Holidays – Page 3 – PINEAPPLES AND SWEET TEA

All About Home, Decor, Entertaining, Everyday Life, Fashion and Style, Holidays, Holidays, Lilly Pulitzer, Longaberger, Monograms, Tablescapes

4th of July Decor & Style

June 20, 2022 No Comments

I love the 4th of July. I know, I know that means summer is half over, but it is such a special day. The town where my husband grew up and that we lived in when we were first married always puts on a fantastic parade. We see all of our old friends, bringing back so many happy memories. This year, our street is having a block party complete with fireworks(don’t tell anybody). Poor Ruby Sue, she will definitely need her medicine that night.

I decided to keep my dining room and decor simple this year. I have a collection of patriotic baskets from Longaberger and I thought that they would look nice on the dining room table. I wanted to keep my lemon and blue decor and the baskets were a nice compliment. The glass bottles were a great find at DollarTree years ago, and the simple addition of flags takes them up a notch. Garlands were the finishing touch.

Simple and classic

I simply add to the existing decor

My fireplace area always is draped in patriotic bunting. Simple and classic. I added a USA set of letters, floral picks, glass bottles, and candle holders. I kept this simple as well.

I love patriotic bunting

The entry is fun with the fireworks decor. The wooden flag I painted a few years ago and this year I decided to let it stand on its own. I sprinkled a little more decor throughout the house, but these are the key areas that I try to focus on. This week will be outdoor decorating.

A few fun pieces for the entryway

Lilly Pulitzer is a timeless American brand, and I love that they come ut with a new patriotic pattern every year with their colorful spin. This dress is from the newest collection. I paired it with an acrylic monogrammed star necklace.

Fun take on a patriotic theme

I liked this print so much that I also bought the matching skort and top. Wear them together and you have what we call a Lilly tuxedo. This will be my outfit for our neighborhood party and parade. For a casual event, I paired a patriotic monogrammed tank with a pair of Lilly shorts from seasons ago. Add a pair of white keds to any of these outfits and you are ready for the 4th.

A Lilly tuxedo

Casual look

I hope you enjoy celebrating the holiday with family and friends!

Until next week,

Carrie

All About Home, Decor, Everyday Life, Fashion and Style, Gardening and Outdoors, Holidays, Holidays, Initial Outfitters/Social Selling, Monograms

The Personalized Patriotic Collection From Initial Outfitters

May 9, 2022 No Comments

Can you believe that Memorial Day and 4th of July are just around the corner? The year is flying by. We always go back to where we lived when we were first married for the annual 4th of July parade. It’s always so much fun to visit with our previous numbers and see old friends. You know me, I love a holiday so of course, I need some new personalized patriotic decor, apparel, and accessories from Initial Outfitters by Carrie Kelly Lifestyle. Here are a few of my top picks from this year’s collection.

The easiest way to decorate the yard is a garden flag. I change mine for each season and holiday. Get into the patriotic spirit of summer, celebrating the good ole U-S-A and your pristine yard, all in one go! This design is perfect for the summer season!

Welcome friends with a personalized flag.

If the beach or pool is on the agenda, this personalized patriotic tote bag will have you seeing stars! The perfect summer tote bag, and the perfect size to use for the pool, the lake, or the beach!

Ready for the beach or pool with this bag!

Keep beverages cold with a personalized slim can cooler. I hate when drinks get mixed up when you set them down. This can cooler will solve that problem. This messy bun design is so fun too?

Never lose your drink again with a can cooler

New earrings are always a must for each holiday. Red, white, and SPARKLE in these patriotic Stars and Stripes feather earrings! Light as a feather and a dazzling addition to your outfit or swimwear!

Fun earrings are a must

Did someone say matching patriotic tees? Yes, please. With designs that everyone will love, there’s no better way to celebrate the great U-S-A!

Match your mini with a patriotic shirt

Whether you’re celebrating the USA by the pool, at the beach, at the lake, or at a backyard BBQ, these personalized soft tanks are cute and festive!

Show your spirit in this tank

Initial Outfitters by Carrie Kelly Lifestyle has everything you need to get into the patriotic spirit. Visit the boutique HERE!

Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Theorem Independent Hair Specialist helping everyone have the best hair day ever and Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

All About Home, Decor, Holidays, Initial Outfitters/Social Selling, Monograms

Personalized Easter Decor And Gifts

March 14, 2022 No Comments

Welcome guests

Welcome guests with a personalized flag. Make sure that bunny knows where to stop with a personalized Easter-themed garden flag! I always change my flag each season and holiday. A garden flag is a quick and easy way to update your home.

Fun for the kitchen

Update the kitchen in two minutes with two accessories. You will love our new hand towels! Made of 100% polyester and woven into a waffle pattern, they’re super absorbent and durable. At 16×24″ they’re the perfect size to hang over the handle of the oven or refrigerator to add a pop of color or personal style to your kitchen. Choose a green, pink, or blue design!

Update any kitchen

Add style and flair to your table settings with personalized placemats. Whether you’re purchasing one as a housewarming gift or gifting yourself, we have designs to fit every style. Our placemats are designed in-house and handmade just for you. Made with a polyester front & neoprene non-slip backing, these placemats can be purchased individually or as a set of 4.

Easter egg hunt fun

Perfect as an Easter basket or gift bag! Personalize with a name to make it extra special! This tote will be perfect for an Easter egg hunt or party.

Fun for Easter

Just in time for Easter and that special little egg hunter in your life! Our Ready Set Hunt Easter Bags are perfect for egg hunts or to fill with Easter goodies! Available in light blue or purple.

Easter made easy with initial Outfitters by Carrie Kelly Lifestyle. Personalization is always complimentary. Let your unique personality shine with Carrie Kelly Lifestyle.

Visit the boutique here!

shop.carriekellydesigns.com

All About Home, Decor, Holidays, Holidays

Easy St. Patrick’s Day Wreath

February 28, 2022 No Comments

St. Patrick’s Day is almost here. With the last name Kelly, it is a day to celebrate and have fun. Finn and Ruby even get little shamrock bandanas to wear. Wait until you see the shirt I found, it may or may not have a leprechaun flamingo on it! My front door was in need of a new wreath this year. I wanted to create something quick and inexpensive. Of course, DollarTree it was.

I knew DollarTree would have great pieces that I could do something with. Unfortunately, they were out of the green foam wreath shapes so I went with a wire one. Sometimes, you just have to improvise. I knew that I did not want too much bling and glitter in my designs so I picked a burlap ribbon. It covers so well too without making a huge mess. I almost picked the garland but I knew it would shed everywhere, especially on a windy day.

A simple and fun look was what I was going for. I decided to do all shamrocks. DollarTree has these packs of 12 shamrocks in light green and dark green combos. Perfect, the shamrocks will give it a little bling but not go overboard. I bought two packs but ended up only using one.

Instead of a glue gun, which was my original plan, I used glue dots. They worked well. Sometimes glue guns get so messy and I always end up burning myself. These glue dots were leftover from a previous project but are handy to have in a craft kit. I use them for so many things.

Putting the wreath together took no time at all. I started by laying everything out and coming up with my design. I decided to just cover one side of the wreath with the shamrocks so the burlap ribbon could still be seen. Taking the burlap ribbon, I simply wound it around the wreath form and made sure it was secure. I added a few glue dots to each shamrock and placed them on the wreath. I wanted to create a lush look so I overlapped some of them.

That was it, quick and easy. I think this will look great on our front door or gate. A little leprechaun luck never hurt anybody!

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

Everyday Life, Holidays, Holidays, Initial Outfitters/Social Selling, Lilly Pulitzer

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

January 24, 2022 No Comments

Valentine’s Day will soon be here. I love all the pink, hearts, and flowers. Just means Spring is soon to follow! I put together a few of my favorites for Valentine’s Day gift-giving.

Get into the Valentine spirit with a fun candy hearts sweatshirt. This one is monogrammed from Initial Outfitters. I think it is a cute way to add a touch of Valentine’s Day into your wardrobe.

Fun candy heart sweatshirt

Perfume is always a favorite gift to give. And who doesn’t love a little blue box? Tiffany & Love is a unique scent. Tiffany & Love Eau de Parfum for Her is a floral, woody scent. The fragrance opens with a burst of bright and sparkling top notes, beginning with blue basil–a botanical ingredient developed exclusively for Tiffany–paired with grapefruit for an aromatic crispness. It is one of my favorite scents.

A fabulous fragrance

A beautiful sentimental piece of jewelry is always appropriate. This stamped stainless steel bracelet is a gift that will always be treasured. Personalize this with up to 5 characters.

Hand stamped and special

Don’t forget your favorite fur baby. Treat your pet to a personalized Valentine bandana. Finn and Ruby get a new bandana every holiday!

Don’t forget Fido

Lilly Pulitzer released some beautiful Valentine pieces this season. The wrap is a favorite with its fun design. It is a piece I would wear year-round. The sweater is a more simple statement but still bursting with Valentine’s vibes.

Lilly Pulitzer Valentine Collection

Lilly Pulitzer wrap

Acrylic necklaces are a staple in my wardrobe. I love the modern style of these bar necklaces. Personalize this with a name, monogram, favorite word, or saying. So many different options.

Personalized acrylic necklaces

A fun gift for the girls, a mason jar mug. This personalized heart design is fun and festive. Pick up matching ones for all of your friends.

Mason jar mugs

Valentine’s Day shopping made easy. I’m looking forward to a virtual Galentine’s Day party with friends and we will probably cook a lovely dinner at home. I hope you enjoy a special day too!

Until next week,

Carrie

Shop the pieces here:

Carrie Kelly Designs And Initial Outfitters Boutique

Tiffany & Co.

Lilly Pulitzer

Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

Everyday Life, Holidays

Happy New Year 2022

December 27, 2021 No Comments

Happy New Year! I just can’t believe 2022 is just a few short days away! I hope you had a magical holiday with your family and friends. The holiday season can be a difficult one. If your holiday was not all that you hoped I wish you a fabulous start to 2022. We hosted our annual Christmas Eve and as always everyone had a great time. We have crafts, bingo, a special cocktail, presents, and lots of food! On Christmas day we hosted a small brunch with the boys. Bobby was on duty Christmas Eve.

2021 was certainly full of ups and downs. Could we have imagined that Covid would still be taking a toll? Bob and I both had it in the fall but our symptoms were mild. We were vaccinated in the spring. We spent the spring at our home in Arizona, always great to escape the cold Midwest winters! We didn’t have any visitors this past spring but looking forward to welcoming guests back soon. We enjoy hosting our friends and family for visits. The summer season always finds me at my happy place, the gardens, and flowers. My herbs went crazy this year and I always had a supply of mint and chives for cooking. I made it a point to try to get out for a long walk each day and just connect with nature. I still am doing that now on nice days! Bobby got married over the summer and that was certainly a special day celebrating with family and friends! We took a quick trip to Chicago for some shopping and a ballgame too. Love walking around the city. We took a few other trips out to AZ and a trip to Florida in the spring but mainly stayed around our home this year. I love spending time decorating for the seasons and puttering around the house. We had many extra doctor visits and unfortunately, Bob’s eye surgery was not successful. He suffered too much damage in his fall. That has been a big one.

I learned many lessons this past year. The biggest one is that sometimes friendships aren’t meant to last. It has been a hard one to end friendships with people that you thought would always be in your life. I learned a lot about people and when you are going through something rough you really find out who your friends are. I let some go and to be honest, it has been very freeing. I am blessed to have friends that I know I can count on anytime. My circle became smaller but I became happier. I learned that life can change in an instant. We never would have imagined Bob’s fall from a ladder last year and that his injury is permanent. But the silver lining is that his injuries could have been so much worse. I learned a lot about myself this year and what I am capable of. I expanded my business and ventured out into YouTube, newsletters, and more content. I even am a co-author of another book being published soon. Stay tuned. I learned to give myself a break and realized that I put too much pressure on myself to do everything. I give myself a break and do things just for me!

2022, I am ready and looking forward to all it has to offer. I know it will offer many challenges as each year does but we get through them and always come out stronger on the other side. There will also be many wonderful things to celebrate and to celebrate the little things in life. I am looking forward to spending the winter in Arizona and Spring Training. Hopefully, a trip or two with my friends too. 2022, bring it on! Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy, and fabulous 2022!

Cheers,

Carrie

Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

All About Home, Decor, Entertaining, Food, Holidays, Holidays

Holiday Brunch With The Girls

December 20, 2021 No Comments

I love celebrating and entertaining all holiday season! The last few years I have hosted just a small brunch with a couple of my closest and dearest friends. Brunch normally turns into afternoon, we can spend hours just chatting away. It is always a day that I look forward to! I am very lucky to have a group of amazing girlfriends that I can share my life with!

This year I did a simple place setting using pieces from my Emma Bridgewater collection. Toast And Marmalade is my favorite pattern, but I mix and match them all. The glassware pieces are also favorites and this year I treated myself to the extra-large hurricane. It is beautiful! Each place setting also has a little gift too!

New pieces to my collection

Classic Emma Bridgewater table setting

Of course, champagne and mimosas are always the perfect way to start off any brunch! I served a quiche, one of my favorite brunch items. A simple salad with a champagne vinaigrette accompanied the quiche. My Spode ornament canisters held a cranberry dip and fruit. Those pieces are always a fun way to serve treats. Another special treat was champagne truffles from Fortnum & Mason. They were delicious.

A delicious quiche

Mimosas are a must

Drink station

A pretty way to serve

A delicious treat from Fortnum & Mason

The day was lovely celebrating another year of fun and friendship. I am already looking forward to our brunch next year!

Happy holidays!

Carrie

Grab the brunch recipes here:

The perfect mimosa

Quiche

Cranberry Dip

Salad with Champagne vinaigrette

Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

All About Home, Decor, Entertaining, Holidays, Holidays, Tablescapes

Quick and Easy Holiday Decorating Tips

December 13, 2021 No Comments

Are unexpected holiday guests arriving? Are you throwing a last-minute holiday party? Have you waited until the very last minute to decorate for the holidays? Take the stress out of holiday decorating with these quick and easy holiday decorating tips from Carrie Kelly Designs And Boutique.

The front door of a home is the first thing a guest will notice. Welcome guests with a beautiful wreath hanging on the door. Many markets and home stores have selections of ready-to-go wreaths. Instant decor update.

Welcome guests with a wreath

Add candles to give every room a warm glow. My favorites are the flameless candles. They look so real and without the mess. Everything just looks better in candlelight. I sprinkle candles throughout each room.

Add candles for a warm glow.

A quick garland on the mantle is all that is needed to make a room feel cozy and decorated. A pre-lit garland is what I always use. Adding extra bows, pinecones, ornaments, and other natural elements creates a beautiful showpiece in no time.

Hang a garland over the mantle for instant drama

Holiday placemats quickly give a high-end look to a dining or kitchen table. I always use personalized placemats to add just that little extra touch. I added a monogrammed napkin and napkin ring as well. A simple greenery sprig finished the look.

Simple place setting

As an added touch, I place a wreath on the back of each dining chair. A simple gold cord looks elegant against the greenery. A noticed addition when entering the room.

A touch of greenery to each chair

These are just a few of my quick and easy tips to decorate a space in no time. By focusing on a few key areas the house comes alive with the feel of the holiday season. Let your unique personality shine with Carrie Kelly Designs And Boutique.

Visit the boutique here!

shop.carriekellydesigns.com

Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

All About Home, Decor, Holidays, Holidays

Quick Tips To Decorate A Holiday Mantle

December 6, 2021 No Comments

The holiday season is here. I enjoy making my home sparkle and shine for the holidays! There is nothing better than the glow of the lights on a cold winter night. I focus on key areas of the house to create an impact. The mantle and fireplace area is the focal point of our family room. Here are some of my favorite and quick tips to decorate a holiday mantle.

I always start with a beautiful lighted garland. This one came from Hobby Lobby years ago. I was looking for something a little non-traditional and magnolias are one of my favorite flowers. I added some black and white ribbon throughout the garland and just let it drape and fall into place. It was the perfect beginning to my design and I can leave it out all winter.

Start with a beautiful garland
Add a little drama and height. With our tv now hanging above the mantle that can sometimes be difficult. These glitter trees are perfect to flank the tv. I also like that they add just a pop of color to my black, white, and burlap theme.

Add some height

Add a contrast of materials and textures. These burlap bows break up the black and white and add another layer of texture to the design.

Add different textures and colors

I finished my design with a wreath that incorporates all of the elements from the mantle design and a lantern. A personalized floor mat from Carrie Kelly Boutique sits in front of the fireplace. Coordinating stockings are hung from the mantle. And of course, my dogs, Ruby and Finn have their Santa sacks from the boutique out waiting for Santa.

Finn and Ruby’s Santa Sacks

Add a wreath and floor mat

This year’s design took me no time at all. A few well-thought-out pieces are all you need to create a beautiful mantle and fireplace area.

Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

Holidays, Holidays, Initial Outfitters/Social Selling

Holiday Gift Guide, Personalized Gifts For The Home

November 29, 2021 No Comments

What to get that person that has everything? A personalized gift for the home is the perfect gift. Slate accessories for entertaining, personalized placemats, and coasters are a unique and appreciated gift. My go-to gift is always a personalized cutting board. This holiday gift guide full of personalized gifts for the home has everything you need for that hard to buy for person! Personalization is always complimentary! Let your unique personality shine with Carrie Kelly Boutique.

Here are a few of my favorites!

Slate accessories coordinate with any style of decor. Available in your choice of coasters, cheese board, and tray in a variety of styles!

Slate accessories
- My favorite gift for any occasion is a glass cutting board. Add a stand for display. I always have one displayed in my kitchen.
  
  My go-to gift, a cutting board
  - Add style and festive flair to your table settings with these personalized placemats. Whether you’re purchasing one as a housewarming gift or gifting yourself, we have designs to fit every style. Our placemats are designed in-house and handmade just for you. Made with a polyester front & neoprene non-slip backing, these placemats can be purchased individually or as a set of 4.
    Personalized placemats for the table
    
    You will love our new hand towels! Made of 100% polyester and woven into a waffle pattern, they’re super absorbent and durable. At 16×24″ they’re the perfect size to hang over the handle of the oven or refrigerator to add a pop of color or personal style to your kitchen! Machine wash on cold with a light detergent.
Fun in any kitchen
- Welcome guests with a personalized floor mat. For indoor use only. I have several throughout my home. A quick way to add a pop of color to a space.
  
  Welcome guests with a floor mat
With so many styles to choose from, a set of coasters will make a perfect gift. Gift a set in a holiday theme or an everyday theme!
Coasters make a perfect gift
- A personal addition to your Christmas tree, a personalized tree skirt! Has 2 ties to secure together with in the back. 46″ diameter.
Beautiful tree skirt
- An ornament commemorating the year is always a special gift. Everyone in my family gets a personal ornament every year!
  
  Personalized ornaments
  
  Great gifts for the home made easy with Carrie Kelly Personalized Boutique. I offer complimentary virtual personal shopping services to help you find the perfect gift and finish all of your shopping in no time. The holiday season is a time to enjoy all of the magic that the season has to offer! Let me make your shopping a little easier.
  
  Until next week,
  
  Carrie
  
  Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.
  
  You can find her at:
  
  links.carriekellydesigns.com