With only 20 days left until Christmas, I'd definitely say "tis the season." I have decorated all that I'm going to and I'm pleased and I guess that's really all that matters. It doesn't take me long to put it up or take it down and that makes this gal very happy! There was a time in my life that I put up 4-5 trees, ran garland everywhere there was a spot to run it and Christmas was evident everywhere you looked. But, I'm definitely at a different season and "less is more" now. 😀
The stockings are hung and I'm so pleased with my new stocking hangers. The mantle in our new house is not high enough to keep the stocking from getting to hot or catching on fire when the logs are burning. So, I had to come up with something else and I found this attractive holder at Plow and Hearth and love them. And, they are a good match to the fireplace screen.
I changed from a whimsical decor to a dressier decor on the tree this year. It is done in silver and pearl mercury glass ornaments. (that really do not show up in this picture). And, since it is placed in the foyer/dining area I carried the mercury glass look over into the dining room.
I have some "fun touches" in the kitchen and living area. I've had this Mr. Santa and Mrs. Claus figurine for 30+ years and I love it. It is by United Design and I'm not even sure they are in existence any longer.
I added some lights to the topiaries , wreaths on the two porch windows and Christmas pillows to the benches. Those new handrails would sure be pretty with greenery and lights as well. But........... ~chuckle~
And, now I'm working on our Christmas cards. I do enjoy sending them but it is such a huge "labor of love." I've been doing the photo cards for the past several years and this year is no exception. In fact, we had a photographer come here to the house and do pics of us with the Grans for our card and of all the pics she took we were fortunate to get one that would work, but, since one was all we needed, that was good. Anytime you try to get 6 people co-ordinated for a picture and 2 of them are babies, then I'd say your lucky if you get one good one. Anyway, while waiting on the cards to arrive I'm busy getting the envelopes ready with addresses and stamps, so all I'll have to do is stuff and seal them once the cards arrive. I always order colored envelopes for my cards, I LOVE colored envelopes! And, I make cute labels with the addresses of all those I'm sending the cards to and I order our return labels from a gal on Etsy. So, I do put in a lot of time and effort and hopefully everyone that receives one enjoys it. ~wink~ I counted up the times I actually touch each envelope the cards go in and it is 5 times. And, I likely make it a much more daunting task than is necessary but it's how I like to do my cards and I'll keep on doing it this way until I grow weary of it. And, I generally do a newsletter for those out of town but did not do that this year. I figure with social media that it's probably just a repeat of what most folks already know.
Be sure and enjoy this Christmas season!!!
My decorations are a lot less this year. It just felt right to keep it a little simpler! Love all of your pictures! Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!
ReplyDeleteI like your simplified decorations, Lea. I haven't even started with the couple little things I will put out. We leave on the 18th so the only reason I do anything is so lights can be seen in the front door while we're gone. I've decided the same thing about the newsy newsletter.
ReplyDeleteEverything is simple and SOO beautiful! Every year I tell myself the same thing. I NEED to make this process simpler, but so far I've stuck with the old tried and true. But it's coming I am sure. 😉 Enjoy your week!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the, 'less is more.' I like touches of Christmas here and there, verses feeling overwhelmed by too much. Your house is beautifully decorated.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely looks like Christmas at your house. So very beautiful!
ReplyDeleteEverything looks so festive!! Have a wonderful week, Lea.
ReplyDeleteLea,
ReplyDeleteIt's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. I especially like the idea of stocking holders, they're so much neater than placing on the fireplace with stocking hangers.
~Kiki~
I love the stocking holder, and I'm a big fan of all things mercury glass. I hope you post a picture of your card : )
ReplyDeleteYour decorations look beautiful. I have to get my packages out next week along with my cards. Still working on my decorations!
ReplyDelete