Nautical Inspired Christmas Wrapping!

This gold-glitter and nautical chart idea all started when I spotted this image at Coastal Living magazine last year.  I thought it might be fun to wrap our packages in charts from our local Bay Area.

Tom thought I was nuts.  The sales people at West Marine thought I was nuts; especially while searching through the charts one Sunday morning, I mentioned that I was looking for just the right nautical chart to cut up and use for Christmas wrapping.  I think they thought it was almost sacrilegious to deface a chart!    (P.S.  I did try to find one at Goodwill or the Salvation Army before opting for a brand-new one, but had NO luck in my search)

Step One:  Pretty Gold Glitter Wrapping Paper

Step Two:  Nautical Charts

Be careful, measure and position your packages to get the best effect

Step Three: Add the Ribbon and the Ornaments

Since I have so many sparkle shells (sort of embarrassing at how many I have!), I opted to use these pretties instead of a plain ornament.

And the finished packages! 

Ta Da!

No Words

I had a million projects to finish and start today for the holidays, but then the incident in Connecticut popped up on my television screen this morning.   Those projects just flew right out the window, and somehow things can just wait today...

My friend Wanda Horton said it best in the words from singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan;

“You're in the arms of the Angels; may you find some comfort here.”

There are simply no words to express this heartbreak.

Red Coral Christmas Table

Creating a festive Christmas table does not always involve using "traditional" holiday elements - especially when you want to add a touch of coastal living to your style.

  How about using "classic" holidays color tones; red, green, silver and sparkles,  just mix it up by using those same colors in seashell and beach themes.  

Voila'!  You have now created a whole new look using elements that you may already have; glitter shell ornaments, seashells, silvered seashells and beach etched glassware, and coastal themed table linens.  I use these pretty red coral ones for summer and for Christmas!  My centerpiece was simply put together with coral candles that I have had for several years, my ever-expanding shell and sea glass collection, and a few small silvered ornaments.

I think it all turned out rather festive!  Have a wonderful weekend, we are headed down the coast tomorrow to explore the holiday decorations and 

maybe have a romantic lunch in 

Carmel By The Sea. Hoping that we are able to capture some good images to share!

P.S.  Here are a few of the beach table scape items that I used!

 Red Coral Linen Napkins

 Silver Starfish Napkins

Starfish Wine Glasses

Aqua tumbled glass ornaments