Monday, December 15, 2008

Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles.
Author Unknown


I am participating in the 2008 Christmas Tour of Homes. I'm sure in comparison with the many grand and lovely Christmas decorations but I love the season so I had to decorate even though we just moved into the house. No decor in the den you say? Oh, that's because it's full of movning crates and Bella's litter box.

So let's focus on the semi-completed areas of the house that actually have some Christmas decor!

Welcome... it snowed last night just for the tour!

Even little icicles on the mailbox (courtesy of nature, not Randall)

Just inside the front door... the sign says, "Dear Santa, I can explain." That's for Bella, of course

Our nativity, my favorite new decoration that was bought as a wedding shower gift for me. Bella likes to push the poor lamb off of the table daily.

Garland on the mantle in the living room. No stockings this year, I should have ordered the cute personalized ones before our November wedding. Because after, it was too late! Next year, next year.

I love Christmas cards so I keep them from year to year - it's fun to reread the old ones (and it also looks like we received this many this year!). The photo is an old when of me and my father putting the angel on the tree.

Into the dining room, those bells are a favorite of Bella-the-bell-stealer

Bookcase with our tree. Yup, the tree. We're simplifying our life and trying not to bring another ounce of anything into a house packed to the gills. Next year there will be a life size tree (bought on sale in January, thank you very much)!

And that darling Christmas plate will soon be holding the best cookies, classic chocolate chip. As my mom always says, you bake a plate of fancy Christmas cookies and people really just eat the chocolate chip!

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) chocolate chips


Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl.
Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown.

Basket 'o holy


Good for smooching my new hubby (and an awkward moment for the furniture delivery men)

On the kitchen window ledge - I love smelling peppermint when doing the dishes!

Oh yes he does, and I'm glad you stopped by too!

28 comments:

Heather said...

I love your decorations! Great job, I love the nativity! Merry Christmas!!

Carol said...

Beautiful touches everywhere. Thanks for sharing your home with us.

Merry Christmas!

Mrs. Fabulous said...

Love, love, love! You have the cutest house ever!!!

Surviving the ice today??

cjnichols said...

Those bells look so so cute! Thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas!

Sonshine said...

Love your decor. :) Thanks for sharing!

Merry Christmas!

I Love Your Whole Face said...

my ebay link is on the right hand side of my blog. Thanks!

Lauren said...

Thank you for your sweet comment... Glad you came by! Your decor looks beautiful! I love it all! Thanks for letting us in!

Nicole - Life in Progress said...

Everything looks so great. Congrats on your new house!

LucyinStLou said...

Wow, I'm a loser. You are more decorated than I am and I've been in our house for 7 years! It looks great. You did a wonderful job.

Trudy said...

I love the simple beauty of your home. Wish it would snow here, the kids would love it. Merry Christmas!

Melissa Martin said...

Great job! What pretty decorations!

Recovering Noah said...

I love, love, love your navitity scene! Mery Christmas!

Leslie

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the marriage and new house! All of the decorations are lovely!

Olde Town Style Guide said...

It looks so warm and cozy! You are making me hungry talking about those chocolate chip cookies!!! Your house is going to reallly smell like the holidays once you make them!

TidyMom said...

What beautiful touches of Christmas!!

Merry Christmas!
~Tidymom

Amy @ Cheeky Cocoa Beans said...

You have a beautiful home with many lovely decorative touches! I am a little jealous about the snow. ;) Merry Christmas!

Kimba said...

Your home is beautiful... so warm and inviting.

Rachel H. said...

Cute! You've done a great job especially for just moving in!

Molly said...

Your house looks beautiful!

Princess Freckles said...

Great job! What a lovely home you have!

Shell in your Pocket said...

So cute..we have the same nativity scene!!! OH my your mailbox..look at that ice!
-sandy toes

lisagh said...

Mmmmm! Love the needlepoint door pillow!

Kristen said...

Yours is the first home with mistletoe, nice touch.

Shelley said...

Thanks for inviting me in, I've enjoyed my visit. And congrats on the new "life" and new home.

Kara said...

Thanks for visiting! I enjoyed all of your decor! Merry Christmas!
Kara-North Texas
John 3:30

Jessica said...

You're the only house I've seen with a mistletoe!

Merry Christmas!

Reen said...

You have a beautiful home! I love the mistletoe and that you keep all of your old cards!

Kristen said...

Great decorations and too funny about the delivery man!! "Um, that is NOT for you!"

 
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