2011 Tree

Hey! How are you all doing? I've been making the rounds and visiting some really fantastic holiday parties this week. I've shared my dining room tablescape and my decked out mantel, so today I'll show you my tree.

Last year I used pipe cleaners to make spirals and stuck them on the ends of the branches. I like them because I think it gives the tree a whimsical look.

I made glitter letters a couple of years ago and used them as place setting tags. I stuck them on the tree last year because I needed a little "filler" and I'm using them again this year. Turquoise, green, white and silver ornaments keep the theme light and beachy for this coastal home. White lights and a couple strands of silver garland give the tree sparkle.

There's a pickle hidden in there too. Can you find it?

Cheers!

Barb

In keeping with the holiday spirit, I'll be joining these parties:

Honey We're Home - Christmas Cheer to the Blogosphere

2805 - Christmas Blogger Block Party

Bottle Brush Trees and Mercury Glass, Please!

Oh, yes please! I love glittery antiqued bottle brush trees at Christmas time and I especially love them paired with mercury glass candle sticks. I'm not usually a flashy or sparkly kind of gal but this year I felt the need to glitz and glam things up for a change. My mantel this year is really over the top for me. But, I must say, I'm really digging the way it looks.

The rusty ceiling tile and flanking sconces are always there. Generally, I have the short skinny candle sticks on the mantel, too. The center piece changes often, at the very least, seasonally.

My mother made that turquoise tureen in 1969.

She used that groovy mottled finish on several different pieces. I used to think it was hideous, like a psychedelic nightmare, but now I love it. Actually, that tureen was the inspiration for decorating my living and dining rooms. I also painted the two canvases in my entry way that color.

I filled the tureen with bulbs I swiped from the Christmas tree.

Cheers!

Barb

I'm getting my linky parties on at:

From MY Front Porch to Yours

Uncommon Slice of Suburbia Christmas Blogger Block Party

A Thoughtful Place Christmas Cheer to the Blogosphere

Southern Hospitality Holiday at Home
Home Stories A to Z - Christmas Mantel Link Party

Dinner Party

Last night my brother and sister in law hosted a beautifully intimate family Christmas dinner. Shari, my sister in law, is quite the talented hostess and a sensational cook. Shari and Dave, my brother, entertain quite often and whether they are having one person in their home or throwing a backyard bash for one hundred, guests are made to feel special. Shari doesn't overlook any detail. The menu, the decor, the drink, the music and entertainment is always perfect. I must say, Shari is one exceptional entertainer!

Our meal opened with not one but three delicious appetizers. Some people might think three appetizers for a party of eight is excessive, but we paced ourselves and managed to leave clean plates. Between the appetizer course and the main course we wanted to slow things down a bit. You know, not fill up too fast. Dave had the steaks on the grill along with the potato stuffed red peppers. The green bean bundles and the rolls were in the oven and we were sipping our Poinsettia Gimlets, the signature drink of the evening. We took few moments to open gifts and then made the final preparations for the meal.

The meal was served buffet style from the kitchen. The dining room table was set with gorgeous holiday china and flatware. Antique crystal goblets sparkled and it was time to toast the season, our family and friends. We ate. And talked. And laughed. And then, we ate some more. It was a wonderfully fulfillling evening. A Christmas dinner and an night of cherished family memories.

Merry Christmas!

Barb