PANACHE

Panache Photography logo

Holidays

Ultimate Blue and White Christmas Resource Guide: Tips, Decor, and Inspiration

This article is sure to give you tons of yuletide inspiration for your own blue and white Christmas decor!  This article is all about one of the most popular color combinations and popular Christmas Tree themes: blue and white.  This blog is a resource guide paired with our step by step decor guide for putting together your own blue and white Christmas tree.  The guide breaks down two Blue and White Christmas decor themes: classic blue and white with silver and white accents and a Miss America version incorporating lots of red.  Blue and white the classic chinoiserie color combination has enduring timeless appeal, with a symphony of tranquility and sophistication of Asian and European antiques.  The strong contrast of blue and white creates a timeless color combination that can be adapted to a vast number of Christmas tree decor themes.  And this step-by-step resource guide will help you find where the best blue and white holiday ornaments are available this season.  This article is all about Blue and White Christmas Decor! Classic Blue and White Chinoiserie Christmas Tree Theme This classic blue and white Christmas tree theme is adorned with an exquisite array of blue and white porcelain ornaments, matched with a muted and serene pallet of silver and white.  The blue and white Christmas ornaments really pop against the wintery inspired Christmas tree theme, silver mercury baubles, solid royal blue ornaments, handmade diy blue and white ornaments, shimmery silver ribbon, and white berry picks.  This version of the blue and white Christmas tree theme feels very sophisticated and wintery. Tips for Decorating Your Classic Blue and White Christmas Tree When you start mapping out this blue and white decorating scheme, it’s essential to create layers on your Christmas tree. As the base, each year we use a prelit tree and always add additional Christmas lights to create a beautiful warm glow that will showcase everything you place on your Christmas tree.  After the christmas lights we focus on creating layers on the Christmas tree design which add dimension and draw your eye in and guide your eye through the design.  Using elements like your largest baubles, berry picks, and ribbons placed strategically will make a map of your largest components to guide your placement of the smaller and feature blue and white Christmas ornaments to ensure they stand out in your overall design.   Blue and White Ginger Jar Ornaments These mini ginger jar ornaments are adorable and a must have for a blue and white Christmas tree theme.  Our favorites are the traditional mini ginger jar ornaments with a classic silhouette and china inspired patterns.  The blue and white ginger jar ornaments are very affordable and will look stunning for your Blue and White Christmas tree.   Silver Mercury Ornaments Silvery mercury ornaments also rift off of the historical vibes of blue and white ornaments.  Mercury ornaments were developed in Europe, particularly in Germany, in the early 1800s. Artisans would blow glass into shapes and then apply a mixture of silver nitrate and other chemicals to create a reflective surface.  In general, metallic Christmas ornaments in either silver or gold are timeless and a great investment.  Each year we plan our Christmas tree theme utilizing either silver or gold ornaments with every Christmas tree theme.  Learn more… White Berry Picks White berry picks are a stunning addition to any Christmas tree, enhancing the wintry aesthetic to your Christmas Tree Decor. Their delicate, frosted appearance captures the essence of a “white Christmas,” evoking feelings of warmth and nostalgia.  By incorporating these white berry picks into your holiday decorations, you not only achieve a stunning visual effect but also evoke the magic and beauty of a winter wonderland to the interior of your home.  To achieve the best visual impact, place the picks at varying heights and depths throughout the tree. This creates a more natural look, mimicking the appearance of fresh winter berries. Learn more… White Christmas Ornaments Incorporating white balls into your blue and white Christmas tree enhances the breathtaking wintry monochromatic color theme – creating a sophisticated and cohesive Christmas aesthetic. The crisp, bright white provides a striking contrast against the deep shades of blue, allowing each hue to stand out while harmonizing beautifully.  The interplay of these colors not only adds depth but also evokes the serene beauty of a winter landscape. The glossy finish of these white ornaments reflects light in a way that mimics freshly fallen snow. When decorating your blue and white Christmas tree strategically placing the white balls throughout the tree can help create focal points that draw attention to special blue ornaments or unique decorations. Learn more… DIY Blue and White Ornaments Creating your own blue and white Christmas ornaments can be a delightful and rewarding DIY project, especially when using elegant white glass balls as your canvas. These ornaments not only look beautiful on their own, but they also serve as a wonderful opportunity to personalize your holiday decor. Here’s how to bring your vision to life with blue willow-inspired motifs using a specific shade of blue color Sharpie. Start by gathering your materials. You’ll need white glass balls, the specific shade of blue Sharpie, a clean workspace, and possibly a paper towel or soft cloth for any smudges. Before you begin decorating, it’s helpful to wash the glass ornaments with warm soapy water to remove any residue or dust, ensuring that the surface is clean for the best results. Next, take a moment to plan your design. Blue willow patterns often feature intricate scenes with trees, pagodas, and birds, so consider sketching a few ideas on paper first. This will help you visualize how the motifs will look on the ornaments and guide your drawing process. Once you have a design in mind, carefully start applying the blue Sharpie to the ornament. Begin with lighter, flowing lines to outline your motifs, as this will allow for adjustments if needed. The smooth surface of the glass makes it easy to

Ultimate Blue and White Christmas Resource Guide: Tips, Decor, and Inspiration Read More »

Thanksgiving tablescape

New York City Christmas Kids Books

Christmas in New York City New York City is a renowned destination for holiday cheer. The city is adorned with dazzling lights and elaborate decorations that create a magical atmosphere!  The holiday season kicks off with the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, featuring spectacular floats, giant balloons, and Broadway performances. The festive spirit continues across the city with numerous Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and elaborate department store window displays. Central Park is a picturesque landscape  for winter activities, while landmarks like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and the holiday windows of Fifth Avenue have become must-see attractions.   Some of the Christmas time traditions in New York are over 100 years old and have become long standing holiday traditions.  With the 1874 display of  R. H. Macy’s “grand illumination” of 14th Street and Sixth Avenue,  spurring the beautiful tradition of Christmas storefronts in New York City.  During the Great Depression, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, first assembled  in 1931 to celebrate Christmas time.   Pair Your New York Christmas Storytime with Christmas Movies Featuring Christmas in New York The enchanting scenery of New York City all in lights for the holiday season has become part of many families’ holiday movie lineup!   Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and Elf are two holiday film classics that showcase the magic and charm of New York City during the holiday season!  These holiday films would be the perfect compliment to a storytime with kids books featuring New York City!   As you  follow along young Kevin McCallister in “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” and his adventure in the Big Apple and some of the city’s most  iconic landmarks: Central Park, the Plaza Hotel, towering skyscrapers and rows of brownstones, the film beautifully showcases New York’s festive atmosphere, adding a touch of magic and excitement to his Christmas adventure.   In “Elf,” Buddy the Elf spreads Christmas cheer throughout New York City!  The scenes are set against the dazzling lights of Times Square, beautifully decorated Gimbels department store, Central Park, and the festive buzz of NYC streets. The city’s festive backdrop creates a delightful and whimsical Christmas experience.  These movies not only provide holiday entertainment but also offer a wonderful glimpse into how New York City transforms into a destination of Christmas buzz and excitement.  Kids Books: Tools for World Exploration As a Mom of two I love changing out the books for my kids seasonally and throughout the year with holidays, family celebrations, and in the Mountains with the change of the seasons.  Books are an easy way to introduce my children, who are still a little too young to travel, to the world.     As a passionate traveler, I find immense joy in introducing my two kids to the wonders of the world through books. Each story becomes a gateway to new places, cultures, and adventures, sparking their imaginations and broadening their horizons. From the bustling streets of far-off cities to the serene landscapes of distant lands, these books serve as a bridge, allowing them to explore the world from the comfort of our home. Sharing these literary journeys with them not only fuels their curiosity but also cultivates a sense of wonder and appreciation for the diverse world around us. It’s a beautiful way to inspire their sense of adventure and love for travel, one page at a time.   As a family, we love using our credit card bonus dollars to build our kids’ libraries with a special focus on fun and engaging travel books. Each book we choose is a new adventure, transporting them to far-off places and diverse cultures without ever leaving home. From illustrated tales of iconic destinations to captivating stories about different customs and landmarks, these books spark their curiosity and ignite their imaginations. By investing in their personal library, we’re not only creating a collection of wonderful stories but also nurturing their sense of wonder and excitement about the world. It’s a meaningful way to ignite a curiosity of other cultures and passion for travel, ensuring our kids have opportunities to explore and dream through the pages of their new favorite books. New York City Christmas Kids Books: 13 Books to Add to Your Holiday Storytime Line-Up Here are 13 New York City Christmas Kids book recommendations that you will want to add to your children’s holiday storytime line-up.  These are books we love to use for storytime during the holidays and that are kid approved!  And just for fun we have them in order of our family favorites, with our top favorite at number one:    1. Red & LuLu by Mat Tavares Red and Lulu written and illustrated by Matt Tavares is our favorite New York City Christmas kids book and with good reason, this heartwarming children’s story beautifully captures the spirit of Christmas through a charming story and artistic illustrations of New York City. The story focuses on the tale of Red, a cardinal, and Lulu, his beloved wife, who live together in a cozy Norway Spruce out in the suburbs.   When the tree is selected to feature in New York City’s Rockefeller Center, Lulu is suddenly separated from Red.  Red embarks on a desperate journey to New York City to find her. As he flies over the city, he witnesses the vibrant Christmas decorations, iconic landmarks, and festive lights that make New York so iconic and magical during the holiday season.  The story culminates with a heartwarming reunion under the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.  Red and Lulu is a wonderful book to read with children during the holidays and is a celebration of Christmas in New York City! Learn more… 2. Christmas in New York (pop-up) by Chuck Fisher Even though “Christmas in New York” was published in 1998 this beautiful pop-up book by Chuck Fisher is worth tracking down a copy.  This captivating pop-up book incorporates intricate and dynamic pop-up scenes of the city’s most iconic Christmas attractions and celebrations in a way that’s both

New York City Christmas Kids Books Read More »