Cottage Christmas Decor 2011

Hi, I promised a few photos of my main tree in the great room and here they are...


Decorated with the usual Scandinavian woodcut ornament, Santas and woven star on top. I also decorated the top of the china cabinet next to it. A very cute Santa with a bag full of toys and snow shoes.

Sorry the photos aren't better. I've been having some major back problems this year and I couldn't stand for long.


Mostly it is red, white and gold colors on the traditional green tree. There are skis, musical instruments, cardinals and glass ornaments with red wood beaded garland that looks kind of like cranberries..


I didn't have a good picture of my fireplace decorations as a whole, but here are a few close ups of my garland full of lights, berries and ornaments...
I love the globe ornament - from Restoration Hardware years ago. I have lots of them, actually and I hang them on my armoire door knobs and put them on bookshelves. I have a huge one and lots of medium sized ones. Don't you love old fashioned globes and maps? And they are Christmas-y because Santa needs them to navigate by on that special night!


Blurry photo, sorry. Lots of different Santas on my mantle as well as my one remaining brass reindeer that hasn't broken with the tiny wood sleigh. Lots of birdhouse ornaments because my mother loves them. Okay, so do I.

Lots of skis, too! Not that we've ever skied or are going to, but they are so cute! Even the birds ski - they left theirs just outside their little house.

No Gingerbread House this year, sadly. I just couldn't justify spending the money on it this year. I miss it... Next year, hopefully.

So now I'm busy making cookies and getting ready for Christmas Eve. I'm also having relatives visit just after Christmas so there is a lot to do! Hope you are all having fun during the Holidays!!

My Little White Chrismas Tree

While we do keep a large real tree in the living room, I like to keep a small white tree in my bedroom to enjoy at night.

I bought this tree at Target a few years ago - it sits perfectly on my dresser.

I've had a devil of a time finding the right star for the top of the tree - nothing fits or looks just right and every year I swear that next year I will find something that works. Well this year at Hobby Lobby I found an old fashioned glitter star ornament and I put a piece of wire to make it work on the top of my tree. Pretty, isn't it?

It's kind of old fashioned pink.

And I love to hang my little tin sign below. SNOW. Which is something I always hope for at Christmas...

Overall I'm rather happy with the look. I couldn't find my small mercury glass ornaments this year - I must've put them in a safe place which means I'll find them in the Spring most likely. LOL

I decided to string some keys along with my beautiful violin ornament.

Nothing like vintage keys as ornaments to make me happy.

And it glows so peacefully at night. Very relaxing...

I'm still working on decorating the big tree downstairs. I'll post pictures when we finally finish. Happy Holidays, Everyone!

Etsy Update - Christmas Shopping

The shop has been busy the past week or so - I just wanted let you guys know that there are a few new items in the shop for the last few shopping days before Christmas!

I put up another large silhouette I just realized I'd forgotten to post. I used a different silhouette than I usually use for these larger frames. I usually use the other girl as she is bigger, but this is a favorite of mine and since I have one on my own wall I thought it was only fair to offer one in the shop. :)

I left the back tab on it so you can put it on a desk/bookshelf, etc. Looks cute with one of my little bottlebrush trees as a Holiday setting.


But also looks great on a wall display.

Also, it seems the musical note pendants are a popular gift choice - great for music lovers or people who like unique eclectic jewelry...

SOLD

I always use genuine antique sheet music. No copies - each one is absolutely unique and there is more music on the back of course. Check out the listing for more pics.

SOLD

I thought it'd be cute to take a picture of it hanging on my little bedroom Christmas tree. I love my violin ornament and it goes so well with the pendant. It'd be a great way to display your gift instead of wrapping it - have them find it on the tree! LOL

And these typewriter pendants are popular, too - I've had several compliments on the one I wear. This R is just too cute, isn't it? I don't know why, but I'm drawn to letters and numbers even when they don't necessarily mean anything to me (not in my name or birth date, etc.) I love M and R and E - also love the number 5 for some reason. I have that number in several sizes of newspaper blocks on my bookshelves and when people ask me why I'm like - why not??

I used a delicate silver chain to match the delicate filigree setting. So pretty!

And there is another Shabby Sheep original up, this time not on a stretch canvas, but on a flat one - easier for framing/mounting or whatever you like.

Just a note that typewriter letters and other items are of limited supply and items are moving fast right now. Be sure to grab any item you've been eyeing before it is gone!

Merry Christmas and happy decorating and baking for the season!!

Chantilly Raspberry Cookies

I like most of Pepperidge Farm's cookies, but my favorite one seems to be discontinued. Does anyone else miss the Chantilly Raspberry cookie?

They were crisp cookies with raspberry filling, a pie like crisscross on top and sprinkled with powdered sugar. They were divine. I miss them so much. I tried to make something similar last Christmas - I thought maybe they were linzer tart cookies, but alas - close, but no cigar. I found them not crisp enough and too spicy. Too much texture, too.

So does anyone have any ideas for what I could try as a recipe? I'd like to make my favorite cookie for the holidays.

No pictures of my Christmas decorations yet as I'm only half way there- so many boxes to go through! I'm donating and tossing out as much as I can as we've got way too much for one family! LOL I have enough for the whole neighborhood, I think.

Happy December!