The Christmas Tree

Hi everyone! First let me say thank you for all the sweet and encouraging comments you have left here. I am always blown away and only wish I could return each and every one of them. There are just not enough hours in the day on this end for sure, but please know how much they are treasured. Because I am so appreciative of all of you, I am offering a great giveaway from Lifetime Brands/Mikasa, so be sure to enter. Details are below and on the sidebar.

But first, I wanted to share my Christmas tree.

I had so much fun this year with a new (old) color scheme.

I brought out the old Shiny Brites, restrung my great grandmother’s glass beads, and added everything old I could find here plus some new paper snowflakes Luis and I made with the children.  I used American made as much as possible with a few post-WWII Japan and European ornaments. 

Vintage tinsel had never been out of the package and was very fragile. We had these Jewel Brite angels when I was a child. I always loved how they are nestled on the cloud of cotton. I found more of these on ebay. 

This house is part of a Hansel and Gretel set I bought in Germany. Of course there are icicles dripping on the tree. 

I was so lucky to be summoned to my mom’s attic, where I found this angel in a box marked with my grandmother’s handwriting, “Mother’s Angel.” Made in Japan, post WWII, she is a Christmas treasure for me.  

As I have said before, Christmas is so much about family for me, and all these things really make the season not only a little brighter, but bring back so many fond memories.

I decided against placing the tree in the middle of the windows as I have in the past because it blocks so much light, and the children love to sit on the chaise to read or play games. I love where it ended up.

We are really enjoying the new colors and old, antique furniture in this room, but most importantly, we enjoy just hanging out here watching DVDs of old Christmas classics or talking about our day. I love so much about Christmas:-)

Thank you so very much for stopping by! I’ll be sharing more Christmas vignettes over the next few weeks all including lots of vintage and family treasures. 

Anita

I’ll be joining:

Wow Us Wednesdays

Inspiration Friday

Feathered Nest Friday

Christmas Tree Party

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22 Comments

  1. Barbara F.
    December 4, 2012 / 8:05 pm

    Beautiful tree, and your vintage ornaments are so special. xo

  2. Leslie
    December 4, 2012 / 8:23 pm

    Gorgeous!!! I love the antiques and vintage colors in your lovely tree. Enjoy your cozy movies and the season!
    Blessings,
    Leslie

  3. Shelia
    December 4, 2012 / 8:45 pm

    Hi Anita! I just adore you pretty tree. I loved seeing all of your sweet sentimental ornaments. Love the little angel in the tear drop! Your angel topper is so darling.
    If you get a change, pop over to my blog as I'm showing a display of all the glitter houses I made this summer.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia đŸ˜‰

  4. Denise
    December 4, 2012 / 9:06 pm

    Your whole room looks gorgeous, Anita, and I really love your tree! This is definitely nostalgic for me; my parents used bubble lights (I spotted yours) and icicles on their Christmas tree for years. I loved helping them decorate it when I was growing up. My mom has quite a few of the Shiny Brite ornaments; they are really special. I'll have to forward a link to this to my parents.

    Have a wonderful day!

    Denise at Forest Manor

  5. Pam Kessler
    December 4, 2012 / 9:39 pm

    How pretty. Love the mix of colors and the tinsel just brings it all together.

  6. NanaDiana
    December 4, 2012 / 9:47 pm

    It all looks beautiful, Anita. Your tree is very pretty and I LOVE the fainting couch! xo Diana

  7. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR
    December 4, 2012 / 10:02 pm

    Anita, your tree is beautiful! All of your vintage decorations work so wonderfully with your home. You have outdone yourself this year!

  8. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting
    December 4, 2012 / 11:03 pm

    Anita your tree looks gorgeous! Love the whole room!

  9. Emelia DiCarlo
    December 4, 2012 / 11:24 pm

    WOW Anita, more and more beautiful, each post. Glad I stopped by, I love your soft, festive, warm colors. The tree is amazing and so memorable for your family. The drapes are like frosting on work works of art and style. You have continued your family's love and respect through your family. Thank you for sharing your talents, positive outlook with us-me. I could really use all inspiration and loveliness you sprinkle around :). With hugs.

  10. Carlene @ Organized Clutter
    December 4, 2012 / 11:47 pm

    All of decorations are beautiful. I love the vintage tree ornaments and the paper snowflakes too. I watched your video today of O Holy Night. You have such a beautiful voice.

  11. Dewena
    December 4, 2012 / 11:54 pm

    Wow! Your Christmas tree, your living room, everything is even more beautiful than I expected, such a transformation from last year, even though I loved that too. I bet you love sitting and looking around you…when you get that rare chance!

  12. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style
    December 5, 2012 / 12:52 am

    The whole room is beautiful, Anita. I just want to lie down on your chaise and look out the window. Especially if it is snowing.

  13. Pam - @diy Design Fanatic
    December 5, 2012 / 1:22 am

    Your Christmas tree looks wonderful all decorated with your new and vintage treasures. The whole room looks wonderful Anita!

  14. Unknown
    December 5, 2012 / 1:34 am

    Beautiful tree! Love, love it!

  15. Pamela Gordon
    December 5, 2012 / 1:56 am

    Anita, your tree is stunning with all the beautiful vintage ornaments on it. I love the new look of your living room. Gorgeous!

  16. kelly
    December 5, 2012 / 3:34 am

    Love the tree. It looks very homely. I really like the name of your blog.

  17. Unknown
    December 5, 2012 / 4:49 am

    One word… WOW!!

  18. Red Couch Recipes
    December 5, 2012 / 4:04 pm

    Absolutely gorgeous! I love those little bubble lights. Joni

  19. Becca Bertotti
    December 6, 2012 / 1:58 am

    Anita, this is why I love so many of your posts … your sense of family and tradition is so apparent! I love all of the vintage ornaments you used … and, so special that you have ornaments from your childhood. Your great grandmother's angel is beautiful. Look forward to seeing more … Happy Holidays!

  20. Erin
    December 8, 2012 / 1:40 am

    Hugs to you and yours Anita. You are very special and I always love and enjoy my visits here:)

  21. CRBW
    December 14, 2012 / 1:42 am

    I have got to find some bubble lights for my tree. My grandmother had them when I was little and I could look at them for hours. Thanks for sharing your tree with us!

  22. CRBW
    December 14, 2012 / 1:46 am

    I absolutely love your bubble lights. It brings me back to my childhood. Thank you for sharing your tree with us!