Gingerbread Houses

                        

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!

 

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

Enchanted Winds

Yes that's right :) .. we are going to Enchanted Winds holiday tree farm .. check the volume on your computer and hit play!

Faux or fresh.. it's all fun! There are plenty of tree farms in Washington .. this is our favorite spot.

..a river running through..

The Newfoundland Club of Seattle was visiting today! These gorgeous dogs love to pull..

Layla and Ginger are saying hi. You don't see much of Ginger on my blogs because she's getting old and has difficulty getting around.  

Okay Layla.. quick photo.. sit!

This way .. here!

This way, that way, this way.. oh dear!

Here.. let's try this..

Victory!

Back home, I've been adding fresh greens to my topiaries.

The paper whites are getting taller each day and are almost ready to flower.

I found some white peonies and added some greens. I'm a little worried that they aren't going to open :(  The little plate was a hostess gift from our friends that live in Japan.  I like the color of the antique milk bottle against the white.

Astier de Villate, Paris holds candycanes.

Simple ornaments on my tree.. As much as I enjoy the themed trees, it's really not about me.. it's about family, so the result is a mix of past and present.  

I created a Lenox Village in my entry with greens.  My family room has a more kid friendly version.

On one of my mantles.. french mirror, Delft bulbs, blue and white porcelain, and pinecones.

It's time for a party!

.. friends are coming over .. 

Yummy! Thanks for making soup and bringing farm-fresh eggs! They are so pretty :) 

The party continues next time.. 

What traditions do you have over the holidays?

Enjoy the preparation for whatever you celebrate.. the preparation and events leading up to the big day are lots of fun!

Celebrate family and friendships.. that's what it's all about!

xx

leslie