I've made a conscious effort this advent season to simplify the holiday, both in decor and gift giving. I wanted to focus more on the true meaning of the season.
It has helped a bit, but the holidays are still hectic and can't be as simplified as I'd like.
But I think that the simple decorations have helped to lend a sense of peace and calm.
I love the combination of rustic wood & wire, aged mercury glass, and tarnished glitter.
I've added lots of candles and in the interest of safety and forgetfulness, I've found that I really love the flameless candles ~ especially those with built in timers :)
The beautiful fabric box is a Stacy Nash project from last year's Boxwood & Berries. The sampler for inside the top of the lid is still not stitched, but I still love the box just as it is...
Some traditions had to stay and just couldn't be simplified, like our collection of nutcrackers.
I just found this great vintage Marshall Field's gift box that I couldn't pass up for 70 cents ~ it brings back lots of memories of visiting the store with my grandparents.
I'll try to post again soon with photos of Christmastime in Chicago.
"Good Tidings Mini Christmas Sampler"design by Nancy Woodson
I did have one stitching finish during our winter storm this weekend.
Blessings, Patti
All your decorations look very pretty. I too have tried very hard this year to simplify on my decor. It is a much peaceful feeling you get when things are not so busy and overdone. Merry Christmas Patti to you and your family.
ReplyDelete~Nan
Simply beautiful! :)
ReplyDeletePatti, your photos are so inspiring. I discovered the flameless candles also and wish they all had the timer feature! Thanks so much for the link to Nancy Woodson. It is so fun to start the week with a new blog discovery...and neat free charts! I completed three of the advent boxes this season and had great fun gifting them!
ReplyDeleteYour decorations are beautiful Patti! Hope your not too snowed in over there :)
ReplyDeleteSending you Christmas hugs ~ Jenn xoxo
Love the decorations! I wasn't going to decorate but I have a box full of new mercury glass ornaments and an old wood box so I'm going to copy your basket (I have the snowflakes too) idea. Love that! I'll be coming to Chicago for Christmas so hope we don't get snowed out/in!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays!
Hi Patti,
ReplyDeleteI like the Christmas pillow you stitched. Is it a pattern or of your own design? I too have decided to down size on Christmas, but it isn't easy. Hope you have a wonderful, peaceful holiday season.
Wendy
Lvoe your simple but festive Christmas decor...absolute perfection! And that little Christmas pillow is darling!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE how you finished that freebie - so pretty and prim! Your display pictures are always so lovely.
ReplyDeleteTanya
Patti ~ if you get a chance, would you email me the floss colors you used? I printed out the graph but you did change the colors, right? Let me know!
ReplyDeleteTanya
samplergirl@cox.net
I love your collection of nutcrackers. They are totally awesome.
ReplyDelete