Cottage Kitchen Christmas

The kitchen at our home was renovated back in 2015, which consisted of a complete gutting and opening up the kitchen to the "family room". We of course didn't own the house at that time and the homeowners did a great job with an up-to-date remodel. They had a large TV and sound system located in this niche shelf above the bank of cabinets and counter. We didn't want a large TV there, as I prefer a smaller one on the counter that I could see when seated at the bar. So... what to do with that open shelving that left a big vacant space between the cabinets?

We considered having a matching glass front cabinet installed or another shelf for open shelving. That would have been nice to display dishes and specialty china and crystal, but with all that was going on we just opted to leave it "as was". That space has now become a focal spot for seasonal decor and vintage items.

It's been fun to see that change over the seasons. So here we go for Christmas

with one of my old goose decoys dressed up with a Tartan Plaid ribbon, 

a few Christmas tins, and an evergreen tree with a new plaid Thermos.

For the island, I love to fill one of my vintage totes with seasonal kitchen goodies.

So for Christmas this year, it's holding a few of my vintage rolling pins, 

some vintage red handled kitchen utensils, and a small faux evergreen tree.

When the girls were young I used to make a triple batch of sugar cookies

for each holiday which always came with a big helping of icing.

It was easy to overdose on those because... 

well, who doesn't love cut out sugar cookies slathered in icing?

I still use my Betty Crocker Cookbook that was a wedding present.

I've not tried the Gingerbread recipe, but this pic was so festive

I just had to share it!

I have a big collection of cookie cutters from vintage to the 80's. 

I'm always on the lookout for gluten free recipes for sugar cookies.

Someday I'll give them a try, when I think my waistline can take it!

sorry, I have no control over sugar cookies...

Have you ever seen a gingerbread man with holsters and guns?

Probably from the 1950's cowboy craze.

Here are a few pics from last year that for some reason 

I didn't share here on the blog.

My sister surprised me with this adorable plaid cottage 2 years ago while we were working on this house. We thought we might possibly be moved in by Christmas but didn't make it that soon. I kept it here and it brightened up our work days!

Back to this year...

Hope you're having a great weekend; cold and a winter mix here...

This would be a good time to heat up that oven 

and make some cookies!

brrrr.

joining in here:

Finding Silver Pennies-Sunday

The House on Silverado

Love Your Creativity at Life and Linda, 

All About Home at Common Ground and Follow the Yellow Brick Home
Inspire Me Monday at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

 Celebrate Your Story at The Zucchini Sisters,  

Tips and Tutorials at Home Stories A to Z,  Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

Make it Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House
Party in Your PJ's at Apple Street Cottage
  Keep in Touch at Let's Add Sprinkles  Wonderful Wednesday at LeCultivateur 

Turnabout Tuesday at My Wee Abode,  Share Your Style at French Ethereal
Centerpiece Wednesday at Karin's Kottage
Charming Homes and Gardens at Shiplap and Shells

Vintage Charm at Our Hopeful Home,  

Thursday Favorite Things at Follow the Yellow Brick Home,  
Embracing Home and Family at the Everyday Farmhouse

Create, Bake, and Grow at Shabby Art Boutique, Farmhouse Friday at The Painted Hinge