A few of my favorite things about the season

08 Wednesday Dec 2010

Posted by Karen B. in Decorating, Entertaining, Traditions

Tags

details of a home, Entertaining, holiday, Table Settings

I love this time of year…everything about it makes me happy. I like cooler weather (I realize there are two distinct camps on this, I have friends that are warm-weather fans) I must have lived in Iceland in another life time! Anyway, here are a few of the things I like best about the season…

image via BHG

I guess it goes without saying, I like the decorating part of the season the best. I think it’s fun to create new ways to dress up the house. I’m a traditionalist at heart but its fun to try out new ideas for the home using greens and seasonal fruit, nuts and the like. I’ve not done this (above image) but once—hanging wreaths in windows side-by-side. I think it looks great indoors and/or out. The reason I haven’t hung live wreaths since the first time is that the hardwood floors were constantly filled with pine needles so maybe I need to find a different spot…but it does look festive and pretty, don’t you think?

image via Slim Paley (you will enjoy her site, visit HERE)

Right up there with decorating is entertaining. I’ve said it before, my house is definitely a winter house. It looks it’s best when I have a fire in the fireplace and candlelight is emanating throughout. (Maybe we all look better in candle light, I know I do). But having good friends over for dinner with Christmas music in the background—good conversation, decent wine and comfort food, what could be better? (Fans of summer need not respond :-))

image via Country Living

Along with entertaining comes using my Christmas Tree dishes by Spode. Many of you may know of my disease—I’m addicted to dishes, all patterns and makes, and I’ve read that there is NO cure. By the way, I don’t have the red transfer ware pattern above but believe me I’ve eyed it with more than faint enthusiasm!

image via Country Living

And at the end of a beautiful day of holiday traditions I like to climb into bed, between my flannel sheets and catch some zzzzz.

Don’t forget to get your rest during this busy month! Happy December.

Christmas Collections

06 Monday Dec 2010

Posted by Karen B. in Collections & Accessories

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

collections, nutcrackers

I’ve come to realize that I’m not a very sentimental person. I came to this conclusion when I realized I ultimately grow tired of things I have collected throughout my married life. Through the many Christmas seasons we’ve celebrated as a family I have, during various years, collected teddy bear ornaments, White House collective ornaments, snow men figures, Santas and nutcrackers. Except for my nutcracker collection, I’ve either given away or permanently stored these collections. In fact, the teddy bear ornament phase was tied to having two small sons and I seem to remember there was a huge interest in “teddy bears” at the time (maybe the early 80’s?). Those ornaments have been divided up between 2 boxes labeled to go to my adult sons once they’ve got children of their own, Son #1 will receive his box of teddy bear ornaments this year! {smile, sigh} image via Southern Accents I’ve tried to analyze why I don’t feel attached to items for very long but I’ve come up blank. Maybe it’s the fact that our home is on the small side and really doesn’t have a ton of storage. Maybe it’s just that the chase (tracking down the perfect _________fill in the blank) is what attracts me. In any event, I’ve decided to think long and hard before starting any new collections of anything…except maybe the silver spoons I’ve had my eye on at eBay! My nutcrackers have always held court on the mantle…I sometimes use a garland but this year went with greens tucked in and around the base of each figure.

The short red and white nutcracker by the clock was Made in China but Son #2 bought if for me when he was very young and while the paint may be toxic (not really sure) I love it! We’ll keep it out of the hands (and mouth) of small children!

This baker nutcracker sits on the kitchen counter each year. {apologies for dark photo}

What kind of collections do you enjoy this holiday season?

Christmas Wish Lists

03 Friday Dec 2010

Posted by Karen B. in Uncategorized

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Christmas, tradition

When our sons were little I can remember them circling toys in the Toys R Us catalog in response to my question, “What do you want Santa to bring you this Christmas?” My husband and I were always on a budget so we would listen to them throughout the month of December to make sure Santa we got them what they wanted most.

Once they were older and knew the facts about Santa (parents are Santa’s helpers since clearly Santa can’t be all over the world in one night, right?) we would ask for a list from each of them and to this day that is my method for getting them the very thing they would like…along with some surprises. Now, I understand that this is the “easy way out”…I know if I were more clever and creative I would know intuitively know what everyone on my list would love and I’d buy it…but I’m not nearly so clever and due to full-time work have little time to ponder the question.

So, I’ve put out the request and am waiting for the lists to pour in. Meanwhile, my list of wishes is growing by the day. What is it about this season—the stores bring in wonderful items and display them with more panache than usual and I’m hooked. Not to mention the endless stream of catalogs, some of which I’ve never seen before, and the list grows.

In fact, I don’t need one single solitary thing, truly I don’t. But boy, do I see so many things that would be fun to have! So…I thought I’d share…I’d love to hear what some of you are wishing for this season—besides world peace and an end to worldwide hunger.

I've read about this book and seen some of the pages in blogland but I think I'd enjoy a copy.

Okay, I realize this is too practical, but that's the kind of gal I am...I would love a food scale and just never have purchased one for myself.

This medium Pierre Deux pewter serving tray has been on the radar for some time.

...along with these Pierre Deux coasters.

And while I realize this list holds only items for or about the home and design—well, that’s how I’ve always been. Hubby used to ask, would you like a diamond bracelet and I’d say, “I’d rather have French doors!” And on that note, since this is just a “wish list” I’d love to renovate our guest bathroom with this…

Unfortunately, Pottery Barn says this isn't available to California residents, what's up with that?

I hope all your wishes come true!

Sharing…blogland love

01 Wednesday Dec 2010

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Gardening

≈ 17 Comments

Tags

blog favorites

If you visit my blog site (and if you’re reading this, you obviously do, at least occasionally) you may have found my links to other “favorite sites” that I have visited and enjoyed. Like the World Wide Web, links to great design and food sites can suck hours of time in just one morning/afternoon/evening….must stay focused, must be disciplined. In the season of sharing I hope you’ll find something you like…

{image via Southern Accents}

I’m using some Christmas images in between each paragraph because ’tis the season and I like to see something between all the words—yes, I’m a visual learner, why do you ask?

{image via Southern Accents}

On the other hand, there are so many creative and inspiring sites that truly offer great ideas on design, recipes from the simple to the complex and do-it-yourself tutorials that will astound and delight you, even if you aren’t very accomplished in the DIY department {ahem}.

{image via Country Living}

I started thinking about this topic and realized I hadn’t really updated my list of favorite blog sites in some time and I had discovered a few new sites that I really enjoy. I also found that a few of my fellow blogger colleagues had stopped blogging for the most part {life interfering with art, no doubt}.

{image via Country Living}

So, drum roll please…here are 3 sites that are new to me and that I find keep me entertained and inspired!

Bardot in Blue is new to me. Haleigh lives in Paris…need I say more. She provides you with amazing images of some of the most picturesque places in the City of Lights and with wonderful designs she discovers. Visit her HERE. Oh, and if you’ve ever visited Jermaine at the fabulous French Kissed site—Jermaine is Haleigh’s mom…clearly the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree as far as artistic talents go.

heirloom philosophy is another site that I’ve only recently found {I stumbled upon this site through Little Blue Deer, a blog designer who redesigned heirloom philosophy}. Allison posts about antiques and interiors with a great eye for detail. She takes you to antique shows like High Point and Metrolina Expo and her photography makes you certain you are there! Visit Allison HERE.

paper{whites} has become a ‘must-read’ for me…Alison, a friend who grew up with our oldest son, has recently begun blogging. Her fresh take on life as a newlywed in a wonderful beach town is fun and informative. Visit Alison at paper{whites} HERE.