Thursday, December 17, 2015

Home Sweet Christmas


This is an exceptionally long post, so I hope you don't get bored before the end.

As you walk into my home, this is what you see.  I've used this napkin holder tree for years and years to hold my Christmas cards.  I used to hang them with scotch tape to the window sills and sashes, but realized the tape left horrible marks on the wood, which had to be painted over.

I always have candy for guests, and I've filled my green tree with chocolate bits.

Golly this looks busy when you see it from this angle.  I actually put some of the candles away that normally sit here, but it's still very busy.

I was really trying to show the tree candle holders I put out this year.

One holds a taper candle,

one a pillar.  I'm not sure you can tell I color code my accessories, but the living area has maroon accessories, while the dining area has green.  The back candles on the buffet act to tie the two areas together.

Yes, that's me taken a few years ago.  I've often said I don't want my face shown on my blog, but I decided you have seen my legs, you can see my face, too.  That's actually not a very flattering photo of me, but I guess we all feel that way, don't we?  My friend Kathy and her husband are in the background.

On my writing desk are several trees and of course, the rocking horses that live there all year long.

I got lazy and didn't move the lamp to storage this year, as I normally do.  The more I look at this, the more I dislike the arrangement.  I often used my tree on this table that sits on my dining room table this year.  It had lights up till last year, when I removed them because some had burned out.  That meant I had no need for an electrical outlet.

I didn't realize I had skipped around so much, but we are back in the dining area.  This is the only area that is always constant: the stockings.  I have no other place to put them.  This year there are four, because Squiggles got one.  I always provide an extra stocking in case someone drops by.  I fill it with a few goodies, like an orange, a candy bar, and a decorated match box filled with little tidbits.

This is the first year I've placed these trees on the sidebar.  In the past, I have used bottle brush trees or a stuffed tree I didn't bring out this year because I was too lazy to put the antique clock away.

Trees and rocking horse, rocking horses and trees.  What better way to celebrate Christmas when you have a small home?

Talk about lazy.  I didn't even remove the doily I had just found among some of my grandmother's things, but left it on the plant stand that is now holding this tree.

Of course I had to add a rocking horse to play with the bear.

Another rocking horse that's holding a tree, this one filled with some yummy scented potpourri that I purchased last month.

When I found this mini muffin tin, I knew I had to have it for the decoration, since it was not in good enough condition to be used for baking.

I like how the light plays off it.

In this view, I was trying to show my sideboard that I added a metal tree and rocking horse to the knobs.  It's a decent overall view of the living/dining area, as well as various cat toys, too.

This may help orient you, since I seem to have skipped around so much.

Although it's incredibly cold outside, the sunny day adds a touch of warmth to this room.

We're moving to the living area now, where

my grandmother's old treadle sewing machine takes center stage.   And that is NOT dirt on the baseboard, but where I have scrubbed the paint off the wood.

The tree was a gift from a wonderful friend who has since gone to heaven. 

I added the little rocking horse ornaments to the tree the year she died.


So why are these three very different objects placed together, you ask.

(Ignore my camera strap in the photo, please)  Although they are nothing alike in finish, design, or appearance,

they all hold a secret inside their trees.

Finally, it's time to go outside and view the desk that sits on my front porch.

I showed it before, but I immediately cleaned the bean pot after I showed it the first time.

And finally, the basket I reworked, as well as the other items on the desk, which include a metal lamb that originally was a cake mold, and a ceramic tree that holds some of my new potpourri.

I hope you weren't too bored, because I was delighted to welcome you into my home.  Bleubeard, Squiggles, and I have enjoyed the visit, even though I did far less decorating this year than last.  Since I'm sort of a minimalist, the trees have a tendency of take over every year, but this year I was lazy due to my hurt left shoulder and right hand.  I left way too many things I normally put away, and in some respects, I fear it looks a bit stifling.   Thanks for your comments and opinions, because they are truly appreciated.

16 thoughtful remarks:

Neet said...

How wonderful to share your home. Thank you so much for showing us all the various trees you have, and they look as if they are going to be on 'catch up' to your rocking horses. You certainly have a lot of them and I thoroughly enjoyed each and every photograph. What struck me was how big your rooms are and I loved how the furniture was so polished and the sunlight played on the sheen. A much loved home. Thank you for sharing.
Love as always to Bleubeard and I must include Squiggles who gets neglected by me. Tickles under the chin to both of them.
Hugs, Neet 11 xx

Valerie-Jael said...

I loved the tour of your home, it all looks great, beautifully decorated. I don't think you were lazy, you have an enormous treasure trove of Christmas items and have arranged them most effectively. Here's wishing you a lovely time in your Christmassy house! Hugs, Valerie

pearshapedcrafting said...

Your home looks great decorated with all of your fabulous trees - all I have out at the moment are some new things I bought - the rest will have to wait until after my appointment on Monday morning! I loved seeing your photo, although could be bigger for me to see properly....does this mean you are becoming less shy? Hope so!! Thank you for sharing some of your Christmas preparations. Hugs, Chrisx

Viktoria Berg said...

You certainly have created Christmas atmosphere! I noticed yesterday I still have Easter decorations on our front door... but tomorrow all that will change as I sweep the entire house and do the place up! Guests arrive in the evening, so I am really out at the last minute.

I think that was a very nice photo of you, but you are right, photos never show us the way we think we look! :-D

Nan G said...

Lovely tour of your Christmassy home, E. My home is strewn with cat toys. The latest bubble pack envelopes! The Girls just love em. Merry Christmas to you, Bleubeard and Squiggles! Hugs

Ariel said...

Thank you for sharing your beautiful home Elizabeth. Such wonderful decorations! So happy to see a photo of yours. Merry Christmas to you, Bluebeard and Squiggles.
Elizabeth,can you please send me your address?
Hope your shoulder and right hand will soon feel better.
Hugs
Susan

Linda Kunsman said...

It was truly a pleasure to tour your lovely home Elizabeth! It is filled with love and warmth and I just adore it and all the sentimental and meaningful decorations. Of course I'd be remiss if I didn't say how much I LOVE your vintage pieces-the sideboard, sewing machine, etc. etc.! So nice to see you in the photo too.
PS I think I'll pass on the sandwich:):)

froebelsternchen said...

You have the most beautiful arranged x- mas decoration ever dear Elizabeth! This is all - and in every detail made with so much love - gorgeous! Would feel so cozy in your house!
I loved to see you.. but I would much mor love to see an actuell picture..lol.
I was at the hairstylist today and feel fresh and young with new cool blonde highlights - wow.... years younger.... I am always to economic and frugal to let make blone highlights - but now I am happy that I did it again.

Happy day Elizabeth
oxoSusi

Divers and Sundry said...

So many trees and so many candles! Perfect for this season. :) I love how you tie it all together.

Unknown said...


Hi darling, how are you today? I love this, another great post.
Thank you for sharing this with us.
Check out my new post if you're interested:
http://its-dominica.blogspot.co.uk/
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Meggymay said...

I have loved my tour through your wonderful home. Your trees, candle sticks and ornaments are beautifully arranged to catch the eye, especially with so much light from your windows.
I have read this post twice and maybe a third to make sure I didn't miss anything.
Yvonne xx

Rita said...

Enjoyed your tour! You really have decorations everywhere you look. Very festive!
Merry Christmas!! :)

My name is Erika. said...

I love seeing people's homes, especially decorated for Christmas. I love some of those old oak pieces you have. Your home really has character, which is more important I think than only looking pretty. I think with your decorations it also looks pretty too. You look ready for a party! Ho-Ho-Ho!

AiyanaKalyna said...

I was not bored at all. I loved every single picture. I love your tree collection. I love your home. Thank you for inviting us in. I love your antiques. You are really pretty. I have a similar shaped living room. I am always so excited to see ideas on rooms that are similar to mine.

Craftymoose Crafts said...

I enjoyed the tour through your beautiful home and especially loved the doily your Grandmother made.

Like you, I am getting to the point where I simply cannot pack the heavier things up and bring them downstairs to put all the decorations out.

Carol said...

I enjoyed the visit to your home and love your Christmas Decor. I am totally in love with your furniture ♥♥♥♥ You have some very nice antique pieces! Happy Holidays!!!!