Being sick did not work very well with my after Thanksgiving Christmas decorating. What usually takes me a Saturday-Sunday to do, took me over a week. I still have some finishing touches to put on the tree and the crates and boxes still need to go back up into the attic – but it’s lookin’ pretty much like Christmas up in Foodiddyland. I went with a different theme this year. Using last years decorations, I added pops of red and rusted metal. I’ve never had a traditional “red” in my decor and I’m loving it.
Last year I picked up some wooden candy canes at JoAnne’s Fabrics and Crafts – this year I picked up some really cool over-sized “real” candy canes from Beverages and More. They had a bucket by the register and I knew I wanted to use them this year. Other than a few berry picks, polka dot stockings, some new popcorn garland and the candy canes, I just re-purposed decorations from past years. I am not finished with the tree, still waiting on some burlap birds to come from Ballard Designs.
I will take you through the entry way first.
The bench off the front door has monogrammed pillows in black and creme check that match our stockings in the great room. The candle inside of the lantern is battery operated – so it has a really pretty evening glow.
I got my felted Santa several years ago at a little antique store I frequent. The lantern came from HomeGoods a few 4th of July’s ago.
This photo does not do the stockings justice, but they are adorable. They have braided cording and pearl accents, I just love the whimsy.
I used the snowman theme last year and really like the vintage feel of the mica snow people and wanted to keep using them this year.
My ballerina snow girl is fabulous.
I played around with the Canon 60 mm macro lens to capture her glittered star wand.
I found the pearl balls in the floral department at Michael’s Crafts a few years back. They look like snowballs, I think they make a great base to the wooden candy canes.
The mirrored niche has bigger versions of my vintage snow people. The ballerina holds glittered star garland.
The ornaments with our initials came from Pottery Barn last year. The two larger snow people anchor my Christmas card bulletin board.
I started using the bulletin board last year to display cards. By the end of the season it looks awesome – I use pearl headed push pins to display the cards.
A detail shot of my mica accented snowman.
O.k., we’ve moved into the the great room now. I got the stockings last year at Ballard Designs. They were only $15.99 each and that included the embroidery. Dan, Kath and Higgy. I love the burlap texture against the black cabinet. My Dad and I found the cabinet at a consignment shop 3 years ago. It was dark brown and only $120. My Dad refinished it for me – it stores all of my platters, oversized bowls and mixed plates and dishes for all of my food blogger photography. 🙂 My Dad Rocks! – He also did the entry way piece that the polka dot stockings hang from. It used to be my Mom’s childhood dresser.
More candy canes…
The old Thornton F&P wood crate was free, (a friend was having a garage sale and she gave it to me) it usually houses cookbooks – I emptied it out and created a home for more snow people. I once again used battery operated candles, so a warm glow could come from the crate at night while we sat at the dining room table for dinner. The bell jar on top of the crate has little vintage roller skate ornaments that I picked up in an antique shop while traveling.
I also used some burlap bows, greenery and berries in the dining room table chandelier.
The top of the entertainment center is fairly simple this year.
Oversized glass ornaments, lights, greenery and berries. I left the black striped canisters and containers up from Halloween.
More fun with close-up shots…
I didn’t get a full shot of the Christmas tree because the Rock Band drum set and the GT5 steering wheel and table were in the way. Gotta let the hub have his Playstation 3 fun!
This vintage santa is a Bethany Lowe piece. It’s a German inspired candy holder – the body comes apart. The detail is amazing, from the bottle brush wreath to the adorable lamb in his back pack. I picked this up in a home decor/antique shop 5 or 6 years ago, it will forever remain in my collection.
I went with a “star” theme on the wine bar. Metal and fabric stars with colored glass ball ornaments.
More candy canes in the guest bath – 5 cents each – I actually filled the bottom of the glass container with nickels.
I love everything about Christmas and decorating my house. I look forward to it every year. Christmas tunes blaring, Hallmark Christmas movies on the television and me running around like a little elf. Being sick this year made it more of a challenge, but I still had fun!
I didn’t even take photos of the master bedroom. We have a tree next to the bed, stockings hanging from drawer pulls and garland and lights adorn our dresser.
In case you were wondering, I have over 20 crates of Christmas decor, no children and a very patient husband. Ha!
Next on the agenda – lights on the topiaries by the front door. I’ve also convinced Dan to put a spotlight on the front door and wreath – my Dad did that at my childhood house and I just think it looks so polished.
My Mom and Dad also have beautiful home decorations for the holidays. I used to love our light up village – apparently my niece follows in my footsteps. She had Grammy and Grampy break out the old village to display in the room she has at their place. She has her own Christmas tree with homemade construction paper garland and ornaments, I can’t wait to see it this year.
What about you? Clearly I’m obsessed with all things Christmas… What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
