A FARMHOUSE CHRISTMAS

StoneGable's farmhouse kitchen is finally dressed up for Christmas.

This year, as in years past, I'm using lots of naturals with fun Christmas touches!

Come on in... have a mug of hot chocolate and let's look around...

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER... CHRISTMAS EDITION

Oh my gosh... There are only 2 weeks until Christmas!!!!!

If this facts makes you scream, panic, faint, stress out, want to eat a gallon of ice cream, cry, hide or makes you queasy... then you will want to read this! 

I have some easy last minute decorating ideas for anyone who feels that Christmas has sneaked up on them this year!

And if you are super organized and all decorated you might want to read this too and... a)  help a needy unorganized friend with the above symptoms or b) save these tips for next year.

Here are some easy peasy, low or no cost, fast ideas to get your halls decorated in no time at all... and a few last minute tips to boot.! These are my BEST last minute Christmas tips...

FLUFFING THE GUEST ROOMS

In all the business and bustle of last minute Christmas preparations... take a little break with me and I'll share a spot at StoneGable made to evoke calm and serenity..

THE EASIEST WAY TO MAKE A LIVE WREATH

I am going to show you the EASIEST most amazing way to make a live wreath. You will wonder, "why didn't I think of that"? That's what I thought when I learned this technique at a wreath decorating demo last year.

 You will be able to make gorgeous, lush, full, live wreaths... FABULOUS!!!!

It will revolutionize your Christmas decor and gift giving... OR ... at least make people ooooh and ahhhh!

I made this wreath in under 40 minutes for a gift exchange! 

Here's how...

PAPERWHITES IN THE KITCHEN

This year StoneGable is decorated with lots of "naturals".

The antique tool caddy that sits on my the island is filled with lots of organics... but the star of this arrangement are the paperwhites...

I planted them in individual mason jars and lined them up in the back of the caddy.

You can ready how I planted them by clicking HERE.

When they bloomed I staked them up with painted branches tied up with black and white plaid ribbon.

The twiggy branches make the paperwhites look wintery! 

These little blooms are so so fragrant!

In front of the paperwhited I lined up Lemon Cedars and Sugar Pinecones. I have repeated these elements in my decor this year!

I got the Lemon Cedars at a local greenhouse for $3.99 a pot. They are hardy and have held up very well indoors. I would love to plant them out in the yard in the spring!

I like them much better than Poinsettias!

I really like the way the cedars and pinecones line up in a row!

Two large chippy pillars flank the paperwhites. Each has a white candle. The candles give off such a warm glow.  

As the paperwhites fade I have new ones to replace them.

Decorating with naturals has been very easy and has brought a feeling of calm to StoneGable during this busy time of year!

I think I'll use naturals again next year... maybe with red tartan!

DECK THE HALLS

This year I am keeping Christmas decorating simple and natural.

Using fresh greens, pinecones and black and white ribbon... my breakfast room is gussied up for the holidays!

Here is a little peek...

The table has a simple arrangement of greens, pinecones, a bird's nest along with two long burning candles.

To see how I made this arrangement click, HERE.

A garland of incense cedar hangs in the chandelier. It smells like Christmas!

A spray of regular and variegated boxwood tied up in a pair of black and white ribbon hangs on each chair back. This year I am foregoing the tradition red and green and going with a little more sophisticated look. Black and white works so well with greens!

Fresh boxwood wreaths hang on a pair of symmetrically placed shutter. Here is one of the two.

I hung the wreaths on a black and white checked ribbon.

A basket of greens hangs on the window of our porch door. Sorry the quality of the photos are not the best... I should know better than to take pictures in afternoon light!

My chicken lamp gets into the Christmas spirit too! This little bench sits behind the table and is often not visible in many of my breakfast room photos!

We use the bench when the table is extended. It gets lots of use!

I placed a grapevine charger under the lamp to look like a nest and added fresh greens.

It looks like my little hen is brooding!

Again, excuse the quality... but I wanted you to get a look at an area that is hardly ever photographed.

Beside the lamp is a bowl of pinecones and boxwood.

My breakfast room really reflects they direction I am going with my Christmas decor this year. I've opted to use what I have and add some pretty greens! 

I have lots more to show you!!!

WOW US WEDNESDAY

CHRISTMAS NATURALS

Organic elements and Christmas go together naturally.

And one of my very favorite places to see natural Christmas decorations is Williamsburg.

Williamsburg looks it's most beautiful this time of year. Decked out in Yuletide finery and brimming with good cheer, it is a true study of decorating with naturals.

Greens, fruit, magnolia leaves, dried florals and pods of all varieties are twisted and turned into beautiful wreaths, swags and corners.



Simple designs with vibrant colors make a big show on white backgrounds.

An unusual mix of organics gives a big visual punch. Dried artichokes, red peppers and other greenery make this natural display a winner.

Unexpected elements mixed with greens catch our imaginations and curiosity.

Card sharks must frequent this establishment. Cards folded and fanned adorn this clever and creative wreath. Dried apples formed into rosettes and cotton fluff add more detail.

A cobbler's shop uses salt dough figures of a cat and some mischievous mice to tell a whimsical story on this wreath. A leather shoe that has been commandeered by a little mouse sits on the windowsill to continue the story.

Natural leather signs and balls of cotton twine add to the organic feel.

The mice have gotten into the house... so cute!

This wreath outside historic Chownings Tavern is adorned with small silver beer mugs, wheat tops and hops. It cleverly gives a nod to the libations inside.

Horseshoes, hunt horns and stirrups!

Look at the creative way this equestrian lover combines their love of horses with Christmas decorating. There is so much personality in this natural design! Make sure you take one of the apples to your favorite horse.

Whether humble or majestic, decorating with naturals is a festive and traditional way to decorate for Christmas.

Let the Merry season begin...

I am participating in SEASONAL SUNDAYS with my good friend The Tablescaper. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas over there!