Holidays at the McCottage are a little less formal, more homespun this year. The hustle and bustle of the season are more intense since I’m now hustling the 8-5 working woman schedule again. I adore my gig – I really do! – but it does make it a little more difficult to shop for all the fresh goodies I prefer to properly deck the halls. With less time, I had to get resourceful.
Decor came from mixed greens I picked up at a big box home store and whatever was in the 12 boxes of Christmas we’ve acquired over the years. ( I have a theory that for every year of marriage, you acquire a tupperware storage box of Christmas stuff). In the name of efficiency, I swapped my Radkos and Olde World Glass ornaments for less fragile ornaments that donned my mantle last year. I saved a full day of decorating because I didn’t have to unwrap all that bubble wrap surrounding my treasured ornaments. Maybe next year, they’ll reappear. In the meantime, I tossed some old burlap over the pedestal table. Put the tree in a clay pot. I must say, I think our little tree still turned out quite charming.
Beneath our tree, I have pictures of favorite Christmas memories – our first Christmas, fun celebrations, and the picture of my sweet Finley dog who arrived as a Christmas present in 199.7.
In the mix is one of my favorite Christmas treasures a red clay Nativity we bought on our honeymoon in Sedona.
The dining room is rather simple. Mercury glass from our first Christmas in the McCottage, burlap, mixed china, and cardboard snowflakes make for a more casual setting.
It’s a little less fuss than the rock salt table top I did last year. Another time saver.
I carried the burlap touches into the Master Bedroom by swagging burlap bows and greenery to our drapes.
Back in our great room, I grabbed a silver tray from the dining room and topped it with glass balls and crystal candlesticks. I love the light this reflects during the day.
The Mantle is a collection of Christmas pasts. First a glimpse at the details. You’ll see a few familiar sparkles and twigs from last year. The silver vases were used years ago for a Valentine’s party and I found them at the bottom of my craft closet along with a mini tremeau mirror. The fabulous “M” was a gift from my green-thumbed big brother. Over the years I’ve used various fresh greens and fuit entwined with ribbon on the form to decorate our front porch railing. This year I brought it indoors and I adore the result. The glittery Nativity was a gift from my mom and I think it makes a perfect center to our decor.
Be it ever so humble this year, there is still no place like our little home. And it’s definitely been a welcome respite after a long work day. A cup of cocoa, a cozy blanket, the lights on the tree, surrounded by memories and old favorite finds used in a a new way, does a heart good.
From our McCottage to yours…
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
xxoo,
boots
