Father Christmas and the Woodland Wagon

My Father Christmas seems to think of this French goat cart as home each Christmas. He ends up here because after 40 years he has a bad back and needs some support. (can any of us relate?) It can't be seen from here but this year he's sitting in my old Tartan Plaid train case.

Plaid Greetings from the Christmas Baker's Rack

Hi Friends, the combination of Thanksgiving weekend and decorating for Christmas can be a lot of work, as you are probably experiencing right about now. I had a lot of things out and felt like I had a plan, but the more I puttered, the more I needed to do. Is that a sign of age...? Maybe just someone has too much fun Christmas stuff. But I've always been one to "decorate" up until December 24, no matter what, so I guess that explains it.

Christmas Centerpiece Basket with Greenery and Guest

I'm sure most of you are doing what I'm doing this weekend...

Recovering from Thanksgiving and getting started on Christmas décor. I have to admit, I did get started bringing in a few Christmas things and brainstorming last week. I did my Thanksgiving decorating early this year so I was able to transition to Christmas without feeling like I was giving it short shrift. I thoroughly enjoyed it by starting early.

Thanksgiving Baker's Rack and a Peek at Christmas

I still have a few bits left for Thanksgiving, but now I'm working on decorating for Christmas. I love Fall so much I always go overboard so moving from Thanksgiving to the Christmas Season can mean lots of packing up and storing away before I can really get to Christmas. I've been trying to make it easier, but as you know there's just no way around it unless you're a total minimalist, which of course, I am not. 

Savoring Thanksgiving into Christmas in the Garden Room

Hi Friends, how are you coming along with this seasonal transition time? Have you put away all your Fall decor and going cold turkey (pun intended) headlong into Christmas? 

Giving Thanks in the Holiday Cupboard

Probably most of you are thinking like me; "Where has this year gone?" I don't know why this surprises me because my lifestyle isn't particularly hectic or do I have a crazy schedule. But the weeks go by and I'm  amazed when Thanksgiving and Christmas roll around and come knocking on my door. I'm always thrilled to see them, but never really fully prepared.

Bronzed Turkey from Blah to Burnished

I know we all have holiday decor pieces that we've had for years; many of them holding sentimental feelings of family and tradition. Well, I have my share of pieces that are just simply part of the ritual of bringing out Thanksgiving and Christmas decor, but really need a spiff up to make them presentable and up to date.

Fall Leaves and Tea Time On a Tray

Hello there friends, so glad to see you today, as a group of us are joining in for the fun hop series from Katherine of Katherine's Corner. Katherine is our hostess for our Fall Season edition of Fall "On a Tray". If your coming from visiting Katherine, I hope you're following the tour, so a big Autumn Welcome. Be sure and continue the tour by visiting Beverly at the Eclectic Red Barn.

Cottage Review: Woodsy Kitchen China Cabinet

I'm getting ready to tweak my "Early Fall" Holiday Cupboard, to an October version that has more current seasonal color and vibe to it. When we were living at our last home I didn't have a spot for the Holiday Cupboard, so I focused with seasonal dishes on my Kitchen China Cupboard. I used more dishes than odds and ends, but it was still fun to "decorate" with natural and seasonal bits of bittersweet and leaves. 

September Styling in the Sitting Area

Did someone say that September is almost over? What? Where did September go? It seems like it was just yesterday that I was celebrating the fact that August was in the rear view mirror. 

Sweet September in the Cupboard

When the calendar page turns to September something happens in my head and heart. I love Fall and seeing September roll around lets me know that the colorful foliage, cooler days, and cozy nights will soon be here.

Cottage Review: Vintage Laundry Basket with Pumpkins

The Fall Season brings out the creative vibes for me more than any other season. Here's a centerpiece I put together last Fall on the farmtable in the Garden Room. I knew I wanted to try something different on the farm table for early Fall for a centerpiece. I usually have my big wooden vintage ice cream bucket filled with faux florals, and I love it... just wanted something a bit different. When I find something that works well in a space I sometimes get a little lazy and do the minimum. But after my vintage shopping trip a while back I had some new inspiration and ideas to try.

The Late-Summer Cupboard with a French Country Flair

One of my favorite decor themes for mid to late summer is "chickens". I've never raised chickens or been around them except for a short time when I was a kid and an odd motley group of wild/escaped chickens found our farmhouse. That's where the collection "seed" was planted. Most of my chicken figurines are not worth much, but fun to collect and display throughout the summer months. Back in the 60's one of the decor themes was "Early American" and with that, accessories took on a slightly "farmy" style. Chicken decor sprouted up everywhere, but of course mainly in the kitchen and dining room. (Think chickens and coffee grinders themed wallpaper...)

Cottage Review: A Vintage Garden Book and the Wicker Settee

Hey Friends! Last week I shared a post from my first blogging house with a precious floral teapot and a small bouquet of hot pink (Barbie would love them) knockout roses. I mentioned then that growing roses wasn't something that I excelled at, but knockout roses were a good substitute and made me feel better about my not-so-green thumb. So when I ran across this section on roses in my vintage Better Homes and Gardens Garden Book I wanted to share it with you.

Sunflowers on the Summer Farm Table

Last week when I shared the Entry hall console with the seashell birdcages I mentioned that it was time to bring out the sunflowers, and other summertime florals for a update of the flower arrangement. The next day I took the plunge (literally) in my faux floral tubs and emerged with some pieces to change up my summer containers. 

Rustic Garden Seashell Display

Hey friends...

Most of the red/white/blue is packed away, with a little red left behind for "summer". Mid-summer is here and I now have a short space of time to bring out the seashells and put together some fun displays and vignettes using some vintage elements as containers.

Stars and Stripes in the Garden Room

Hello from the Garden Room sitting area this hot summer weekend, as we welcome the month of July and a long July 4th weekend. This summer I gave myself some time to enjoy decorating for the 4th of July, gathering all my red, and blue items for display.

Summer Holiday Cupboard with Patriotic Flair

When June comes around I gather my vintage dishes and a few elements that are red/white/blue and restyle my old pie safe cupboard. A few pieces of red transferware mix it up with my French faience pottery dishes. Then when I start decorating for July 4th holiday I just add in some small memorial flags. Presto, instant Patriotic décor.

Patriotic Tablescape with Red and Blue Transferware

A few weeks ago I was on a mission to find white vintage swirl plates. My mom had had a set back in the 70's and I had an American knockoff version back in the 80's. Those were long gone by now, but I wanted a white plate that could be used for any season or holiday to set a family table. 

Vintage Market Cottage Finds

This week we made a quick trip to my favorite vintage market in town. Vintage Peddler, and did a run through to see what was new this month. Things change so fast here that merchandise is constantly coming in and going out. I can always find a few things I love. I don't need anything big, but sure enjoy the inspiration and nabbing a few cute smaller items.