Last week I was a little stressed trying to get the house decorated for my Creating Christmas post.
I am so glad I participated in the blog hop that Jann of Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson hosted.
It means that now, my house is all decorated and
I have no projects looming - no deadlines.
Any presents that have arrived (I did mostly online shopping this year) are wrapped.
So, I have time to be creative.
Each night for dinner, I am setting a festive table.
Steve slaves in the kitchen so it is only fair that I do my part.
I am enjoying adding little touches to the house each day
like this tin from Target that looks like a chalkboard, but much better than anything I could create.
I call him Terry in honor of Kris's husband and he has a home on the dining room table - at least for today - the little Maileg pixies like to move around the house.
Olaf is now sitting on the window seat and Lulu seems to think he is there for her enjoyment.
Olaf is now sitting on the window seat and Lulu seems to think he is there for her enjoyment.
At night while sitting by the fire watching Christmas movies, I like doing a little needlework.
Scraps of drop cloth became rustic hearts and
bigger scraps were painted to look like grainsacks.
It is still 10 days until Christmas, but I already have stockings made to hold the flatware in the Christmas morning tablesetting.
I am so happy to be at the point of just "Enjoying Christmas"!
And now, someone is telling me that it is time to put away the laptop and go for a walk before the rain begins.
I hope you are getting the opportunity to enjoy Christmas too!
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Join me at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson for the Share Your Cup party
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Join me at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson for the Share Your Cup party
Such a lovely post Carol. I alwasy enjoy looking at all the special touches you add around your sweet home. The tables are so pretty and I love that you set a new one each day. Those blue rimmed dishes are just beautiful! Where did you find the silver and gold mercury glass ornaments. I am looking for some and haven't found any I love . Yours are just beautiful!n The hearts and stockings are so pretty...I need to get into needlework again. It's been a long time! Have a wonderful evening.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Vicky
Carol, your house looks wonderful. I just love all the touches you added. I love the tin from Target, I saw them plus gift bags, they are so great. I love the chalkboard look. And like you know I could not get that look if I freehand myself. Enjoy and have an Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteCarol, I love the casualness of your home, and all the color - your crafts, your tables, Steve's works. Lulu looks like she's made a new friend of Olaf. Those pixies are so cute, and I love that you named the newest one Terry. Enjoy your time now, and let me just say it's been wonderful getting to know you this year - a real gift. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteRita
Your house needs its own coffee table book. I would buy it!!
ReplyDeleteLulu looks so happy and at home. So glad you got her. :)
I'm enjoying this time too since the party last week. We do have a little shopping to do still but I'm not stressing about it.
I agree with Stacey...put your pics in a book! What a pretty one it would make! I am glad you are enjoying your time at home with your decor. I am still shopping and creating. The kids' schedule seems to add a layer of crazy to the holidays that I can't say I really relish. I can't wait until school vacation starts and we can relax and just "be".
ReplyDeleteYou put such a lot of work into your Christmas decorating, and it all looks fantastic! The little embroidered hearts are really sweet. I'd love to stop now and work on something fun, but I'm afraid I left things too late this year and am still sewing up gifts! Sneaking in a little blogging time is nice and relaxing though :) Have a great week! Wendy x
ReplyDeletelove it all!!!!!!!!! angie
ReplyDeleteYour house looks darling. Congratulations on finishing the decoration and present buying already. My house is mostly decorated, but I am going to have to go Christmas shopping this weekend after I get out for winter break. I am far too busy now with classes, coaching and grading.
ReplyDeleteCute Carol! Your pixies are too sweet! no wonder you collect them.
ReplyDeleteYour home looks already for Christmas.
I'm as ready as I will be. We already had one Christmas dinner with the oldest and his family. They are off to Florida to spend Christmas with her family.
Your home is so cheerful and full of Christmas! I have most of mine done also and it's a good thing since I am going away for a few days. So I'm enjoying the trees and lights. I do have to wrap a few gifts but that's about it!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Linda
Carol, it is always a joy to visit your blog and see the amazing magic you do around your little home. If you ever find a way to bottle "that special Carol touch", I want to be one of your first clients. Put me down for a Queen size bottle :)
ReplyDeleteConnie xx
It all looks beautiful! I'm glad you can take it easy - enjoy it!!
ReplyDeleteOh Carol,
ReplyDeleteTalk about ENJOYING the season, so far, only on the weekends can I do so with my husband, and this past weekend was a blast. WE just went out like young kids and ran around everywhere to our favorite shops.
Your home looks peaceful, ready for more creative moments. I love those red and white vignettes, and Kris is so generous to send you that darling doll!!!! And Miss THANG with her little red scarf, she is ready for some play, don't you know? You best get out on the beach and give her the time she is barking for! :)))
Happy hugs to you dearest Carol! Anita
Oh my goodness! It all looks so pretty Carol! So nice that you can sit back and do the fun things waiting for Christmas to get here. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to hear that you are beyond the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and can truly enjoy Christmas! All you the vignette areas you shared are great, such fun items! I love your new Maileg (Kris surely blessed you well)! I love those stocking you made, you are multi-talented, Carol! Blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteYour sweet LuLu is adorable in these shots friend! And I love your needlepoint....too awesome!! I am glad you are able to kick back and just enjoy your stunning Christmas home! That is the way to do it!! Wishing you a wonderful week friend! Nicole xoxo
ReplyDeleteI love the pixies and the cute candy canes. You have some pretty needlework to do and enjoy, too. Happy holidays my friend. Hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteYour decorations are lovely. I especially love how your home looks so bright and sunny. It's cold and grey in the Midwest and my Christmas decorations involve tartan wool blankets. May you have a wonderful holiday!
ReplyDeleteSo happy you are all decorated and ready to enjoy the days ahead until Santa's big day. Love the little "Terry" pixie and I am glad he likes to move around. He looked so cute int he pic with him by the candy canes. So happy he found me to gift to you lol! Have a great week. Enjoy the next 10 days.
ReplyDeleteKris
Carol, you truly have the attitude and mindset I try for during the holidays. You just seem to find the rewards of keeping your hands and heart busy. I absolutely love your sweet touches of Christmas...your festive tables and wow, the "maileg" (what does that word mean?), from Kris is darling!!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to catch up now...you did a home tour I hear?!
Jane xx
The little elves are adorable.
ReplyDeleteLove you place settings. Your home looks so festive. So many cute things you have made. I think I need some drop cloth :)
Oh Carol, everything is so lovely. Your tablescapes are very pretty and I am sure that Steve enjoys setting down to a lovely setting after his cooked.
ReplyDeleteLulu looks so cute setting there with your elf. If that was Waldo he would think that it was his and be mauling it.
So glad that you are feeling better.
Enjoy your Christmas.
Mary
In my mind, there is little that is better than doing needlework in the evenings while watching Christmas movies. Sounds like you are making the most of your season.
ReplyDelete:) LOVE the photo of Olaf and Lulu! So sweet.
ReplyDeleteHi Carol I like your idea of having different table settings each night. There is just the two of us too so that should be easy to do too! We are in Florida for a week, so I there is no pressure to be getting things ready and I have plenty of time to visit everyone and see rheir Christmas decor. I like your idea of painting the drop cloth. I may just copy it 😄
ReplyDeleteHi Carol, I love every inch of your wonderful Christmas home. Lulu is a doll and looks so comfy.
ReplyDeleteLove all your table settings!
Merry Christmas!
xo
Best post for Christmas in my book. I love the rustic wood box on the table and the way you decorated the table everyday. The blue trimmed dishes are beautiful. This is my first Christmas without my husband so I haven't been much in the mood. I did make a few stockings and table runners to put in my Etsy shop but not much else. Hopefully nest year can be a new normal for me. Thanks for sharing your home with us. It always brightens my day.
ReplyDeleteCarol,
ReplyDeleteI just returned from our holiday visit with my brother and sil in Palm Beach so I'm playing catch up with my favorite blogs. Gotta go check out your Holiday tour.
I love how you have a huge imagination and playful spirit, it shows in everything you do. Your home is so festively fun and cheerful for the season.
Love the photo of Lulu and Olaf. You have put a huge smile on my face!
xoxo,
Vera
Love it all, I'm still in the throws of finishing the Charmer in holiday delight. so love your hearts I might have to make one or two! Great way to use drop cloths. Gosh only 10 days left? Thanks for reminding me, it won't make me more stressed I promise:-{
ReplyDeletePS hitting publish doesn't let you post you comment, have to fill in the caption
Your sweet little cottage looks so festive Carol. Looks like you're all set for Christmas. So glad to hear you're enjoying Christmas.
ReplyDeleteHugs and Kisses,
♥Ana
Your Christmas decorations are beautiful! Your home looks lovely. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteSo many wonderful touches that I love. Those pixies are adorable, and those little rustic hearts are sooo sweet.
ReplyDeleteOwwww how sweet your dog is ready for Christmas...love your decoratings....love from me Ria....x!
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoyed your walk and everything is pretty.
ReplyDeleteCindy
Carol, I am sorry that you were feeling a little stressed. Glad to know that now you can relax. Your holiday home is gorgeous and it was all worth it. lol! At least I think so. I always try to have my decor done by this time so that I can relax and enjoy. Haven't found any time to create though. I love your little hearts and the utensils stockings are just darling! How sweet of Kris to send you another elf. Hubby had his company party at the Grand America hotel on Sat. As we were heading into the room where our meal was to be held we passed their gift shop. There I spied Maileg elves. I wanted to hop in and buy one so badly after seeing yours. But I resisted, for now. You always make such gorgeous collages. What program do you use? I love the touch of red around the outside. I use Picmonkey but mine are not nearly as lovely as yours. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas my friend!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
So enjoy seeing all your cheery Christmas touches throughout your home! I read one of your comments on another blog about getting to spend Christmas Eve at a special restaurant. What fun!
ReplyDeleteJudith
Your home looks beautiful and how delightful that you have time to relax and just enjoy it all!
ReplyDeleteYour home looks so lovely for the christmas season. Love the quilted placemats and the elf. Next week I will be busy baking goodies for family, friends, and neighbors.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you were able to make some of those little stockings! They turned out so cute. I love the Maileg items you have everywhere too. That was a sweet gift from Kris! You're lucky that your husband cooks dinner for you most nights. Mine helps a lot by cooking the meat, and often cooks on the weekend. But, otherwise it's mostly me. Your table settings make your dinner even nicer!
ReplyDeleteOlaf and Lulu seems to be good pals! Lulu is the cutest with her scarf! Enjoy Christmas!
ReplyDeleteAmazing decorations, love the candy canes and your dining table arrangement! Not quite at 'enjoying Christmas' yet, still a way to go - this time next week though it will be time to rest a little x
ReplyDeleteI love your creative, Christmasy touches all over your house...you make magic! Your tablescapes are gorgeous. Like Steve, I slave away in the kitchen. Want to come and decorate my table for me? ;-) I was in the kitchen for hours this morning making eggnog donut muffins, homemade pancakes, bacon, coffee and a pasta sauce for dinner later tonight. Second load of dishes already going in the dishwasher.
ReplyDeleteLove your ideas. So creative, and so CUTE! Have a wonderful Christmas! xoxox
ReplyDeleteCarol, your cottage is so adorable! Have a very happy Christmas! Pam
ReplyDeleteCarol,
ReplyDeleteEvery inch, every corner is pure Christmas magic. Your hand stitched Christmas crafts are perfection and must bring you such joy as you work on them in the evenings. Puppy dog looks incredibly happy too-but who wouldn't be living your precious and beautiful home by the sea.
Merry Christmas,
Jemma
Carol your home looks so warm and festive. And I love seeing pictures of Lulu....As far as my decorating goes, I've done what I'm going to do--much lighter this year with the decor but I'm trying to be more relaxed about it all. Today we went to the beach and had a bon-fire with snacks and drinks even though it was cold and windy and we were the only family on the beach ... it was beautiful. We decided it's our new Christmas tradition...hope all is going well with the kids...wedding plans etc...
ReplyDeletehugs,
Leslie
Carol, I love all your Christmas touches. Olaf is adorable and he fits right in with your Christmas decor. The mercury glass ornaments are gorgeous; love those too! I have most of my shopping done and I still have some baking to do. But getting there. Hope you and your loved ones have a Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Sandi
charming post, carol:) i love your cute table settings, esp. and your stockings, can't forget them:) jann did us a huge favor this year, cuz, with everything done early, i'm enjoying each christmas moment! merry christmas!!
ReplyDeleteYou've inspired me this morning!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely love Lulu and Olaf! Your wrapping is just my style dearie. I did mostly online shopping as well. Just have two more gifts to wrap and I am done! No more deadlines over here either! :) xoxoxo Jen
ReplyDeleteEverything looks so beautiful Carol - and I'm how so many bloggers are on top of their game this year - it's just not happening in these here parts - I'm completely behind the 8 ball once again lol - it sounds so peaceful ( what Christmas really SHOULD be )
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your holidays - Merry Merry Christmas !
XOX
Love your decor and touches Carol! Just beautiful. I too did most of my Holiday shopping on line. It was wonderful to hear the door bell ring and the dog bark lol. I had no stress that's for sure! Merry Christmas. XO
ReplyDeleteI love the pixie, and it's so sweet how Lulu loves it too. My Francis, apparently likes the way the bed on the porch is made right now. He has been jumping off his usual spots to the bed, which is a high jump for him. xoxo
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you're all set Carol. Everything looks so inviting and now you can relax and enjoy each moment. Love those sweet little stockings that will hold your silverware.
ReplyDeleteIt's all so cozy and calm and beautiful and bright. You are ahead of the game, my friend - my daughter is crossing the Atlantic today, and I'm still in a whirlwind of tinsel!
ReplyDeleteHappy Christmas!
Poppy
Have you any idea how adorable your decor is? It is, and I love it! Just precious. And that table with the elf and the stripes! Oh, what fun!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Sheila :-)
Great post. Sweet Lulu in her scarf waiting for her walk. She looks sweet with Terry too.
ReplyDeleteLove how you painted the stockings to look like grain sacks