Thanks so much for the comments you all have left:-) They really make my day and confirm that we can make do with what we have, and still have something pretty, which is what this blog is all about.
Today, I’m sharing the living area and my quirky tree…
Last summer, after trying 25 different furniture arrangements, I placed the couch on the diagonal, and seriously opened up this room and utilized the space so much better. It’s a small space and open, so there are not a lot of options. It is working really well this way.
Since I brought out the Turkish rugs and made new pillow covers, I knew just a few red accents would be perfect for Christmas.
I took my grandfather’s old box and put a piece of wet oasis inside a plastic container. I wrapped the ends of the candles in plastic wrap, then stuck them into the foam. I just filled with greenery, berries and pinecones and it has stayed really fresh. I was at my local grocery store yesterday and they had arrangements similar to this which were already dried out and they were $18! Mine was free because I had everything on hand.
Over the old windows I simply wired cedar and boxwood, then tied with tartan and burlap ribbon.
Apples, pinecones, and greenery rest in my grandmother’s milk glass bowl.
I had brought out the red transferware before Thanksgiving and knew it would be fine through Christmas on the coffee table.
However, just like last year, all of that has been removed and a train set is now running on the table with my ceramic and bottle brush trees:-)
Simple, easy and natural gets added sparkle from old silverplate pieces.
My tree is definitely quirky, but not quite on the level last year’s tree was:-) I really wanted to use the blue spruce I’ve been growing, but I pruned it too late so it didn’t have tips. I’ll have to wait until next year. My 8-year-old son and I went up on my dad’s property the day after our snowy Thanksgiving to find a hemlock, but after about an hour in the snow and cold, came back to the house and realized the Balsam I had in the back yard would have to do. Cristian helped me dig it up and we put it inside a ceramic planter, then placed that inside this old galvanized washtub. It was still a little shorter than I wanted, but my husband fell in love with it so I stopped worrying about the height. After all, this is a small cottage, and I don’t need the 12 foot tree I had in a former house:-)
I bought clear LED lights last year and didn’t really become a fan, but figured if I still wanted the old C-7 look, I would need to add some colored LEDs. I love that they use way less energy and do not get hot, but I just don’t think they have the “glow” the old ones do. Sigh. I used both clear and colored lights, which I’ve been doing since the 1990s when I really wanted colored lights, but was afraid to commit.
I used vintage Shiny Brites and Jewel Brite ornaments…
…along with the german glass ornaments I bought in Germany in 2002 and 2003.
I also used silver tinsel from the 1950s, paper snowflakes my husband and children made, my great grandmother’s glass beads, crocheted snowflakes and bows made from tartan and burlap ribbon I have had since the 1990s.
We do enjoy our homey space and sit to watch Christmas DVDs — when our son will give us a break from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles🙂
I try to make it nice, but it’s not fancy — just comfy and warm.
Thanks so much for stopping by:-) Tomorrow, I’ll share the little music room, then the porch on Friday. I was really hoping for snow for the outdoor photos, but it doesn’t look like any is coming our way even though it was in the forecast. That’s probably a good thing because Luis and I are supposed to play a Christmas show for homeless veterans Friday night in Asheville, then another for inmates at our local jail Sunday morning.
What Christmas really is…
I’ll be joining:
Christmas Tree Party at Thrifty Decor Chick
Breathtakingly beautiful!!! Love it!
What a beautiful home you have Anita. Your living room looks perfectly festive, comfy and inviting. Great job.
Hugs,
❤️Ana
Your tree is gorgeous, not quirky!! Everything loves so inviting and I would love to sit on the sofa and listen to you sing Christmas songs!!! Of course either with hot chocolate or a mocha latte, please!!!
Beautiful Anita! Now I am thinking I should have used some tinsel on my vintage ornament tree instead of the ribbon. Hmmm…..
Your home is so gorgeous! I just love all of your vintage touches & actually, I must confess…my fiance' and I bought a similar antique fainting sofa a few months ago & I love sneaking peeks of how you accent yours so that I can decide how I will do mine. I need to find a similar tartan throw!
xoxo, SS
TheSouthernStylista.blogspot.com
Oh how I love your beautiful home! So warm, cozy and inviting! Sweetness throughout! Merry Christmas!
Hugs,
Maryjane
Oh I so love that tree that is filled with so many exquisite ornaments that you have collected. The room is just magical…The frames behind the couch look like pretty packages….Love what you did with your grandfather's box…such a pretty arrangement…and how nice that you will be entertaining the homeless and incarcerated. Enjoyed seeing this wonderful room filled with so many of your amazing details.
You really have the touch, Anita! Your home is not only cozy, warm, and inviting, but it is so lovely and beautiful!! There's nothing better than using fresh greens at Christmastime, and I love them in your silver pieces and fabulous old box as well as hanging on those awesome old windows. Always a delight to visit your charming home.
Mary Alice
Hi Anita your home look so beautiful, I love your tree we put fresh tree to I love the smell in the house.
Have a merry Christmas and Happy Holiday!!!
Blessing
Isora
XOX
I love your quirky tree and your entire cozy warm. It's so easy to imagine being curled up here watching a movie in the soft rich glow of your beautiful decorations.
Glamorously gorgeous while at the same time, cozy, welcoming, and warm. Beautiful results on your tree too!
omgosh, I just love your home, the fact that you use items that hold memories means so much. Not a planned tree from the big box store……..the colors are just gorgeous….the greens, ribbons, ornaments, just love vintage ornaments, candles, the ceramic tree and train….everything is warm, cozy, inviting and says Merry Christmas in the best possible way…with love and family…..
Love the tree and all those amazing ornaments…. precious memories!!! Your home is just beautiful!!!! Merry Christmas to you and yours!!