Merry and Bright in the Christmas Dining Room

This seems to be my favorite look for the Dining Room and easy to put together, since I've done some variation of this over the last 5 years that we've been at this house. It has my go-to elements like my Christmas plaid and burlap holly tablerunner combo, one of my lanterns, and my tried and true holly topiaries. 

Holiday Dining Room with Holly Topiaries

Hello Friends, Wow what a weekend. Filled with family and so much fun and so many blessings. I hope you all had an equally Happy Christmas. I'm playing "Christmas Catch-up" this week, trying to get in a last couple of Christmas posts for my video diary. I like to do this for myself even if it's on the back side of Christmas. I try to mix it up each year so I won't get décor lazy. A Home Tour each year gives me a visual of what I've done for Christmas décor. Hopefully, you might enjoy it too. 

Winter Whites Tabletop Vignette

I don't share this little table often because it tends to be a catch all for whatever I'm putting together in the Garden Room. But it has a sweet little shelf where most of my ironstone pitchers live year round and my vintage silver tray and a mix and match coffee service. It turned out that it was a perfect spot with just the right amount of space to pull together a "winter white" look for these early days of January.

The After-Easter French Country Mantel

Hi Friends, I hope you had a wonderful Easter. 

Were you able to be with family and friends?

We were on our own still, 

but we did have a lovely day.

Vintage Valentine "Love"

I'm getting a few things together for Valentine's Day here in the Kitchen Sitting Area,

 but it's taking me a little longer this last week to get things accomplished. 

So, I thought I'd share a little Valentine's Love while I'm getting the rest of it together.

Christmas Dining Room

I love this time of year, 

but getting dark around 4:30 can be frustrating,

especially when you're editing photos and realize

that you need just one extra shot.

I tried to make use of the lower light 

and just add a little twinkle.

So, let's take a peek at the Dining Room,

all dressed up for Christmas.

On the Mantel with Pears and Pumpkins

So, I had to look back through my list of posts to see exactly when I had last shared what was happening on the mantel. Last Christmas? you're kidding me? Basically, I've left the main elements the same and have just changed up a few things in the center. I have to drag out a step stool and climb around to work on this monster, so it's just been easier to ignore it.

Snow Owls on the Mantel

It just wouldn't be October on the Mantel without my little Snow Owls. A few years ago white owls were the latest addition to the Fall Scene, and that reminded me of what a fad owls were in the early 70's. All the poor homely little ceramic owls that had been packed away or sold at garage sales started to make a comeback on the shelves of flea markets and antique malls. They were still homely, but I had a plan...

Easter Mantel

I was thinking about the fact that I don't have a lot of "Easter" things out when I realized I probably haven't shared my mantel since Christmas or right after. I bought some new pussy willow stems and white blooming branches for Spring-i-fying the pottery vases, since I couldn't locate any Spring branches here at the house. I think my second tub of Easter goodies that I had from last year is buried somewhere in our basement storage room (story of my recent life).

The "Wait Till Thanksgiving is Over With" Mantel

I still have tons of boxes to unpack, and I can't get my hands on a few of the things that I'm looking for, but I thought I'd show you my quick fix for my "Late Fall/Wait Till Thanksgiving is Over With" upstairs mantel. I've had a running joke with a few of you over the fact that my Fall Mantels go through 4 or 5 transitions before Christmas. What can I say...Fall is my favorite time of the year!

I'm lazy when it comes to decorating the mantel. If I find the "basic" elements that look good, and that I can "add to" for the seasons, then chances are they will stay there. The big mirror is bolted on so there won't be any mishaps, so that will be staying. I love my Wolff Pottery urns, and I can change the seasonal flowers and greenery easily, so they're a staple also. Ditto for my mantel lamps. They are easy to work around and I love the warm glow they give in the evening.

I love the versatility of a Preserved Boxwood Wreath, especially in the cooler months. And so my wooden monogram from a couple of years ago was the natural addition. I'd like to use a seasonal ribbon to hang them with, but Hubbs would have to get a ladder and make that happen. With all that's going on to still get unpacked here, get the lease house cleaned and ready to turn back over to the management company, and then get ready for Thanksgiving and company, I haven't made that request. Maybe next weekend I can  persuade him get that accomplished.

Just pretend that this cute little leopard print ribbon is holding up that wreath and monogram...doesn't it look pretty?

And speaking of Leopard Print ribbon, I made a quick change on the front door basket with a few pieces of faux greenery and leaves, just taking out the sunflowers from the "Earlier Fall Version".  Next weekend, it will be reworked for Christmas.

You can see my reflection in the glass...BTW I'm still in my leopard print fuzzy pajamas taking pictures with the door open while cats are escaping to the front porch. Sure hope no neighbors were out there. They've already been warned about my crazy blog photo habits.

My two large boxwood orb topiaries fit perfectly here on the hearth. I imagine they will stay there, at least for a while. I wanted to add a little Fall color without going overboard, so a few preserved leaves and Bittersweet were added. I'm not sure what direction I'll go for Christmas decorating, but I'm sure it's going to be "simple" whatever it is. I always love a "natural" approach with greenery, some ribbon and a few small touches. I have my Christmas boxes and tubs in the garage, but it's been so cold, I haven't even looked through them.

OK, I'm headed toward the garage to rummage around a little. I want some new ribbon for Christmas...don't know what that will be. Guess I better see what I have first...  Have you started Christmas shopping yet? Amazingly, I have a jump on things from ordering over the Internet. The credit card has been smoking!

Thanks so much for all the sweet comments from the last post about my old door and blogging, I read and appreciate each one. I've started Cardiac Rehab and it seems to be wanting to take over my life. Going to the gym has never been something I've ever wanted to do, but now I have no choice. Also, I'm having to endure old men wanting to flirt. Please Lord, make the next 12 weeks go quickly.

Have a great weekend!

xoxo,

Daisy Botanical in the Entry

Just checking in to say Hello, as this may possibly be my last post for awhile. We leave early next week for my appointment with my new cardiologist. After all this waiting, I'm starting to feel a little anxious about it all. I've spent all week checking to make sure all my records have been transferred from three different sources, and it doesn't help the situation for calm when one of them keeps giving me the run around and putting me off... not surprised, it's their usual.

Getting the house listed and all the little details have about done me in. We've been trying to finish up, but now that Summer is here the garage has turned into an oven. My poor hubby tries to do things after work, but it's still too hot. Honestly, we're too old for this...word to the wise, downsize and get your junk dealt with before you are too sick or tired to mess with it. You AND your kids will be thankful. Do I sound tired and grumpy?

Time for a change in the Entry this week. I had a couple of raw canvases that I'd brought home with me from the other house. I love their natural oatmeal-y linen look with tattered edges and nails. I thought a botanical of daisies looked perfect attached to the front. 

Speaking of daisies, I had planted Becky Shasta Daisies and Black Eyed Susans several years ago and have babied and babied them, but they've been slow to get growing...until now. Now there is a profusion of them, just getting ready to bloom. Hope I can enjoy them just a little.

Google Images

We've had quite a few house lookers, so hope good news will be soon.

We're ready to move on to the next chapter in life.

Feels like we've been stuck in this one for a little too long.

My little heart topiary needs to be trimmed up,

 but I'm enjoying the wild look.

Little birdie is back on his bookstack.

 Yep, definitely needs a trim.

That's some good ol natural patina there on this clay pot.

just can't replicate that.

I'll try to check back in next week and let you all know what's going on. This has been a hard week, as I'm having some fun new heart related symptoms that have kept me in bed most of the week. I know this is just a "season" that God is allowing me to walk through, but it's hard nonetheless. I've missed the last year of my life feeling like doggy doo, (see...I still have a sense of humor) and I'm ready for whatever it takes to get well and get this behind me. 

Thank God for a husband that is my best friend.

He has a lot on his plate right now.

Almost forgot...this week is my 5 year blogging anniversary.

Here's my first post.

Keep up the good thoughts and prayers, I wish I could get back with each of you individually, and give you a big hug and squeeze. You all mean so much to me, and I'm super grateful for you all being there. I've been trying to keep up with your blogs, even though I haven't left comments...I've still been there. OK, this is sounding pretty pitiful, so I'll say...love you guys, talk soon.

Just a Little Christmas on the Sideboard

Since I'm not hosting Thanksgiving Dinner this year, I caved to the pressure of starting my Christmas decorating early. (and I'm so glad I did) I think most of us have realized that to get to enjoy the Christmas Holiday Season it was going to require us to start before Thanksgiving. There...I admitted it. I just cannot get everything done that I want to do when it's only going to last a few weeks. I still have out my Turkey Platters and a few velvet pumpkins, but they are having to share the limelight with a more Christmas-y vibe.

Here are a few pics from the Hallway Sideboard. I'm not finished, but this is how I'm starting. Some Red Striped Grain Sack Ribbon on my Holly Topiaries with a little blinged out silver for good measure.

Now, since I hadn't had a chance to share Thanksgiving Sideboard with you, Here it is...these are for those photo archives I've been talking about. Each year I look back to see what I've done the year before.

I really love my big vintage window and Pier 1 Scrolly Chalkboard 

as a backdrop for my seasonal displays. It always makes things "pop".

Here's my preserved Boxwood Wreath, simply decorated for Thanksgiving.

I'm working now on changing it out for Christmas.

Say "Hello Handsome" to My Big Boy Tom Turkey 

that I painted white several years ago.

He's Large and in Charge!

I've enjoyed using this black wagon for the last few months of Fall,

but on to something new for the Christmas Season.

I know we're all super busy, but I'll still be doing the Be Inspired Party, just starting on Wednesday instead of Thursday morning. I'm not sure when I'll get the party linky up, but come by if you have a minute and join in, We're gearing up for Christmas! Christmas and Thanksgiving posts both are welcome!!

And for some Shopping fun,

 check out The Marketplace HERE.

The link party is up all week.

Enjoy your week with Family and Friends,

Love you all,

I have so much to be Thankful for,

xoxo

Joining in on these great parties:

DIY It's a Party

From My Front Porch to Yours

The Scoop

Rooted in Thyme

French Country Cottage

Daily Cup at Mrs. Olson's

Shabby Art Boutique

Today's Sponsor

Love Squared Designs

A Mantel in "Transition"

This may or may not fall under the category of

"What was I thinking".

I had reached my "orange" threshold last week,

so all the pumpkins went away. 

(all my white and green pumpkins were stolen from the front porch

2 days before Halloween...grrrr...)

My velvet ones are still in the Dining Room

but everything else had to go...

the squirrels will be having a yummy Thanksgiving feast.

So here is just a little of my transition mantel from Fall into Christmas.

I love dried Hydrangeas any time of the year;

 they seem to be my "go to" if I'm low on ideas.

I also love these twiggy topiaries I found a few years ago.

so presto chango...I combined the two.

Please don't tell me if you hate it.

I'm trying to be avant garde here.

I know it doesn't look very festive, but it was time for a change.

After Thanksgiving I'll be adding some Holly to the white ironstone pitchers

 and some more Chirstmas-y embellishments.

This is bare bones.

So here was the Thanksgiving Mantel, 

but I've lived with it for the month,

and I needed something easy to take me into Christmas.

My Johnson Bros. platter always makes an appearance.

The longer I blog, the more I realize I'm most comfortable with Nature Inspired decor, and I seem to be going a little more pared down this year...it's still early, so please don't hold me to that.

So these photos are for my photo archives

so I can look back next year and know what I did...

and maybe come up with something new.

Oh, how I love the Bittersweet.

And I did think the little turkeys were cute 

sitting in the silver sugar bowls...

Hope you're having a great weekend.

I have more transition peeks coming,

joining these wonderful parties:

Mod Vintage Life
A Stroll Thru Life
Coastal Charm
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Cedar Hill Farmhouse
Dwellings

xoxo,