One of the very first blogs I ever stumbled upon was Janell’s Isabella & Max Rooms. I have been so inspired by her design skills and fantastic do it yourself projects. She has caught the eye of Nate Berkus and HGTV and is one talented lady. I am sure you will enjoy what she has to say today.
Thank you for inviting me to be a part of your Holiday Haven series Courtney! The haven I love to retreat to during the holiday season is a small house on the coast my family has been going to for years. We make sure to fit in a trip each winter for a bit of time away from it all. The days are simple and low key…that is the beauty of it! The house has the most amazing views of the ocean and this trip during the holidays has become a relaxing tradition. 
By the time we return I’m usually running behind on preparations for the holiday, so I make decorating the house as easy as possible. One quick way to bring in festivity is to simply layer garland and colorful ornaments on trays and candle holders that are already placed around the house, creating instant holiday centerpieces. 
Another way to add easy holiday decor is to fill a tall glass vase with ornaments. Using ornaments which pick up on colors already in the home allow the seasonal decorations to fit right into a room without having to remove existing accessories and decor. This simple approach is my idea of the best kind of holiday decorating! 
Thanks again for having me today Courtney and here’s to an enjoyable and stress free holiday season! Thanks, Janell! What about you? Have you put together some quick and easy holiday décor? I would love to hear about it.
WOW I wish I had a Holiday Haven as gorgeous as that! My what fabulous views!
Love decorating with ornaments, they just add a little bit of Christmas where ever you put them : )
Paula
Thanks for having me today Courtney, will post a link back in just a bit! Janell
Janell, gorgeous as always. I'd like to join you at that beach cottage 🙂
Really pretty, Janell! That's a really good suggestion to use ornaments that are in the same color scheme as your usual decor. It doesn't always work to incorporate red and green into every room in your house! And gorgeous vacation pictures, by the way!
Janell you have an eye for style like none-other!
oooo, I'm coming to celebrate with Janell at that beach house!!!
Janell, your retreat spot looks like a perfect place for a busy family to get away from it all. Thanks for the series Courtney!
-Rene
How nice to be able to get away to a beach house and just relax with the family. I bet it's very easy to unwind there.
The beach house sounds heavenly! What a lovely spot to unwind and spend some nice quality time with the family. I like Janell's tip on using ornaments and decorations which pick up on colors in the house. I'm into simple and elgant this year although I have not even started yet! Thanks, Courtney for the Holiday Haven series. It's a lot of fun!
I really love Janell – not only is her style impeccable, but she is so nice and warm!
Absolutely beautiful…as is everything Janell does. She was one of the first blogs I found as well. I have a very easy bow tutorial that you might want to check out. It makes for awesome Christmas decor. http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/2010/12/bow-tutorial.html
How fun to be able to get away, and to a beach house nonetheless! I love the simple decorations she's brought in. Thanks for sharing, Janell!
What a great post Courtney. Janell always has amazing and inspiring ideas to create. Love the non-traditional table runner teamed with Xmas baubles and candles for a centre piece. All simple ideas, but elegant, and cheerfully festive at the same time. Sonia 🙂
What a fabulous getaway!
Love the simple decorations!
XO
Kristin