Let's start where we always do, the front porch. If it stays dry tonight, I will try to get a picture of the whole house lit up with the icicle lights. Grandson #1 came over yesterday and between the two of us, we got them up! We had to do a bit of jerry rigging so this year when I take them down, I'm going to take a few minutes and see if I can't get the light wires back where they belong...and, if not, maybe I can grab some new ones at "after Christmas" prices!
I was very excited when I walked into the WalMart garden center the other day and saw this huge display of fresh wreaths for $8! One was prettier than the other. I grabbed one up but am now wishing I had grabbed a few more for the other windows out front-may need to make another trip. I took off the ugly bow that always comes on them and added my own of grosgrain. Then I picked up 2 picks (50% off) and the little metal sign (also 50% off) at HL and "zhuzhed" it up a bit.
When I looked at this quickly, it looked like my basket was full of oranges. Trust me when I tell you it is my 2 PB mercury glass orbs full of clear twinkly lights.
The Christmas ornament is something I found at Wal-Mart also. It was meant to be a yard sign but I just thought the colors and "theme" went perfectly in this basket. All of my greenery looks a little skimpy-that's because it is! Lowes started trimming the trunks of their tress before shipping them to the stores this year so there aren't many clippings to be had. After 3 trips to different stores, I got enough to do my initial decorating and have a fairly full bucket of fresh branches waiting for back up when these get a bit dry.
I think this is my only new decoration this year-except for some new faux pine branches and the above ornament. I got it from an online shop called Decor Steals. As soon as I saw it come in, I snatched it up. I had seen a Santa mailbox last year from the Magnolia line at Target and I didn't get it right away because it was a bit pricey. When I finally decided that I deserved it (LOL), I went back and it was gone. I wasn't going to take that chance again. I actually think I like this one better except that it can't sit on a table top and must be hung. As I look at the picture, I think it's crying out for a bit of greenery and maybe a letter to Santa sticking out...we'll see what I can do about that.
I'm always amazed when I put out this Santa cross stitch that I made a number of years ago-not that I made it but that my eyes were ever good enough to see 22 ct embroidery cloth! I also always love putting out the little runner that was given to me by my mother-in-law oh so many years ago. She had them all over her house so when she made a visit to Norway one year, she brought me one back. I love the tradition of using it every year. When she passed away, my girls all got one as well so that the tradition can continue in their homes.
I also love the dough bowl full of ornaments that belonged to my parents and in-laws. Sure wish more of them had survived over the years!
So we have begun the tour. Hope to be back soon with a bit more. After my grandson's All-Star game on Saturday, we are FINALLY officially done with Football-for this year-and on to Christmas full steam ahead!! Stay tuned.
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