Christmas 2014 was a good one for our family and hopefully for yours as well! We narrowly escaped the flu with Andrew (he was better by Tuesday), spent lots of time with both sides of the family (though I missed my brother, SIL and nephews), and celebrated all the beauty and magic of the holiday in warm and cozy homes surrounded by the people we love most. There was lots of candle light and Christmas music and joyful faces. I'm so grateful for the memories we made and that a few were captured on film. As is our tradition, Christmas Eve dinner is spent at my parent's house and Christmas Day brunch is hosted by us. We went to Jimmy's side of the family for dinner on Christmas day. Thankfully we only live about 40 minutes away from our extended family so it is manageable without feeling like we are spending all our time in the car. Here is a little peek...
^^ Fresh Juniper smells INCREDIBLE! I dried lots of orange slices this year in an attempt to find the best technique. What worked best for me was slicing oranges into 1/4 inch slices, placing on a rack over a baking sheet in a 170 degree oven, set on convection bake for 3-4 hours. I let them sit at room temperature for an additional 2 days and then sprayed with a clear top coat to preserve and set their color. It didn't make them shiny or alter the look. ^^
^^ The plan was to open "just one" and save the rest till after brunch. That lasted all of 5 minutes. :) ^^
^^ The chandelier was decorated on Christmas eve with greenery from our yard. The kraft stars are from Michaels^^
^^ Paddington, Baymax, new slippers and a WiiU for C^^
^^ Christmas Eve at my parent's, my Dad + Emma^^
^^ We always have Christmas crackers on Christmas Eve!^^
Ok, where to begin? I love, love, love the orange roses in the blue and white planter, the golden pine cones hanging on the wreath, the bottle brush green trees. Pinning and buying, placing it all like what you have pictured. What greens are from your yard on your chandelier? Beautiful. I'll try my hand at that too. I have my 2015 Christmas dining room designed. Thank you for sharing and the pictures of you and your husband are so, so cute!
ReplyDeleteEverything looks so warm and inviting, and your brunch place setting and menu looks so appetizing. I also love the Santa tags! Hope the rest of the holiday week is relaxing and fun for you and your family! I made your gingerbread cookie recipe from a few years ago, and the cut-outs turned out great. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYour pictures show what a lovely Christmas your family had! As a long time follower, I enjoy seeing pictures of your family and your parents (miss mine). The oranges are fun...I make a garland every year...yummy smell!
ReplyDeletePlease stop by sometime!
Jane xx
BEAUTIFUL!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your Christmas photo's. I think the orange roses are beautiful with your greens and place settings. The kraft paper stars are wonderful, too. Your use of blue and white porcelain vases and serve ware has rekindled my love for it. I picked up a set of the extra tall candlesticks and have enjoyed them very much this Christmas. They look pretty and last quite a long time! Blessings to you in 2015!
ReplyDeletelove the Santa tag! Did you create them yourself?
ReplyDeleteI just love your blog and colonial decorating style! Thanks for sharing and giving me such great inspiration for my own home. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
ReplyDelete