorating?  What's your favorite Christmas song?

Let's go caroling as you take a look at my Christmas Mantle!

Ready?

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

 

Silver bells...

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas...

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow...

Do you see what I see?

Oh Holy Night! The stars are brightly shinning...

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

Silent Night, Holy Night...

The first Noel...

Joy to the World...

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer...

It came upon a midnight clear...

Away in a manger...

 

Christ the Saviour is Born ...

 I wish you a Merry Christmas

Susan @ MiMi'z Houz