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Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Wreaths In The Dining Room










So the truth is that I always have at least one wreath in the dining room all year. If you lean toward country style (as I often do) twig wreaths are common year 'round. But it has sunk into me this year that I really do have a thing for wreaths. I haven't yet hung all of those that I own, and I can think of a few more types that I would want to have!




I am also slow to give up the seedy woodsy things from autumn, and never really do. You're going to think I hang around Pottery Barn an awful lot (and it might be true!), but I grabbed these dried artichokes when they went on clearance there.




I collected these acorn looking pods on a walk in the park this fall. They're huge, extremely hard, and so interesting looking, but the trees they came from look not at all like oak. We have a stand of pecans in the park as well that sponsor a crow festival for a week or two each year, but the pecans are different from these. Anyway, I love them whatever they are!




I have hung a faded eucalyptus wreath in the big empty frame with a graphic background. I fashioned one two Christmas seasons ago when I saw a dried wreath featured in a Jeanne d'Arc Living publication and fell in love with it. Theirs had aged to a light brown. It's a little wonky, but it grows on you! An old carved piece I found long ago at a flea market hangs beneath. It may be from an old cuckoo clock. I like to think so anyway! A row of pitchers keep company in the old wicker plant stand.









The latest bouquet of roses is on the wane, and I love the way they look when they get all droopy. Hot house roses always feel too stiff to me when they start out.








I haven't dressed the hutch for Christmas yet, so a small boxwood wreath lends the holiday spirit to the old cupboard in the meantime.




Some years Christmas Day just sneaks up on us. But when the tree is up and the wreaths are hung I feel ready for anything. Adding ribbon and greens and candles and cards here and there as time goes on just adds to the layers and joys of the season as it unfolds. 





It was so wonderful to have you stop by to see our snow! Loved the cheery comments!

Wishing you many more beautiful days ahead!

Jacqueline







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Sunday, December 13, 2015

Snow!



A little snow snuck in overnight! Is there anything better to set the mood for Christmas?








Just a quick peek out the front door.







Too sunny to stick around, but so beautiful while it lasts,









The new evergreen from the nursery hasn't even found its new pot yet! 












Kitty tracks!















So cheery!

 But makes it hard to feel like getting anything done!

Happy snow day to you!

Jacqueline






Friday, December 11, 2015

Evergreen And Firelight



We've gone out and gathered a few more greens. I like small living things in pots to add to the table. Little junipers and bits of ivy. If there are still some left when I go back I will add a bit of holly. Any excuse to breathe in that heavenly scent at the nursery this time of year!








The scent dissipates quickly at home as everything dries out. That's why you have to add more!








This all probably feels very familiar to you already. . . Well, welcome back!!!




I did a little change up of the mantel as we are using the fireplace a lot. When the front is covered we get asked, "Do you ever use your fireplace?" And the answer is yes, of course. But not everyone does use a fireplace much. A fire is messy, and trouble, and can be smokey, and wood is expensive. etc.. etc. But everyone loves to sidle up to a good cozy fire!




I thought I would have fresh greens on the mantel, but I found this pine cone garland for now. Crisp evergreens are too depressing, and I do love to use real branches. They just can't last too long. So I may do some up closer to Christmas Eve when the family is all gathered around the fire.




I keep little votives burning night and day whether the fire is lit or not.





I have the scent of evergreen close by just set on a chair while it waits for a table arrangement.




And the red Amaryllis has bloomed already!





Everything ready for an impromptu visit.




I have taken to keeping one or two small logs going throughout the day when we are home and the weather is extra cold. The men like to pile up the logs and make a roaring fire. But a small blaze gives off amazing warmth from the coals and is just as cheery! It's more frugal that way if you want to burn often, and there is simply no cheerier way to start a morning or end a day at Christmastime. . . .



















I hope you have a cozy weekend all lined up!

Don't forget to savor the small things. . .

Wonderful that you stopped by again!

Jacqueline




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Monday, December 7, 2015

A Little Corner Before And After










I've propped open the cupboard doors to let the festive season in. That alone makes a big difference in the sitting room. A new little tree and some twinkle lights and it's Christmas!




I tuck little touches into this corner all month long.




A small tree fits in anywhere, and can be dressed up or down. But we are off to a good start.




A bit of ribbon and tucking in the nursery greens yet to come. I was lucky to get a few tree branches for about five dollars. Just a small bunch at the grocery can cost more than that!




Plenty of room for packages to pile up here, and for smaller touches added later. I love how the weeks sort of "grow" toward December 25th.



Bringing out the French jugs. . .




A lovely small gown hung as a nod to the wee ones and the magic of Christmas.




The old and the new mixed together.


















A little BEFORE. . . .




And after!

 I hope you're having as much fun as I am!

A happy new week to you!

Jacqueline




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