I have put some decorations up but it has been down scaled this year as we are heading off to visit with family. However, we did want our little cottage to look festive when we have visitors prior to our trip. We have put smaller trees up in the two front windows, which I am enjoying. One in the bedroom and one in the lounge. The main focal point of our decor this year is the mantel, rather glamorous and yet regional with the stags. I was inspired by this beautiful plate that I found in the charity shop.
From very humble beginnings layer upon layer was added.
Everything firmly in place so that we can still have the stove lit. The flames and the tiny lights on an evening, give it a charm of its very own.
I have also added to the table a stag plate stand and adorned it with some of our precious baubles. Although even that was hard to choose as all the baubles have such lovely memories attached to them. Gerard and I had such a lovely time reminiscing about Christmas's past, places we have been and loved ones no longer with us. It was a joy sharing our memories and not at all depressing despite some tears. In many ways it keeps the spirit of Christmas alive.
The tree was quite difficult to decorate as most of the baubles were too big or too heavy for its small branches. Despite the difficulties we still managed to display some of our memories and had fun along the way. Christmas carols and songs were enjoyed and we seemed to get louder and more raucous as the afternoon wore on. More memories added to reflect upon another year.
Not the usual wonderful array of decor but pretty and fun none the less. How are your preparations coming along?
See you soon.
The mantel looks wonderful, I love the white and green simplicity of it.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely - your mantle is just beautiful. Having a fireplace mantle to decorate is one of the things that I miss most from my previous apartment. Today I will put up my small 3 foot tree - still trying to decide on this year's colour scheme - and I'm going to purchase a bit of fresh greenery tomorrow. I too will be away between Christmas & New year's so don't want to overdo it in my little apt.
ReplyDeleteLovely mantle! I don't have one and especially at this time of year, I wish I did. Love the stag theme!
ReplyDeleteWow! It looks lovely. We went away for a week over Christmas once so didn't bother putting up a tree or decorations at home. Tbat was a mistake because it felt really bleak and miserable when we got back home. Lesson learned. xx
ReplyDeleteGreen and white is so fresh and inviting. It all looks super.
ReplyDeleteYour stag themed mantel looks beautiful and your stag wreath looks stunning :) We have an electric 'mock wood-burner' that sits in the old closed up fireplace. I'd love a real one, but as we rent our house that's out of the question. Best, Jane x
ReplyDeleteLove all the deer stags and the outdoor theme. It's true the best ornaments are ones that remind us of past memories and loved ones. Even in trying to downsize I just can't part with some of the craziest things.
ReplyDeleteIt all looks fabulous and I love how a plate has influenced your decor this year with the stag theme running through. It's at this time of the year that I really miss having a mantel, yours is decorated beautifully.
ReplyDeleteLooking great, I absolutely love stags/deer.
ReplyDeleteEven though you won't be at home, you have certainly done a lot of decorating!
ReplyDeleteI always love trees in windows!
Your mantle is lovely!
Mostly done here, but still have to "flesh out" the mantle. :-)
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The stag plate is a lovely inspiration for your decor. Trees in windows are so attractive to people going by, and a nice welcome home when out. Decorating is slow here - a wreath on the door and some lights out. I'm focusing on finishing Christmas presents these days. Reminiscing over the old ornaments is something we do, too, with lots of happy memories associated with them. Have a lovely day.
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful. Awesome.
ReplyDeleteOh, your mantle is truly lovely. My decorations are fewer this year, but I am enjoying them. The tree is up and decked out!
ReplyDeleteBe blessed!
Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage
It all looks beautiful! I love the theme of deer through all of your decorations.
ReplyDeleteJust gorgeous! Still thinking about your mince pies from a past post. Love, love your mantel.
ReplyDeleteSweet friend, I so enjoyed seeing your Christmas decor. Everything looks so pretty and festive. I look forward to seeing more of your charming home. Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteVery gorgeous decorations. Love it.
ReplyDeleteYour decorating is absolutely beautiful! I love the mantle! All of it looks so pretty. The plate with the stag is beautiful. My husband would LOVE that! Such a good post!!
ReplyDeleteIt all looks wonderful and, despite a few tears being shed, what a wonderful way to spend an afternoon, sharing those special memories of some special people.
ReplyDeleteYour mantel looks so festive and the stag plate sets the theme just right. I like the three-tiered plate stand with precious baubles on it.
ReplyDeleteI like your inspirational plate! Along with your lovely ornaments it is looking quite festive in your home. I've been quite slow adding Christmas decor this year as I've not been feeling well. It will all get done in due time. ♥
ReplyDeleteThe decorating looks perfect! I love your mantel, I do not own one.
ReplyDeleteI think your mantel looks gorgeous, so classy, I'm very impressed! Are your little trees in the windows lit? Your home looks very festive and cozy. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteYour Christmas decorations are beautiful. So full of Christmas feel! Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteYour Christmas mantel is decorated so beautifully and it all looks quite magical. This season is a time for reflection too as we remember Christmases past and those we shared them with:)
ReplyDeleteIt looks so beautifully cosy MM.
ReplyDeleteHugs-x-
Loving the stag theme especially the stag baubles xxx
ReplyDeleteYour house looks quite stunning, and more is not necessarily better.
ReplyDeleteYour room looks lovely, I like the stag theme. I am way behind with Christmas preparations, I've bought some cards but haven't started writing them, and I bought some outdoor house lights today.
ReplyDeleteFabulous photographs and your mantle looks so good :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
My daughter put up an Advent wreath and two tiny trees on a table and she has gone today to bake Christmas cookies with some of her cousins. I have Christmas music playing on the radio and looking at your lovely decorations is a delight. Thanks for sharing xx
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