Sunday, December 30, 2012

Christmas In A Nutshell

Christmas is now behind us and the New Year is a couple days away.  We couldn't feel more blessed for the family and friends that spent the holiday with us.   Below are some  highlights of the lovely days we all spent together.  


The Pear Tree after all the presents were opened...
Christmas Breakfast Strata

Sister & I with our feet up enjoying our family


Eggs Lowfield on Christmas morning


Santas! 

An evening cocktail - Uncle Jimmy's Old Fashioneds

Cutty getting some "work" done with his buddies


A lovely topper to a gift

Chocolate Mousse

Some festive florals

Friday, December 21, 2012

Holiday Urn Embellishment

Everything gets dressed up for the holidays, even the boxwood urns that I have at the entrance to the Main Hall.    I start by adding all the greens that I have gathered from around the property.  One good tip is to wet the soil really well and the stems will go in much easier!   I stick them in all around the boxwood, about 4 inches down to really secure them.  Then I add lots of lovely holiday type items such as red sticks, lemons, oranges, holly and nandina berries.     The result is a lovely Christmas version of our urns at the front door!   Welcome Christmas!  


Before holiday embellishment

Adding greens to the base

Citrus, holly berries and anything else you can find! 

Finished product - a lovely entry way to the Main Hall


Thursday, December 20, 2012

A Farmer's Breakfast

Charlie is a creature of habit in many ways, but one thing that is constant when we are at the farm is his farmer's breakfast. Every morning for breakfast he has a farm fresh fried egg along with two sausages, a piece of whole wheat toast and a slice of smoked salmon.  What a wonderful way to start the day!

A farmer's breakfast for the farmer! 

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Mrs. Edwards' Cheese Coins

Is there anything better than a warm yummy with cheese to go with a glass of something delicious?  Only if shared with good friends.   My friend Terry came to help me decorate and we whipped up a batch of his mother's cheese coins.  Perfection!  


Mrs. Edwards' Cheese Coins
2 sticks margarine       1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 cups flour                    1/2 lb. grated cheese (sharp)
1/4 tsp. salt                    2 cups Rice Krispies

Soften margarine (not butter); add cheese and mix (1/2 cup at a time and I use 1/2 white cheddar and 1/2 regular).  Add flour, salt and cayenne slowly and mix as you add them.  Add Rice Krispies a 1/2 cup at a time and mix. Roll into small balls and flatten with fork. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 min. 


Mrs. Edwards Cheese Coins


Monday, December 17, 2012

Ho. Ho. Ho.

Clara Belle getting into the Christmas spirit! 

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Christmas Odds & Ends

There are just so many wonderful things about Christmas!  
Even the small odds & ends...

An odd collection of old bells with holiday greetings

Gorgeous holiday stationary

Vintage shiny brights in their original box

Amazing vintage garland - almost like jewelry for the tree


Thursday, December 13, 2012

Under the Tree

I find that you don't have to just put presents under a tree when decorating.  For instance,  Cutty's Toy Tree has once again arisen on the island in our kitchen.   Since it's in the kitchen, there most likely won't be presents under it, so what to do with the space?    I decided to load it up with even more toys and goodies for a complete feast for the eyes of Christmas cheer. 
Cutty's Toy Tree
  

Mr. Bingle! 

Scary Sailor

White Christmas Sister Dolls

Vintage Angels


Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Christmas Bells Are Ringing...

As I am going through all the many storage bins that are marked "Christmas", every now and then I stumble upon something that I had forgotten about!   'Twas the case with this lovely vintage biscuit tin... The tin itself is a holiday treasure but what was inside was even more exciting.   There were at least 100 vintage bells, probably from the 1940s and all different colors!  

A lovely vintage tin filled with... 

Gorgeous Christmas Bells! 

The details in the glass are amazing! 

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Wrapping, Ribbons & Bows

As mentioned before, I typically buy wrapping paper when I see it throughout the year and it almost always isn't "christmas" themed.   It's a delight when I start to get things organized for Christmas and I go back and find all the wonderful paper I have bought!   This year's theme of wrapping will be golds and reds... very festive!  Stay tuned for the finished wrapped gifts as Christmas nears... 

This red and gold paper almost looks like fabric! 

I love a bag filled with wrapping goodies

Up close detail on some of the ornament gift toppers
Ready and waiting to be put to work on Christmas gifts! 


Sunday, December 2, 2012

Christmas Inspiration

As the holiday approaches, I took advantage recently of a rainy day and did some inspiration reading by the fire for the Christmas season.   With the fire going, it will heat up the entire morning room and make it wonderfully cozy... perfect for some tea and reading!  

Heating up the house on a rainy day...

Christmas inspiration


Saturday, December 1, 2012

It's officially begun...

"It's the most wonderful timeeeee of the yearrrrrr..." 
- sung, of course, at the top of my lungs.  

Stay tuned for all the holiday madness - decorating has started!! 

Just one of many vintage ornaments for Cutty's Toy Tree