Glitter

For those of you who know me, it's probably not a big surprise that I love shiny things -- glitter, metallics, sequins and such.  But it somehow seems more appropriate to celebrate glittery things around the holidays. It's okay for decorations and outfits to sparkle a little more than they would other times of the year.  In my own home, I try not to go overboard on the glitter since I live in a house full of guys (even our dog is male).  I do sneak in a few glittery branches and pinecone ornaments in the half bathroom.

My husband calls this our "Macy's bathroom."  I don't know what he's so upset about.  What guy wouldn't want to leave for work with a dusting of silver and aqua glitter on his sweater just because he went in to wash his hands before he left?

If you like shiny things, year round or just for the holidays, you might like these too...

48" glass beaded garland ($7.50)

In World Market stores only

This garland would be nice down the center of a holiday table, interspersed with clear and mercury glass votive candles, or you could buy a few garlands and weave them into your tree to add some sparkle there.  Really pretty with white lights!

"Only Gold for Me" nail top coat ($9)

A Sephora by OPI product, this is a clear top coat with bits of gold glitter floating inside.  You can apply it alone for a hint of gold or layer it on top of a darker color for a more dramatic effect.

Lit mercury glass globe ($24)

So technically this isn't glittery, but it is shiny!  Pottery Barn has three different sizes of mercury glass spheres, each lit up from within.  Only the smallest size is still available online, but check your local store for more sizes.

Poseidon necklace ($30)

This cool pendant looks like it's filled with confetti

Ivory and gold stripe ribbon (set of 3 for $4)

I particularly like the ivory/gold stripe (in World Market stores only)

Glitter wax pillar candle ($14)

A 3" candle handmade by women in Honduras.  Proceeds go to support shelters and programs for women and children.
{For a local option, Target has several sizes of glitter-encrusted candles.  I like that the glitter is pretty subtle.  In stores only, in three colors.}

TOMS silver glitter shoes ($54)

For every pair of shoes sold, TOMS donates a pair of shoes to a child in need.  These are also available in gold, black, or pink glitter if silver isn't your color.

Set of 6 German glitter ornaments ($12)

Six snowflake ornaments hanging from ivory ribbon (free shipping right now)

Sequin animals ($15 each)

$5 from each purchase goes to support St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital

Metallic hairband ball ($8)

A set of 30 hairbands in different metallics

Kids' glitter Converse sneakers ($30-35)

My niece has these in pink and wears them all the time (they also come in silver, purple, and light blue)

Little sparklers bobby pins ($15)

Add a touch of sparkle to an updo (available in three different styles)

The good thing about decorating with or wearing shiny things is that they really aren't limited to the Christmas season.  All these silver and gold items are perfect if you are throwing a New Year's Eve party, and they also look wintery when mixed with white or ivory, which means you can leave them up a little longer and enjoy a bit of sparkle when January comes crashing in with its dark, cold days.