Woodland Christmas Tree and Lantern

 My Woodland Christmas Tree began a few years ago when I got my skinny trees.

 My collection has been gathered from Pier 1, Macy's, T.J. Maxx, the Hallmark Store, and a couple of

specialty shops.

 My newest addition was this cute big chubby white owl.  It was found on our way home from Thanksgiving at Bronner's Christmas Wonderland

As you can see I have lots of Owls, various birds

 a mix of glass ornaments

 birdhouses 

and wildlife 

The tree topper

He's perched up there keeping an eye on things!

 Sweet little fawn from Pier 1

(notice tree skirt- minus gold beads- bad kitties!)

 I set this table up much like last year, only reversing the positions of the items.  You can see the post from last year "here".

The reindeer, trees and birch flameless candle were from Grandin Road last year.

This is the nicest flameless candle because of the multiple settings on the timer and how realistic the flickering flame looks.  

These reindeer are so skinny you can hardly see them!

I cheat and leave everything in here and just reuse it at the holidays.  I cover it with a bag and just pull it back out.

 

I'm joining Ivy and Elephants 

For

What's It Wednesday

Ho Ho Ho...Santa is Coming!

Actually he seems to be here already!

Sitting Santa from Bombay 2006

Woodland Santa 2005

Toymaker Santa- MacKenzie Childs 2012 

Watch their on line end of season sales at MacKenzie Childs.  

He has incredible detail and is heavy!

Sitting Santa's sleigh is all ready for delivering gifts.

There are lanterns to light the way!

The two Santas are flanking the tree.

The tree skirt is a table cover from MacKenzie Childs also from end of season sale.

 Up at the top I used the Merry Christmas

piece I've had for years.  I had some fun with the

ribbon and the new glitter garland I found.

The pine cones were collected at my Son's home in PA in October... 

 You just unwind it and let it do it's own thing

as you move around the tree.  I pulled out all my collectible ornaments this year rather than trying to do a color only look, but I did manage to bring a lot of white to the forefront.

 The clear glass candle ornaments are a clip on.  I love them!

For the first time ever we put a dressing on the arched windows.  I don't know why I never 

did this before.

Over on the coffee table I made a new arrangement with my Nativity scene. I placed a plate in the bowl that gave me a flat surface to work with.  Then I nestled in some shredded material and added a few little trees.

Baby Jesus

The real reason for the season...

The woodland Santa is joined by his reindeer who are taking a break.  The sled is full of pine cones, greens and ornaments.

I love how candles cast a soft glow on things!

This surface is the top of some built in cabinetry that divides the dining room from the living room.

This is another built in on the right.  I put the big

red mercury glass pillar candle holders on both tops to add a little to the walk-in area of the room.

 A little touch of baroque! 

I've had the angel for years- another Bombay piece before the closed their U.S. doors. The mercury glass chalice like candle holders were from Pottery Barn last year.  The Angels with the candlesticks were from a boutique store in Pennsylvania several years ago.

I topped the shelving unit with nutcrackers and some glittery fluff to mimic snow.  The 2nd shelf has some pine cones and a candle. The bottom shelf has a small collection of Christmas themed books.  The Nutcracker on the right is another old piece from Bombay.  I believe they reintroduced a look-a-like to it this year.  It's musical and the top turns slowly.

I used a tree skirt to cover this table and the tray is helping to cover the center hole..shhh!

Peace on Earth

 I tossed the loose red glitter pieces in for color

but I wanted the mirror to still have some reflection so I didn't fill it in... The pine scented candle is from Pier 1 this year...I recommend it. (Great hostess gift!)  It smells great and it's a beautiful piece!  The jingle bell garland makes for a quick decoration on the tree.

And the final picture!

I'm joing the following parties:

Make It Pretty Monday 

Between Naps on the Porch 

for

Metamorphosis Monday 

A Stroll Thru Life 

for

Inspire Me Tuesday 

Holiday Mantel 2013

Every year I ponder how I'm going to do the mantel.  I love to do a different look each time but I don't necessarily want to go out and buy new things for it each year.

I knew I wanted to use my Ivory Dove Statues that were gifted to me from Betty (Betty Marie's blog)

 Last year they were part of a large vignette I did on the wood cabinet top as seen "here"

The bowl was new last year and I used it on the dining table as seen "here" and "here"

I wanted something low in the center.  I set some of my ornaments in it and dressed it with a gold beaded garland.

Inspiration photo

Traditional Home magazine- New England Home with Holiday Palette

Notice the two mercury glass cylinders on the buffet.

They inspired me for my mantel.

I had these mercury glass cylinders from T.J. Maxx

that I've used for a few years.  I clustered some greens in them to somewhat mimic the look from the magazine.  I added in some gold gilded leaves that I've also used for several years along with the pine branches.

I popped in the red mercury glass candle holders for some color. 

I'm in love with the flameless candles.

They have an 8 hr. timer and come on every day by themselves.  

I really love them!

I'm joining the following parties:

Between Naps on the Porch

for

Metamorphosis Monday

I was featured at

The Dedicated House
for
Make it Pretty

Kathe With An E

For

You're Gonna Love It Tuesday 

Ivy and Elephants 

For

What's It Wednesday

Ten June 
for
Holiday Cheer in Blogosphere 
and
Our Fifth House 
for
A Very Mantel and a Party 

The Charm of Home
for
Home Sweet Home