A Needle and a Paint Brush: November 2014

I am one of those people who loves the anticipation of things. Like a present. I have never been a peeker, because that would spoil the surprise. The anticipation of getting the gift is almost as good as the gift itself. Well, this year the anticipation of Christmas has made the season so special to me. I counted down the days! Not until Christmas, but until I could decorate FOR Christmas! Because to me, Christmas starts the minute the lights on the tree come on! It's a month long celebration. A celebration of family, of making spirits bright. A beautiful time to enjoy the traditions we have made and sharing them with others. But mostly, celebrating what the birth of Christ brought to this world. The gift of grace. This gift makes the time with family more special, the decorations more beautiful, the music more enjoyable and the giving of gifts more meaningful.

So because my anticipation of the season was so great, I could hardly wait to share my Christmas home with you!

I will start out in the living room. My fireplace mantle is by far my favorite thing to decorate for Christmas. This year, I was inspired by the drummer boy sign that my sister, who has an on-line store on Facebook called White Hen, painted for me. I couldn't be happier with it.

The stockings I made from a variety of wool skirts and jumpers purchased from thrift stores.

I can almost hear the old record my mom use to play when I was growing up with the Abby Choir singing "Little Drummer Boy". It evokes such warm childhood memories.

The view of the living room looking from the fireplace towards the sunroom.

Buster was enjoying his warm spot on the sofa, so I let him be a part of my photo shoot. He's learning not to sit on my white chairs. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?

Awww, who could resist that face?

My daughter and I were inspired by Pottery Barn's glitter word garland. Last year, we decided to make our own. I have several Christmas words on my tree.

For the entry, I hang lighted garland on the banister, adorned with simple burlap bows.

Another fun addition I like to make to the gallery wall is framed vintage Christmas post cards.

The dining room is another fun room to decorate. One of my favorite Christmas decorations is this vintage white ceramic tree. It was made years ago by a sweet elderly friend of mine.

This year I used my apothecary jars to make little snow scenes out of bottle brush trees and ornaments I purchased from the local hardware store.

In the kitchen, I normally decorate with red accents, so adding Christmas touches was pretty easy. My favorite thing I added was my "White Christmas" sign, also made by "White Hen". I love how it plays off my Christmas dishes. Being in Florida, we can only dream of a white Christmas!

The hand made snow globes continue the "White Christmas" theme up on the shelf.

The little tree in the kitchen is decorated with miniature baking utensils.

I enjoy the whimsical feel the candy brings to the kitchen. I found this little bear jar years ago at a thrift store. I love filling it with candy every Christmas. Now if I could only stay out of it!!!

This vintage tray and these salt and pepper shakers are just precious!

My love of Christmas couldn't stop downstairs. In the master bedroom I added a small tree decorated with home made white pom pom garland. The primitive little angel topper is one purchased years ago at a craft sale. I always find a spot for her each Christmas.

These little wooden ornaments I made using a rustic coaster set I bought at World Market. I simply drilled a hole for the cord and painted two coats of chalkboard paint on one side for the message.

I love the vintage vibe I have in my guest bedroom. I used a lot of vintage pieces to give the room a Christmas feel.

I love this little ceramic Christmas tree. I found it at an estate sale. It reminds me of one my grandmother made and displayed in her house.

I pinned vintage Christmas postcards on an empty frame, using mini clothes pins. A sweet

Christmas greeting for my holiday travelers.

And a perfect bedtime sentiment.

I still have a few things I am working on, but that is it for now. I hope you all have a blessed Christmas season, full of wonderful traditions and sweet family time where you focus on that first Christmas when the ultimate gift was given. Merry Christmas!

My friend and her husband recently held a birthday party for their sweet little one year old, Nora Sybil. It was an especially meaningful celebration because of the trials they had gone through prior to her birth. They lost two precious babies. So many friends and loved ones wanted to join in the special celebration of the first year of this sweet little one's life. You are so loved, little Nora!

Nora's mama took monthly pictures of Nora, and displayed them by pinning them in a thrift store frame.

They hosted a wonderful outside buffet of soups, bread, and yummy salads.

Karen brought life back to an old discarded family cupboard to house the bowls for the soups.

Karen pulled tables and chairs outside for people to gather and eat around. She also used pallets as tables, covered with lace. All the tables were adorned with pictures of the honoree, sweet Nora Bird!