For me and my family, it is not about the material side of the holidays, but rather, giving thanks for where we have been, where we are going and the memories held in the decor that we use to show that thanksgiving.
Many of you have mentioned in comments and emails that you looked forward to seeing my new tree this year. Well, I have a few pics to share, but I realized as I was trying to take these pics. It is just not easy to get good photos of a Christmas tree. None seem to do it justice and none show well with lights off and blur when on, but I tried and maybe you can imagine a little idea of how this Colorado Spruce turned out this year and our little library alpine tree where we spend most of our time in the evenings.
While the traditional Christmas tree takes center stage in most homes, it would not be Christmas if we did not display our nativity scene in all it's glory and handmade by my mother many years ago. And, I could not scale down and leave this out of our display this year or any. That post will be along as we get closer to Christmas Day.
But for now, come walk around with me on a little tour.
Welcome Friends, come in and be at home. Here we enter by the front door on the backside of the rock fireplace which goes around to the living room. We will turn to the dining room facing the front of the house. Our tree is dressed in copper, silver, sage, crocheted snowflakes, red cottage roses with white lights. This 7 1/2' tree is topped with a gold star from Norway given to me by my dear friend Randi and finished at the base with a pretty copper and sequins tree skirt which you can see in the very last pic.
The chandilier has a poinsettia vine trailing around with a bead garland that stays year round. I added velvet and bead shades with small swiss dots. Crystal drops hang from each lamp base, but they are hard to see in this picture.
On the sideboard I display some very special pine cones collected from the grounds where my parents are buried under 3 gorgeous pine trees. These are displayed in a vintage dish with a vintage red and gold glass ornament.
Turning around from this room we pass the kitchen and living room going on to our library where I have a small alpine tree with collectible ornaments new and old from our travels and gifts.
Under the tree are glass block presents I created last year. I will show them and how they are made in another post and with better lighting. They are hard to see in this bright glow.
Thank you for stopping by to take a little tour of Christmas at our Cottage. I'll be back to share more and a little creative project you might enjoy for yourself or gifts.
See you soon.
Merry Christmas!
