Our stockings are hung, not by the chimney but up the banister of the stairs, with a snowy camping scene and a Christmas sampler stitched by my mom nearby.
The Santa collection, a little less crowded this year, lives on the living room shelves. Elsewhere in the living room is the Putz village and the tree, and if it weren't as dark as dusk outside I'd probably attempt an overall shot.
After years of wrestling with pinecone elves (they're tiny, but they always win), I decided not to hang them on a tree but create a boxwood forest for them on the kitchen window sills. We are all so much happier with this plan.
The dining room is my favorite spot this year, with a mix of old and new finds. The silver foil wreath with dangling bells came from an October flea market visit. I was so happy with it that when I found the cherry-covered cake carrier, I walked away from it, thinking I had had enough good luck for one day. Fortunately I regained my senses and ran back to the booth before someone else snapped it up.
The little Hoosier is decorated, too. I wanted the dining room to look extra nice this year because I was hosting not one, not two but three holiday events in the space of a week. This was not as challenging as I thought it would be because I remembered the advice of my friend Lillian. She says it is not much harder to have two parties than one because you've already done all that cleaning and planning and shopping. And she was absolutely right.
The dining room tree (previously occupied by uncooperative elves) was a last minute addition, and about my favorite thing.
The candy cane on top has four long mercury glass chains with bells on the end.
I made the wreaths with dangling balls a few seasons ago.
So that's some of the decorating, and I passed along the party advice, and so here are the announcements: One, my Etsy shop is closed until after Christmas, and I wanted to thank all of you for making this holiday season my best by far. And two, tomorrow is the last Monday before Christmas, and if you are a long-time reader, you know the significance of that date!
Can't wait!
Posted by: Ruthann | December 22, 2013 at 12:05 PM
Your house looks even more adorable than last year, if that's possible. I envy those party guests with their ability to inspect every little detail, but I'll console myself with a virtual front row seat at the awards ceremony tomorrow.
Posted by: Martha | December 22, 2013 at 01:41 PM
I adore seeing all your Christmas collections and can't wait for the awards show!
Posted by: Kathy | December 22, 2013 at 03:20 PM
I'm a long time reader and friend! So I KNOW! I'll be here with bells on! Can't wait!!!! Holiday hugs!
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | December 22, 2013 at 04:32 PM
Oh yes! The ornament awards! Yay!
Posted by: Linda @ A La Carte | December 22, 2013 at 07:38 PM
Oh, I remember, the award show! I got a kick out of "I Yust go Nuts at Christmas" last year, too. My teenage son had never seen a phonograph stylus return after reaching the end of a record, and I have to admit I hadn't seen that little event for about 20 years myself. I've enjoyed your blog so much this past year. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you.
Posted by: Teresa | December 22, 2013 at 08:31 PM
Love it all...every single amazing festive space in your house. Bring on the award show. I can't wait.
Posted by: Musings from Kim k. | December 22, 2013 at 08:56 PM
Ooo! I love your little dinning room tree! Very creative bead ornaments! Great job. ♥
Posted by: Holly-cutie pie cottage | December 23, 2013 at 10:14 AM