Over the years, I've added a tree here and there, throughout the house. This one is in the family room and it's decorated with just glass-blown ornaments. A few of the ornaments on this tree...you can see the beaded garland that drapes the tree... One of the Christopher Radko ornaments... Since I have kind of a "hunt" theme going on in my judges paneled family room, I decided to carry that theme … [Read more...]
Mischievous Christmas Mice
December 21, 2008 by 57 Comments
I caught them...in the act! It's Michael's mice! Last night I curled up for a good read of that wonderful Christmas classic by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol. Sipping on a steaming mug of hot chocolate, with a crackling fire close by, I must have dozed off. I couldn't believe my eyes when I awoke! After stuffing themselves silly with tea and scones all night at Gollum's, these two … [Read more...]
Decorating with Wreaths for Christmas
December 20, 2008 by 67 Comments
I'm not sure what it is about wreaths, but I just love them! I think it's their "wholeness"...the way they feel so complete. The circular shape is said to represent eternity--no beginning and no end. When I first moved into my current home 18 years ago, I continued a tradition I had started at my previous home...that of hanging wreaths outside on the windows at Christmas time. I was the only one in my … [Read more...]
Decorating the Front Porch for Christmas, 2008
December 18, 2008 by 61 Comments
Today, I'm sharing a bit of my outdoor Christmas decorations. If you come see me, as you pull into the driveway, you'll see the Lazy Hill Dove Cote on your immediate left. Sadly, there are no bluebirds nesting there this time of year. But stay tuned...they just may be back in the spring since they nested in there three times this past spring. If you would like to see some cute pics of the bluebirds feeding … [Read more...]
Cranberry Trifle
December 18, 2008 by 30 Comments
As promised, here's the recipe for the Cranberry Trifle I made for my neighborhood cookie party. The recipe comes from the current (December 2008) issue of Everyday Food. If you want a copy of the magazine, I found it in the check-out isle at Publix...it's about the size of a Reader's Digest. Cranberry Trifle 2 bags (12 oz each) cranberries, fresh or frozen (I used fresh) 2 1/4 cups granulated … [Read more...]
Christmas Table Setting with Lenox, Winter Greetings
December 16, 2008 by 86 Comments
Welcome to the 17th Tablescape Tuesday! The table is set for a Christmas feast... China is Winter Greetings by Lenox. The pattern features classically rendered holly branches, mistletoe, chickadees, cardinals, berries, and ribbons. It was designed by artist Catherine McClung who is beloved by collectors for her accurate and vibrant bird portraiture. When I came across this Lenox … [Read more...]
Christmas Decorating on the Porch
December 13, 2008 by 46 Comments
I'm coming up for air! I've been running around like a chicken with it's head...well, you know... getting ready for the neighborhood cookie party. Last count...expecting around 25 people. I've been grocery shopping, vacuuming, cleaning, cleaning some more, dusting...did I mention I've been cleaning! I've been de-furring the chairs...Max has his favorite spots for his afternoon naps and I don't think my … [Read more...]
A Christmas Tree for the Porch
December 11, 2008 by 110 Comments
I've been busy this last week decorating for Christmas and preparing for the neighborhood Ladies Cookie Party that will be at my house Sunday afternoon. Even though the weather is a bit chilly for hanging out on the screened-in porch, I thought I'd dress it up a bit since it's visible from inside. And maybe, just maybe, Sunday will be nice enough to venture out for a bit. Last week was in the 30's and today … [Read more...]
Three Tablescapes
December 9, 2008 by 55 Comments
Welcome to the 16th Tablescape Tuesday! I will be posting a Christmas tablescape next Tuesday...don't have it ready just yet. So for this Tablescape Tuesday, I thought I'd post 3 pics of each of the tablescapes I've created over these past weeks for Tablescape Tuesday. The title of each tablescape is also a link to the actual posting, in case you want more information or wish to see more of that … [Read more...]
Christmas in Miniature, A Sweet Dollhouse
December 8, 2008 by 93 Comments
While out antiquing in December two years ago, I came across a wonderful old doll house. The exterior was already decorated for Christmas with garland strung across the banister rails and wreaths on several of the windows. It stole my heart but it was priced at $250, so reluctantly, I walked away. All during Christmas I kept thinking about the house. I knew absolutely nothing about dollhouses, having … [Read more...]
