Welcome to our country Christmas kitchen! My hope is that you stop by for a cup of coffee and conversation then leave with a renewed desire to make the world a better place.
This is the place where our family gathers every day to eat and talk about whatever is going on in our lives. It’s not fancy, and it doesn’t have granite countertops, or 42 inch cabinets, but we love it, and I have given it a lot of vintage charm with things I made or found around the property. You can see the difference I have made by looking at last year’s kitchen HERE.
I made a new shade with the leftover fabric from the pillows I made this summer. A vintage Jewel Brite angel tree topper sparkles in the greenery. An old lantern from the smokehouse hangs in the window.
On the window sill are my grandmother’s vintage Holt Howard porcelain angels and a Commodore candy cane all from Japan post WWII.
The handmade wool rug is part of a collection from a family relative on loan to me from my mother. I used tea towels to hang as cafe curtains.
I also made another sink skirt, this time without so many ruffles. I created the illusion of a farmhouse sink with trim salvaged from the old house. I took off the fake drawers then cut this piece to fit over the whole front. I love the look it gives.
I added some Christmas cheer with greenery, cinnamon sticks and the Royal China “Currier and Ives” dinnerware that my mother gave me last winter.
I love the blue of my grandmother’s tole tray over the stove. Her rolling pin is grouped with some bamboo utensils, my other grandmother’s potato masher along with my mom’s enamel coffee pot. My dad made the tray in high school.
My grandmother made the little sachet bag from feedsacks and filled it with Balsam needles, which still smell so heavenly. The slab of marble came from the old store.
J & G Meakin “Romantic England” coffee cups hang over a Johnson Brothers “Old Britain Castles” platter, and a tray of old silver.
The little notepad was my grandfather’s and still has some of his surveying notes inside:-)
Companies used to give him notepads, calendars, etc., as promotional items.
Iron skillets and an old colander hang humbly from screws attached to an old piece of trim on the island. I saw this in a photo of an English cottage and loved the unpretentious look of it. Of course citrus has always been a big part of a country Christmas, and I keep it ready in this truly vintage farm basket from the smokehouse.
I hang cutting boards on this side from cabinet pulls I attached to the old trim. A little burlap stocking I made holds greenery from the woods.
The dwarf Alberta Spruce will be planted in the spring.
Apples, oranges and grapefruit are ready to grab for a quick Christmas snack. The wooden candlestick stood on the parlor mantel in the old house.
On the other side, I just added greenery and lights to the tops of the cabinets and a ceramic tree from 1971.
I added a stocking to the old screen door.
My dad made the sign. He used to ride Indian Motorcycles in the 1950s.
So that is the tour of the kitchen. I’m getting ready to pop a spiral-sliced ham into the oven that my mom just brought over, then the kitchen will be filled with the scent of cooking ham. I’ll also be baking an apple pound cake today for my 13-year-old to take to school tomorrow. In the meantime, I’m doing laundry:-)
Thanks so very much for stopping by. It has been difficult for me to get back in the swing of things after the horrific events of last week. I continue to keep in my prayers those affected not only in Connecticut, but also around the world who are dealing with so much darkness. My Christmas prayer is that we all make a difference in our own families and communities by showing the love of Christ to every person equally.
Anita
I’ll be joining:
Anita, your home is so warm and inviting. A house can have granite, but a home can have anything because it is the family inside that makes it a home!
I love the rich history of the things you have displayed. I also have those dishes from my grandma and they mean so much.
It has been a hard time and I have such a heavy heart with grief. I pray for peace and comfort for everyone this Christmas season.
God bless.
My first thoughts were DARLING DARLING DARLING-last thoughts too 🙂
I love you home…It's so cozy!
Anita, what I would give to see your place in person! Gosh, you have the most charming decor, with so much history behind it! Each time I see photos of your home, I can feel the love and warmth that have gone into making your house a home. Your kitchen is wonderful!
Your kitchen is cozy and inviting. I love all the little touches that you've added to make it a lovely country Christmas kitchen.
More than that, I listened to the video of you singing "O Holy Night". The song is one of my most absolute favorites. You have a beautiful, beautiful voice and I was blessed immensely! Thank you for sharing it.
I LOVE it!! Your home is so warm and inviting! If I'm ever in your neck of the woods I'm definitely going to let you know so I can drop by for that cup of coffee and some conversation. I'd love to meet you in person.
Have a blessed day!
Your transformations look great, Anita! I'm always amazed by the things you find from your family. Happy cooking!
You have done such a beautiful job of decorating for the holidays. I love that you used the Currier & Ives plates (I have my Mother's set) and the white ceramic tree is so cute there. Love it all.
Anita, your kitchen looks so beautiful. There is so much to look at and take in but it is wonderfully displayed. I love all the vintage and family elements you've added. Have a great evening. We're getting a big snow storm here tonight. 😉
Warm…comfy…cozy…delicious!
Nancy
I love it all Anita especially the stories that go with it. I would be happy as a clam with a cup of hot cocoa in your charming kithcen.
Anita, it is all charming and cozy and filled with your family's love.
Just gorgeous Anita – very very welcoming………..
Hugs,
Suzan
It always warms my heart each time you do a post and tell us all the history behind all of your TREASURES!!!!! Your children will be SO lucky to inherit these things. I adore your kitchen and know I would feel right at home sitting and chatting with you. My heart is still so heavy too, and your prayer is mine. XO, Pinky
Anita your kitchen looks BEAUTIFUL!! That first shot is stunning!!
So much eye candy! Charming and delightful! I enjoyed your tour very much and pinned several lovely vignettes. Have a Merry Christmas!
It looks like a wonderful place to enjoy your family and friends. All of your touches are so warm and beautiful. You can tell how much thought and love you put into everything you do!
Anita, your kitchen is cozy and so welcoming and full of Christmas magic! I always sigh when you show pictures of your country kitchen!!! I love the long shot of your kitchen and breakfast room… so many Christmas details to ooooooh and aaaaaah over!
Such a warm and cozy spot. I so enjoy reading about your family history and little snippets that accompany each item. From a kid who spent her entire first 19 years moving all over the place ( my daddy was a rural cop with the Police Force in a British Colony), I eat up your family stories..
Luv it !!
hugs, Gee
Your photos of the kitchen from last Christmas were really pretty, but I love the changes you've made. The combination of the blue walls with all the other warm and rustic tones is gorgeous. Everything about your space says warmth, family and memories.
Merry Christmas!
Jeanette
what a LOVELY kitchen. I truly love all the details you put into your kitchen. Great job
Gorgeous and perfect in every way, and lots of good ideas. Merry Christmas, Anita, and to Luis and your family. xo
Oh how I wish I could just hang out with you in your home! I love all the stories of each piece. I haven't even decorated my kitchen this year! I have been crazy! Yours has inspired me and I am going to do it tomorrow! Who cares that I will have to take it down in two weeks! It will make all of us happy and everyone needs happy right now. The events of last week hit so close to home for him as my 6 year old sat in her 1st grade classroom. I pray for all those families. I know God is there for them even in the darkest of shadows and despair…
Love your kitchen, Anita! Love your whole sink area; the window treatments, sink skirt and the decorations make for a very warm and cozy feeling place to be.
I just absolutely adore your kitchen, it is the neatest ever. I didn't delete you because I didn't want anyone to miss it. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty
Your kitchen is so charming …so many pretty little details!
I absolutely LOVE your kitchen – always have, but at Christmas even more! I love the way you take things dear to your heart, natural touches and vintage finds and pull them all together. I felt almost as if I was sitting in your kitchen, chatting with you! Oh, how I wish I could!
~Adrienne~
Your kitchen is inviting, homey, and beautiful. I love all your personal touches. Thanks for sharing, it made me smile!
~April @DimplesandDelights
I love your kitchen. I found you through Savvy Southern Style and love your home. I've put you on my blog roll and I'm also your newest follower.
so, so, so, LOVE your home………beautiful, cozy, pretty, just right…..love the blues, touches of red, vintage items, really love the mix of floral's with checks….
I love your kitchen anyway, but Christmas decorating fits perfectly with all the vintage charm you have given it this year. I love the details. I want to pin them all!
Love your kitchen, so very cozy and inviting! And I noticed your Case knife block. My hubby just bought me one for my birthday. The first "real" set of kitchen knives I've had in 10 years of marriage. 🙂
I love the charm and nostalgia of your kitchen…it, like mine, may not have granite countertops, but it has tons of special touches that makes it a beautiful,heart of the home!
Hello Anita,
Just found you from Barbara.
Very beautiful country kitchen. I love the way you decor it, very country, vintage
The cottage look fabulous
Happy Christmas to you
Visiting from Barbara's where she spoke of a voice of an angel. I am being blessed by that angelic voice at this moment. What a gift and thank you for sharing it! There is a note struck so clear and pure that it is golden.
Your blog is beautiful and I have very much enjoyed visiting here today.
Anita, you have certainly created so much charm and warmth in your kitchen by adding so many meaningful family treasures. Looks like a wonderful place to gather as a family.
Mary Alice
love, love your kitchen. Everything is lovely. Thanks for sharing. Karie
What a beautiful kitchen!!!! I LOVE all your decorations, so festive and pretty! I love the little curtain under the sink, too, the fabric is beautiful! Merry Christmas!
what a goregous home and so cozy and inviting espically for christmas
Very cozy and happy. I'm sure you just sit there drinking hot chocolate all day taking it all in!!! I would!
Love your kitchen! Took a peek at it last year and it is just a wonderful transformation you have made! Love the pretty blue and the color of the cabinets. The lantern in the window is such a great idea too!
Happy Holidays! Lovely and Christmassy 🙂 Seasons Greetings from Australia♥ ~Pernilla
Anita I love absolutely everything about your kitchen! You don't need no granite or 42 inch cabinets to make it absolutely gorgeous, warm and the best place in the house to gather. Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family.
Your lovely kitchen is so very warm and inviting. It is a place where I could feel welcome to sit down with a cup of coffee and chat for hours on end. Love it!
Lynn
I was introduced to you through Vee's blog where I began my morning listening to you singing "O Holy Night". Just wanted to tell you what a wonderful way that was to begin my Christmas Eve morning. You voice is so beautiful.
I also enjoyed this tour of your warm and welcoming kitchen. I love how you have incorporated special items from your parents and grandparents into your decor. The angels riding the candy cane like a toboggan is adorable.
Merry Christmas to you.
Anita, what a cozy, comfy kitchen you have. I love everything about it. Merry Christmas!!
Your kitchen is beautiful! I have used red, aqua, and green for my kitchen decor so this stole my heart. Love your curtains and skirt. The lantern is such a clever idea. Hopped over from A Stroll thru Live. Now a new follower. Have a very Merry Christmas!
Hugs,
Jann
Hi my friend 🙂
from our home to yours, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas !
by Myriam ♡
Feliz navidad for you and your Family que Dios los bendiga en esta Navidad!
🙂
XOX
Isora and Family
Blessing
Love your charming cottage kitchen. Beautiful! I am visiting from Wow Us Wednesday. I hope you visit Uptown Acorn too. Ron
I just love everything about your kitchen,, just looks so inviting and comfortable.
Love your beautiful country kitchen. So many wonderful collectibles displayed so artfully! Just fabulous.
Wishing you a happy and blessed new year.
Hugs,
Patti
I just love your country kitchen, it has so much charm! Visiting from Kim's.
your kitchen is so warm and inviting…I love it! I am so glad I have today off…I'm going to grab a cup of something and enjoy your blog! Happy New Year!
Andrea
AndeM1[at]hotmail.com
Your home is PERFECT, I love every single thing!
Back again to see your kitchen…it is wonderful! I am following you,now…hope you'll stop by for a visit @ my place!
Hi! I’m new follower of your blog and would like to invite you to join me at my weekly Clever Chicks Blog Hop: the-chicken-chick.com/2013/01/clever-chicks-blog-hop-19-hog-wash_27.html
I hope you can make it!
Cheers,
Kathy Shea Mormino
The Chicken Chick
Soooo Gorgeous! I have been scouring your block since I discovered it the other day!!! I love that fabric for the sink skirt and curtain! Do you happen to remember the name/brand of it? Thank you so much! Deanna
That's one of the prettiest kitchens I have ever seen. I'm going to do the window/sink treatments in my kitchen.
That's one of the prettiest kitchens I have ever seen. I'm going to do the window/sink treatment to my kitchen this weekend.
I'm so glad I found your Christmas Past post on Savvy Southern Style. I LOVE your Christmas kitchen. It is very inspiring.
I pinned a picture or two of your kitchen awhile back, and have now had almost 700 people re-pin it. I think you get kitchen of the year 😉
http://Www.lifewith-kim.blogspot.com
(New to this)
Oh Kimberly, thank you!! 🙂
You did a fantastic job in your kitchen. I have several items like you but wasn't sure how to use them. Thanks for the ideas!
imaprojectjunkie.com
Was wondering the name of the the little boy in the blue clothes, I am looking for the picture, but I don't know the name to look for. Can you help?
Hi Christine, I assume you mean the one hanging over the little Christmas tree. It is an antique original painting by a family member that was passed down to me. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help! We could have a canvas printed if that is something you would like. You can email me: anita-faraboverubies[at]live.com