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Decking the Halls

Most years my Christmas decor goes up in an afternoon, but this year (with two toddlers, travel, a business, and did I mention I’m directing, acting, and singing in our church Christmas play…?) it’s taking me a while to get it all out. And it’s not done, yet! I just wanted to share some of what I’ve done.

This gorgeous Santa is from Germany and is also a music box. I put him on my mantle, so little hands wouldn’t break him.

 Due to the two toddlers I mentioned above, I couldn’t hang our stockings on the mantle this year. I was very nervous about one of them yanking on a stocking and getting hit in the head with the weighted holder. So, I kept them in a stack for a few days while I thought about where I could put them. Genius finally struck (not sure where that came from, must be my dad’s side of the family…) and I hung them vertically on a pair of antique wooden skis ($18 at a thrift store.) I love them there more than on the mantle. I’ve had my hand made stocking as long as I can remember. My mom made ones to match when I got married and had kids.
 I made a candle ring for my PB & BJ inspired candle holder and it has found a home on my hearth.

 In my dining room, I simply filled an antique ironstone wash bowl ($2.50 at a yard sale) with pine cones and greenery.

 I also added candle rings to my $4.00 yard sale chandelier.

 This is the arrangement on my entryway foyer. I purchased the deer over 10 years ago when I briefly worked at Mikasa for over 60% off. The plate was a $2.00 yard sale find, as was the $5.00 twisted pedestal. I made the candle ring out of some spare garland, ribbons, pine cones and fall fruit & berries that were on clearance after Halloween.

 Can you believe that my mom made this nativity set? She made 2 sets, one for each of my grandparents. When my grandfather died, my dad acquired this set for me. It’s not only beautiful, but a family heirloom. (…and my mom wonders where I get my craftiness from!)

 I hung the angel from my $6.00 auction mirror.

 Did anyone realize that decorating with burlap was not created in the blog world? This stocking was made in the 1970’s out of…burlap! I love the vintage look of it.

 Because my wreath is too fat for the front door (it gets mushed by the storm door), I hung it on my kitchen window. I love it there! And it gave me an opportunity to revive one of my other wreaths. You can see how here.
I’ve also been busy working on some other things to share with you including how to decorate a tree with stuff you already have and an easy-to-make “JOY” banner.
Remember – Furniture Feature Friday posts tonight at 10:00pm EST and runs through Friday at midnight. You can link up any posts related to furniture or home furnishings (including accessories & holiday decor.) I have a great giveaway that I will custom make for my favorite post. Don’t miss it!
Miss Mustard Seed
I’m posting this to My Romantic Home’s Show & Tell Friday. You must check out Cindy’s Christmas decor. It’s lovely!

Marian Parsons 

Paint Enthusiast | Writer | Artist | Designer

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31 Responses

  1. Please note that "Mom" did not "paint" the nativity set – merely antiqued it. So that made a nice look without too much talent :).

    I love that Marian's house feels loved. I think crafts do that and while I always enjoyed doing that sort of thing – I was never great at it. Marian has just the right touch and I am a very proud Mom and follower of her blog :).

  7. I guess sometimes too many helpers is not a good thing(ha,ha)

    Your decorationg look amazing. Can't wait to see what else you come up with.

  8. I love what you have done … beautiful presentation.

    TTFN ~ Marydon
    Our new blog is ~ blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com
    Please follow us there. Enter our GIVEAWAY also.

  9. Everything is looking very festive. I love the idea of stockings hanging from the vintage skis!!! You are always full of inspiration.
    Jane

  13. I love the German Santa. I usually buy a new used or a new look used Santa each year. This year I got one at a local shop and they gave me the German name for it but I could not repeat it again if I tried.

  14. Hi Marian! All of those finds are so great. I love the chandy and guess what? I got that same twisted pedestal at a flea market this past summer for $5 too. Those stockings are too cute and I can't believe your mother made that nativity! And two of them?? Wow! Hey, you can put me down for a $25 gift certificate to my store for your FFF whenever you want. Thanks! Kim

  16. I love all your Christmas decorations. I have a small house and just cannot decorate to the extent I'd like. So I love looking at all the beautiful homes and crafts of everyone who links up. Thank you so much for following junkblossoms! I appreciate so much that you would be interested in my ideas. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas Season. Pat

  19. Wow, you must be very busy with the play….your Christmas decorations are great….I checked out the black candlesticks and can't believe how BEAUTIFUL they are and at soooooo much savings! I am going to be looking for some of my own.
    Also LOVE the idea of candle rings on the chandelier….perfect.

  25. that is lovely! And I know the challenge of decorating with toddlers… how is it possible for two little hands to create such chaos?!

  30. That nativity set is absolutely amazing! It all looks so festive! Thanks for showing us around! I am stopping in from Nester's place. To see my tour click on the 'Christmas 2009' tag on the left sidebar of my blog.

  31. Hi!
    My name is Melissa and I wanted to tell you that I love your SANTA! I collect old Christmas and Halloween figures just like yours. Your Santa is from Germany?? My Santa is just like yours I got mine from Goodwill and It's in great shape it plays music too:) WILD!
    LOL!
    Melissa from GA

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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