Christmas 2015

Now that the holiday season is winding down, I have a little time to work on a few posts.  I love decorating for Christmas, and this year I had a deadline.  We were going out of town for a few days on December 1st and I wanted all the decor to be up and ready to go by the time I got back.  Here's a peak into the front rooms of the house.  In my next post, I will put up the pictures of the back rooms, which include the kitchen and family room.  Hope you enjoy!

Upon entering the front door, the first decorated tree stands in a fishbowl nestled in a corner by the stairs. The white ornaments were made by my mother, and this year I added different sized snowflakes and a white topper.  White mini lights were added to the banister, and I had them on a chaser setting, which made the room feel magical.

Santa and two white glittery reindeer sit under the tree.

My silver neo-classical vase holds a new silver and white Christmas arrangement.  The silver and gold deer are also new additions to this table vignette.

The stairs are always fun to decorate, and new white, wispy pine garland was added this year.

I added a swag over the inside front door.

Now on to the living room, which we refer to as the paaarlor, darling!

I found this great nativity which I placed on the console with my white angels and some greenery.

Here's a close-up...

On the bombay chest, I used my sleigh decorated with white ornaments, crystal grapes, and greenery.

It was fun decorating the dining room this year.  I used mostly silver, with a hint of red under the white tablecloth.  I again used my deer from Tuesday morning, my candelabras with silver glitzy candles, and various decor on the table.

I also put a full-sized tree in the corner.  I have been using a smaller tree, but decided to use this one.  It had a more formal look, with some burgundy-colored balls added in with the silver and crystal.

Our Christmas Eve dinner table was set for nine, but one cancelled, so I removed one place setting.  Before dinner, I removed the deer and the candelabras, as they were blocking our view, and I added a fresh arrangement using mostly greenery and berries from my yard with white carnations.

The fresh arrangement sat on my new tea cart before dinner.

I used white napkins trimmed in silver with a shimmery napkin ring, my Lunt sterling, and mirrored chargers. I used Opal Innocence china.

Wine glasses used were Navarre, and iced beverage glasses were crystal with a silver rim, not sure what they are.

A different angle...

And just a few items placed here and there.  Although it's hard to see, I added those mini lights around the decanters, which looked pretty reflecting in the silver tray at night.  When I purchase these, I now look for ones with timers, that will come on at the same time every evening and cut off after 4 or 6 hours.

I also used a vintage-style light around the base of my reindeer.  I used battery-operated votives this year on his antlers, because the dripping wax is not fun to clean.  You can purchase votives now that have timers as well.  Yay!!

I think that's enough for now!  Please come back and take a look at the kitchen and dining room decor. Have a safe, healthy, and happy New Year!!

--Betsy

A New Year's Eve Setting

Another Christmas has come and gone, and a brand new year on the way!  I am so grateful for the many acts of kindness that were showered on me during this time.  I received many thoughtful and beautiful gifts, and I so appreciate the many cards and emails I received.  Most importantly, I appreciate my friends and family who show me kindness just by the way they treat me.  I don't care what bag they carry, how attractive they are, or what their husband does for a living.  What matters to me is if I am treated with sincerity and kindness.  But I also know that it starts with me.  In order to have a friend, you must be a friend.  This year I will try to show my gratitude for all the kindnesses I receive by being prompt with thank-yous--even if it's just a telephone call or a quick email.  I will try to be personal, and I will try to do it all with sincerity and honesty.

Today's table is for New Year's Eve (even though I still haven't posted my Christmas table), and I "shopped the house" for all the tabletop items.

This table starts with a white cloth with a silver design and a silver runner.

I normally don't do napkin folds, but I found this one on the internet, and thought it was cute.  Of course, my patience is limited, and mine doesn't look exactly like the one demonstrated on line, but it will do!

Mirrored chargers are a Tuesday morning purchase, and the china is Opal Innocence by Lenox.  I received two placesettings of this for Christmas, adding to the five I already had purchased from Craigslist.

For the centerpiece, I used a beautiful crystal bowl and a silver gazing ball, which reminded me of the ball that drops in Times Square.  The white stuff (I have no idea what it's called) reminds me a bit of fireworks and that silly string.  I found it at a local interior design store.

I used silver "disco" balls, mercury glass and silver votives, and silver beads. 

One white lily in a mercury glass vase worked for each end of the table.

This was the first tablescape I've done that I've broken something in the process.  The water goblets are Crown Point by Gorham.  The champagne flutes are Raffaello by RCR--now I have only 5 of them.

Candleholders are Navarre by Fostoria. 

Goodnight!  Thanks for stopping by!  I am so thankful for all the great friends I have met through my blog and I am really grateful for your kind comments! 

 HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND YOURS!