It’s here! It’s here!!
I am so excited that this party is getting started and I cannot wait for what is going to be happening around Blogland this week! Can you tell I’m just a tad bit eager?
We have so many great things in store for all of you this week including some AMAZING GIVEAWAYS…I mean, seriously amazing folks! Like, if we didn’t think you all were so wonderful and want you to have a chance to enter to win these prizes we would seriously just keep them all for ourselves!
Did I mention they are amazing? 
We can’t think of a better way to start this Block Party then by heading over to Debbie’s place for a Copycat Challenge. And I’m pretty sure I have picked the easiest thing you could ever try and copy!
When I saw this arrangement
from Southern Living on Pinterest I knew it was just right for me. Cheap and easy…wait…not that I’m cheap and easy…I just like cheap and easy projects…errr….ummmm…you know what I mean!
I already had an oversized footed glass vase which had been a $7 TJ Maxx purchase and I knew that I wanted to use it on the side table in my dining room. So, this was the perfect way add some simple but elegant Christmas Cheer using mostly what I had on hand.
I always have oranges in our home this time of year as a way to try and fight my sweet tooth. TRY being the operative word there! The cranberries came from the giant bag I bought for Thanksgiving and keep stored in the freezer to just use as needed. And the limes? Well, my limes are fake!
I have lots of faux fruit and this seemed like the perfect way to save a few bucks!
In fact, you could do this entire arrangement using faux fruit, cranberries and greenery if you wanted and have it last a lot longer.
I thought I would have some extra trimmings from our Christmas tree but didn’t end up with as much as I had hoped for. So, I purchased a big bunch of fresh evergreen from Wal-Mart for $5!
You can find these in the fresh flower section of the store and they are such a great way to add color and texture, not to mention wonderful aroma, to your home this time of year without spending a lot.
You can find these in the fresh flower section of the store and they are such a great way to add color and texture, not to mention wonderful aroma, to your home this time of year without spending a lot.
I just love the color combination and how fresh and crisp it looks, especially with my homemade boxwood wreath hanging above it. Boxwood wreaths are so expensive and as much as I love them I just wasn’t willing to shell out the money for one. So, I simply purchased a small $4 grapevine wreath and using my %40 off coupon at Michael’s bought up a long garland of boxwood.
By wrapping it around the front of the wreath and wiring it to the grapevine branches, I got the look of a boxwood wreath for much less! Hung on the mirror with a Command Hook, I love how it adds a decorative touch without being overly “Christmas-y”. I might just keep it up through the winter!
Not only have I been hurrying to get everything done to get ready for the Blogger Block Party, I was also anticipating the party taking place on the block where we actually live! We hosted a Neighborhood Open House this weekend and it was such a wonderful way to usher in the season. Getting to know your neighbors beyond just a quick wave and maybe a “nice lawn you’ve got there” is so important! We are so thrilled to not only consider them our neighbors but also to call them our friends.
So, what about you, you party animals?
I can’t wait to see all of the amazing creations you have come up with and look forward to meeting you back here on Wednesday when I will be hosting the linky party for:
Doors and Porches
So, hang that wreath, string those lights, brush the snow off that doormat and get ready to link up your fabulous outdoor spaces!
Oh, and did I mention I’ll have giveaways? 
See you around the Block and thanks for joining me today at the Fence,
This post is partying here:
Debbie Doo’s Blogging and Blabbing: Magazine Copycat Challenge
Ivy and Elephants: What’s It? Wednesday
Debbie Doo’s Blogging and Blabbing: Magazine Copycat Challenge
Ivy and Elephants: What’s It? Wednesday
Hi and thanks a whole bunch for stopping by and joining Tassels Twigs and Tastebuds… This might be cheap and easy,,,but it is luscous and festive and that’s all you want! Happy decorating!
Veronica
Oh what a great idea. I love your copy. The fruit looks so pretty and colorful and the greens are so pretty, plus I am sure the smell is fabulous. Hugs, marty
How beautiful! Great idea too! You did an excellent copy…Christine
I love it! The fruit and greens are just perfect! I have that same glass vase and have used it on my mantel! 🙂
It’s gorgeous and I can almost smell the oranges as I’m passing by! 🙂
Thanks for popping in to see me.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
You’ve inspired me yet again. I will be copying your hurricane arrangements as well as your boxwood wreath. Beautifully done!
I love to mix those things together each holiday too! Your arrangement is so pretty, I will totally COPYCAT YOU! lol
Such a beautiful arrangement! I bet it smells nice too!
I love this arrangement! I’m a big fan of fruit mixed with greenery – so fresh and pretty!
I like your idea of just wrapping a boxwood garland around the grapevine wreath! What a simple, yet good, idea. Like your copycat vase, too. I need to get this decorating done. I am definitely late this year. Too much work and not enuf time to “play!”
Just gorgeous! I need to go get some cranberries so I can copy your copy LOL! This has been an amazing party, and I can’t thank you enough for asking me to join in. I think that invitation went viral or something LOL! Did someone put it on You tube? I never dreamed it would be this big. Enjoy! See you Wednesday, I have some work to do on my porch.
I love it! Now I need to copycat your copycat and Deb’s copycat…we’ll see what I come up with!
Yours is better than the original!!
Citrus always reminds me of the Holidays, great copy cat! Thanks for sharing!
That is lovely. I love oranges, but you have made me want to go grab a big bag of clementines.
I bet your house is smelling so good!
xoxo
Myric
LOVE IT Vanessa!!!
Gorgeous! Love it! Thanks for the great ideas!
What a great copy! Easy and festive! It adds a lot; and you didn’t have to spend a lot of money! Great job!
The arrangements is wonderful and looks great on your sideboard!
Beautiful, Vanessa! I love how the cranberries pick up the cranberry color in your lamps. I had no idea Walmart had a bunch of fresh greens ~ I will have to remember to get a bunch next time I’m there. I love the smell. Your wreath is great, too! I was looking for boxwood garland to use this year to make little wreaths for the backs of chairs and cabinet doors.
Oh I can just imagine the Delightful Fragrance that meets you when you enter your home….. I Love it…
Great copycat challenge project. It looks beautiful in your home. Wow…did you see how popular it is over at Debbie’s today. Awesome way to kick off the week.
Gorgeous colors!
oh yeah, love this, Real traditional Christmas!! the colors are gorgeous! xo
Your Copy Cat project is beautiful, Vanessa! Love the wreath too. I have been super busy getting ready for portion of the party.
Hugs,
Sherry
BEAUTIFUL, Vanessa! That footed vase is lovely, and you did a great job of copying the look from SL. (If you’re going to copy something, SL is a great source of inspiration, isn’t it?)
I don’t have anything to link up for the Copycat challenge, but I’m looking forward to participating in the block party. I’ve been working on my porches!
I’m like Debbie…I need to copy your copy…BEAUTIFUL!
I love that idea. You could even use that during Thanksgiving, I think! I bet it smells good too. Great copy cat!
Love it! It all looks so pretty!
This arrangement’s colors are so vivid and fresh! It’s almost tropical. Love the oranges. andrea@townandprairie
I love this arrangement, I always like to include citrus in Christmas decor, I usually make a garland from it, but this looks so much better.
I love this! It’s so chic! I’ll bet your room is smelling wonderful!
I love it! I love fruit/flowers combo! You knocked it outta the park! (I’m going to get an orange right now!)
Debbie
How did I miss this in Southern Living?? Gorgeous! I will be looking for some fake limes now! I want this in my kitchen! Thanks for hosting the Blog Party! So much fun! Christie
P.S. I have loved Simple Sundays…I have never kept cards from Christmas’ past…love how they evoke fond memories!