A very Happy Holiday

A little peek into my Christmas here at home. Because our home is filled with so many beautiful old pieces, and I want them to shine, my decorating seems to get simpler and simpler each year.

On my tea table in the living room, I added these beautiful white orchids to an antique urn, and hung a fresh boxwood wreath from Trader Joe's on the antique doors behind the tea table from a chartreuse silk ribbon.

In the kitchen, my favorite antique ironstone bowl is filled with sparkling ornaments left over from my wreath making tutorial {see it here.} instead of the usual fruit for a touch of the holiday and glorious color. I always like to add a few touches of Christmas to our kitchen, as that is where we spend so much time, cooking, baking, gathering around the big table in the center.

Each year I decorate just a little different, this year, for an early morning coffee with friends, I set up a small coffee and hot chocolate bar on my counter using antique French linen dishcloths as napkins, cafe au lait bowls and antique plates to hold the croissants.

I hope this antique 18th Century Processional Madonna doesn't mind holding one of the chartreuse ornaments for the holiday season. She is one of our latest acquisitions from our European buying trip, and absolutely amazing. Her face is so beautifully carved and painted, she is so serene. She lends a divine touch to a corner of our little family room for now, at the other end of our kitchen, until she is sold to her next home.

Of all the thing that happen in our kitchen during the holiday season, it is the special meals we share with our family and friends that mean the most. I set the big table in the center with a mix of antique transfer ware dishes, they bring a touch of red to the table and just look so joyful. A few candles, or votives, lend a pretty glow. This year, for a really simple centerpiece, I filled an antique French Bread Basket with fresh greens and berries, and small votives. For Christmas dinner, I'll add either fresh or dried roses. The chalkboard is new, I made it from an antique frame and painted the hardboard backing with chalkboard paint. I love it, and am practicing my "chalkboard" writing. I can't wait to put different things on it for each season.

Over the sink, I hung another boxwood wreath from Trader Joe's. Two potted topiaries in black urns stand on each side of the farm sink, and a checked towel adds holiday cheer. Simple but Christmassy.

I wish you happy, joy filled days as you get ready to celebrate Christmas!