Wednesday, November 24, 2010

it's Christmastime around here...

This year I got an early start on decorating. I skipped right over Thanksgiving and cleaned like a fiend. And then I decorated.

Just the living room so far. I went a little crazy making a coffee table scene. At first I thought about making a village under the tree, especially since we got a train this year, but it seemed too hidden and I didn't want Alfredo reaching over the tracks.


3 trees...
 a lovely pink one...I made a skirt for the little round table using two real petticoats! And that perfect green bow? From Target.
 Alfredo has his own tree with his own village. It changes daily.
And this year, we have a REAL tree...
  
Here are some detail pictures of that crazy coffee table scene...


 You can't really see it in this picture but the lady on the horse is holding the tinsel that's wrapped around the tree. I think we've all found ourselves in precarious positions like that while decorating for Christmas!





 I bought the two bigger evergreens at the nursery where we bought the tree (they were 50% off!) But this little sappling was found out in the forest behind our house.

 I've done a few Christmasy things in the kitchen...

Alfredo is in charge of this little nativity set. It's one of my favorite things...

 The idea is that we all come to the birth of Christ so there are all sorts of people represented...fisherman, ministers, townsfolk...isn't that lovely?

And I just whipped this up this morning. Target has the most luscious tinsel and I knew I wanted to do something fun with it. I wrapped it around an orphaned embroidery hoop part (I don't know what happened to the other part!) and then hung a sweet vintage ornament in the center...
 And now it graces my kitchen window.

 While I happily worked on this quick project, Alfredo played nearby...
 It's a candy party.
 everybody likes chocolate.
 But I found him just like this...
This toy is on his most-wanted list, at the very top. I bought it for Seth's birthday present. It's really more appropriate for older kids (like Seth!) so I thought I'd test it out a bit. Since it arrived yesterday afternoon, I've noticed that Alfredo just sits by it and stares. He's studied it and studied it and cannot wait until Seth opens it. 

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

51 comments:

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

Hi Amy!
I'm enthralled by your village...love all the goings on and little vignettes you have arranged! Your home looks just like you do....full of cheer and happy color! It makes me smile! Alfredo is so cute...reminds me of my kids when they were little! I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Take care, Laura

Pam @ Frippery said...

Oh Amy, Absolutely charming!!!! Just a happy place for you and your little family. Alfredo staring at the toy box is too sweet. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy each precious moment of the Christmas season to come, Pam

CountryBelle said...

I love the colors in your room. So cheery. I really like your pictures above the sofa. Beautiful!

Genie said...

Oh, you are such a lucky girl. My desire was to skip over Thanksgiving, of course we would have the meal, but alas, my seven year old said no way.

Going to visit Target today. Happy Thanksgiving.

Leanne said...

Thanks for all the amazing ideas...and inspiration of course...we have snow here, but I am still slow to get the decorations out......this weekend :)

Unknown said...

everything is so beautiful and inspiring!

Happy Thanksgiving!

xo,

annie

Kat said...

I love everything about this room! Such a happy place!

Anonymous said...

Someday when Alfredo is grown and has his own family he is going to look back and thank the Good Lord he has you for his Mom.

I loved every bit of it. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours Amy!

Amy James

Carey said...

Oh Amy you did a great job decorating. I love everything. The little trees with the skirts are lovely. I hope you and your family have a wonderul Thanksgiving.
Hugs
Carey

Anonymous said...

So pretty Amy. Everything! As a mother of 2 grown children, it is so special to look back at the traditions I started with them and how they have become attached to them. Peace to you and your family and a special squeeze to Alfredo!

Kim

very merry vintage style said...

It all looks so magical! So merry and bright... love the coffee table setup!

Amanda Lee said...

Your Christmas decorations are beautiful! Love the petticoat skirt -- and the very Anthro coffee table scene is way too cool!

Clare G said...

What a wonderful magical place. It's just lovely!!

Jen**SugaredSongbird** said...

I adore the tinseled embroidery hoop project- a great craft idea for my second graders. Your home looks so cozy and happy- I could spend hours gazing at your figurines. Thanks for the smiles!

Megan said...

I am "working" today and sitting here dreaming about 4 days off and decorating and I thought hmmm Amy always has some good inspiration - and as usual fabbulous!!! I love everything. My favorite - is the woman balanced on the horse holding the tinsel!! because what woman does not feel exactly like that. We are hanging on by a thread and beneath us a bucking bronc! The nativity is a fave too - I love when kids add special toys to nativity scene - like GI Joe as a wise man. To me that makes the spiritual and commercial side of Christmas blend in such a lovely way!

PS - Do a holiday wish list - yours is always one of the best!

One Second Needle said...

The coffee table looks great! I can't believe Christmas is almost here.

Sharon Stanley said...

i am coming to your house for christmas...it's all decorated, looks great and has a comfy chair...i'm there! love those little people...happy thanksgiving to you too.

Heidi said...

Hi Amy!
Yes, so cheery! I love that "skirt" you made! Cute! How precious for Alfredo to just sit and "read" that box, he's dreaming! Have a blessed Thanksgiving, you and your family.
Hugs, Heidi

Si Alem said...

It's decor incredible. I loved the pillows in the shape of house and also the picture on the wall.

laurie -magpie ethel said...

that little coffee table scene is one of the best things I have seen this holiday season...totally, totally adorably cool! Thanks for all the close up picks of it...that first shot made me wanting to see more. ADORABLE!

Loretta a/k/a Mrs. Pom said...

Hi Amy,

I don't know if you remember me; we met at Charlotte's last winter. I love your Christmas decorating and your house is just beautiful! I adore your red sofa and your bright, punchy colors. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving - and oh, your online zine was fabulous!

dawnkristine said...

I love your home (particularly the table scene!), your window adornment, and INSPIRED IDEAS! I have been away from blogland for a bit, and what I have missed...Thank you for your constant flood of beauty!

Providence Handmade said...

Oh, HAPPY day! I love that room and would like to move in, please! How blessed Alfredo is to have you in his life - what fun he must have with all those little treasures to look at!

PCovi said...

He is adorable studying that toy!
Your family room is just wonderland. I LOVE all the colors :)

Judy said...

LOVE it! I'm planning to stop back after Thanksgiving and study each picture for HOURS. So much, well, inspiration!

Jodie / Lova Revolutionary said...

Wow! So incredibly pretty, it looks like a magazine! I love that you have a bunch of trees - So do I!

Happy Holidays!

Jodie

http://lovahandmade.etsy.com

www.WildOliveKids.etsy.com said...

Wow. Can I just move there. Such a happy room. I am truly inspired.

PatSloan said...

Your home is 'jaw dropping' amazing.. what a fun your boy will have and what super memories!

K @ Aurora Blythe said...

Whimsical Christmas... that is what I thought of as I viewed the sneak peak into your lovely living room. It looks not only festive, but just like a fun place to be! Nice work =)

marlene said...

Your magic turned your already adorable home into whimsical & magical Christmas land...Santa will definitely be happy when he arrives at you place...hope you having a happy & delicious thanksgiving...grace peace joy & many blessings 2 U, Rich, Alfredo & your family, Marlene aka mizz bee

Anonymous said...

Your decorations are gorgeous!!! How 'bout if I just come stay with you for the holidays and absorb all your Christmas decorating knowledge? LOL!! Happy Thanksgiving!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful and happy place for Christmas. I love the way your room smiles with the colors that you choose and you just decorate happiness. Three trees, I love that, and I love how your little one is included in everything that you do.

Karen

jackie said...

AWESOME Amy! I love all the COLOR............

Heavenly Chic Interiors said...

Simply MAGICAL! These picture put a big smile on my face, I can only imagine what Alfredo feels. Such a happy room!

Doojies said...

I've got to invent a whole new adjective! For now, oh my, so much goodness. So much creativity with just the right touch of sugar, sparkle, and great whimsy. What a wonderful family and home you have~inspiring!

Yellow Cat Studio said...

You have some very beautiful images here. I just wanted to stop by and say hello. I have very much enjoyed your blog!

-N

Carrie said...

So so so so beautiful! I want to live there!!! So cheery... it should stay up all year ;)!

Anonymous said...

Amy, you have the cheeriest Chritmas living room. I would love to just sit there and take it all in! How magical. Alfredo will have so many fond memories when he's older. Merry Christmas!
From a Canadian cousin. : )

Sixty-Fifth Avenue said...

Your living room is magical and beautiful!! Your little village is so very cute, it reminds me of our fairy garden we made in the spring.
Off to read more!
Londen

Shelley said...

Hi Amy,

I just found your blog. I LOVE IT. Your living room is so cute! We are in the process of repainting and redecorating ours and you're giving me some inspiration! Thank you!
Can't wait to follow and dig through your blog more. :)

BTW... I just started a blog a few weeks ago and there's a giveaway going on now if you're interested. :)

http://www.alittlespinach.com/2010/11/g-i-v-e-w-y.html

Myra said...

Amy -- Your ezine is about the cutest thing I've ever seen! I've spent the last week obsessed with making your sampler trees. I have made about 8 of them with more in the works. I adore them. I'll be following your blog for more inspiration!! Myra in the Texas Hill Country

Deryn Mentock said...

Oh! I should have known your world would be pink and whimsical! I adore it! Thank you for this glimpse inside. The best part? Your Charlie Brown sapling!

Anonymous said...

OK Amy, I have to ask your sources for the wonderful prints/signs/heart etc that are hanging on your wall. I especially love the christmas subway sign and the heart! And the Happy sign! All of your decorating is amazing. I am truly inspired when I come to your blog!
Bev in Austin

Anonymous said...

Hi Amy, I just found your blog through Deryn's and I will be following from now on! I just love the Christmas decorations, especially the pink tree. And Alfredo's toys eating the chocolates! You have definitely inspired me to start pulling out the decorations!
Sally

Red Headed Step Child said...

Your house is SO CUTE! Are you on all of the local Christmas Home Tours? I'll bet you are.

Thanks for sharing, it was a JOY to see such a colorful and happy home.

Mitzi Curi said...

Amy, your style is all your own, and I'm just blown away by your Christmas decor! Totally magazine-worthy, in my opinion. Thanks for sharing all of the beauty, whimsy, and joy!

Dori Patrick said...

Your home is absolutely delightful.....that's it....put on the cocoa...I'm coming over and camping out! Ha! Thanks for sharing!

Roxie Morrow said...

I must come see this for myself! I love the candy party!
Your house is just too cute and colorful too. Brings me to my happy place.

xoxo
Roxie

Anonymous said...

Love, love, love it!
Any chance we can get a source on your blossom and birds print on the wall?
-Karen F.

Laurie said...

Would love to know where you got the polka dotted pillows! Lovely House! So happy!

beach_bum said...

I was also wondering about the picture you have with the blossoms and birds - so cheerful!