Happy December everyone!  We had a wonderful Thanksgiving week with family.  I caught a bug and as a result I’m so behind with my Christmas ‘to do’ list.  Being laid up I’ve had time to be inspired by all of the creative forces in blogland and I’ve decided to keep it simple this year.  I’m sharing a few images of my own home last year and showing you the inspiration for this year.

Last year I hung this rustic garland over our french doors in the dining room.  I think I’ll do that again.  The silver colored snowflakes were purchased at Crate & Barrel’s after Christmas sale a few years back.

Each year I’ve had a centerpiece made for our dining room table using the bronze deer I picked up while on vacation in Aspen years ago.  This year I’m going to try to make it myself using fresh greens, I’ll let you know how it goes.  🙂

Our kitchen bay window usually has some kind of live plant, last year I adorned an ivy wreath with some frosted red berries (faux).  I’m not sure what I’ll put in the window this year.  I have a nice container with english ivy in it and I may just add a few cyclamen and be done.

I found this stag graphic on The Graphic Fairy and printed him on vellum using sepia colored print, then I placed him over some old sheet music I had to create this deer vignette.  The deer are antiques I’ve collected over the years.  I’m not sure where I’ll display him this year.

Here is how our tree has looked the last 2 years. I believe it will look pretty much the same this year.  If you’ve ever thought about dramatically changing the look of your tree, what do you do with all the ornaments you’ve collected along the way, not to mention the expense of buying mostly new, right?

So here are some simple rooms I’ve admired.  They look understated but still seem very Christmasey to me…in a grown up way.

I know this image has been around a long time…sadly I no longer have the source (let me know if you do, please) But the unadorned cedar garland, and the wonderful fresh flower arrangement are beautiful to me.  I like the simple silver ornaments in the stacks of little pots.  The stone animal and the bulbs sprouting in the concrete bowl, all create the mood I’d like to strive for.

How simply lovely is this room.  Yes, I know, the chandelier and overall room design makes it a great room no matter what season it is, but you have to admit, this is a classic case of less being a whole lot more.

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A Christmas tree, a wreath and a cozy feel to this room makes it complete for me.  {By the way, we are empty nesters, if I had youngsters at home I’d be decking the halls with all the glitter and popcorn garlands I could lay may hands on!} 🙂

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If you’ve read my blog for any time, you know that English country style pulls at my heart strings.  This room is one of my favorites.

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I’m loving this trend towards natural, even a little rustic, ways of setting the table.  The tree slices really lend themselves to the mood of Christmas and this table.  What do you think?

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I plan on baking pumpkin bread to give to friends and neighbors.

I guess getting a late start has slowed my pace a bit, just a bit.  I want to keep it simple this year, not go over the top and enjoy good friends and family.

How are decorating for the holidays this year?