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Christmas Decorating:
Why Didn’t I Think of That?

by | Dec 9, 2008 | Seasonal Decorating & Entertaining

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Christmas Decorating:<br> Why Didn't I Think of That?

I took one look at this photo and realized I should never have given away my cute bunnies (don’t worry, they weren’t real bunnies. I mean fake ones). Somewhere along the way, I determined that bunnies weren’t happening for me. We put them on our table every Easter for years, but decided if I wasn’t using them every day anymore, I could say goodbye! Now, I wish the bunnies were around because I’d put them on my table for Christmas too.

Sigh. I love the plaid and the woodland theme with the bunnies. Why didn’t I think of that?

Bunnies aren’t just for Easter anymore.

See why it is hard for me to downsize? I miss my old stuff. Ok. That’s all. Have a nice day.

Tip for the day:

Think outside the box for holiday decorating — combine old things in new ways.

Photo: Country Living

59 Comments

  1. Jinx

    I’ve seen a ton of cute woodland decorating ideas too! I really like the effect.

    But, for the first time ever, I went “themed” to match the new decor, all silver & blue & sparkle. Which means not only do I have boxes that will go unopened this year, I will have NEW boxes to try & store in January! (‘Cuz I’m not getting rid of anything, just in case!)

    Jinxs inspiring blog post..I’ll Have a Blue Christmas…

    Reply
  2. Rachel

    I HAVE BUNNIES!!!!! I bought a ton of bunnies last year as decorations for my daughter’s 1st birthday (Beatrix Potter theme); I just assumed they would be a “Easter/Spring only” decorations. But that picture is beautiful. What a great idea. Thanks for sharing. :)

    Reply
  3. Jill Flory

    Hi Melissa,
    I know what you mean about missing your old stuff. I tend to do that too. I keep something for a LONG time, decide I’ve had it with storing it and never using it, get rid of it, and then see or think of a great way to use it:-( the bunny idea is very cute, maybe you will find some cute bunnies at Goodwill or somewhere, priced very cheap. They will have come from someone just like us who decided they didn’t use them enough and they will probably be regretting it just like you!!
    Have a Blessed Yuletide!
    Jill

    Jill Florys inspiring blog post..Pretty Posers.

    Reply
  4. Jan

    Hi Melissa…

    What a cute idea.

    You know…with 48 moves under my belt…and having to down-size…or sell everything to move just in the back seat and trunk of my car…I knew I’d miss alot of my things, my “pretties”. So…I took pictures of my things. I kept those pictures for a long time…then one day, decided that even the pictures (not ALL of them) could go, too! You know why? Because I was making memories with other “pretties”.

    Try it…it may just help you, too!

    ~Blessings,
    Jan

    ps…you’re included today…in our Come to Jesus and Pray post…for prayer

    Jans inspiring blog post..Come to Jesus and Pray

    Reply
  5. Kathy

    I really love this look!

    Kathys inspiring blog post..Aprons

    Reply
  6. CatHerder

    I LOVE the bunnies. We have a tiny bunny that sits on our landing going upstairs. He peeks out from behind a huge vase of flowers throughout the year, and at Christmastime i have three large wood cutout trees with lights on them…he peeks out of there. I love my bunny!

    CatHerders inspiring blog post..BBBRRRRRRRRRR

    Reply
  7. Amanda

    too cute! You can “Christmas-up” almost anything. Thats what I love about decorating- “you make the rules” Sorry to hear you gave away your bunnies- maybe Santa will send new ones your way. Speaking of bunnies have you seen the bunny toile dishes- I heart them!!!!
    http://www.distinctive-decor.com/j-willfred-bunny-toile.html

    Reply
  8. Stacey

    Yay!! Another use for pretty bunnies. I love the way they mixed the yellow plates with seasonal plates, too. I can do that!!

    Staceys inspiring blog post..Leaving on a Jet Plane

    Reply
  9. Kimba

    Cute idea! I wouldn’t have thought of that either. Hmmmmm…wondering where I put my ceramic oposssum. ;-)

    Hang in there, girl. I’ve been thinking about you this morning.

    Kimbas inspiring blog post..Open House and You’re Invited!!!

    Reply
  10. Astrid

    Hmmm….I love the natural look- especially for Christmas time.

    I can certainly understand what you mean about downsizing. It IS hard. When we did our BIG move from AK to Lower 48 we got rid of tons of stuff. Once in a while I wonder what happened to X…

    I love that I can go “shopping” in my basement. I’m always discovering items I thought I’d lost/given away/sold. I’m still sifting through the stuff and slowly getting rid of stuff I truly don’t like.

    Astrids inspiring blog post..Cookies! and more

    Reply
  11. sherrieg

    I may be the only one, but I think you made the right choice about the bunnies! :)

    sherriegs inspiring blog post..Gift Basket

    Reply
  12. Bonnie Mattson

    Melissa, I have been thinking of you as Christmas gets closer and know you must be under a lot of stress with your move and all the things you are always involved in. You are amazing! I have some Blissfully Domestic photo adding questions for you but I know this is not a good time. But after you get settled in WA. maybe would be better. I was hoping when you said you were moving it was to CA not WA…but I am sure you will love it there.

    I now exactly what you mean about the downsizing, it never fails that after a brave day of tossing there is inevitably remorse just around the corner!

    Reply
  13. We are THAT family

    I like the bunnies too. I’ve been mixing dollar store glittery items with my more sophisticated things-and I love the results!

    We are THAT familys inspiring blog post..Size Does Matter

    Reply
  14. Terri Steffes

    I often think, why didn’t I think of that, when I come HERE!!!

    Terri Steffess inspiring blog post..The Magic Tree

    Reply
  15. Dena

    Oh good Lord, where did I stuff that ceramic bunny……I would have never thought of that! I am going on a bunny hunt now :)

    Hugs,
    Dena

    Denas inspiring blog post..Major Changes

    Reply
  16. Cheryl

    Great idea……was just looking at my bunny the other day while doing the quest room for Christmas…..left him just where he was…but I think I’ll give him a Christmas bow! Great tip. Love bunnies. and Christmas bunnies are a special treat! Another great tip I got from Tracey at Notes from a Cottage Industry, is to get your old skates out from when you were a girl! Deck them out too! ~Cheryl

    Cheryls inspiring blog post..looking out my window

    Reply
  17. teresa

    Love beautiful Festive table settings- and Plaid is way fun- I never seem to remember to use it though- thanks for the reminder :}
    Merry Christmas

    Reply
  18. Vee

    Yup, this is just what makes culling so challenging. The minute it (whatever IT is) is gone, we wish we had it back. Don’t worry! Those rabbits will be back at T.J. Maxx come Easter time or perhaps at the Goodwill. I’m taking your “think outside the box” as my word for the day.

    Oh, Melissa, I made one of your cookie cutter garlands and I just love it. So cute. So easy!

    Vees inspiring blog post..The Aprons Three and Free Gifts for Friends and Family

    Reply
  19. Renee

    Christmas bunnies! Why didn’t I think of that? Love the idea, thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas.

    Renees inspiring blog post..Christmas Baking Recipe #2

    Reply
  20. Eileen Terwilliger

    I know EXACTY what you mean. We want to downsize too, and the lovely man who shares my life always says: “But WHERE will we put our stuff?” and I always answer: “Sweetie, we won’t have stuff.” Oh dear, do you think I was imagining that it would only be HIS stuff that would go? I may have to rethink my approach….. I have bunnies too!

    Eileen Terwilligers inspiring blog post..The Most Beautiful Ornament in the World ~

    Reply
  21. Laura Ingalls Gunn

    What a great post. Sometimes we just need a reminder to see something that is right in front of our decorating eyes. :)

    Laura Ingalls Gunns inspiring blog post..Happy Birthday Mr. Decor!

    Reply
  22. Lisa (Pumpkin Pink cottage)

    Wow good I’m glad I’m not the only one, I leave my bunnies out all year round I love them…I only have two for now,,,just little guys, but they are just two cute to put away…After seeing that photo I want bigger ones all in white too…Hugs, Lisa

    Lisa (Pumpkin Pink cottage)s inspiring blog post..Gunny Asked me to Please not Blog This!!!!!!!

    Reply
  23. Pat

    I have those moments, too, Melissa!

    It seems our woodland hearth room, etc has moved to the back porch. We’ve always done something like that in J’s “lodge”, we moved the idea upstairs. We like it! We are truly enjoying sitting in front of the fire in the hearth room this year. I found my brown bunnies at Hancock Fabrics marked 50% off, the day I bought the toile for the china cabinet. It was meant to be. They’ve found a home under the tree, this year.

    Pats inspiring blog post..~A Back Porch Christmas~

    Reply
  24. anne

    Just been reading all the comments and Jan is right..think of all the other “pretties” you have or will get.

    I have moved 3 times since 2000, and decided to get rid of most of the ceramics I made!! Sold some, did car boot sale, and gave away some..I have a few items that I just couldn’t part with. Started doing ceramics again 2 years ago..and my tastes have definetely changed. But someone else is getting the benefit of the lovely things I made and used to admire. :-)

    annes inspiring blog post..Colletta di Castelbianco ….

    Reply
  25. PamperingBeki

    I love the “Think outside the box” idea for Christmas decorating, but also for year round.
    I have several things that I bought on after-christmas-clearance that I use in my regular decorating just because they’re sparkly and pretty. :) But I only paid pennies for them.

    Reply
  26. Maven

    I totally relate. I’ve gotten rid of so many things over the years… For me, it’s roosters. I had three antique roosters from my great grandmother;s farm house. One day I decided no more roosters in the kitchen for me and gave them to a friend.

    I still grieve ;)

    Have a fabulous week!!

    Mavens inspiring blog post..The First Recipe in Our Exchange… The Poolboy Tucks Into T Squared Elder’s Jalapeno Poppers!

    Reply
  27. lylah ledner

    Love it. Love the plaid. Darling look. I just added a new look to my dining room table – set the table in my poinsettia plates and bowls along with place mats – just as if someone were coming for dinner – soon!

    blessings…lylah

    lylah ledners inspiring blog post..from my kitchen – using herbs to dress up a turkey

    Reply
  28. Amy from Texas

    Interesting… I would have never thought to put out ceramic bunnies. Looks good in this photo, but I’m not sure if I could pull it off in real life. You should do a Mr. Linky of people that have used something other than the average Christmas decor.

    Amy from Texass inspiring blog post..Gifts from Kids

    Reply
  29. Rhoda

    Well, you’ve probably noticed I’m a big bunny lover (for special bunnies, that is) and use them pretty much year round. I didn’t do any vignettes using my bunnies this time, but I did leave up my green bunny plates in the kitchen & they work great with the Christmas colors of lime green and red I have going this year. Bunnies are forever in my book!

    Rhodas inspiring blog post..Foyer Christmas Magic

    Reply
  30. mary beth

    This post made me laugh. I am trying so hard to be good and get rid of my stuff….but I second guess myself every step of the way….and then when I do actually get rid of something, I see how somebody else has used something similar and I think, “See, I should have kept that!”.

    mary beths inspiring blog post..Hot Oatmeal, Decorating and Some Good Links!

    Reply
  31. shelbi

    yes! i do this too….i always buy red! red it the best color. you can use it for christmas, valentines day, the 4th, and gosh…’date nights’ too….red subliminally gets you really ‘revved’ up…:::wink wink::: if ya know what what’amean…!

    hugs
    shelbi

    Reply
  32. {this is glamorous}

    Funny you should say that — this weekend, was ruthless with clearing things out — must have donated 20 boxes of things that I thought I no longer needed/wanted, but it was so difficult! Love to just hang on to everything :) And now I’m worried I’ll miss things as well . . .

    By the way, really love the plaid wrapping — such an inspiring idea!
    How’s your week?
    xo

    {this is glamorous}s inspiring blog post..{smitten + a best friend gift list}

    Reply
  33. Kelly

    I can’t tell you how many things I’ve donated over the years that I wish I had back. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one!

    Reply
  34. Tara

    I love your tip of the day…mixing old with new is one of my favorite things! And well mixing old things in new ways, that sounds fun too!!

    My mom has some bunnies…hmm, I need to share your post with her maybe she will think twice before finding them a new home!

    Cheers~
    Tara

    Reply
  35. Penny

    I would have never thought of that!! So cute!

    Reply
  36. LuLu

    Love the bunnies, they like Christmas too!! It is so nice to see something outside the box, it gives me courage to try new things.

    LuLus inspiring blog post..Vintage Door and A Wreath

    Reply
  37. Alice

    I’m always doing that …seeing something and thinking ‘why didn’t I think of that?’ Don’t you just hate that when that happens, especially if you’ve given that ‘something’ away! Well, you will just have to search out new bunnies! I love the tablescape scene …it’s so woodsy; but, sophisticated all at the same time.

    Alices inspiring blog post..OH CHRISTMAS TREE….

    Reply
  38. Rhondi

    Hi
    I used to have a bunny collection too and I also got rid of them. After seeing this I wish I had kept them too!
    Hugs, Rhondi

    Rhondis inspiring blog post..Something’s Missing

    Reply
  39. Pretty Organizer

    I’m electing to go simple this year as well. In this experiment I have found that I focus more on the season… winter, warm friends, comforts of songs and lights instead of Santa, gifts, and the commecialism (however that word is spelled) of Christmas. My house is decorated with garlands, natural wreaths, bows and subtle color spalshes that feel Christmasy but aren’t overbearing. A great change for a busy year! Love simplicity!

    Pretty Organizers inspiring blog post..For the wives on Christmas…

    Reply
  40. villa anna

    Hi Melissa! :)

    Bunnies I would never have considered for Christmas decor before but I am LOVING those stunning handpainted plates! I usually use plain white china but I am now inspired and on the hunt for something painted with red and green hues.

    Anna :)

    villa annas inspiring blog post..A nursery fit for a princess…

    Reply
  41. Becky K.

    The creativity is awesome!

    I popped by to invite you to stop by Hospitality Lane today to enter a little contest/giveaway.

    Hope things are going well in your planning and changes.

    I look forward to your update posts…

    Becky

    Becky K.s inspiring blog post..Silly Grins Giveaway/Contest

    Reply
  42. Alicia

    i love using non holiday items to decorate for Christmas. I think it reminds me that everyday is a blessing not just the holidays.

    Alicias inspiring blog post..Holiday Home Tour 2008

    Reply
  43. Deanna

    Melissa,

    I give you permission to relax, keep it simple and enjoy the moments!

    Preparing to move, keeping Christmas, keeping your heart in sync with His….I am praying for you today!

    ps. Those bunnies are cute on the table – but I would need an enormous table to put that whole centerpiece on the table along with the dishes! :) I really do need a larger table!

    Reply
  44. Robin

    Hi Melissa! I am dreadfully behind on my blog visits …I need to catch up! I am going to revamp my site and update my blog links to buttons so I will come back and get the button that links to your site.

    I hope all is well with you!!
    HUGS,
    Robin

    Robins inspiring blog post..Old Friends, Gratitude and Less is More

    Reply
  45. Arleen

    Hi Melissa. I love the idea of bunnies at Christmastime, and the contrast against red and tartan plaid in the photograph in your post is a stunning vignette! I collect Fitz & Floyd pieces and there is a line called Woodland Snow that depicts Santa and forrest animals in the snow. So fresh and beautiful, and bunnies are such Ambassadors of Peace, aren’t they?!

    Arleens inspiring blog post..Christmas and The Absence of Red

    Reply
  46. Carolina Mama

    Love your sites. Beautiful and informative. You know I found you from our Twitter convos. :) Love Giraffes too. :) Great work on your homes.

    Carolina Mamas inspiring blog post..Christmas Cards Are Complete ’08

    Reply
  47. Sweet Cottage Dreams

    Melissa, I feel your pain. Been there and done that and I do it all the time when I sold something I loved on eBay. But maybe after you move and get settled in to your new home some cute bunnies will be available for you to buy. What a charming table setting, too! I just love all of your inspiring photos. I look at my stuff and say, “Geesh, I need to trash this and get new stuff”. haha.

    love ya!
    Becky

    Reply
  48. Sandra Evertson

    I Love it! Bunnies at Christmas! Perfect!
    Sandra Evertson

    Reply
  49. Stephanie

    I’ll have to remember this great idea for next Christmas. I adore bunnies but have NEVER used them at this time of year! Thanks so much for the inspiring idea!!

    Big TX Hugs,
    Stephanie
    Angelic Accents

    Stephanies inspiring blog post..PINK SATURDAY 12/06/08

    Reply
  50. meg duerksen

    i have been wandering all ove rmy house today trying to find something i already own for my christmas centerpiece on my dining room table. i am sick of spending money. but no luck yet.
    but i am sure i have something! somewhere!

    meg duerksens inspiring blog post..hello

    Reply
  51. terry price

    Hi Melissa, this is the first time I have commented on a blog, even thought I love them, but could’nt resist as i had bunnies too and had to downsize and I still regret it too, but like everyone else I will be on the hunt, can always downsize again, love your blog.

    Reply

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