Monday, December 12, 2011

A GENTLE NOD TO CHRISTMAS. . .

As I gathered my boxes upon boxes of CHRISTMAS, trying so hard (Christmas traditions are hard to break) to make a few changes from last year and the year before that, etc. etc) it eventually became obvious to me that this year, less was going to be more.  I began placing the traditional touches that I couldn't do without and then the rest started falling into place.  The very one thing I knew must keep constant were the tiny trees with white lights that always gently decorated each and every room in our home.  .  .  gentle and welcoming to each guest (or our family and me!)

This tradition started when the kids were young and had their own little trees in their rooms.




The Power Room


No, your eyes are not failing you, I think my camera must have moved.





A pair of these white lit trees sit outside the Great Room door that leads to our
hot tub and cedar deck.  While sipping a glass of Christmas champagne
these will be a welcoming sight. 




The loft guest room





The French Patisserie Table in the living room.




Same mini tree with snow and tiny white lights.





One of the foyer chests with the Creche.




This little church has been many places, this year it is in my kitchen
in front of my sink with fresh greens and a tiny tree.




A new use for an old silver bread tray. . . fresh greens, Ipericum berries
in miniature vases and a battery operated votive.





A vintage floor cover for hot air return.  I have used various
family glass spooners, candy dishes and sugar bowls for the
votives that create a very cozy tablescape.







My outside front porch urns are laden with fresh greens, Eucalyptus and
berries (those would be faux)  Inside is a heavy glass hurricane with a battery
operated candle.  It looks amazing at night with a gentle, but obvious glow from
the street.



Since these containers are not very deep, I used an old
grapevine wreath around the perimeter of the container
to anchor the greens and berries.  I found it to work
quite well.





Some gathered fresh greens with a very simple bit of inspiration.





In my dining room . . . . a softly lit house on a silver tray.  Never
had done this and I love it.  It sits on a French antique console.



The famous Dee Gann santa.  They are one of a kind and made
from bits and pieces of vintage clothing.  I just love when they
are unwrapped for another season.





His name is Pierre Noel.  His coat is from a French vintage skirt with all of those beads you see sewed on by hand.  That silk blouse he wears
is from the sleeve of a womans blouse.

Simple touches and gentle nods without over the top decor! (do love that too), but this year, the gentle look is working for me.  Wait until you see my tree. . . .

13 comments:

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

Gorgeous Christmas at your home Mary Anne!

Anonymous said...

Oh-so-lovely, Mary Anne. I am sure all those white lights twinkle from without and warm the atmosphere from within. Now, I must go polish up an old silver tray and set some votives upon it.

Beautiful!

Karena said...

Gorgeous Mary Anne. I love the evening shots, so mesmerizing!!

Come to enter the latest in The 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways from Design du Monde! It is a Framed Antique Architectural Print!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Fabulously French said...

Wow, it all looks very magical and most inviting.

Leeann x

Mary Anne said...

Pat and Penny:

Many thanks for your support and your visits. As you know, it means a lot and your comments are always appreciated. You are both fantastic with your blogs and it is so much fun to share.

Mary Anne

Mary Anne said...

Karina:

So happy to have mezmerized you! I would love to participate in the 12 days . . . but I am afraid I still have a lot to learn on HOW to do this! Many thanks for stopping by.

Mary Anne

Mary Anne said...

Leeann:

Wow, it was so nice of you to stop by for a visit. Glad you enjoyed my post.
Mary Anne

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Mary Anne,

I am also trying to cut back on all of the decorating but I know that somehow I will place all the collections, angels, snowmen, santas, etc. However, I am really rethinking the excess this year.

Eileen

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

Oh, It is so nice to meet someone else that has a tree in every room. Yes, even in the bathroom. After all, it is one of the most visited rooms in a home. So happy that I have found your blog.

Mary Anne said...

Eileen:

I tried so hard to keep it at bay, but after I finished my Christmas tree . . . . it just had to be!
Thanks for your visit.

Mary Anne

Mary Anne said...

Karen of Back Street Journal:

So happy you stopped by and more happy that you found me. I also stopped by your blog and loved it as well. Curious, how did you find me?

Hope to see you again soon.

Mary Anne

Anonymous said...

hi just registered ,, tina

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

Love your Christmas decor Mary Anne. So charming and cozy.