Home Tweet Home for the Holidays!

Having friends and family over for the holidays? Want to add a little punch to your decor?

“It’s okay to give the standard red-and-green color scheme a pass now and then.”

Kirsten McKay, our art director, was inspired by the Foothill Auxiliary’s 13th annual “Holidays on a High Note” benefit.  I asked her how she does it.

“Table-top display is a lot like painting, You start with an idea and it takes on a life of its own once you begin.”

Kirsten chose something unexpected and different, focusing on birds, and affectionately called her setting “Home Tweet Home for the Holidays.”  I really liked the pointers she offered.  It really helps!

Decorating Without the Stress

• Start with an object or theme as your guide
• Work with what you have
• Give yourself a deadline

A table-scape like this can look intimidating at first glance, but it doesn’t have to be. Kirsten started with a natural, organic theme as her inspiration and let that be her centerpiece.  She’s a great believer in scavenging, and gathered easy-to-find items, including branches, leaves and dried grasses for the display.

Then she added ornaments from the store—like this whimsical brass bird—to complement the look and make it fresh and fun.  And how do you get all this done you may ask?

“I think it’s good to work with a deadline.  Good ideas come when you have a need.”

Monkeying Around with Tim

Here’s some tricks of the trade I learned from Kirsten:

• Create a framework with your big items, and then layer around it.
• Use a triangle, layering at the top, middle and bottom.
• Great style comes from contrasts.  Use textures, colors or objects.

First, for the framework and top point of the triangle, Kirsten used large Raku vases filled with dogwood branches. For the midsection, she added the carved wooden reindeer on each side, and for the lowest level, she layered in clusters of leaves and dried grasses to add dimension and depth.

Natural materials can look dull, so add a little contrast.

At Brick Monkey, you’ll see a penchant for including a touch of bling and sparkle in what they do. In Kirsten’s table setting, the silver hammered chargers and brass birds catch your eye and give the table elegance and contrast, making it fun and fresh.

We want you to be inspired

Creating a fun, new seasonal look doesn’t have to be daunting. You can make it fun, stylish and simple. Visit Kirsten, or any of the monkeys at Brick Monkey, and let us help you find your holiday inspiration.

At Brick Monkey, we strive to support our local community, including the “Holidays on a High Note” event. This annual fund-raiser is a benefit for Peninsula Family Services; a nonprofit organization based in San Mateo dedicated to helping transform the lives of children, families and older adults in need.

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