Does January Always Have to Look So Bleak?

Putting away my Christmas decorations has to be one of my most dreaded of chores. Not only is it a huge job, but it leaves behind the bleakness of January. Yes, there is a "clean" look about it. Simple and neat........but I find it so boring. I can't live without color and all of the little things that give my home warmth and personality. If my home is "happy", then I feel happy.







This is what my mantle usually looks like in January... nice but boring. (What's with the one blue plate on the right side ?!, did I do that?...NOT on purpose !)





This is the way I Love to see my mantle... with my Father Christmases, lit Christmas trees and the lush red berry garland lit up with mini white lights and lanterns.

This year, after taking down most of this display, I decided not to take down the berry garland. After all, Valentine's day is just around the corner and I had to leave some color up there. I worried that the "decor police" might be making the rounds and fine me for having a garland that traditionally is used for Christmas, but what the heck.........you know I'm a rebel!





So I put on my thinking cap and came up with a bird/valentine theme that would be appropriate for the berry garland...


I found this bird cage at the "Classy Flea"....




The topiary trees I bought at Goodwill.....






Okay, so I also kept my red/burgandy/mauve glass ornaments from Christmas out....
I think it makes the perfect Valentine's decoration....don't you?






I adore these hand made victorian ornaments and they look so pretty on the silver tray...
( I came so close to donating these last year because I don't really "do" pink on my Christmas tree... sooo glad I didn't!)











To me, winter craves warmth and besides a roaring fire (can't do those with these raging hot flashes of mine ...), a little red goes a long way.......... Okay..I'll shut up now! Enjoy the rest of the photos..........


























Remember.........rules were made for breaking, so if you want to keep your garland and your ornaments up...go ahead... I did ! ! Do what makes you happy!


Please go to Barb's Grits and Glamor to see more table tops!
Please click over to Beth's Blog..she is the hosts a Mantel Party every Friday and it's loads of fun!

Christmas lunch in the kitchen...

So "yesterday" was Thanksgiving and this week it will be Christmas.... goodness... it's a blur!

Time flies when you're having fun, though.

Every December I try to get my neighbors over for a little Christmas lunch.



I was running so late with the cleaning, cooking and of course the most important part, the decorating and tweaking that takes me hours on end, that I only got a few shots of the table before they got here...

I used one of my favorite Christmas dishes, the cardinals on a wreath of holly on top of a gold charger.

This was the first time that I bought some "crackers" and was anxious to see if they were all they are "cracked up to be"...

Well, I can tell you that they were a hit! Especially after a few cosmopolitans.... we had fun wearing the silly paper crowns, told our cheesy little jokes and played with the guessing games. So...not only do they fancy up the table, they are good for some chuckles too!




This is a little Williamsburg pineapple centerpiece that I "whipped up" in a matter of minutes. The form which you can't see is originally designed to be a floral vase (where I put the pineapple) and where I placed the apples, votive candles usually are used. I just cut some magnolia leaves and evergreen branches and threw in a couple of clusters of nandina berries for good measure.



I wish that I had taken pictures of the food ! Oh well............





I'd like to take you on a little tour of my kitchen all "dressed up" for Christmas....
































































I lucked upon a set of beautifully hand painted plates a few years ago which depict fantasy Father Christmases that melted my heart... (no name on the back, it only states not to use for food consumption)






A little closer shot...I think this one is one of my favorites of the four.








Uh... no, maybe This is my favorite one.....




See.........a little closer look and you can understand why I love them so much...





This one is cute too... look how loaded down he is with all those great toys and gifts...







I think he looks a little overwhelmed...like most of us at this time...








Okay, I was lying! THIS is my FAVORITE....




Look at that beautiful coat and details on his face........... Yup, love 'em all !!!




It has been only in the last few years that I've decorated my kitchen. I've decided since this is the room I spend the most time in, I would enjoy some of my favorite things in here. Don't tell anyone, but I kidnapped the doggies from the dining room as well as the topiaries from the living room to dress up my sink area.





I think he looks very happy in the kitchen, don't you?



Okay, back to some more of my favorite Christmas plates...

My mother-in-law gave me these next two very special three dimensional plates a couple of years ago.


Is he cute, or what?!



Here's the other one..........


Lovin' his little bird friends.
Each year I look forward to seeing these special plates from a very special and beautiful lady.



Did you think that I had forgotten about flower arranging?
Nope.. here's one I made for my counter.........





I also made two of these candle arrangements..............





















That's it folks... thanks for coming over to my kitchen today. Happy Holidays and do something that makes you smile today!





You'll see many more great tablescapes at Susan's blog: Between Naps on the Porch