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. . . .