Christmas Mantle Unveiling

Naturally

I spent some time last week, collecting berries, pine branches (for my kitchen shelf), pine cones and twigs. Part of my overall Christmas decor this year, which includes decorating the Christmas mantle. I won't be bringing out all of my boxed up Christmas decorations of years' past. I've put the snowman collection and the penguin collection out in the lounge, but in the front part of the house I want to focus on natural.

That began with the mantle.

I put the birch branches that usually stand next to the wood basket to good use, as well as feathers I've found along the way to create a kind of nature-scape Christmas mantle.

I may add some more berries to the top of the picture, and I also may put my 'friends gather here sign' below the picture.  Other than that, it's a done deal.

Not sure how the birds feel about me stealing the berries that they get drunk on from the flowering crabapple tree, but a girl has to do what a girl has to do.
 
Now, if I could just get the tree decorated......the weekend can't come too soon.

Have you decorated your house for the holidays? Please tell me I'm not the only one behind.


Ciao for now,

Getting In The Spirit: Holiday Decorating

Simple & Natural Christmas

Soon we will be full with turkey and stuffing and pie, and then we will be full-on into the holidays.  So I've been gathering ideas for my Christmas decorating theme for this years holidays.

I've decided on a simple and natural Christmas decorating theme this year. One that is easily put together and carried out and one that reflects my love of nature and Christmas.  I'm thinking I'll reserve our lounge room for the collections of snowmen and penguins I have amassed over the years, many given by family and friends.  I'm too sentimental to not put them out.  Beyond that, I'm going to be select in what comes out of the Christmas decorating boxes this year. Other than our colorful Christmas tree adorned with my ornaments I've been collecting since I was a just a wee lass, I'm going to focus on natural colors with a pop of red.

Luckily, the Internet is full of really great decorating inspiration.  

sources:

*noel photo via remppahaikara

*glass jars and pinecones photo via Marianne@songbird

*red stars and light strings via rhbabyandchild

*pinecone trees in terra cotta via founterior

*hanging branch berry cones via annetta bosakova

*square berry wreath via perfectly imperfect


Now, the red light up stars can be purchased, but I think you could easily come up with your own version and make them yourself, just like all the other decorations.

How simple is the tray with glass jars? (I knew I'd been saving all my food jars for something) - a pinecone here, a candle there, an old picture to add to the charm. Just perfect.

The Christmas craft I'm planning on making will be part of my theme (and no, it's not a pomander, though that's a good idea too) and I'm hoping to pull it together next weekend once the turkey and fixin's have settled.

It remains to be seen how I will do in my editing what's in the boxes in the attic.  I've had this mission other years, and I always cave to sentimentality.  Wish me luck.


Did you catch the free printable gift tags in Friday's post? They'd make a great addition to any gift package now or throughout the year.  And if you're looking for some easy recipes this holiday season, yesterday's Sunday morning potatoes are it.  So good.

Hope you're doing great on this Monday. It is absolutely frigid here. Blame it on the wind chill.

Ciao for now,