And so it begins…
Last year, I pulled out all the stops…or boxes I should say. I don’t think there was a single nook or cranny within my home which was not ornamented and decorated.
This year, I am in a different mood. With all the craziness in my life right now, I am longing for simplicity. So, later today…my husband and I will bundle up the Grandloves and we will ventture out onto our 5 acres and start cutting and clipping away. Magnolia, pine, cedar, boxwood…and some stuff I am not sure what it is – but its “purdy.” 🙂
I have already started gathering picthers and pots and even silver ice buckets.
Simplicity!
Later, I will add fruits and nuts and maybe some fresh baked cookies. Oh, I will still get out a few of my treasured Christmas lovelies….like my reindeer….
(seen here on my Family Room mantle from Christmas 2009)
Yesterday, I purchased a few darling, miniature everygreens at Lowe’s. I am going back tomorrow for more, as well as, some minitaure Rosemary topiary trees…because I have lots of ideas for these. I love how something so simple creates such simple impact.
So until my house is photo ready….(i.e. diapers picked up, dinosaurs and Transformers put away, piles of magazines stashed….you get the picture)….I am sharing these inspiration pics for your enjoyment.
Wrapped in a simple burlap sack and tied with satin ribbon…what a great welcoming statement to guests. |
Though not exactly a miniature tree…simple gold ornaments keep this setting from being too rigid and over-the-top. |
Even a smaller evergreen by the fromt door with simple white lights is welcoming! |
Again – while not exactly a “miniature” tree, this smaller evergreen takes on a fuller stature when placed in a beautiful, chabby-chic painted urn. |
How cute would the “Charlie Brown” style trees, wrapped in burlap be on a kitchen table or added to a guest room. |
When I first saw this picture…I said “Yes, I’ll take it please.” Love this! |
This isn’t a real tree per say, but again….this simple crafted tree with a log base – paired against more formal pink and white dishes…makes a Christmas statement all on its own. |
Rosemary topiary in a scotch plaid pot. Simplistic and Classic! |
So – when the stress of the Holidays has you feeling like you are stretched to the max…and there just isn’t enough time to decorate your home the way you really like it….(or how you think other’s expect you to…) –
just remember that “Life is really simple, we insist on making it complicated.” – Confusius
Thinking of you in the coming days….Barb
KBeau says
I love your idea of simplicity. Sometimes it can get overwhelming. I think I’ll join the simplicity theme this year.
View CommentSharing Shadymont says
I am so with you. I’ve kept everything very simple this year. A small tree, mantle decorations, dining table decorations and a chest in the family room. That’s it. I’m goint to relax now and enjoy!!!
Hope you have happy holidays!
View CommentKathy
marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
Oh Barb, I snuck away for a minute from all the hectic cooking. Love all of your inspiration pictures. I think you’ve already done Christmas with your magazine shoot and your choice of simplicity is definitely what I am looking for. Thanks for the visit. Love ya, Hugs, Marty
View CommentRichie's 2ts Inspires says
Pure and simple is the theme for this years Yuletide.
It’s hard to decide specially when you have children, right?
I could choose the smallest but the cutiest.
Happy TT…
View Comment/chie
Ames says
Love those little Rosemary topiaries. I’m going to Lowe’s! And I want that kitchen tree too!! I had planned on putting one up this year since I’ve collected enough kitchy ornaments. Everything’s beautiful!~Ames
View CommentGail says
Thanks for sharing all the beautiful inspiration pictures. I’m beginning to think simplicity is the way to go.
Congrats on your kitchen being featured in Country Woman Magazine!
Enjoy your day,
View CommentGail
Confessions of a Plate Addict says
Hi Barb! How fun to be able to visit you and leave a comment! Nice to see you back in blogland! I love your new photo…you look fabulous! I like the idea of simplicity! And…best of all…when I see the pics of your house, now I can picture the whole thing…lovely! Hope you are having a great week!…hugs…Debbie
View Commentchisenfam says
Barb, Everything looks gorgeous in your home, and the inspirtaion pics had me wanting to rush out and decorate some more. I love the plates with the plaid, berries, red and green!! Do you know where I can find those? LOVE THEM!! Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and like Deb said your new photo is beautiful. Your hair looks great that color! Merry Christmas!!
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