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Monday, November 30, 2015

Warming Up to the Season




I never do an overnight or one day approach to decorating for the season. I do a very slow warm up that involves a lot of thinking and tweaking that goes on all throughout the month of December. Things have changed over the year. What worked last time may not feel like a good fit this Christmas season.



I am working in just a few cheery additions as always. A couple of these big mugs from PB, for instance. They always manage to get me with something! And this year it is these birdies that were on their gift wrap in 2014. Thankfully you don't have to get them in sets, I liked this version the best, and only bought two.



As the weather has finally turned, it's time to get serious about cozy-ing down. A warm drink, a small fire, a warm woolly throw in a festive color, and a good book.









I collect different editions of "A Christmas Carol" by Dickens, and was overjoyed to find a new vintage one at a recent flea market jaunt. It's a 1938 edition by Garden City Publishing with wonderful color photos. Doesn't it have just a lovely cover? The season has launched!








We cleared the hearth and started our first fire of the season. One of many to follow,




I am still figuring out something for the mantel, and we have no tree up or any greens yet, but there are still many pleasures yet to come. Too many, in fact! We will just have to fit in what we can.




You may have noticed the new snack plates too. ( From PB) I have been in love with reindeer motifs for a long time, and they are everywhere!




While I am figuring out which tree I want, and where it goes, I am busy making space for one and for all the family that will be visiting. We have two winter graduations happening, and a few December birthdays to celebrate as well! 



The top of the cupboard has been restyled and is all ready for a few greens to be tucked in.




My frosted twig wreaths have now become somewhat of a tradition. They make a good transition from fall to the winter solstice and beyond on this very last day of November. It all flew by so fast. . . .





























'Tis the season to be jolly!
So I'm going to do my best.

Good cheer to you too!

It's so lovely that you came by!

Jacqueline




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22 comments:

  1. It is so beautiful and cozy in you family room. I love reindeer in decorations. Enjoy every day of this wonderful time:)

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  2. I love the touches of red and nature. Very pretty, as usual.

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  3. Hi Jacqueline,
    Love the cozy warmth you have added to your home for the Christmas Season...the red stripped linens add a Nordic charm and the snow globe I adore...it adds a bit of magic, a magical feel to snowy days and festive music.
    Will watch for your new posting where we will see the trimmings of green in place and your tree lit up :)
    I have to tell you the white cupboard against the white backdrop of painted brick is so peaceful, is this just not the best time of year Jacqueline? :)

    Have a beautiful week, see you soon with all you inspire.

    Xx
    Dore

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  4. What a lovely start to the Christmas season!! Sally

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  5. So beautiful and warm.

    I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving.

    Janet

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  6. You've made me so much better about being a slow poke when it comes to decorating for Christmas. This year I am trying to downsize the decorations to just what's important and meaningful. Love your cups from PB and your red pops of color. You have such a beautiful background to decorate with.

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  7. There's so much to love here -- the beautiful twig wreath, the wonderful mugs, your cozy plaid throw, the warm fire and mostly the love I see tucked in amid all the touches!

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  8. I love, love, love the reindeer plates ! Simple Christmas decorating is more and more what I desire and strive for. Greens, cozy seating, warmth, and reindeer !

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  9. Jacqueline, the simplicity and coziness of your home causes me to feel a wistfulness, a yearning for an atmosphere that is as luminous as the one you have created. I love my own home but I think I could just as happily move into yours! Partly due to your influence, I have new red transferware dishes for this year's Christmas feasting.

    I also love your new old Christmas Carol book because of that wonderful vine on the cover. It immediately struck me as embroidery so I'll be sketching it to add to my notebook of designs for my crazy quilting.

    Looking forward to seeing the rest of your decorations as you gather them!

    Sherry in Little Rock

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  10. I love your white christmas. I need to buy that book. We love the movie and watch it every year, but I have never read the book.

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  11. Good morning Jacqueline,
    I always enjoy seeing your beautiful peaceful home. I cannot wait to see more of your Christmas tour.
    Kris

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  12. You place looks so cozy! Love the touches of red.

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  13. Usually I do a slow warm up to decorating - a little each night. But this year, I did it all in 2 days. Now, I find myself completely tweaking everything and moving decor from room to room. I'm having fun.

    I love your soothing rooms.

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  14. I love your intentional approach to decorating for the holidays, Jacqueline! You've already created such a warm, cozy and welcoming ambiance with the plaid throws and that fabulous vintage Dickens book.
    Mary Alice

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  15. Such a gorgeous and inpirational post as always, happy decorating! Anita xx

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  16. Jacqueline, I love the look you have chosen this season. And the mug and snack plate are so sweet. Wish we had PB here! Happy December to you.
    Pam

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  17. Hi Jacqueline,

    I, too, am wild about deer prints! And I love the plates from PB you found, which are very festive. I'm in slow mode as well with getting the Christmas decorations up with it just being Thanksgiving last week. Anyway, you've created a lovely holiday abode so far, and you're only just getting started!

    Enjoy the season!
    Mary

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  18. Hi J, what a wonderful cozy and comfortable space. your fire looks warm and I love all your goodies to enjoy the Season. I need to check out your PB finds, those birdie mugs have me!! thanks so much for joining in the party.

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  19. This looks so cozy and inviting. I would love to curl up in front of that fire. I really like your PB china and the wreath! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!

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  20. Jacqueline,
    So~o~o warm and filled with comfort, dear friend!!!
    Enjoy those December Birthdays and Graduations!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  21. Love your simple style! I wants to see your kitchen!!!

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