Day {13} Branch Out

{House and Garden}

Last night my daughter and I watched the decorating of the White House. It's one of our favorite things to do during the holidays! Michelle Obama's theme this year was "Simple Gifts' celebrating the simple things in everyday life that bring us joy.  

"The greatest blessings of all are the ones that don't cost a thing: the time that we spend with our loved ones, the freedoms we enjoy as Americans and the joy we feel from reaching out to those in need," Michelle Obama

My favorite things from this year's decor were the decorations in the Green Room that had an environmental theme, especially the trees made from recycled newspapers and adorned with glitter and jewels. I also loved the wreaths along the East Colonnade made from dried flowers and fruits. They used 500 pomegranates, 400 yellow pear gourds, 450 artichokes, 350 purple dipper gourds, 350 green dipper gourds, 400 green pear gourds and 400 orange pear gourds to make the eight wreaths. In the Children's area there was a life size version of the Bo, the White House dog, made from 40, 000 pipe cleaners. I have always wondered how the lovely mantels with the cascading greenery were structured. They showed that you use a window box like structure underneath with oasis. It totally makes sense now!

And finally, I loved the big urns that were filled with branches that had been wrapped with sparkly icicles! I have noticed branches used a lot this year In Christmas decorating from simple centerpieces and advent wreaths to make shift Christmas trees and I love it! The branches take on a sculptural quality.

What could be more simple?

{House and Home}

{Ikea}

{The Inspired Room}

{Atlanta Homes Magazine}

{Pink and Polka Dot}

{Belgian Pearls}

{Bo, the White House Dog, on the White House Gingerbread House}

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