good cheer

December 22, 2014

Here are pictures of my house decked out for a Christmas party.
First is the front hall and next is the entry.




Next is the living room and dining room where we have the tree, candles and tiny white lights, the knitted tiny tree garland, mercury glass filled with our very early blooming camellias and paperwhites, my family nativity I played with as a child,  and the Wendt and Kuhn angel orchestra.







Our family's Italian chalkware nativity from the 50s. 






On to the little tree in my son's former bedroom, now my "sewing lounge", lol, hung with ornaments I've made over the years.  My husband really fought with me over this tree as he just absolutely did not want two trees.  I'm so glad I persevered as I have enjoyed this little tree so much!





 The guest bath below.




 More Wendt and Kuhn figures with tiny vintage glitter houses in our bedroom.



I put a little bit of Christmas in almost every room as I like to go a little over the top when I know we will be hosting parties.  Two weeks ago I had a Christmas tea for all the women, young and old, from our church.  It turned out to be the day we had the rain storm of the decade--a huge drought busting gully-washer if there ever was one but that didn't stop anyone from coming!

This weekend we had such a fun party.  We invited my husband's golf buddies and their wives over for a chili party.  We had 26 people and set up an open help-yourself bar with a few appetizers passed around to start.  I hire a woman who has helped me dozens of times and knows my house and my style.  She'll assemble and pass appetizers, refill wine glasses, scoop up dirty dishes and generally keep things tidy.  She is a treasure.  If you've never used a party helper before, I highly recommend that little treat to yourself. 

We set out two home-made chilies in the kitchen, one chicken and the other the more traditional beef (plus all the fixins like chopped onion, grated cheese, etc.), plus a spicyish cornbread then asked our guests to serve themselves.  With a mug of chili in one hand and a drink in the other, guests were able to find a place to perch and eat.  This means every seat in the house is taken and the house is crowded, but I think a crowded party is fun!  The only picture I managed was this platter of cookies!

I wish you a Merry Christmas with all my heart.
xoxo, Kristen




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10 Comments

  1. Hi Kristen - There is so much to love here I don't know where to start. Your trees are beautiful and I am expecially drawn to your little glitter houses. So gorgeous. Your nativity scene is beautiful and so unique. Your home is absolutely magical at Christmas. Your family will enjoy it so much. Have a Merry and Peaceful Christmas. Hugs, Deb

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  2. The chili party sounds great, and a party helper is a fantastic idea! Your home looks beautiful. So much lovely Christmas cheer. Have a wonderful Christmas.

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  3. Christmas wonderland! I was fortunate enough to be at the chile party....so much fun, and your house looked beautiful, as always.
    Carole

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  4. Your home is delightful and so festive! Love your Italian nativity. Have a very Merry Christmas!

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  5. Hi Kristen, I am so glad I found your blog. I am the stitcher that reposted your blog picture of the AT Christmas bunny. Hope you don't mind. I loved how you made it come to life and if you ever want to offer a stitch guide for sale, please let us know. My love of needlepoint comes first, but knitting is right up there. Merry Christmas.

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  6. You house looks lovely! All the best of the season to you!

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  7. Gorgeous, as always! Have a wonderful holiday!

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  8. So beautiful Kristen.....all you need is some snow! If you find any, send it my way. It is warm and foggy here in Southern Ontario....not at all what we expect for Christmas Eve. I'm waiting for Santa in a brown suit right now....don't believe he will be here today...I think the Big Guy in Red gets priority!

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  9. Your decorations are incredible! And I love paper whites, but have never tried forcing them. Yours look so lovely. And oh my gosh,all those cookies! Yum!

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