Decked and Dazzled

 I have spent the past week getting our home decked  out for the holidays. Over the 30 years that we have lived in this house I have done almost every kind of decorating you can imagine.  I've had 4 or 5 trees decorated, the staircase wrapped in garlands and ribbons and every nook and cranny had something Christmasey in it.  

 I moved  in this house at the age of 28 and had more energy than the law allowed.  Hauling boxes out, carrying them up and down the stairs, it didn't matter.  I did it all.  Well, it is now 31 years later and things have changed significantly. ~smile~  It's not only that I do not have endless energy, I just do not have the same desires that I had at that time.  I'm looking for simpler ways to do things but yet have a very festive look.  I think you will agree that things around here are definitely "decked and dazzling."

I decided to use the Fleur-de-Lis flag and emblem as it is very much a "Louisiana thing."  The emblem on the front door is painted with red glitter paint and at night it glistens when the flood lights shine on it.  The lights strung on the cane sticks in the pots by the front door make a big impression too.  I'm real pleased with the total look of the front porch and think it is most welcoming. The little metal Santa and Snowman are placed in flowerbeds to add a touch of decor to the yard.

The kitchen island has a lot of glitz too and the kitchen table arrangement sparkles as the sun comes through the french doors.  The mantle and coffee table have neat touches of sparkle too.  Can you tell that I love "bling?"

Here's our tree!  I'm so proud of it and think that although  it is small, it makes quite an impression.  I love the red and lime green ornaments and the cute table topper. It has a very happy look and that's what I wanted. 

We will enjoy it until Christmas and I will be "chomping at the bits" to get it down shortly afterwards.  It's fun to put up and not so much fun to take down.  It's kind of like packing and unpacking suitcases. ~giggle~ But, for now, we're going to sit back and enjoy it and ponder the real "reason for the season."

I'm linking up with Rachel this morning for Friday Favorites.