Are you having fun yet?! All your shopping complete?
I've been super busy at work and trying to finish decorating and continue with my holiday shopping. I am a little Type A and always over schedule myself. If you have tips for staying calm.. let me know!!
I like these mason jars filled with flowers. The arrangements are low ..allowing for easy conversation at the table.
This is my grandma's wedding china.. originally a serving for 12, and believe it or not I still have a complete set for 8 people. This is 80 plus years old!
I like to mix it with holiday china and I feel honored to have it.
I added these little wreaths to my windows. They came from Monica over at Splendid Willow
There's just something about silver and gold during the holidays.. I took this photo in July when I was in Paris. The frame comes from Tina at The Enchanted Home
Gingerbread houses are a tradition. Some years I have a huge crowd and sometimes it's just us.
I've covered my long table with a table cloth and set out the PRE MADE gingerbread houses .. lots of candy!
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There's Susan from my #girlfriends series (I'll be getting back to my regular posts after the holidays). If you follow my blog, you know that Susan lives on a farm. She sent me the photo on the right. This is what happens when you try to decorate a barn! Her goat ate the wreath!
Here they are..
... and I am so proud to display it in my kitchen!
Santa is relaxing with a cashmere throw. He has lots of work ahead!
How are your decorations coming along? Do you have parties to go to? Don't forget to send me tips on how to stay stress free over the holidays, Ha!
xxleslie
I love the gingerbread houses, they were my favourite as a child. We would make them and the smell of the gingerbread would last for days...that mixed with the scent of pine always made me know it was Christmas!! Gorgeous pictures and I enjoy all of your decorations :)) Have a wonderful weekend xx
ReplyDeleteLa Femme Nouvelle
it's beautiful, leslie!
ReplyDeletebaking and decorating gingerbread houses has been one of our traditions but we missed it last year! thank you for inspiring me to not neglect it this year. btw, i am a horrible, horrible, decorator of gingerbread. but somehow i always like the childlike result. i taught my sister a few years ago, and she puts me to pure shame!!!!
smiles, pretty lady.
michele
Those gingerbread houses look wonderful Leslie and like so much fun but I'm afraid mister man would eat the candy before it made it on the house. Love your Grandmother's china and wonderful you still have so much of it. I have my great grandparents silverware, a few pieces missing but I'll treasure it forever. How to stay stress free? I have no idea since I've been ever so slightly freaking out the last few days and trying to finish up a lot of work. I too overbooked myself during these holidays and I'm looking forward to Christmas so I can stop!
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays!
XXX
Debra~
Hey Leslie - Love your gingerbread houses! I've never had one.....now I really want a couple of them for our kitchen sideboard :) Your grandmother's china is beautiful....lucky you! I'm still working on our holiday decorations. A bit behind myself. Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeletexo
Loi
Those gingerbread houses look gorgeous. How do I stay calm? I tell myself Christmas Day lunch is simply slightly bigger than a Sunday lunch (it's not really true, but it keeps things in perspective), Hubs and I also do volunteer work for Crisis (a charity for the homeless in London); that soon puts everything into perspective. I am suddenly reminded that perfection is not necessary xx
ReplyDeleteSimply beautiful.... all of it! Love all your special touches. We did our gingerbread houses this week too... a great tradition! Using our recent move to Switzerland as an excuse to give up "perfection" this Christmas and just relax and enjoy the season.
ReplyDeleteWhat pretty festive touches in this post and thank you for stopping bu The Buzz to read's Tina's piece. Looks like everyone has a head start on us but we'll be done by next weekend! Love the little wreaths you show and thinking they might be the perfect accessory to our dining room chairs. Happy weekend, Leslie!
ReplyDeletexxoo
C + C
Leslie, those gingerbrad houses look beautiful,a great time of the year to get crafty. I made some gingerbread for the first time this year trialling two recipes, I'm hoping to go from cookies to houses next week.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun time. I had a gingerbread house party for my kids years ago. But I made the houses and they all collapsed once covered with icing and candy...that was my last attempt. Like YOUR style! Also, your grandmother's china is so special and beautiful. Thanks for your comment about losing our dog, Rocky. I meant a lot to me.
ReplyDeleteThe gingerbread houses look delicious !!!!
ReplyDeleteEverything is lovely! Years ago my daughter and I would build gingerbread houses. For years I tried to preserve them; they finally resolved. They are such a wonderful and fun project! I hope you are having a great weekend. Bonnie
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful! Finally got the tree finished. All the decorations are done except the elves hanging out in the kitchen (they made a side trip today to church for the big event). I will breathe tomorrow morning! We too decorate gingerbread houses every year. My girls love it, and it is a great bonding time for them!
ReplyDeleteEverything looks wonderful! The gingerbread house tradition is an awesome idea ~ maybe we will borrow it for next year with the Godchildren. What a fabulous and creative use for mason jars. Had to chuckle a the goat's contribution to the barn decoration ...lol.
ReplyDeleteWhat a treasure to have your grandmother's china. It is truly gorgeous and I love that you use it!
Hmm... stress free holiday tip ... I try to remember it's not perfection that matters ... but having everyone together and sharing in the blessings we have been given. A bubble bath and glass of wine at the end of the day is a great way to relax! :)
Happy week-end my friend..xo C. (HHL)
Oh- I hear you- I always have 20 more things on my "to do" list and not enough time to do them. Stress free? Are you kidding? If you figure THAT out you can write a best seller and make millions-xo Diana
ReplyDeleteHi Leslie,
ReplyDeleteLove your pretty decorations for Christmas, the ginger-breadhouses are fabulous.
Also how lucky you are to have your Grandmothers beautiful china set.
Laughed at what the dear goat did to the wreath.
Enjoy the weekend, and hope life can be stress free for you
hugs
Carolyn
I love gingerbread houses and yours are gorgeous! You're all so talented Leslie. Your Grandma's china is stunning and such memories and heirloom treasure it is. I still have a long to do things and I just got nervous about it, so let's not think too much. Happy holiday season to you.
ReplyDeleteFABBY
Such a sweet post, Leslie! Like i"ve said a million times before…you and I would definitely be friends if we lived nearby! Love gingerbread houses…in fact, I collect them and I've always made them at Christmas! I've been wanting to start that tradition with my granddaughter but my mother in law beat me to it! I guess I will let her have it for now! It's a sweet transition no matter who does it!
ReplyDeleteLove your gingerbread house tradition, and they're the perfect decor for your kitchen! I treasure everything I have from my grandma, too ~ the china is beautiful! No tips, a tad stressed here too! :)
ReplyDeleteThose gingerbread house creations are amazing!! And I love the mason jars. You have such a great eye and such great creativity! Happy weekend!
ReplyDeletexo
Sharon
Lovely Leslie - everything is looking festive and pretty. I love the Paris picture frame - beautiful, and your wreaths and flowers and the gingerbread houses. Your house looks beautiful! The goat-eaten wreath is very funny. I love that sort of thing! :D
ReplyDeletexo Terri
Fabulous Leslie, I always make these same gingerBread homes as well, but I get frustrated with the icing holding the walls together. Here is my secret ...I take and HOT glue all the walls and roof line together, trust me, it's not falling apart. Then I ice and frost, and embellish with candies and sweet treats, it looks like a gourmet pastry chefs master piece, lol,
ReplyDeleteSo next year get out that glue gun, these no shame in it. Plus does anyone ever really eat them after there made and sat around collecting dust an what not?
Thank you for sharing holiday inspiration, as for stress free, take a deep breath knowing its Christmas and being family, and celebrating who's day it is , is calming enough. "All is calm, all is bright"
Xox
Dore
Leslie Your home is full of Christmas atmosphere, I feel this! :) I love the family heirlooms, Your grandmother's wedding china is wonderful! and full of good memories. I have never made gingerbread house, but I have to try. It looks so sweet :) Good work of Your friend's family. I had a lot of work so now I'm starting to do Christmas decorations. I will spend Christmas Eve partly at my parent's home and at my husband's parents home. Last Christams we spent at our new house with all our family (15) and it was one of the most beautiful time in that year.
ReplyDeleteI wish You great time Leslie! :))
marta
Oh Leslie, how beautiful that you still have your grandma's wedding china! That must be so incredibly meaningful. And I didn't know that those gingerbread houses come premade! I need to find me some! Your table looks gorgeous xoxox
ReplyDeleteGood morning Leslie! WOW did I miss yesterday's post!!!!!! Talk about TYPE A....I too have overscheduled myself with substitute teaching jobs and Etsy orders....whew!!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh how magical is YOUR castle and Christmas dreamland! Thank you for the greeting last night and yes, the stars DO SAY IT ALL....Anita
Leslie, I just responded chez moi that I BET you had some wonderful decorations already en route and sure enough, I pop over here and there is so much festive wonderfulness! I love it all--the wreaths, the frame but especially the houses--how can you not eat them? :)
ReplyDeleteAs for the stress, I have nothing unusual to suggest--just try to make sure you aren't sacrificing physical activities like walking or whatever your workout is, you know that helps. I count on yoga and a glass of wine at night! And just try to remember that it doesn't have to be "perfect" (not easy for a Type A!), just being together is what really counts...
xo,
Heather
So excited to see your order for our Winter candle - we know you'll love it! Thank you!!!
ReplyDeletexxoo
C + C
The flowers in mason jars are such a lovely idea and how fun to decorate your gingerbread houses like that! Your house must be brimming with such holiday cheer by now! One way I stay stress-free during the holidays is by doing my shopping throughout the year so I'm done with it all well before December. Hope you're having a wonderful weekend Leslie!
ReplyDeleteRowena @ rolala loves
Everything is so PRETTY. I love the gingerbread house tradition. And I absolutely love to use family china and or silver during the holidays. It makes everything that much more special. Stay calm during the Christmas season? With a million things to do and only 24 days to do them???? Impossible. Especially if you are the Type A personality ( raising my little hand) and you make EVEN more work for yourself, by dreaming up more ideas that must be executed perfectly!!!! Whew!!! Anyway......thanks for taking the time out of a busy schedule to share a little Christmas magic with blogland.
ReplyDeletexo
Terri
Awesome pics :)
ReplyDeleteHi Leslie, I remember the gingerbread house parade at my house when my boys were very young...so much fun, and a big mess!
ReplyDeleteThey loved it! Your home is looking beautiful, and as far as stress free....just do what you can. I try to take some time to just enjoy the season alone for a few minutes each day, whether listing to music, or just strolling through a pretty favourite store to soak up the atmosphere, or meet a friend for a coffee....then you can get back at it! N.xo
WOW! So much to comment on Leslie....first your home is gorgeous and looks so festive! I love all your blue and white, the interior wreaths, and of course those gingerbread homes, they look so professional! I am most impressed. I am also thrilled to see the beautiful frame filled with such a stunning picture of one of my favorite cities in the world! A great pairing:)
ReplyDeleteAlso loved the traditions of the gingerbread homes, your grandmothers china...those things are what make the holidays so special to uphold these traditions and hopefully pass them on. Just stunning in every way Leslie!
how fun Leslie
ReplyDeletewhen the kids were young and at grandmother's at christmas i always did the gingerbread house thing for all the cousins
it was such a hoot and the conversations were priceless
love the antique china, used my great grandmother's monogrammed silver this weekend
this time of year is just so magical
brett
What a great tradition, I love making gingerbread houses with a group {or alone!!}
ReplyDeleteWhen I first saw the wreath I thought it was supposed to look like a dog... do you see what I mean?
So nice to have your grandmothers china, I have some from my husbands side, it is so nice. Love that you left the rings on your mason jars, it gives them a more finished look for the holidays.
Your grandmother's china is so pretty....and I agree about silver and gold during the holidays! I think the gingerbread house is too, too cute. My daughter bought a kit @ Trader Joe's, and she wants to put it together when she comes home from college!
ReplyDeletexo,
RJ
I haven't even started shopping for gifts yet, and I put up one of my trees just today. Looking at your festive home & decorations, I'm feeling quite inadequate....well, maybe a little bit lazy is more like it. How funny is that wreath half eaten by a goat?!
ReplyDeleteI love your gingerbread houses! Can I come over to your house for Christmas??
Have a stress free week, my dear! I drink lots of ginseng tea to de-stress.
Leslie,
ReplyDeleteHow fun. Yep, I'm totally into the season and on schedule to be ready for a long Christmas vacation starting the 21st. Your grandma's china is lovely, what a great history.
I'm attending a gingerbread house decorating party on Wednesday evening...can't wait.
LOL, the goat ate your friend's wreath...such are the disadvantages of living on a farm...glad there's at least one. I would love to live on a farm.
Karen
I love the china...and how fun is your gingerbread decorating? I think I'll have a party to do that next year. Every picture is more beautiful than the one before!
ReplyDeleteYour home is looking so beautiful Leslie! Hope you have a magical time over the holidays xo
ReplyDeleteLooks like so much fun....your kids must of loved this! Your home is looking beautiful....
ReplyDeleteI love your Grandmother's china, so beautiful and very special to your family. I really enjoy reading your posts Leslie!
ReplyDeleteThose mason jar vases are so gorgeous... You are so amazing, throwing a gingerbread house party. I still need to do that. Another thing on my to-do list.. heeheehee!
ReplyDeletehugs x
Crystelle
Oh my gosh, that wreath that the goat ate is too funny... best laid plans, huh? I LOVE gingerbread houses, and you know how to do it right. Premade and ready to decorate! They look awesome!
ReplyDeleteCindy
I have never decorated a gingerbread house!! Your decorations are just so pretty!
ReplyDeleteJayme @ Her Late Night Cravings
Your home is so beautiful. Love the use of canning jars for flowers. The gingerbread houses are adorable! Such a fun project at Christmas. Thanks for stopping by and introducing yourself.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to be a new follower, Mary Alice
Everything looks sooo beautiful! I'm sure being in your home is very comfy!
ReplyDeleteI love love gingerbread houses and am so glad our baby bo peep is old enough to make one..this is our 2nd year and they are FUN!
ReplyDeleteI love those wreaths! The gingerbread houses are cute ... I've never made one. Yours look great!
ReplyDeleteEverything is so beautiful Leslie. The traditional China from your Grandmother, the wreaths, the Gingerbread house!
ReplyDelete2012 Artists Series,
Karena
Art by Karena
Leslie,
ReplyDeleteI loved all your vignettes, the china and your little window wreaths! Good idea adding more greens to topiaries. I'm going to try that. The houses came out so cute! They always look great displayed! Hope you are enjoying. I am trying not to stress either.. So much crammed into such a short time!
xo
Kim
all of your decor is so pretty! yay for holidays :)
ReplyDeleteOne thing my kids friends have remembered are the years we did mini gingerbread houses. Last memory that's darn cute!
ReplyDeleteBliss
When my boys were little, we had a church bazaar every year and I made gingerbread houses to sell. They were always a hit. Haven't made one in years. They were always so much for to decorate. The little candy hearts you show are adorable! And it's so nice that you have your grandmother's china. So pretty.
ReplyDeleteYour home is looking festive and gorgeous! I would love to go to a gingerbread party. Pre-made must be the way to go because I can never make it stay together - wanna talk about stress!! I have mellowed so much lately. I think it's that I've gone through so much stress over the last year and 1/2 and in the end, you realize everything all works out, so what was I so worried about. Deep breaths always help!! Love the gold frame with the ornaments and those little wreaths. I had got some like that at a local farm stand last year and was bummed when they didn't have them yesterday. I have another place in mind, wish me luck! xo
ReplyDeleteSitting here with my coffee drinking in your gorgeous post. I have been decorating a few gingerbread houses in my time but never have they come out as beautiful as yours. Your house looks beautiful. Love the wreaths on your windows.
ReplyDeleteI love how the Gingerbread Houses turned out! This is inspiring me to do it with my boys, thank you & Happy Holidays, Jen
ReplyDeleteI only wish I could send tip on staying stress free! I will have to read all these comments for my RX! Sweet gingerbread houses, and sweetness all in the photos.
ReplyDeleteI am having a GIVEAWAY on my blog if interested, ends midnight 14th!
I have very similar china - just a few pieces - but it's so beautiful! I'll try to find the name of it tonight. I haven't used mine at all but just admire it all the same. :) Now that I'm thinking about it, I may switch it out in my china cabinet.
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by my blog today and for the support! I'm following you - love your photography and look forward to seeing more!
It is looking so lovely. I really like all of your blue & white pottery. Honestly, the best advice for stress free is to remember that you are really creating memories for your kids. How do you want them to remember you...stressed? Fun? Not striving for perfection? Make the choice.
ReplyDeleteHi Leslie,
ReplyDeleteThat is so wonderful that you have your Grandmothers wedding china. The gingerbread houses turned out so sweet and amazing. I am sure you are creating such special memories for you and your family. You are so sweet Leslie.
Michele
Pearl13.1
Leslie, your gingerbread houses are awesome! What a great tradition to have ; ) I love that you display them in your kitchen too!
ReplyDeleteAll your decorations look beautiful! I love the flowers in mason jars. So simple and festive. I also love your grandmother's china. It's so nice that you have it and mix it with your own on the holidays. Your little wreaths are adorable too!
Danielle xo
Love those houses! What a work! xo Caroline
ReplyDeleteThey are lovely...and your Grandmother's china is beautiful I like the way you match the old with the new...just perfect.
ReplyDeleteYour house must smell absolutely GORGEOUS...
Have a good week.
Catherine
xx
Wow! You are very ahead of me((: such beautiful ideas ... Those little flower arrangements just make it at the table. This year I may copy you and put some wreaths on windows too... Have a most wonderful Xmas time! XO z
ReplyDeletelove your little bouquets in the mason jars and the ginger houses look like a lot of fun, leslie! g-mom's dishes are beautiful, too!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely so dreamy!! I had to turn down a lot of holiday parties this year for reasons of being sick for a while as well as for work :( but I'm enjoying cozy nights with the husband and one of my favorite holiday drinks - Carolans Irish Cream! :)
ReplyDeletexo
Rachel
I love gingerbread houses and that Santa is too cute....He surely is relaxing on the throw before he has to make his rounds on the 24th!!
ReplyDeleteHosting our first
ReplyDeletebig party this weekend,
so I'm about to bring
in the fresh greens and
flowers on Friday. I wish
I was relaxing under a
cashmere throw like your
Santa! Crazy busy week,
but I know it will be all
worth it when the party
is in full swing!
xo Suzanne
PS: Love the ginger houses!
ur home and family are gorgeous! -- it's a tradition that me and my Niece make a whole village of gingerbread houses! - all my Christmas parties start this weekend - i actually only have a few this year - but works for me - i need some R&R!
ReplyDeleteGreat great post!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is amazing!
Love, Anna
NEW POST
www.fashionanna.com
Love those houses! Looks like you all had so much fun putting those together!
ReplyDeleteThe gingerbread houses are phenomenal! They're amazing.
ReplyDeleteYour house looks like a wonderful place to be during the holidays! x
ReplyDeleteOh how lovely! Vintage china adds such depth and beauty to a table, and means so much when it comes from someone you loved.
ReplyDeleteLeslie, what a wonderful activity to have every year. I am all about making memories with family and friends especially at Christmas time!! Your home looks so warm and inviting. I also wanted to thank you for coming by my blog today to read my Christmas List. Wishing YOU and yours a Merry Christmas,
ReplyDeleteKathysue
Oh my gosh so wonderful, love your mason jar arrangement, just charming. You leave the lids on? Yes I am veering towards the low arrangements too, sweet and lovely.
ReplyDeleteThe mason jars are darling. Memories are wonderful treasures. Love the gingerbread houses....what a fun project and each one is so different.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your lovely pictures and I love it all. So magic!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Isabelle
Hi Leslie,
ReplyDeleteYour beautiful fun and festive post today is exactly what I needed after a busy week! From the pretty white flowers and berries in your grandma's gorgeous china to your creative cookie houses, it's a perfect punch of Christmas cheer!
Have a happy weekend,
Poppy xo