Winter decor inspiration from Hallmark Magazine

I'm sure by now you've heard through the blog grapevine that Mary Engelbreit Home Companion has sung its swan song. Big time bummer, but I'll admit that over the last year or so I've liked it less and less. I can't put my finger on why exactly--I'm not sure if the content has gotten thinner or it has gone too 'artsy' or what--I just know that I haven't enjoyed reading it like I used to. However, the recent Antiquing issue was fabulous, and seemed to me to be a return to the old Home Companion that I liked so much. Sad that it made that turnaround right before its demise.

However, I've already found its replacement in the pantheon of the magazines I love so well: Hallmark Magazine. Somehow I scored a free subscription through a link on this blog and I've really been enjoying it! The December issue has a fabulous spread with bird-themed Christmas decor in the most beautiful shade of blue, silver and touches of red.

all images from Hallmark Magazine December 2008 issue

Here's a link to the article if you want to see the other photos. There's even a template for that darling bird garland made of vintage sheet music, beautiful blue ribbon and tiny ornaments. I think I'll try to use these ideas for my January 'winter' decor. I was at Wal-Mart yesterday to buy the mushroom ornaments I saw on Sarah's blog and found some cute little glittery bird ornaments in silver and aqua that could definitely work for this theme.

Today marked the beginning of the second weekend of The Purple Pansy Boutique! If you're local, do come by--we're open from 10 am to 5 pm. If you mention that you saw this on my blog you'll receive an extra entry into the door prize drawing!