A Christmas Kitchen "Reveal"

What better place to start the Christmas decorating

than in my "new" kitchen!

I feel like I'm in a totally new house.

And it's so bright in here that I need to wear sunglasses!

I'll have a post out soon with a few "before" photos

 and I'll be answering some of your "how-to" questions,

with some of the technical stuff

 and a "wish I knew then" list.

(ouch!)

But for now I just want to share a little of my Christmas fun. 

The splashes of red really say Christmas to me.

and for my Victoria Magazine Inspiration

the current Christmas issue inspired me

 to pack a little Christmas picnic basket

with hot cider and Walker shortbread.

(one of my favorite cookies)!

The kitchen re-do was every bit of the job that I knew it would be...

and then some!!

But I jumped right in to getting my Holiday decorating done

because I want to relax and enjoy these next few weeks

I hope that's possible!

I'm joining in with these great Holiday Parties

A Delightsome Life

Between Naps on the Porch

House in the Roses

A Stroll Thru Life

Coastal Charm

Bobbypins Boardwalk

Savvy Southern Style

All Things Heart and Home

Faded Charm

The Shabby Chic Cottage

Funky Junk Interiors

Hope you're having a wonderful week

full of Christmas fun!

Be sure and join in this Thursday-Sunday

love,

Debra

The Magic of Paperwhites

A few years ago I discovered the beauty and magic of paperwhites. To me they epitomize the grace, tranquility, and delicacy, that says "Christmas".

Three years ago I started gathering vintage sugar bowls and creamers, pots and kitchen bowls, humble mismatched cups and vases; containers of every kind. I planted paperwhites and sold them at the store and gave them away to family and friends. I enjoyed it so much, they were great gifts, so this year I did the same.

These next two photos are of last year in my space at Leola's.

Milk glass and pottery and ironstone cups.

An old bread pan with checked ribbon, a little more primitive.

I think I had around thirty containers full.

This year I planted twelve bulbs in a green

transferware vegetable bowl for the Dining Room.

Christmas coffee mugs with a paperwhite bulb

I had four of these matching mugs,

 they went as small gifts.

I tied them with plaid ribbon

 and attached a "mitten" ornament and tag.

Old Staffordshire blue transferware soup tureen,

 missing it's lid, found for just a few dollars.

A little over a week ago...

And today.

Shabby china sugar bowl.

And old McCoy cream planter in the kitchen.

Paperwhite Narcissus are really easy to grow. Just find a container that doesn't drain, because they need to stay moist at all time. Place some pea gravel in the bottom, with about 2 inches of potting soil mix, then nestle the bulb, root down in the soil. Water and keep in a bright spot. You will be amazed at how fast they grow. Paperwhites bulbs don't keep well, so I just discard them after bloom time. Buy several bulbs and plant at alternating times. You can have them all winter long!

Are you finished with all your shopping?

Have a wonderful weekend!

Debra

Meet an Old Friend

I have an old friend that lives in my family room,

He's a quiet unassuming little fellow.

My parents bought him for me when I was just a baby,

as he had been gifted to others years and years before.

I brought him up to the Dining Room where the light is better. I'm so glad my parents didn't repaint him or change him. He was given to me again back in the early 80's. I didn't remember him, but he had been kept safe in the loft of my Dad's garage workshop. I'm so glad that we were reunited all those years ago. He has been a joy to have, and each time I see him I think who might have climbed upon his little sturdy body and ridden off into the world of their imagination.

May you remember lovely images

of your childhood Christmases,

 Debra