Christmas Decorating Blog Party

Christmas is a special time for me. I grew up in a wonderful family, and have wonderful memories of decorating, baking, and large family gatherings. Now that I’m grown up and have a home of my own, Christmas decorating is an event that I look forward to all year long. I’m not the type of person who puts the same decorations in the same spot every year. If I did it might save me some time but I would probably go insane, so I prefer to do new things every year. I like to start early, like the weekend before or after Thanksgiving, that way I can get everything out and see what I have to work with.

I get my inspiration from different magazines like Pottery Barn, store displays like Anthropology, and even flea markets that I’ve attended over the last year. I also shop after Christmas sales to get new decorations for cheap, then put them in the attic and when I get them out the next year I get a surprise!

Here are some of my Christmas decorating projects that are completed. The first is a rustic display on top of a bookshelf in our living room. I bought the old cabinet door at this years Christmas at the Cabin for $3. The ice skates are mine from when I was about 10 and took ice skating lessons. I like this display because it is simple.

This is one of my favorites that I do every year. I display old and new Christmas photos. I used another cabinet door. I put a song sheet in the middle, put a green wreath over top and taped the photos to the door. Each year I add photos, this year I will add my sons first photo with Santa.

This display took me an entire day to do, I’m still not sure it’s complete. I may have to add to it. After being on the ladder all day, I felt like I had been to a step aerobics class! The birdcage & clock were also found at Christmas at the Cabin. The antlers were from one of the first deer my maternal Grandfather got. I love using antique pieces that have been in my family.

Oh, Christmas Tree! Oh, Christmas Tree! I love searching for that special tree every year. I don’t think I could ever buy a faux tree, not that there’s anything wrong with it, it’s just not me….too perfect, I guess. I love imperfections! And the search for the “perfect” imperfect tree is all part of the whole Christmas experience my family. I love looking back at pictures and seeing the different shapes and sizes we’ve had through the years. Every year when the needles and falling off and my husband finally convinces me that it is time to say goodbye to the tree, we cut a piece off of the end and write our names & the date on it and keep it. This year I went with red & gold ornaments and added fluffy snow to the ends of the tree. My Mom was here when we got the tree and she helped me get the lights and decorations on it. Thank you Mom! I’m still working on something for the top.

Here is a new piece that was added to my collection for me, my Mom bought this Santa at shop in PA and gave it to me. He’s ready to play 18 holes. I think his little wrinkly face is so cute. I might just have to leave him up all year long.

Speaking of Santa’s, here is another one in my collection. He is hand painted by a very talented family friend. He stands about 6 feet high.

Last but not least is the shelf above our tv, which I tend to refer to as our mantle. I had an old wreath that is on it’s last leg, so I spray painted it silver and worked some white, silver and gold into the mantle to go with it. This was probably my favorite project this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!