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10 Minute Decorating: Holiday Edition!

For the past few months, my good friend Laura from Finding Home, has organized a super fun 10 minute decorating series.  You can find my first post here, in which I DIY'd a quick and easy colorful marble tray.  The next time around it was focused on autumn, and you can find my gold "leaf" art here.

This round we were challenged to focus on the upcoming holiday season.


On our recent little vacation, I was able to do some window shopping.  I couldn't purchase much as we were limited luggage wise, however, I did spot a set of four check napkins at Sur La Table on clearance for $8.  I dove for them, got them, and brought them home.

They are the inspiration for this year's holiday decor theme.  I just love the warmth of the black and white check pattern, and decided to pair it with silvers and pinks as we sprinkle decor around our home.

But hold the phone.  Did I just type that?  Holiday?  What?

When Laura mentioned to me last week that we were already focusing on our holiday post, I went into a state of shock.  It feels too early to me, I don't typically start decorating until after Thanksgiving.  So knowing I had to come up with something, and quick (hence the 10 minute title), I selected something that would look decoratively charming in our home for the next two months regardless of a kitchen renovation and the state of the remainder of the house.  Ladies and Gentlemen, I bring you the DIY embellished tea towel!  #andthecrowdgoeswild

Are you ready for the simplicity of this darling project?  Here is what I started with:


The reindeer was cut by my Silhouette out of Smooth Heat Transfer Material.  The best part about the material is that you do not need a Silhouette to use it (and can just Google the product to find it sold at many online retailers).  You can trace any pattern and cut it out by hand.  Just be sure to pick something with simple lines and something that won't take too long to cut.  For the rest of the project, I used the new napkins, some pink ribbon, some pom pom trim, scissors and Liquid Stitch.

Step 1:  Place the heat transfer object right where you want it located on your towel.

Step 2:  Iron into place.  I found it worked best to use parchment paper and a high heat setting to get the transfer material to really stick.



Step 3:  Using the Liquid Stitch, embellish the bottom of the towel with ribbon and trim.  No sewing required!

And ta-da!  Quick, easy, affordable and darling.  Definitely an inspirational jumping off point to begin thinking about holiday decorating.  I love that I can use these when serving guests or just to keep on display in the kitchen. 


I also did a second one that says, "Be Bright".  Instant 10 minute holiday sweetness!


If you love these types of quick projects that take very little time yet leave you smiling, then be sure to follow along with the 10 Minute Decorating series over at Finding Home; including additional tips from myself, Michael of Inspired by Charm, KariAnne of Thistlewood Farms and Jessica of Four Generations One Roof. 

Ten, 10 Minute Decorating Ideas for Christmas

Faux Fur Garland

Holiday Letter Bling

Holiday Ornament Napkin Holder

And we also want for YOU to join in with us!  Just share your projects with us via instagram using the hashtag #10minutedecorating and we will all be checking in to see what you creative kids are up to!

Have you started decorating for the holiday season yet?  What colors are you going with this year?