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

“You think this is just another day in your life?

It’s not just another day.

It’s the ONE day that is given to you – today.

It’s given to YOU.

It’s a gift.

And the only appropriate response is…

gratefulness.”

If it’s a day set aside for Thanksgiving or an average ordinary day,  may we learn to always arrive with cupped hands and grateful heart for what God gives us.

Happy Thanksgiving, Y’all.

boots

xxoo

I kept this pinned to my bulletin board above my office desk for years.   It now is on my dressing table and I look at it each morning.   Thought it was perfect to share this HOT Monday.

Now, get out there and do your wonderful thing.

I heart my iPhone.  I do!  I’ve been accused of being addicted to it.    I heart it even more now that I’ve discovered insta.gram. Insta.gram is an app that allows iPhone users to snap pictures with their phone, do a little fun tweaking /editing and post for friends to see.   Long before I had my DSLR, my phone was my camera.    I whole -heartedly agree with famed photog Chase Jarvis – that the BEST camera is the one you have with you.    Photo inspiration can strike me anytime – whether fashion, colors, flowers,  sunsets, a texture, or  even an angle that makes my eyes twinkle.  As soon as  I see it,  I stop and take an iPhone pic.   Love must be in the air because I’ve gone through the last month of  my instagram shots,  I  found lots o’ hearts.   I thought today would be a perfect day to share.    It’s also a time to encourage  us,  to open our eyes.   Love IS all around ….if we just stop and look for it.

there is no substitute for love (my kitchen counter)

hearts of stone ( at Pottery Barn)

i love you...I do! ( Proposals Bridal Store Window)

love ~ love ~ love (my other drug)

glitter hearts ( on my coffee table)

be loved ( a shredded belkin cardboard box + doily!)

US Pizza Love ( shadow of my red soda glass!)

my valentine ( on my pillow this morning!)

two greats together ( always within arms reach)

(rosemary beach  sept 2010  |   mccottage 2011)

taken via instagram

(all this beauty | the weepies)