Deck the Halls - Part I

This year it seemed as though the times came too early.  Shops were hosting Christmas in July and Thanksgiving was more about who could find the better shopping deal than really sitting down at a table experiencing the gift of thankfulness!  Not only was the public eye gearing up for Christmas a little too early, but I did too.  What can I say?  Christmas is my favorite holiday!  Not just because of what it represents, but I love to see the looks on my children's faces that morning.  Plus, it's the only time of the year that I can leave my house a mess and not worry about it.  Last year we moved during the holidays and we really didn't get to enjoy it at all.  So, that's why I felt I wanted to "Deck the Halls" a little early this year.  I love the fact that once it's all decorated, I can come home to the smell of cinnamon, spruce trees and freshly backed pies.  All the twinkling lights make it extra special too.

It took me at least a week to get all my decorations out and organized to know what I had and didn't have from the move.  Once I can get past the exhaustion of taking all the totes up and down the attic stairs, I then have some fun putting together all my favorites.  Each year I change out ribbon, move things around just to spruce up all the current decorations I have.  I am not just one collector and never plan to be one.  I like everything Christmas!!



This is a new tree that I purchased this year.  I've always wanted a color themed tree so I chose lime and red for this room to coordinate my "formal" living space.  After I got it decorated I thought the space needed something so I tied back the curtains with some leftover ribbon I had from the den and used some ornaments to accent it. 
 











He looks old but I love him, the elf that is!!  Oh and when I decided to move the table I placed it so it was horizontal instead vertical with the chair.  Love how the design of the table is now noticeable. 



Think outside the box!!  Use already made curling ribbon as a pop of something on your tables!



 These are just those craft glass blocks and a gift box.  I just changed out the ribbon this year and added some glow to Santa's sleigh.



Lighted branches tied with ribbon...again, think outside the box.  Ornaments go a long way and they are inexpensive!  They are not just for trees anymore and can be purchased in all different designs and color.  I was going to make an arrangement for the gift box, but I think I'll save that one for next year.



My foyer table.  Use Christmas fabric!  Battery operated lights are always a good choice to add some twinkle to your decor.  Under the trees, I added candlesticks and in the basket I added a small strand of lights.

 

"All I know about Christmas I learned from Jesus".  My favorite!  If you look closely baby Jesus is missing.  My kids started the tradition that he is put in the manger on Christmas morning.  Love how their creativity turns into great ideas!  Happy birthday Jesus!!

 

This is still a work in progress but I'm liking how this is turning out.  I'm more of a whimsical girl who likes stripes, polka dots, patterns and a touch of animal print.  I couldn't really find some candle holders/sticks that I liked for my "formal" table, so I went with a different look.  I found these goblets that work perfectly upside down.  They are just the right size to hold pillar candles and they matched my table runner.  Once again...think outside the box!