A little Grain Sack Inspiration

If you're like me you need a jumping off point; something that inspires you, and gives you direction. I had it in my head this year that I wanted to do something less fussy, maybe a little more "Winter-ish" than an all out Christmas blow-out. I've seen some amazing "all out" Christmas decor, but for me, I just wanted something simpler that could maybe make it at least through part of January.

During the late Summer and early Fall I used a table runner made of dark grain sack fabric with a black stripe. I loved it, and started looking for a runner in a red stripe with a light background early. Chalk one up for me... I'm usually late on making decisions. I waited too long and now the infamous BOXWOOD wreath has eluded my grasp this year...grrrrrr.

I knew I wanted to use this white wooden lantern that I've had for awhile, so it had to nest in the old windowbox. Now, back to the tablerunner issue...soooo....I couldn't find the fabric, but actually did one better by finding this amazing antique grain sack on Etsy from a wonderful gal named Christina from Austria. (From The Etsy Store Grain Sack) I ordered early in October, so it was here just in time for the Thanksgiving change over.

I took out the binding that held the sides together, so I would have one long piece in a single layer. Then centered it on my off white burlap. I want to cover up as much of the B-R-O-W-N table top as I can...

Perfect.

Christina's Photo

It's really beautiful and immaculate with no damage or age showing at all. I highly recommend her shop.

Then, I started digging in my linen stash and came up with this vintage "Turkey Red" tablecloth for the buffet.

I just folded it lengthwise.

A little more "grainsack" with the ribbon.

And a grapevine wreath with a red transferware cup. The more I look at that wreath, the more I know it must have lost an apple or two since last year. Sorry, it's now on my "to-do" list!

Had to have some plaid, ya'll!!

My sister made these adorable pillows for me for Christmas last year.

more red stripes

(and birdies)

big pillow was a Pottery Barn must have last year!

I changed out the bittersweet on my little Fall Nature Tree for some festive winterberry garland. I put the snow owls to bed and added in some glitter birds in their place.

I have an old friend that's making an appearance in the Dining Room this year. I'll share him this weekend! (If you look closely you'll see a peek of him.)

I'll be joining in these great Holiday Parties this week:

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Blissful Whites at Timewashed
Open House Party at No Minimalist Here
TTT at Stone Gable
Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home
Shabby Art Boutique
 French Country Cottage
Inspiration Friday at The Picket Fence

Hope you're having a fun week,

be sure and check out 

It's live all week.

xoxo,

The Marketplace: Are you checking your list?

Hi Everyone!

We're into the second week of December and we're counting the days to Christmas. Let's see, wow, only two weeks! We were out of town last week, and now I feel sooooo far behind, but I think I'm always running "behind" this time of year. Do you have your lists out and are you checking them twice? If you still need some gifts or special Christmas decor, then you've come to the right place. Here are a few great links from last week.

Vintage Italian Candle Scone

from Vintage Chateau Chic

Vintage Sheet Music Bird Ornament

from Becky at Timewashed

Canada Geese

from Jennifer at Inkinupstamps
(Oh My Gosh, I LOVE these!!!)

(and I'm partial to Snow People,)

Snowman Christmas Decor

from Cotton Ridge Emporium

Roma Postcard Pillow
from Rosemary at Villabarnes
(gorgeous)

Vintage Pink Shiny Brite Ornaments

from RosePetals and Rust
(you can never have too many Shiny-Brites)

And some wonderful Homemade Christmas Soap

from Soap n' Such
I can almost smell this!

And today Rose from RoseKraft is in the Sponsor Spotlight
 with some wonderful original Christmas die cut decor.

Bird Nest and Holly Sprigs framed die cut

from RoseKraft

 Vintage Victorian Die Cut Santa Ornament

Cat and Holly Vintage Framed Postcard
(my personal favorite!!!)

OK, Everyone, let's link (up to three) of your individual items from your Etsy Shops and Online Boutiques. This is a linky for items that are FOR SALE, or shops. You don't have to have a blog to join in, but if you do, please grab the button on the sidebar for somewhere on your blog and please be a follower of Common Ground. If you're here to shop, so glad to have you, and remember, this linky is open all week, so come back throughout the week to see what new has been added.

Happy Shopping!

Have a great week,

Christmas House Tour 2012

I wanted to join in with a few of the Holiday Home Tours this year, so this will be a mini house tour in "broad strokes". I have lot's of fun "details" coming of the house decorating this year, but since I haven't been able to get to them, I'm just showing larger views of the rooms in this post.. You'll be able to see a little of what I've been up to, but look forward to a little more coming soon.

Here's the Dining Room.

 Living Room

Just a sneak peek of the sunporch

The Entry Hall

Hallway Sidboard

and these next two are from the kitchen, last year

 I'ts about the same this year,

 but the day I did this post I was packing for out of town
and the kitchen's still not photo ready...

Besides, I want to share a few new things this year,

so hopefully you'll want to come back.

Joining in with these parties this week:

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Jennifer Rizzo Holiday House Tour
Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
Make it Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House
Table Top Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life
Tweak it Tuesday at Cozy Little House

Have a wonderful Sunday and come back tomorrow 

for some fun Christmas Shopping 

xoxo,

Christmas Copy Cat

Happy Weekend Everyone!

One of my favorite link parties is Debbiedoos' Copy Cat Challenge, where we take an inspirational image from a magazine, book, Pinterest, etc. and then try to "copy cat" the look. 

This time, I chose an image from one of my favorite Christmas books, Merry and Bright , a Country Living Publication that came out several years ago. It's full of wonderful vintage ideas  for decorating with a Vintage Christmas.

I don't have a lot, but Red Transferware is always a staple for my Vintage Christmas decor.

And of course a little glittered Bottle Brush Tree

This is just an easy little "copy cat" with a lot of charm.

I'm posting early since Monday is The Marketplace

over here at Common Ground.

But run by Debbie's and get your Copy Cat on in plenty of time

 for her fun party this Monday December 10!

 Have a great weekend!

xoxo,