Tuesday Tablescape

Woodland Santa is the focus of today's tablescape. A gift from a friend last year, this Fitz and Floyd piece has such beautiful details and colors. I love all of the wild animals gathered around him.

My Mikasa pine plates seemed a good match for today's table. I picked up a set of four at a yard sale several years ago and I enjoy using them in the winter months.

 

I certainly am enjoying Woodland Santa! You will see him in his regular spot when I share my other Santas in a future post.

BAKING Spirits Bright!

Several weeks ago, I shared a favorite bread recipe in a pumpkin-themed post. My aunt gave it to us years ago and we love it. I recently made a half batch of that particular sweet treat, only I added a twist to it after reading about cranberry pumpkin bread. I have seen many mentions of  this combination lately and it sounded good with the tart berries and the spices found in flavorful pumpkin bread. I pulled out that recipe, an unopened bag of cranberries purchased during the Thanksgiving season, a can of pumpkin, the additional ingredients and got baking.

The verdict? It's wonderful! Rather than using standard loaf pans shown in my picture, I opted for minis, wrapped and froze the loaves for use down the road. Have you, too,  been reading about cranberry pumpkin bread and considering trying it? If so, you may want to go for it using your favorite pumpkin bread recipe. If you need one, you can click here for a printable copy of the one I use (remember the cranberries are not listed). Depending upon your preference, I would recommend stirring in 1.5 to 2 cups of chopped fresh cranberries for a full recipe. I used a cup for the half batch I prepared. Stir them in after everything is mixed and bake at the called-for temperature and length of time.

Are you BAKING seasons bright? 

Pumpkins to Pines

Early this week, we transitioned my mother's porch from pumpkins to pines. 

The little trio of trees is perfectly nestled between the rockers.

The handpainted "Greetings" sign on a piece of weathered wood was a gift to my parents years ago.

Three years ago I made her snowman pillow from a tapestry placemat. It is a simple project and I am attaching a link from the previous post (click here) in case you want to make your own seasonal creation.

The burgandy velvet bows on her wreaths and trees tie in well with the flannel throw and snowman pillow in the chair. 

Have a happy weekend!

A Sparkly Mantel

My mother's mantel is ready for the season and it's sparkly! We love the red and silver combination and the way the sparkles catch the light.

This poinsettia came from Home Goods maybe four years ago. It's made of thin tin with lovely silver gems in the center. 

For years we have hosted a table at my parents' church for Advent by Candlelight. Naturally, the event had to be canceled this year and we really missed it. 🙁 One year we used this trio of angels on our table.

The picture does not justify the sparkly picks. They are vibrant silver in person and really capture the light. The red and silver ornaments came attached to the stems. My mother had them in her stash from previous use and we believe that they came from Hobby Lobby.

A simple vase filled with shiny silver ornaments balances the mantel and the "peace" sign is also actually a glittery ornament. 

Her slim-style Christmas tree is filled with some of our family keepsakes collected and enjoyed over the years.

  'Tis the season to sparkle!

Front Porch for Christmas

As is our tradition, we decorated our front porch the day after Thanksgiving. 

We always hang wreaths on the windows and every few years the bows need refreshing. This year I decided to stray from the traditional red velvet ribbon we typically use to a snazzy red plaid. 

The reason the ribbon looks like a different shade in the following photos is because these are night shots and the lighting made it look darker.

This small lantern sits on the garden stool  between two of the rocking chairs. 

Would you like to come sit with me?

Tuesday Tablescape...and the Decorated Dining Room

I have been Christmas decorating and since the dining room is finished, I decided to share it as part of today's tablescape.

These dishes were a Craigslist find about 10 years ago. The simple pattern of pinecone, holly and Christmas rose looks good with my overall theme of natural elements.

When I was a little girl, my family gave my grandmother this Della Robbia wreath. After she passed away, it made its way back to us and my parents gave it to me. I have used it each and every year since I obtained it and it remains a meaningful piece of Christmas decor. 

My pinecone-filled jar and my cardinal teapot are anchor pieces on our antique hutch.

I am not decorating as many trees this year as I typically do and so I had decided that one of the rooms to go without this year would be the dining room. Due to the challenges of 2020, we will not be entertaining this year and so I reasoned that without dinner parties, this room would not need one. When I completed the room, the corner where we usually have a pencil tree looked so plain and empty. So, on an impulse, I grabbed our 5 foot gold tinsel and tucked it in place. Cardinal ribbon and woodland ornaments are gracing it.

Stay tuned tomorrow to see more Christmas decorations!

A Vintage Advent Calendar

As you're aware, yesterday was the first day of Advent for 2020. Each year it begins four Sundays before Christmas and is a time for us to remember the true meaning of the season while we prepare our hearts. In addition to Advent candles which are lighted each Sunday and represent hope, love, peace and joy, Advent calendars are also used during this timeframe. Since the beginning date varies from year to year, Advent calendars are typically numbered 1-24 rather than dated so that they may be used from year to year. Did you know that the first calendars of this type originated in Germany in the early 1800s? When my sister and I were growing up, we had a large Advent calendar made of colored felt. It had a big Christmas tree shape at the top and along the bottom were little pockets which each contained a fabric ornament. Before leaving for school those December mornings, she and I would take turns pulling out the tiny fabric candles, bells, and nativity shapes to attach to the tree. 

Knowing my fondness for vintage pieces that depict their own history, my sisters-in-law gave us the Advent calendar that they and my husband used when all of them were young. Made of paper, the trifold design allows it to stand for display.

The little village hosts colorful numbered buildings. Each has a window or door which folds open to show a picture leading up to the 24th door when Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus are revealed. Look directly below at building #1 and you will find the children lighting a candle, as an example.

My in-laws stored it in its original, now yellowed,  envelope. In tiny print along the back, it states that it was made in Germany. Still in excellent condition, it is a pleasure to be able to display and use this treasure as we prepare our hearts for Christmas Day.

                   Happy Advent!