The first week of the New Year I got a huge urge to clean, clean, clean! I was eager to put away all the Christmas decorations, clean, and de-clutter.

Im going thru a phase where Im a bit tired and bored of set looks and want to play and change things a bit.

The major room I tackled was my Dining Room. 

Last year I did very little entertaining in my home, but this year Im anxious and excited to host more dinner parties for my friends.

My first one of the new year is this weekend!

Im embarrassed to admit that last year I NEVER put my dining room decorations aways. They stayed up all year long. Every month I kept telling myself I'll take them down now.  Well, one month would turn into another than another. Finally by August I saw no point because Christmas would be here before we know it.

As soon as Christmas 2010 was over, I FINALLY took it all down and put it away till next Christmas.

The room was left as one big GIANT dust bunny! 

Furniture, window seals, sheer curtains, base boards, all had dust.

 

I spent two full days removing/washing curtains, pulling furniture off the walls, dusting every little knick knack, moping, swifting, cleaning each crystal on the chandelier,  and finally putting it all back together.

It's a boring icky job, but the results are beautiful and the room shines and sparkles once again!

 

 

I love how clean everything looks once again! It feels good to have all the Christmas clutter gone!

 

I rearranged my items and collectables on the buffet.

 

 

I pulled out my pretty Bavarian cake plates and cermaics that had been sitting inside a cabinet for well over a year.

I windex'd the table and made a new centerpiece arrangement. 

 

 

I gave my pillows and chairs a good fluff!

 

I changed out the poinsettia in my vases for vintage ostrich feathers.

 

 

Sooo fab!!!

 

 

Of course I have to display my faux sweets!

 

 

 

Gave hanging art work a light dusting.

I took out all the figurines, teacups, glasses, and plates and cleaned the whole inside and rearranged them a bit when putting back.

 

 

My favorite little "re-do" was this table and area. 

A sweet little vignette

 

 

I originally had a lacey panel draped over the window, but I thought it needed something else instead. So, I ended up going to Urban Outfitters website and purchased the Flounce Ruffle curtain. 

 Wow! I love how it looks!

 

 

It feels SO good to have this room ready to entertain and host my first dinner party of the New Year this weekend!

 

I can sit back, relax, and enjoy!

 

XOXO,