The Problem with January

I really struggle with seasonal decorating during January.

Autumn is my favorite season.  And Christmas is so festive.

And then comes January.  Blah!

I left the Christmas vase on the sideboard in the dining room as long as possible, but there comes a time when the poinsettias have to go.

It's too soon to start putting out flowers.  Even though we've had daytime highs in the 60s, it's really not spring yet.

I found this container at a thrift store a couple of weeks ago.

I liked the lines and its heft, but not the faux terra cotta orange-ishness.  I painted it with bronze craft paint.  Then dry-brushed it white.  Then dry-brushed it black.  Then brown.  And finally touched it up with an off-white until I had this:

All the layers of dry-brushing really bring out the details.  Since craft paint dries to a flat finish, a top coat of glossy Mod Podge gives it some shine.

Of all the fake plants available, I like ferns the best.

The bottle stopper is from our decanter, a victim of the holiday festivities this year.

This should carry the dining room until it's really springtime.