I love this time of the year! Busy, busy, busy! Yesterday hubby and I celebrated 23 years together. We started the day off with the Christmas program at church then had a quick bite to eat at home and on to the Children's Theater in Charlotte. We took the daughters to see Scrooge! Son said that he was not interested in going. Guess at 20 years old he's too old for the Children's Theater. We had so much fun. They had adult actors playing the adult parts and children playing the children's parts. The orchestra was phenomenal as was the play! I purchased seats close to the orchestra pit and we were probably 25-30 feet from the stage. The orchestra was under the stage and you couldn't see them at all. It was a packed house. Then hubby and I went on a date to P.F. Chang's while D#1 watched D#2.
I have taken a few a lot of pictures of my house decorated for Christmas.
This is in my foyer by the front door. Very awkward ledge that just collects dust but at Christmas it becomes Santa's candy land. Elves are Annalee.
Just hanging around. These felt elves are just perfect. The cat likes to explore this ledge and will knock stuff off the ledge.
Yes....this is the cat. I don't think that he approves of having his picture taken.
Cute red elf.
Candy lane balls hanging from the chandelier.
Cute candy houses.
Standing under the candy ornaments hung from the chandelier.
Dining room. We were able to seat 12 people in here for a Sunday School Christmas Party.
Putz houses in the kitchen.
Putz houses and a VW bringing home a Christmas tree.
Here comes another Christmas tree in a truck. The truck and VW were son's when he was little. I saved all of his hot wheels.
Vintage Nativity I purchased at an Estate sale. The figures a made out of a wax substance but the sheep are made out of chalkware. Tiny tree has little wooden ornaments on it. Some vintage and some not.
Kitchen breakfast area. Hopefully next year we can add a window seat.
Chandelier decoration. I saw something like it on pinterest but can't find it now. I believe that they used garland and a bow, I just used some floral picks.
Dining room, this is how we were able to seat 12 people without being too crowded. Notice Bethlehem in the right corner. Hubby and I usually get a piece or two for our anniversary each year. We just haven't done it yet this year. We will probably go to the Peppermint Forest next week and purchase a few pieces.
Very simple tablescape but it looks so pretty when the candles are lit. The glass is so sparkley.
Lenox Mr. and Mrs. Claus salt and pepper shakers, gift from hubby for my birthday. Love them!
I also love poinsettias.
On the fridge. Candy theme nutcrackers and decorations. The two nutcrackers with blue hats are repainted Dollar Tree nutcrackers. I also replaced their hair and beards. I will show them in more detail in the next few days.
Top of the hoosier. Mama Marcinak's mixer and my winky Santa mug and pitcher set. Vintage cookie cutters in glass hoosier jar onto of vintage scale. My Grandmother Ashley gave me the Santa door frame topper. He has to be hot glued to the door frame. This is the 23rd year that I have used him on a door frame.
Mantle, now I just have to hang the stockings. Notice that little smudge in the bottom right? That's Pip.
Longerburger basket my sweet neighbor gifted me. It holds some of our Christmas books along with Fashonista the Llama. She is an Annalee doll.
Great little corner for watching birds or reading a magazine. Another poinsettia. See the floral decoration on the sewing machine cabinet? That graced our tables at our rehearsal party. I added a new bow this year. I have another one with poinsettias on it but it really needs to be refreshed. A German Steinbach nutcracker stands guard.
Greenery above the kitchen cabinets.
The resolute desk. My papa paint the winter painting hanging above the typewriter. The smaller picture is of me not really enjoying Santa. All of the items on the desk are vintage Estate sale finds or gifts. The two bottle brush trees were Target finds one year.
When I had Bunco at my house a few weeks ago, one of my dear friends (she is 84 years old) said "I remember alot of this stuff. I use to have it. I wonder what happened to it." I love that she recognized some of the pieces. You will have to click on the picture to zoom in. My favorite is the Santa brooch with the pull string that use to make Santa's nose glow.
"Dear Santa, I have been very good this year. I want a puppy, a bike, and a radio. My sister would like a red wagon. My other sister wants a sled and a baby doll with a stroller. We will leave cookies and milk out for you."
Another Annalee. She is getting into mischief.
I just love this subway art for my mixer! I was so tired of that green and this really makes it so whismy.
My tiny hall. The Santa and Mrs. Claus are a music box that my mom made my Mama Marcinak. I love it!
Red bow on the quilt.
Collection of a few of our nutcrackers.
Byer's Choice elves helping to decorate the clock.
My front door. I changed it this year. I need to paint some round paper mache boxes like toy drums for the nutcrackers to stand on. I think that they need a little more height to them. The garland and wreath have lights that turn on at night.
I didn't get a chance to photograph the formal living room today so I will try tomorrow.
Hope that you enjoyed this little tour.
Merry Christmas from my house to yours,
Holly
