Driftwood Christmas Tree

I've already told you that this is my year to simplify. You can see what I did in my house here. But I still wanted to have a tree. Something to put lights and garland on and nothing else. I've been drawn to the beauty of driftwood lately. I love the weathered, silvery wood. My favorite nativity is driftwood. So, I decided that I wanted a tree made of driftwood, but all I could find were small ones. Pretty, but not what I had in mind. I finally decided to have one made. I waited anxiously for it to arrive. Was I crazy? Was it going to look ridiculous instead of beautiful? Well...it finally arrived. I think it's gorgeous! What do you think?

Here it is with nothing on it. It's pretty but not very Christmassy. I added a red berry garland and white lights.

My only ornament is a bird in a nest. My grandmother said you had to have one because it is good luck.

I love the texture of the wood. Simple and beautiful.

Pretty at night, too.

The reflection in my living room mirror is stunning.

A simple burlap tree skirt is the final touch.

I realize this may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I couldn't be happier with the results. I will have this tree forever, too! Even when I decide to have another traditional tree, this one will look great on the deck.

I'll keep you posted...

Lynn

O Holy Night!

Those of you who know me know that Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I go a little crazy decorating the house. Last year' post, 'Tis the Season, shows you what I mean. Everyone was coming to house house that year, so I really went all out. Every room, bedroom and even the bathrooms had a touch of Christmas. As it happened, my grandson came 6 weeks early, so we spent the holidays out of state. I decorated the house, left a few days later, then came home after a month and undecorated everything. Not exactly what I had planned, but a wonderful Christmas none the less.

This year is different. I had the urge to change things up, to really simplify. I wanted to take the focus off the glitz and glitter and focus on the true meaning of Christmas, my Savior's birth. This year is all about natural beauty. No Santas or reindeer in every room. It's all about God-made not man-made. It's understated and beautiful. It's exactly what I needed this year.

White velvet stockings with a simple initials, green garland with pine cones and white lights.

More white lights on trees and domes filled with pinecones.

Pillows are changed out for a subtle changes in each room.

A simple centerpiece of white candles.

The Jesse Tree in the entry.

And a Nativity in every room to remind me of the real reason we celebrate Christmas.

O Holy Night!

I'll keep you posted...

Lynn

4th of July Front Porch & More...

After I made my 4th of July pillows, I got excited about decorating the front porch and a few places around the house. Nothing crazy, just enough to celebrate this great country I live in. A trip to the dollar store and I was ready to go. I had some star decals left over from my pillow project, so I decided to attach them to some skewers. It was simple enough to do, just attach one decal to a skewer then attach the same size decal to the back so that they stick to each-other with the stick in between.

I stuck these in the planter on the front door.

Next, I strung together some red, white and blue paper lanterns to hang instead of a flag. Pillows on the chairs and the front porch is done. Patriotic but not over the top. I like it. 

Next, the outdoor dining room got some sparkle with a garland and sprays instead of candles.

A garland for the dining room light fixture... 

And one last garland for the breakfast room table...

I did all this for less than $15 (not including the pillows). Notice that I didn't go crazy with red, white and blue. I used orange flowers in the breakfast room and a burlap runner on the dining table. That makes it a lot more subtle and doesn't look like theme decor which is not my style.

Happy 4th of July!! 

I'll keep you posted... 

Lynn