Welcoming Christmas with music…

Hi everyone!! I have definitely been a busy little elf! This is the busiest season of the year in my music ministry, so I have been hard at work getting things done at home so we can enjoy the family time we love and cherish so much. 

I thought I would start with a peek at the piano since music is a big part of Christmas at our house.

I simply used a rustic basket of greenery along with chunky candlesticks.

I love this wire sleigh, and I thought this might be the safest place for it to be away from the children.

I have made a lot of changes around here due to some ‘shopping’ at my great grandmother’s little guest house, my parent’s house and 100-year-old garage.

 I have added a window from my great grandfather’s house here with a bunch of fresh boxwood and cedar.  

The square wooden piece is one of three that I found from the same house. The print belonged to my grandmother and I rescued it from my mom’s attic. It actually inspired the English cottage elements I have added in the room I’ll show later.

Just a little peek at the tree…

…and another peek at the tree which should give you a big hint as to why I am calling this year’s Christmas decor, “Tartan and Toile!” Can’t wait to show the rest!

I hope as you are busy buying gifts and celebrating, that you think of others around you who are in need of basic necessities. Please do not let this season go by without donating your time to a shelter, taking food to someone, donating coats, etc. I can tell you that will be not only the best gift you give, but also the best gift you receive. 

Thanks so much for stopping by!! 

I’ll be joining:

Metamorphosis Monday

and 

Tabletop Tuesday

Anita

23 Comments

  1. Pam - @diy Design Fanatic
    December 5, 2011 / 5:44 am

    Anita, your home looks so warm and cozy and so festive all decked out for Christmas!

  2. Debbie
    December 5, 2011 / 10:54 am

    Anita, it is so warm and welcoming! I love the tartan at the window and can't wait to see the whole tartan and toile theme. I think I have a basket similar to that in my collection. I need to check because I love the way it looks on your piano.

  3. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting
    December 5, 2011 / 12:27 pm

    Anita your home always looks so warm and inviting!! I love the Christmas vignette you created on your piano and your tree is beautiful!! Martina

  4. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR
    December 5, 2011 / 12:32 pm

    Anita, I LOVE IT!! Everything looks so warm and festive!! The tartan and toile theme will be gorgeous in your home! I'm excited to see the rest!

  5. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style
    December 5, 2011 / 12:50 pm

    Anita, I just love the cozy feel of your home for Christmas.

  6. Lavender and Linen
    December 5, 2011 / 12:52 pm

    You did a very nice job. Everything looks just perfect!

  7. Jemsmom
    December 5, 2011 / 2:19 pm

    I love that you incorporate so many pieces from your family into your decor. It just makes it so special. I love the piano and just imagine all of you standing around and singing carols. I make everyone here sing carols as we decorate, but let's face it… we are not really good singers, but we sure do sing with gusto! Your tree is divine! Can't wait to see more!!

  8. Marigene
    December 5, 2011 / 2:34 pm

    What a beautiful warm room you have created. Your tree is breathtaking!

    P.S. I love the thatched roof print.

  9. Barbara F.
    December 5, 2011 / 2:34 pm

    Beautiful job as always Anita! Always a joy to visit here. xo

  10. Unknown
    December 5, 2011 / 4:04 pm

    Stunning Anita!! Warm, welcoming and festive!!

    CHRISTmas Blessings!
    Gail

  11. Bellenza Wedding Bistro
    December 5, 2011 / 4:33 pm

    The comments are consistent…such a warm, welcoming home! Especially with all your lovely holiday decorations in place. So inspiring!

  12. FABBY'S LIVING
    December 5, 2011 / 5:21 pm

    Anita darling, your house looks beautiful, cozy and inviting! I love your piano and the arrangement on it, just lovely! Your tree is magnificent too. Have a great week.
    FABBY

  13. Pamela Gordon
    December 5, 2011 / 6:11 pm

    HI Anita! Your tree is beautiful and I am loving that old window and the square wood piece adjacent to it. I'll look forward to more of your tartan and toile decor. Have a great week! Blessings, Pamela

  14. linda
    December 5, 2011 / 6:35 pm

    oh Anita everything looks so pretty i love how you have displayed the windows and how many wonderful memories where behind those panes.At one time past it warms my heart hugs Linda

  15. Sara
    December 5, 2011 / 6:48 pm

    Anita, your home radiates warmth and love, and the nostalgic pieces touch my heart. I can almost catch a whiff of the fresh evergreens and hear Christmas music playing softly in the background….

  16. Shelia
    December 5, 2011 / 8:41 pm

    HI Anita! Oh, I love how you've decorated your beautiful piano! Your home is so pretty and I wanted you to know I'm listening to your most lovely voice sing! 🙂
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

  17. Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz
    December 5, 2011 / 10:54 pm

    Beatiful room Anita! Your tree looks fabulous! I donated gifts to my nephews family as they are on hard times. I chose this path instead of a local charity this year. It all counts. Blessings to you during this holiday season. Liz

  18. Anonymous
    December 5, 2011 / 11:42 pm

    I am almost speechless! I thought your Thanksgiving table was the most beautiful I have ever seen (and I visited it many times) and now you come up with this incredible beauty for Christmas! I can't even come up with the words I want to say to describe this beauty. Thanks so much for sharing. I can't wait for what's next.

  19. Mellodee
    December 6, 2011 / 1:20 am

    Oh how lovely! Your Christmas things make a warm and homey room look outstanding! Of course, just having a grand piano to decorate would make me happy! 🙂

    (BTW, you are my "before" from Metamorphosis Monday! Now I'm off to see my "after".)

    Thanks for sharing your lovely home!

    Mellodee

  20. PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com
    December 6, 2011 / 4:22 am

    Beautiful decorations Anita. You are so right that we need to do for others,it would be adouble gift-for us and them.

  21. Debbiedoos
    December 6, 2011 / 1:40 pm

    Hi Anita! Your home looks gorgeous. I love how you surround the piano with such warm spirits of Christmas. Enjoy the holiday season my friend!

  22. Anonymous
    December 7, 2011 / 6:21 pm

    It is all beautiful!!!
    I am a music minister too and have to ask…..
    at Christmas, how do you find room to decorate your piano?????????
    Mine is covered with music, notes to myself about what to do and when, more music, pens, pencils, sticky pads, notebooks…:^)
    Blessings to you and yours,
    J

  23. Linda
    December 8, 2011 / 10:35 pm

    All is truly glorious, Anita! I have always wanted to know how to play piano. I have promised myself that when I retire (which will be in 2 years at age 55), I am going to treat myself to a piano and lessons. It's never too late to learn, right?! Lol

    I imagine your home is filled with the voices of angels when you all sing together. Beautiful. Beautiful.

    Linda at Beautiful Ideas