Packages are wrapped and finally under the tree. Lasagna is in the fridge waiting to be baked tomorrow, and the cookies are made. I am done!!! Christmas morning food almost ready to go.
As I look around the living room I am so pleased. It is over the top, and lush with texture and eye candy, and really, it’s the simplest of things that are pleasing me so much. In the last post I told you I am constantly tweaking. This room is no exception. Yesterday I ran up to Hobby Lobby and bought more velvet ribbon, and at the thrift shop the other day I was able to p/u 4-9′ strands of red wooden beads for $2.50, an extra garland for the outside door surround for 12.00. Brand new never been used and it was the good stuff.
On Monday someone had donated to the online shop a package of old pipe cleaners. They were scruffy and somewhat discolored from age, so I brought them home. It was either that or throw them away. They were sitting on my desk and as I was reading Michael’s post “Inspired by Charm” I saw he had turned pipe cleaners into a chain. I decided why not, and I got to work. Took me all of 15 minutes and I draped it across the garland on the Welsh cupboard. I have never put so much stuff up there, and I am in love. My tester is coming down the hallway and that first glimpse into the room. Every time I do this season, I say to myself “yeah you’re good!”
Each year I always have a few things that are my favorites, and this year I have to say it all pleases me. Is it the garland draped over the new painting, or the two pieces of viney twigs going up the ship, The huge bells on the banister or wait, is it the bells coming outside of the wreath on the door. Maybe it’s that great big bow on that wreath. Could it be the end table that was just a little too simple, and the introduction of the cake stand with the little pine cone wreath and the lamb coming out of it. The part of the Thanksgiving centerpiece on the table I never got to sit at! I can’t remember a year when I have felt quite so satisfied with the way things look. I didn’t really buy anything new this year except the bells on the wreath. I just tried to reimagine things and even though much is the same as always its the small changes that have made the difference.
So I will be quiet and just let the photos talk.
OK well maybe not!!! I had an epiphany while looking at this painting the other day, and I figured out why I love it so much (despite the frame). It reminds me of our stay at Middleton Place outside Charleston SC. We were staying right there on the grounds of the Plantation. The Ashley River running along side our room. At sun up one morning I got up and took a walk. If you’re staying on the property there is a path thru the woods that will take you over to the grounds and plantation house. The sun was just coming up and I was all by myself. A top 10 moment. So even though I purchased this in Mpls, it takes me every time to a magical place.
This table was underwhelming, a last minute addition of the cake stand was all this table needed to balance things out.
An antique tea towel grounds Mr Wadley the goose with his wreath collar and brass winter wonderland necklace. Mercury glass top, pinecone tree, and pewter candlesticks round out the vignette on the kitchen table.
The Hoarder Swan!!! I have to make stuff up as I go along! He has a paper star in his beak a silk ribbon around his neck and my grandmothers letters from the 1920’s on his tale. All the comforts of home. He just wants it all!!!
Well that’s it for now. Have a fabulous holiday and hug the ones you love. I intend to.
Thanks for stopping
Shelley
