Thursday, December 24, 2015

The Night Before Christmas and All Through the House






It's the night before Christmas

and the twinkle of the tiny white lights on our tree

set the mood for quiet, simple times

here at Hyacinths for the Soul





The stockings are hung with care,

but no chestnuts roasting on our cozy fire.





Though Chickadees scamper about the mantel among 

the pine cones and golden pears.





Each dressed for this special 

night in their finest attire.





Waiting patiently for our jolly

St. Nick to appear!




Bunnies in red tartan bows

know something special is on its way.




This sassy lady in her verdigris coat

is from the Bunny Williams Collection 

based on a copper antique from Williams' own garden

and a treasured Christmas present from a friend last year.




The German nutcracker was given to me

many years ago by my mother,

and the plump tartan velvet pumpkin 

was a recent gift from a friend.




Vignettes in the kitchen welcome

more Santa figures.




To give our home a gentle touch of holiday scent,

I filled a MacKenzie-Chids vase with

fresh Christmas greens and red berries.





The gift packages under our tree

have all been delivered to friends and family.




Our tree is small and not fancy, 

 but it is decorated with lots of love.




Ornaments that have been added through the years,

many special gifts from dear friends, hang from red satin, 

tartan, or ribbons of black and white check.




There is definitely a MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check 

theme woven through the branches.  




A few new ornaments were 

added this year.





A crowing rooster amongst curls of 

burlap ribbon roosts on the top.




The shelves of our bamboo bookcase next to our tree

are filled with special holiday touches.

Bottom shelves hold Christmas books ready

to enjoy with an evening cup of tea,

 or  to share with little ones who may stop by to visit.





More Christmas books are on the lower shelf of a

green wicker table at the side door entry.

As an elementary teacher, children's literature

is a passion not easily abandoned.





 One of Nancy Thomas' New York Santa figures

helps hold up favorite Christmas books.




Rudolph is snuggled into 

greens and pinecones near by.





I added something new to the tabletop this year.

It's been a long time since I've used

this metal tree in my Christmas decorations,

but when I spotted these cute black and white color block

gift toppers at Target, I knew just what I'd use them on.

They are by Sugar Paper and were sold in packages of four.





These darling ceramic balls are 

much like the Kate Spade color block ornaments

I've seen this year, but for a fraction of the price.

They add a little contemporary vibe to our sun porch

and are a great compliment to our Courtly Check inspired

Christmas tree.  Preserved boxwood balls by were also a

Target purchase.  They came three to a package.




This jolly man has a big open sack 

perfect for holding candy treats

or possibly some pretty flowers for the right occasion.




More Santa figures and tartan

touches await on the pine table nearby.





The bronze rooster was a souvenir from

my trip to Paris in 2014.  

I gave him a festive touch for Christmas,

and added a petite Barbara Olsen framed

watercolor to his tray.





Another Barbara Olsen petite Christmas

painting sits below the lamp on top of the same chest.

I've enjoyed the two little Olsen painting since the 1990s.





Joyuex Noel, to all!

Thank you for joining me this Christmas Eve.

I'd like to thank all my readers and blogging friends

who visit and leave thoughtful comments.

I appreciate each of you, and am grateful that many

of you have become dear friends through the years.




Merry Christmas to all,
and to all a good night!

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