Wednesday, December 14, 2011

JOYEUX

I missed the party for the Christmas Vignettes so I thought I would share some of mine in this post. I love decorating windows and I have been lucky that Milo has stayed away from this one. He loves to terrorize the mail lady and UPS guy {my best friend lately}.
I also decorated my kitchen window with lots of candles and whimsical snowmen.
I decorated the coffee table a bit...it works for me now that my son with the big old feet has moved out. This was a perfect resting place for them.
This frosted glass tray was something that was going to go into my donation bag and then I fell in love with it all over again. Once I thought outside of the box, I came up with different ideas to use it for.
This tiered stand is a thrift store find from last summer in Michigan.
I kept it simple...
I LOVE my Christmas geese, they look so darn happy!
And here is a little plant stand with ornaments on sticks pushed down into the plants. My living room is small so I have to decorate where I can.
I found this hurricane on sale at Kohl's. I love how big it is. I set it on a rustic tray I had with vintage salt and pepper shakers. I have been burning candles that smell like evergreens since we put the tree up. It seems to have lost some of it's smell, or maybe I am just used to it.
Now I have some randomness for you, maybe a nice break from all the Christmas stuff...we ordered 2 new counter chairs from the home furnishings company Emily works for. I love them...they are very comfy.
And then this dog bed. I was out with Emily and Abby the other day. We went to a thrift store because they needed sweaters for the annual Ugly Christmas Sweater parties they go to every year. So, there was the dog bed sitting there, bragging that it was $5.00. Considering I had been looking in L.L. Bean at dog beds for over $100.00, I was ecstatic! I went to Target and got this bright pillowcase and then stuffed it with two old throw pillows so it would be nice and lumpy.
Milo definitely loves it. I had a picture on my camera of him snoozing in it, but I couldn't download it for some reason. He really loves to curl up in it. I think I did good for under ten dollars.

The days are moving a little slower now that things are done. As soon as I buy a gift or UPS delivers, I wrap right away, mainly because my daughters are peekers! I can't even use gift bags, Emily will pry them right open. I've always loved surprises, The Husband can put a bag in the closet and tell me not to look and I am not even tempted. I get my pleasure in the anticipation, I guess.

So tell me how far along you are with your Christmas plans. Still decorating? On to baking? Any good Christmas parties? I'd love for you to share! :-)

61 comments:

Pondside said...

Decorations are done and parcels for away have been mailed.
Baking - not yet. I have to do it at the last minute or I'll eat it all.
I still have to get out and shop for my husband, but that's just fun and easy to do.
Your place looks lovely - I especially like the kitchen window.

LuLu Kellogg said...

I love all your decorations! Milo looks so comfy!!

Happy Holidays my beautiful friend!

Love,
LuLu~*xoxo

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

Everything looks so pretty and cozy, Blondie. Really love the kitchen window. Love Milo's new bed! You did do good! Love the new stools, I need two also. As far as my baking, I have done plenty of it, but I am eating as fast as I bake! I am loving it right now, but I know that I will regret it every second when it is all done and over with :(

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane... I've been all done for some time now, and posted most everything... your home looks so pretty and cosy and inviting, and Milo looks adorable in his new bed...xoxo Julie Marie

Sunflowers With Smiles said...

I love your Joyeux banner in your window, did you make it?

Your decorations look wonderful!

Happy Holidays!

NanaDiana said...

Everything looks beautiful, Jane! I love the bunch of candy canes tied together for display. That is so cute.

It is looking like you are almost ready for Christmas AND you have your new kitchen to enjoy it in this year!

If you have any SPARE TIME...please feel free to drive North and help ME!;>) xo Diana

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

Hi Jane:) Milo looks very happy. Love all of your Merry Christmas decorating. Very festive. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas filled with lots of love and laughter:)
~Debra xxx
Capers of the vintage vixens

Sonny G said...

Hi Jane,

your home is so pretty with all its holiday touches.. That is a beautiful photo of the tree twinkling through your hurricane on the tray.. Like wonderland.

Brenda Pruitt said...

Well, if my pets are happy, we're all happy. Is that the way it is at your house?
Brenda

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Dear Jane,
Your home looks so festive and welcoming for Christmas. You must have worked so hard on all of the little special touches.
Enjoy all of your preparations for Christmas....especially the eating and drinking !! XXXX

Debby said...

Love all your decorations. Cozy, indeed. Love those new kitchen chairs.
I am done. I will do some cooking, baking later but we are leaving for COlorado on Christmas Eve. We have a Christmas with one son this wek-end and another one the night before we leave.
It is a good feeling to be done with the shopping, wrapping and the cards.
And I have next week off......that's the best.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family.
I have a nephew named Milo, hah, and he's cute too.

Marianne said...

Your home looks lovely! And hooray for UPS guys, they usually only bring good stuff!
Merry Christmas!

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Jane...

I'm sooo glad that you decided to share a few of your beautiful Christmas vignettes with us, sweet friend! They're gorgeous!!! I love the frosted holly dish! Love how you decorated it too! Ohhh...and one of my favorite vignettes is your three tiered silver with the pretty Christmas baubles...love that!!! And...while I'm mentioning everything I love (hehe!)...I have to say a little something about those adorable Christmas geese! They're awesome and that is really a pretty vignette that they are starring in! My friend, it all looks sooo very beautiful and festive! Thanks for sharing your lovely Christmas with us!

I hope that my note is finding you well, Darlin'! Warmest wishes to you and your family for a wonderful and blessed Christmas!

Love ya,
Chari

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Everything looks lovely, Jane! I love that tiered tray and what a find with the dog bed! Milo must think Christmas came early for him this year! : ) Tomorrow I experiment with making manicotti, using my Mom's recipe. It's the first time for me, so I've got my fingers crossed it will come out good and, if it does, that will be part of Christmas dinner.

Lynn said...

All your decorations look great Jane, love the frosted glass/holly dish! Glad Milo likes his new bed! I always told my beagle, we like the UPS guy he brings goodies... bark at the mailman, he brings bills:@)

April said...

Everything sure looks pretty and festive around your place! I really love what you did with the candy canes!

Rebecca Nelson said...

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful home Miss Jane! Mr. Milo looks like he might run the place!

All that said...I'm nowhere near done. But I finished up all my work early and no more product making for me this year.... YEAH!

Blessings to you~ xoRebecca

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane, funny hearing how you are not a "peeker". As a child, I was a big time peeker. I would go up in the attic while Mom and Dad were at work and search everywhere and usually find the presents from Santa. Then I would be disappointed Christmas morning. When my kids were little, we had a secret closet they never knew about and it's where I hid stuff. LOL...Loved seeing your Christmas decorations. I just looked over on your sidebar and saw the photo of the blooming clematis at your lake. Can you believe I have some purple clematis blooming right now. Crazy!

Gentri said...

It all looks gorgeous!! Seriously! :D
i'm having a giant giveaway as a present to my readers. Does that count? haha! You should enter!

Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads said...

Love all your decorations, and those geese are adorable. How lucky that you have a ledge in your kitchen window to decorate. It makes your kitchen look all cozy and comfortable. Great new stools,too!
Jane

Low Tide High Style said...

Your house looks so pretty, and I love your new chairs! What a deal you got on that dog bed, and Milo looks so tickled to have it! I was the worst growing up, I tried to find every present my parents bought me. I'm almost done decorating, and now I just need to get my house really clean so that I can relax and enjoy the holidays.

Kat :)

Olive said...

The dog bed is adorable and I love the hurricane. Cards are sent and my brunch for Christmas menu is ready, and we do not do gifts so I am as ready as I can be at this point. Will clean a bit and bake next week.

Coloradolady said...

decorating done, need to mail a few packages then start wrapping....oh. and finish shopping....baking is not done yet. I guess next week I will get it all done!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane! OH, I love all of your pretty decorations and I love your window sill one. Looks like it's pretty deep! Little Milo looks precious on the cushion! Your home is so pretty.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Heaven's Walk said...

I think my fav decor of yours is that great bunting, Jane! So cute! Your house looks so cozy and welcoming and full of holiday spirit! Milo looks like he loves his present, too! :) We're all ready for Christmas here. Will be celebrating with the kids/grandkids on Sunday! Sending you a big hug for Christmas, girlie! ♥

xoxo laurie

Amy Kinser said...

Everything looks so festive and pretty. Love all of your touches.

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Decoratin; is all done...gifts are all purchased...no gifts wrapped...Christmas cards are mailed...now I need to BAKE!!

Blessings,
Linda

Tricia said...

Milo looks so happy with his bed. It's like he got Christmas early. I love those new stools that you got for the kitchen and all of your holiday decorations too. I've kind of given up on decorating and have moved on to worrying about my Christmas shopping.

Elaine said...

Very pretty vignettes. Love the dog bed. What a great find!

I have Friday off and I plan to shop til I drop because there will be no time next week. I have hardly any shopping done and none wrapped.

I am finished decorating. Mainly because I had a party at my condo last weekend.

Had my Christmas soiree last week and posted about it, going to another party this weekend and probably a performance of the Nutcracker.

Elaine said...

Very pretty vignettes. Love the dog bed. What a great find!

I have Friday off and I plan to shop til I drop because there will be no time next week. I have hardly any shopping done and none wrapped.

I am finished decorating. Mainly because I had a party at my condo last weekend.

Had my Christmas soiree last week and posted about it, going to another party this weekend and probably a performance of the Nutcracker.

Sonia said...

Your home is so lovely..all your decorations and your sweet furbaby! Love his little bed! Hope you are enjoying the season. Really love your new counter chairs! Merry Christmas!
Miss Bloomers

Theresa said...

Beautiful decorations! I love them all but one of my favorites is the holly wrapped in the dish! Simple but so pretty!

I am finished decorating but still have some wrapping to do!

Have a blessed day dear Jane, HUGS!

Lynne said...

Jane!
I am so far behind on my blog visits...actually, I have been popping in. Just haven't had the proper amount of time to comment until now.

Firstly, your island is magnificent! Now...you MUST get the REAL photo of you baking your sweet heart out behind it! HA!

Your anniversary get a way was so special! You are right, it is a perfect time for celebration of love!

Your home is so beautiful and welcoming for the season! I love every heartfelt touch.
Merry Christmastime!
~Lynne
[w/L]

Connie Eyberg Originals said...

Really nice decorating. I didn't do a lot this year, just a tree and a few little knick-knacky things. I love your geese too. Have a great Christmas!

Unknown said...

Jane, your home is beautifully decorated. I love the little touches that just add such warmth. Lovely ...

Merry Christmas
TTFN ~
Marydon

FLOWERSHOPGURL said...

Awww, everything looks so pretty, love the candy canes on your frosted dish with ornaments and the candle and your window sill looks so cute. Merry Christmas!
Hugz,
Kim

Tammy@Beatrice Banks said...

Beautiful decorations! Love the candy scattered around. I sure do love your new bar stools! So pretty.

Moore Minutes said...

Oh, the window is my favorite! It is just so lovely. I want your sign. :)

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

Your decorations look wonderful, Jane! I'm the same way about not peeking! If you peek, then Christmas won't be as fun! I bought an ornament from Amazon for my daughter who lives in California and had it sent directly to her. I told her to wait til Christmas, but I'm not sure she will because she's a peeker!

Deserae said...

Loved seeing your house all decked out for the holidays! The little snowman in your kitchen window are just precious too :o)
Wishing you and your family a Very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!
~Des

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Hi darling, your home is all decked out. I love all your vignettes. Love the new bar stools, they look so comfy, would love to sit there and visit with you.. your pup is adorable. I had to giggle about your daughter ripping the tags off, some things just don't change the older they get. lol. hugs ~lynne~

Hearts Turned said...

Your house looks so beautiful, Jane! Love all the little touches you've added all around...just perfect & cozy!

I'm pretty much done...we have people (a LOT of people!) coming over for a party on Saturday, and then I can breathe a bit more and just enjoy the days leading up to Christmas Day...

Wishing you a lovely weekend, my friend!

Julie

Kelly L said...

Loved that you use candy canes and bulbs as decorations - never thought to do that...

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I've Become My Mother
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Myric said...

You have so many beautiful decorations at your home. And that $5 dog bed is very impressive deal
We stil have some more shopping to do before we set to IL. We will visit a friend at St. louis and then spend Christmas at small town of Lincoln and will go to rockford. Will be having extrememly tiring vacation but im looking forward to it.

Helena - A Diary of Lovely said...

really lovely, I love how really festive it is! and love the candy canes to decorate

Always Nesting said...

I love all your decorations. Very, very festive and sweet. Also, love your new chairs. The open backs give them lots of character.

podso said...

Your counter chairs do look comfy--and stylish too. And I love your island! I'm sure you're excited to have it for Christmas. Also, the fruit on your mantle--so pretty! Looks like you are all ready and now just slowing down and enjoying it all. Have a good Christmas!

Town and Country Gals said...

Jane,
your decorations are wonderful! Everything looks so homey and Christmassy! Clever job on the doggie bed, looks very comfy and cute!
Merry Christmas
Rebecca

Lori said...

Loving all your decorations Jane ~ it looks like you are all ready for the big guy! I have a few odds and ends left to do and then that is it ~ relax and visit is on my agenda next week. Have a wonderful week-end. xo

Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey said...

Hi Jane , thanks for stopping by to see me. I just love your christmas geese, they are so-o-o-o cute ! I am about ready for the big day. I use gift bags, so all I lack is stuffing them and putting them under the tree . I am so tired !

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

Such fun festive decorations! I think your Christmas ducks are adorable!! I really like the Christmas picks in your house plants too. I've been looking for something like that.

Tracy said...

Hi Jane,

I just love your new chairs, and all your pretty Christmas vignettes. I keep seeing the tiered stands and I really want one, though I already have so much stuff sitting around it's starting to look like a garage sale. I had some fresh greens in the house which smelled for about a day but that was it. Maybe I need some of those candles!

Andrea said...

It all looks so pretty, but my favorite part is Milo-what a cutie!!

Mary Ann Pickett said...

You are certainly in the Christmas spirit. I love it all and thanks for letting me feel at home at your place!
So pretty.

bj said...

Your house looks so merry and bright, Blondie. Just perfect.
Love that Milo bed, too...you did great on that one, girlfriend. Saved a LOT of $'s....
xoxo bj

for the love of a house said...

So fun and festive Jane!
Milo looks so happy!! I am the same way- I can look at a wrapped present for months and not unwrap!! Love the anticipation too!
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
joan

p.s. thank you for leaving your calling card!

Melanie said...

Hi Jane,

Your Christmas decorations are beautiful! I love how you hung that banner across the window. I am done with Christmas shopping - I ordered things for my hubby and son online. The only 2 other people I buy for are my nieces - I picked up some gift cards for them. We don't exchange gifts with my family anymore, and my friends and I also don't exchange gifts. I wasn't even going to do any holiday baking this year, but my sisters-in-law hinted at how much they love my cookies, so guess what I've been doing today?

Daydream Living said...

Hi Jane,
So lovely to always see your name appearing on my blog, thanks for that! So nice to read up the posts I have missed, lately I'm not behind the computer a lot, I try to keep up. Your window deco's have inspired me to look at mine too, although we leave end of the week to Amsterdam, so my decoration has been up already for 2 weeks, so we can still enjoy it a bit longer.
Hopefully I will make some clay ornaments with the girls in the coming days, they have holiday so no running around to get to school for a couple of weeks! hope you will have a wonderful holiday season, talk soon again, big hugs,
Maureen xx

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas Jane. Your home is beautiful!!

The Single Nester said...

Love all of your holiday touches!

Debby said...

EATING COOKIES BEING CRIMINAL......SO FUNNY.SHE HAS PLAYED NON-STOP WITH THIS KIT.