Fresh Snow

     Christmas Eve brought lots of beautiful fluffy snow.  Big flakes.  It was relaxing to sit by the window and watch it fall.

                                                   VIEW INTO THE DINING ROOM

VIEW INTO THE LIVING ROOM

VIEW OUT THE BEDROOM WINDOW

I RAN OUTSIDE TO GET A SNAPSHOT OF THE LAMPOST OUT FRONT

                           It snowed most of the day and into the night.  I was glad to get a few pictures.

     I had my daughter take the picture of me out on the deck in the snow to show my new hat and scarf, which was knitted by a friend.  I love it.  It's soft and warm and has special meaning because it was knitted by her hands. 

This was the kind of snow even a cool 19 year old can't resist.  My daughter and her friends went sledding.  Wish I could have gotten a picture.  Oh well . . . .

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

Linda

Cheerful Drink Station

     This year I thought I'd set up a "drink station".  I put all my colorful cherry Christmas dishes together, and wola, there it is.

I set out coffee creamers and hot chocolate mix.

Champagne glasses and glass coffee cups.

There are those plates I keep shuffling around.

I feel JOYFUL looking at these scapes.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

LINDA

Parisian Christmas Tablescape

     While roasting a pork loin and sipping on Tequila Rose I decided to try a new scape, Parisian inspired, and I wanted to use the new green placemats I acquired while playing Pass the Trash at a Christmas party last week.
     TIP:  If you've never tried Tequila Rose, I'd recommend it.  It's a strawberry cream liquor with a hint of Tequila.  My Friend Rose, (that's really her name) served it at the party in little chocolate cups.  She's a fabulous cook.  She is a personal chef.  I've learned a few tricks from her.

I bought the plates at HomeGoods, one here, one there, two there.  That's how it goes when you shop Marshalls and TJ Maxx and Home Goods.

I actually pulled the clock off the wall. 

See that beautiful Waterford wine glass?  I dropped it!  It fell out of my hands onto the padded chair, rolled a little and then I caught it.  No chips.  I just may have cried if it broke.

See that little cordial glass?  I've been drinking Tequila Rose out of it this evening.  YUM!

The lantern is filled with glittery acorns and pinecones.  Wish I had more, but I don't . . . .

The napkin holder was also acquired through Pass The Trash.

The Gallia glass my husband and I received as a wedding gift in 1986.  I still love them as much today as I did then.

ROME

LONDON

NEW YORK

Yes, I do think I'd qualify as a "plate addict". 

LINDA

Cheerful Christmas Table

     Now that I'm home from work I've rushed around the house looking for tablescape items.  This was a quick scape, but the best I could do in the time I've got.
     It's a Happy Scape, brings a smile to my face.

Aren't these snowmen plates adorable?

These colorful cheerful espresso Kate Spade cup and saucer were a gift from my sister-in-law three years ago.

This candy dish I purchased last year at a Hallmark store.  I know I should fill it with candy, but I have a fierce sweet tooth and the temptation is too much for me.

From this picture it looks like a crazy jumbly table, and IT IS!

I "think" I purchased these plates at the Hallmark store also.

So now I've got two lovely tablescapes set up here at the house.  I sure wish SOMEONE would cook!

LINDA

Christmas At The Farm

     My previous (and first ever) blog featured a tablescape with my farm scene dishes.  I already had them all out, so I decided to try to morph the tablescape into a Christmas tablescape.  As of yet, still, I haven't decorated the house.  Thank goodness my dining room is decorated with the tablescape.  I'm running behind this year.

I didn't have a table runner that would look nice, so I ran off to Kohls and bought this one, along with the napkin holders.

The centerpiece is an old piece of raku pottery I bought about 20 years ago at a local pottery shop in Alton, IL.  I filled it with cutting from the tree in my front yard.

The red ornament candle holders I received in a "pass the trash" gift exchange at work.  I went out and bought another one. 

The silver candle holders were purchased at Kohls last year.

I received the red wine glasses from my mother-in-law several years ago.

I enjoy deocrating the buffet behind the table.  I placed my Waterford wine glasses, again a gift from my mother-in-law, now deceased.  I sure do miss her.

This tablescape is the start of my Christmas decorating.  I'm just not in the spirit yet this year.  Maybe this will rev me up.  I sure hope so.

Linda

  

My Cabin

     Decorating is an ever-evolving event for me.  I'm constantly changing things around, furniture, lamps, you name it.  After spending a day inside, I decided to take some pictures.  Wonder what will change next year?

We have loads of firewood on the property, and a constant supply of dried out branches to use for campfires

 Sit down and enjoy some wine.
 .

This is where we dine.  This kitchen set is dark cherry wood, which I had tired of, so I stained it navy blue and rubbed the edges and distressed it. The slipcovers I redid.  Easy project.

 Kitchen decor.   Lots of roosters.

 This is a cheap old corner cabinet I bought at a yard sale and stained blue.  The decor inside the cabinet was purchased in Cancun, Mexico.

Coat hook by the side door.

Top of dining cabinet, painted the same blue stain.

We added a wrap-around porch to the house.  Great place to eat and lounge.  The bugs in Missouri are awful, especially the knats.  The fans create a wonderful breeze.  Still trying to furnish this porch.  It's massive.

I'm constantly changing tabletops.   Can't leave well enough alone.

We get pretty dirty, as you can see from the boots. 

Dogs getting plenty of fresh air and exercise!  haha!

Entry from the front porch.

Old stone and wood bridge.  We have a spring-fed creek that runs in front of the house.  This old bridge is in sad shape, but hanging in there for now.

I love my cabin.