My First Nautical Christmas Tree

Hey Yall! Did you catch of glimpse of my newest tree on the last post?  I guess you could say this year I've decided to test the waters a bit with a new "to us" Christmas tree.

I've had a very small tree I've put on the screened porch for a few years now but this year I decided to put the slightly larger tree that I use upstairs on the porch.  I also decided it was high time I started a nautical theme.  I always see such cute nautical ornaments while on vacation and never get any because I've never thought they would look right on my trees.  

Well, all that has changed now that I've finally given myself permission to add a new tree to my collection.  And what better place to put a nautical tree then on my screen porch.

I decided to try this one out here to see how well it would tuck right in beside the hammock.  This is sort of a test to see if I want to get a larger tree.  I think it's passed the test with flying colors.  I love it!

Of course a nautical tree just had to be blue right?  This is the first time I've done a tree with mostly blues.  It's really been kind of fun!

I bought a few new things but used a few things I already had as well.  These blue branches I used for the topper and throughout the tree came from Michael's.   I got them at 60% off.  I bet I'll find more of these after Christmas too.

The mermaid ornaments I already had.  I will have to get more of those now for sure!  Do you recognize the white anchor.  It's the napkin rings I made 2 years ago.  LOL!   The ships wheel, fish, and other small wood nautical ornaments all came from the wooden crafts section at Michael's. They were all already painted too and all I had to do was hot glue the ribbons on to hang them with.  Woohoo!

These balls where from Michaels and I knew I had to get them because they looked like fish scales to me.  The little wooden boats I already had as well.

 I decided to tuck my Sailing Santa right underneath.  I think he will make a nice tree topper on a bigger tree, don't you?  Hmmm??? Oh well, maybe next year!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great day friends!

The Glow of Christmas

Tonight the lights.... burn sweetly!

Even though a few strands are testing our patience,

Our home for the most part is ready for Christmas!

A strand on the dormer window on the left is giving us a fit.

But....my den is finished, cleaned and decorated.

The kitchen is full of merriment!

The dining room is all a glow in splendor of silver and gold.

And the back porch is floating in a sea of light.

That's what happening at my house in the land of 

The Decorative Dreamer.

Your all invited back for a closer look at a few more rooms decorated and detailed later next week. Thanks for stopping by!

My Holiday Kitchen 2012

Hey!  Welcome back!  As I promised it's Christmas time in the kitchen today.  

Last year was the first year I went with a large tree in the kitchen.  I have to say I just love it!  The Candyland theme is back too.  Hey, when it works why change it right?  I am hoping to add a few more items from work to the tree this year because we actually had a whole Candyland theme in our Christmas merchandise this year.  I've got my eye on several ornaments but am waiting on just the right sale.  Waiting and hoping they will still be available and not sold already that is.  LOL!

My cute little elves are back.  They were purchased from Hobby Lobby last year and I have seen that they also have them again this year.  I used an inexpensive fleece throw purchased from Walmart for only $2.98 for my tree skirt.  I think it's a wonderful substitute don't you?

The tree topper that I used last year came back up again. I decided to move one of the elves up higher into the bow this time to give it a little more whimsy.

On the island I have brought out my Candyland Santa purchased from Kohls after Christmas last year.  He is surrounded by a few gingerbread men and my Christopher Radko Christmas tree cookie jar that I've had for quite a while now.  

Look closely at the chandelier.  Do you see my old elves hanging with the berries up there?  

I have had these guys ever since I was a child.  They are so fun and just make me smile every time I see them.  

Even my oven gets a little decorating too.  Hehe!

The bar got just a few tweaks since you've seen it recently.  I added holiday napkins and brought out Mr. Jingles.  He is actually a bottle topper purchased many years ago from a Christmas Around the World party.  Then a bowl full of peanuts and I was done!

The bakers rack was moved from the corner of the kitchen where the tree is to a spot over by the coat rack.  Since it's in a very prominent location it got a little Christmas makeover too.

However I just couldn't bring myself to totally convert it over to Christmas.  So.... I left a few things that were already on it and decorated around them.  In other words, the roosters stayed!  Cock-a-doodle-do!!!

I tried to go with a more country look here since the roosters stayed.  Luckily for me, I already had several Christmas items that lent them selves to this look.

I was pretty thrilled to see this was a perfect spot to add my dishes for Santa.  We have put this set out every year since my children my toddlers.  And yes, we have actually put out milk and cookies for Santa each year too.  You have to have proof of eaten cookies and milk that has been drunk for for inquisitive children you know.  Now days they get a kick out of eating the cookies themselves and leaving a few bites on the plate before going to bed.  LOL!   We have trained them well and I know they will make great Santa's one day.

Speaking of these days, this old Mr. and Mrs. Claus are some of my favorites, unfortunately they really do reflect how I feel lately.  Haha!

Well, that's a wrap!  

I hope you enjoyed this little tour of my holiday kitchen.

I have quite a kooky schedule this week and I am so happy I am able to get several things done. I'm also very happy to be able to share it with you too.  A little bit here and little bit there and eventually you'll get there.  Now on to the dining room!

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you are having a great day too!

My Woodsy Christmas Den Decor

Hi All!  Long time no see huh?  I'm sure most of you don't need me to explain how hectic things are this time of year so I will skip all the chit chat and just show you a little of what I have been able to get decorated for the holidays so far.  Okay?

Okay!!! The den is done!  Whew!  It's pretty much the same as last years theme, only I added and omitted just a few things.

For example, I went with a natural looking topper this year by adding bunch's of willow to the bow and berry's.   I think I will eventually put my copper star trio back up too if I can do so without destroying what is already there.  LOL!

I actually left off several ornaments this year if you can believe that.  The newest two additions were the deco mesh which I cut in strips across and tied on in knots for a more rustic look.  Then, the addition that I like the most is the willow garland.  Why haven't I thought of this sooner?  I love it!

On the mantle it's very similar to last years set up again but with new garland.  I bought two on sale from Michael's this year.  One is strictly greenery with a snowy looking cedar and pine and the other has the berries and pine cones with greenery. I also added a few branches of willow here too.

   

My pine cone candles came out again.  Of course, I just had to add a little bling bling as well with the beaded candlesticks.  

Do you remember the reindeer I purchased last year from work?

I just love these guys!  They are why I have stayed with this very woodsy theme.

The lantern on the table moved across the room to new location for the holidays and received a woodsy look as well.

Hello Mr. Claus!

Can you tell I went a little crazy adding the willow everywhere?  I love it! 

I also love the view from my favorite chair where I use my laptop in the evenings or daytime depending on when I am home.  

Last but now least, the stockings are hung by the chimney with care, in hopes....

Speaking of hoping, I surely do hope you enjoyed this little peek at my holiday decor in the den again this year. 

If you liked that be sure and come back tomorrow okay because I'll be showing you the kitchen next. The holidays are my favorite time of the year for pulling out all the decorations.  It's when I have the most to share.  I've gotten so many ideas from most of you and am truly grateful for that.  Thanks so much!

And thank you so much for stopping by!

I really appreciate hearing from you.

Have a great day everyone!

Tweaking the Bar area for the Holidays

Tis the season!   

 One of the first areas I streamlined recently was this bar area in my kitchen.  I've been using this desk in my kitchen as a bar for sometime now.   I still don't have that wine cooler underneath yet but I'm still hopeful.  I've just got to get the Mr. on board with the logistics of that part.  LOL!  Anyway, this area had gotten a bit cluttered so I changed up a few things.

First thing I did was moved the big wine crate I had hear and replaced it with the slab of granite that I've had sitting under my utensils in the kitchen.  It's a much cleaner look to me.

Second thing I did was remove the red zinfandel sign and added my new chalkboard tray.  I've had the tray for a while now but finally bought some chalkboard paint and converted it.  Oldest blog trick in the book I know, but hey it looks great and will be a wonderful spot to leave messages for family and friends when entertaining and all year long.

And last but not least one of the biggest improvements was simply changing out my wine goblets to ones that all matched.  I previously had a mixture of some of my favorite glasses but the mix of colors,styles and sizes was a bit junky looking.  Now everything is very streamlined and I even managed to cover up two more outlets behind the tray and slate in the process. 

So there's my latest makeover and cleanup.  Just one more step towards making the holidays merry and bright!  What about you?  What are your preparing for the holidays?