My Garden Retreat

My Garden Retreat
photo Gridley Graves for Country Living

Merry Christmas

Hello my friends!
It has been such a busy day and I look so forward to sitting down with the guys this evening and just taking it all in!

I have spent the better part of the day in my tiny  cottage kitchen making treats and eats for my family's evening dinner and of course for tomorrow!



Christmas is bit different this year....
but this is okay!
I like different!
Okay...sometimes!
One of the things I have been meaning to do
and haven't yet is show you the rest of my Christmas decor!
Because we have two houses....we have two totally different looks going on!
The upstairs loft is decorated with all of things I have collected since my Kids were tiny!
So it is bright and colorful! Childlike and whimsical!
Much different from the cottage!
 But just as special since it's for my kids! Every single macaroni ornament and paper plate angel make their way each year onto our tree.

This smaller tree once stood on my kitchen counter...now,  it spends the season here in the loft.


So here you are...
The upstairs of my other home!




This is actually the door to an antique armoire that has been stored since we moved to the cottage!

As you can see I have a thing for stockings....

and elves!





what is Christmas without the movies!




even the bathroom is decorated!
Which my sons do not "get"
Oh well!

they still have room to hang their towels!


I also have a couple pictures of the kitchen in the cottage....




and one more from upstairs ....in one of my guest rooms!

I had to move things  a bit....my youngest has taken over this room (go figure)


So...What do you think? Different than what you might have thought...but I must tell you...I am always torn as to how I should decorate for the Christmas Season...because I really love both!
Do you have more than one style of Christmas decor?


I also wanted to tell you about something that took place in November...I am just now letting you know
Sorry...I got a little busy and it slipped my mind until recently.

I was honored to be a part of Mimi's amazing e-mag on November 15th.
Belle Inspiration 
It is such a wonderful e-mag filled with amazing delights and features.
If you haven't ordered your annual subscription...it would make a great Christmas gift for yourself!!!
Hee! Hee!

So click here and you will be taken over to this precious little flip book and take a peek  for yourself
http://www.createmagazines.com/showMagazine.php?mag_id=f5yfnGGAm6Gbdpqlm6amoJOmk6GWfaGs

Mimi has told me I will have a second piece in the January issue!
So don't forget to order your e-mag from my precious friend~ Mimi at Bonjour Romance!
I can't wait for the Winter issue!
It's sure to be as amazing as the first two and really, really want for you to be able to see it as well...so order yours soon!


I am so thankful for each of you, my friends here in blogland!

I pray that each of you have a wonderful Christmas...spent with those you hold dear.






And I Rejoice! 
for the greatest gift that was ever given!
It is His birth that we celebrate this day!


Until next time!

10 comments

  1. Merry Christmas.......



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    Love Ria....

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  2. I LOVE it ALL!!!!! I have to have the two styles going on as well Donna. I have too many memorable ornaments and treasures that the children made in school. I just scatter everything all through the house. This year I didn't do the decorating much however, because I have been sick.
    I thought I had the flu, but now it looks like it's my gallbladder. So if I am away from blogging awhile, it is because I had to have the surgery. I'm going to the ER today, cause I just can't have a repeat of last night...not fun.
    I'll talk to you in a few days.
    Love you!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. It's all so lovely!

    I like all the different styles of decorating for Christmas, which is why I have four trees--each with a different theme. It drives my husband crazy because he has to dig out the trees and set them up every year.

    Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  4. A post Christmas Hello! It's all beautiful Donna ~ as always :-)
    Christmas was wonderful here..and yes even a bit different for us....quiet but not as crazy, our oldest son had to work and went visiting friends, we rose early to deliver gifts for the Arctic League to families in the area, then home for our Christmas.
    And yes, I have multiple decorating styles for Christmas with 3 trees~ a tree for the family ornaments, a tree to highlight the children's ornaments and a more formal tree... Yes I too decorate the bathroom :-)
    Wishes for a lovely week and Happy New Year dear friend...and a congratulations too. Hugs ~ Rebecca

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  5. Hi Sweethearts!
    I hope your Christmas was wonderful!
    Sending much love from our house to yours... talk to you soon.
    Love
    R

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  6. Love the touches of whimsy. I hope your Christmas was wonderful!! xo

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  7. Thank you for inviting us into your lovely Home for Christmas... both spaces look magical!

    May 2011 be all that you Hope and envision it to be.

    Dawn... The Bohemian

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  8. Donna,
    Your Christmas decor is absolutely fabulous! I just love all the fine details.
    I am afraid Santa has lost my giveaway package! I am still looking for him to arrive.
    Wishing you all good things for a most wonderful New Year!
    xo~Dana

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  9. happy new year donna! oh i am so bad! really dropped the ball on the binoculars. sorry sorry sorry. haven't forgotten really i swear. will get to it next week i promise! all the best to you in 2011!

    hugs,

    shelley

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  10. Hi:)
    I wish you & your family a very Happy New Year !

    Kate from Tomaszowa Chata

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I love reading them~they truly make my day!
~Donna Reyné