So I have been bad, very bad, about keeping up this blog, and I PROMISE to be better about it! I have, however, been working on compiling a bunch of ideas and pictures to share with you all. Since we are full swing into the holiday season, I thought that I would share with you one of this year’s hottest trends (ok, it’s definitely not a trend-it’s been around forever, but this year it’s as popular as your annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party): TARTAN PLAID! There have been times where I’ve felt that it’s a bit of a dated look, but with the past year being the way that it has been, it seems like we could all use some good old fashioned decorating in our homes. Tartan seems to mix well with modern décor and to fit the bill perfectly.

I think this is a great dining room setup from bhg.com for a roast beef and yorkshire pudding Christmas feast. Note the pretty greens tied to the backs of all of the chairs and the simple, but impactful, paperwhites on the mantel of the fireplace. The tartain runners against the white tablecloth give the print an updated look.

If you wanted to add a little more plaid to this look, you could always place these great (and affordable) dessert plates designed by Jeffrey Banks and available at hsn.com on top of white dinner plates and use them for a first course (to me, tartan has a relaxing appeal to it, so I don't feel the need to have the table and all of its components set exactly how my grandma taught me).

These adorable little trees from Pottery Barn could act as the perfect floral arrangements on you dining room table! The next day, you can plant them in your yard.

These cute wine bottle decs from Pottery Barn would add something festive to your drinks! They could also serve as a great hostess gift for your next holiday party or as a perfect stocking stuffer for the wine lover in your family.

This bar set from Pottery Barn just makes me giggle. It reminds me of Clark Griswold and his egg nog for some reason!

You could always make pillow covers out of tartan plaids like the ones above from The Scottish Weaver. They could go right over your every day pillows in your family or living rooms. All you would have to do is leave one end of the cover open and secure it with buttons.

To add some warmth when the temperature drops, any of these cashmere throws from Restoration Hardware will do the trick.

A friend recently brought this candle from Yankee Candle to my house as a gift. It smells surprisingly fresh and airy, almost like it's not there, but then you get a little wiff and it's lovely!

This book would look oh so nice on your coffee table...and could provide much inspiration! It's available at Amazon.com at a great price.

If you're going to decorate with lots of plaid, then these simple stockings from Pottery Barn would add a nice contrast.

So those are my thoughts on plaid and the holidays. I hope that you enjoyed them and are able to mix and match this great design with your every day things! TS