Slowing Down

What a whirlwind this month has been! I need to slow down and take it all in.. if only I could turn the clock back and enjoy all the twinkling lights and favorite Christmas movies just a bit longer.

Every year, I try to get my Christmas decorating done in one afternoon, but this year I just pulled a few things out of boxes whenever the mood struck (usually in between sending out orders).  Here are just a few of the places in my home I've tried to make festive and jolly, before the kids get home. :)

I posted this on Instagram, but it's one of my favorite decorations. My feather tree, filled with vintage bird ornaments...

This is on my dining room table.. I cut off a bottom branch from our tree this year, and mixed it in with some artificial greenery and berries...

I've been collecting annual Starbucks ornaments for years! I have a banister that separates my family room from the dinette room, and every year I've hung a garland on it, filling it with my Starbucks treasures (they're just so much fun!). These are just a few of them...

Here is this year's ornament - the coffee delivery truck!

My mom has done a hot chocolate bar the past couple of years, and I joined in the fun this year, making one for Sophie - since she always seems to be asking for hot cocoa in the evenings lately. :)

I have to include this picture, bc it makes me laugh; I was trying to take a picture of Poor Martha standing outside of the glass door, and I forgot to adjust my camera. She ended up looking like The Little Matchstick Girl, by Hans Christian Andersen...

My parents dropped this beautiful boxwood wreath off on my doorstep this year! I love it hanging in my window...

My dear friend Bonnie stitched me this darling ornament! I have a banister in my entryway as well, on which hangs another garland and lots of stitched ornaments, but this one was so unique in its finishing, I hung it on the greenery in my bathroom!

This sparkly Kringle is also in my bathroom...

I found these wonderful, jumbo-sized white jingle bells on Etsy (The Bead Hutch), and I placed them in a dough bowl with some soft, glittery leaves (also from The Bead Hutch; she had them displayed this way, and I loved it!)...

Ever since I discovered Rae Dunn on Etsy several years ago, I've loved her style.. I couldn't resist this mug, especially since I absolutely love A Christmas Carol!

Here's another picture I posted on Etsy: the nutcracker Mike got for me last year. He sits in my kitchen, right next to my coffee pot...

I'll wrap this up with a couple of my favorite pictures... the first is Dusty, who will be moving to Dallas with her big brother Maji, when Sabrina drives them to her home after Christmas... this was actually taken back in October, when I was trying to get a photo taken for one of my releases...she jumped in the greens and I couldn't stop myself from quickly taking her picture!

And lastly, my Miss Martha, who is a very big girl with new bows on her ears. I just wish you could see them in this picture!

I hope you all are having a beautiful December so far!

Comments

[Kate]

This is a most beautiful post - thank you for sharing all these lovely photos with us. Have a wonderful Christmas.

[CathieJ]

Your pictures are beautiful as are your decorations. Who could resist your pets too.

[Robin in Virginia]

What a fabulous post to read and see, Paulette! I really like the reindeer ornament your friend stitched for you. What a unique and lovely way to finish it! Your snowman mugs are darling. Love the shots of Miss Martha and Dusty! Wishing you and yours a joyous holiday.

[Terri]

Beautiful pics, as always! I thought the pic of Martha behind the window was a drawing, at first! Merry Christmas to you and your family, Paulette!

[Mona Hudson]

Loved reading every word and the pictures are awesome! Merry Christmas Paulette! xoxo

[Faye]

I always enjoy the sights from you blogposts..... Merry Christmas, my friend~

[Sue H]

Dusty is a gorgeous kitty and Miss Martha is absolutely adorable, especially sitting outside the door looking so forlorn! Thank you for the lovely post!

[Vicki]

Your decor is lovely! Thanks for giving us a glimpse into your Christmas.

[Pam Lacey]

Thank you so much for sharing all the beautiful pictures of your lovely home and the decorating you have done. I just love it all! Gets me in the Christmas spirit. Love the tree with your antique birds - so adorable. Happy stitching, and Merry Christmas with your family and your furry friends.

[Charlene in PhxAz]

Thanks for not forgetting all us die hard bloggers! Your holiday postings are always so inspirational. I really love the first photo of Martha. It's so winter and serene looking. Can't wait to see the girls. Bet they are really growing up fast. Merry Christmas. Thanks for being you first and foremost and then thanks for all the awesome designs in 2016. You now have your own rotation basket at my house!!!

[Pamala B]

How wonderful! Your home is beautiful!! I love love love the feather tree!

[Tammy Tutterow]

Merry Christmas 🎁🎄 and A Happy New Year to you and your family!!