It's always a bit sad to me how quickly Christmas comes in...
and then before you know it...it's gone...
For the remainder of the year I am left with my warm memories and the hope of Christmas' return the next time around...
This Christmas was particularly different for us, as we were given the opportunity to move to a new home this January.
We have been hoping and praying for a change in a our living situation this past year, and when a rental home became available in my home town {near my lovely mother}, we were eager to start packing. This home gives us the opportunity to have some peace from the complications of townhouse living, and save up while we wait to buy our own place this summer.
This, however, also meant that we would be packing....rather than decorating, in the month of December...
I tried to hold out.
I tried to convince myself it was okay.
What is one year without Christmas decor? No big deal, right?
Wrong.
I just couldn't do it....and then gave in....to creating a couple of simple vignettes to enjoy during the season.
It started with our "Christmas branch" that Joshua found for me in the woods...and I lightly coated in white...
It was decorated with my rag balls in linen and burlap, silver balls and mercury glass ornaments.
I was very inspired by the latest issue of Jeanne d'Arc for my holiday decor this year...and chose a simple palette of white, silver, and natural colors...
Since we didn't get out the Christmas lights this year, we opted for the glow of candles instead.
{thanks to Roberta for the beautiful Fleur-de-lys ornament}
Mae was adorned for the season as well...
Opposite from this vignette, I created a simple arrangement of Christmas whimsy on an old bookshelf...
With more candles and my favorite new holiday find {from Marshall's}...
as well as an apothecary jar of gold pine cones topped off with a glittered paper crown...
So, in spite of all of the boxes and chaos surrounding us...we were able to keep a bit of Christmas spirit in our home...
Another beautiful Christmas season has come and gone...and a new year now started...
I look forward to all that this year ahead holds...as Josh, Renoir and I move to this "new" temporary home...
Which also means, that I will be away for a bit...getting settled in the new place...so my website and Etsy shop will be closed for the time being. Once I get settled, I will have many new creations and offerings to bring all of you and look forward to getting back into my normal routine...
I wish you all a beautiful new year!
Till next time...
{and if you have yet to visit the latest Romantic Vignette...be sure to stop by and see Allison's beautiful home decorated for Christmas...may bring inspiration for next year!}
what beautiful photos and vignettes! Hope you had a great Christmas with your family. This was such a beautiful break in the middle of my day in the office.
Posted by: Allison | January 05, 2010 at 04:59 PM
Happy New Year, Alice! Wishing you nothing but happy days in your new home:) As always, I just love your pretty displays & photos!
Posted by: Leah C | January 05, 2010 at 05:08 PM
Hello Alice... your home still looks beautiful for Christmas... as always... I am so happy you are getting to move to a new home... I wish you and Josh and Renoir the most happy times there...I will anxiously await the new treasures you are getting ready for your shop... love to you, kisses Renoir... xoxo Julie Marie
Posted by: Julie Marie Vicknair | January 05, 2010 at 05:12 PM
Wishing you a most blessed new year in you new home may it bring love and laughter and the best that God has for you!
With much love
Rebecca
Posted by: Rebecca Ersfeld | January 05, 2010 at 05:17 PM
Alice, your home still shines in Christmas beauty. I hope you your get settled in your new place and that you come back and post more beauty for us to enjoy...remember...no matter where you are, as long as you are with those you love and feel loved...it is home...(This is something that I have to remind myself often :) May you have a wonderful New Year filled with lots of love, laughter and nothing but good things in 2010! Besos, Rose
Posted by: Rose | January 05, 2010 at 05:26 PM
i love what you created....L>O>V>E!
just gorgeous simple beauty
your blog is always a breath of fresh air.
best wishes on your move
xo
Posted by: paige | January 05, 2010 at 08:11 PM
Your simplistic approach is refreshing and so inspiring - especially since I packed 20+ totes and 2 artificial trees up into my attic a few days ago!
Best wishes on your move and in the New Year!
Posted by: Sheila R | January 05, 2010 at 08:41 PM
Hi Alice!!
Your Christmas Branch is adorable along with your other beautiful decorations, LOVE your Snowman too!! I know just what you mean about not decorating at all... I almost had to do that this year because of my work schedule and then at the last minute I HAD to do a little something!!
I am so happy for you and your little family, I know you will make magic in that little nest as well!!! Enjoy the Journey sweet girl!! We will be here waiting for your return :)
xox always ~ Madai
Posted by: Madai | January 05, 2010 at 09:04 PM
How fun for you, I can't wait to see pictures of your new place.
Your little Christmas vingettes look beautiful.
Hope this new year is just wonderful for you and Josh!
Posted by: myshabbyroses | January 05, 2010 at 09:15 PM
Hi Alice, I love your Christmas decor! And your "Christmas Branch" is Beautiful, so sweet of Josh to get it for you! Oh, I know how stressful moving can be, hopefully you can get settled in your new home quickly. I can't wait to see pictures. I hope you, Josh and Renior have a Happy and Blessed New Year!
(((hugs)))
Milli
Posted by: sashagirl | January 05, 2010 at 10:38 PM
Good luck on your move Alice. I'm sure it will be wonderful to be home again. I'm sure your mother will be pleased to have you close by again.
Your holiday decor is gorgeous!
hugs and sending you wishes for a happy new year.
Posted by: June | January 05, 2010 at 10:50 PM
Alice,
Have missed you! But I understand...you've been VERY busy. Looking forward to seeing how you decorate the "temporary" home. I'm sure it will be lovely, like you! All my best to you and your family.
xo,
Cheryl
Posted by: Cheryl at Casual Cottage Chic | January 05, 2010 at 10:51 PM
Oh, you have had a busy December and it looks like an even busier January! Congratulations on your new temporary home. I'm sure you will make it a haven.
Your decorations are beautiful!
xoxo
Claudia
Posted by: Claudia | January 05, 2010 at 11:11 PM
I know what you mean I did different decorating this year. Pretty but, it didn't seem right without Santa around to cheer up the place. Yours was pretty & all for good reason. Enjoy your new home. Happy New Year! Charlene
Posted by: Charlene | January 05, 2010 at 11:42 PM
Your photos are always such beauty Alice.
Well wishes to you as you move into your new home ~ I am really excited for the two of you!
To the New Year ~ may it be filled with more beauty and wonderful surprises!
~ Rebecca
Posted by: Rebecca | January 06, 2010 at 12:40 PM
You've done a beautiful job bringing a little Christmas glitter in your home. Know from experience how hard it is to move during Christmas.
Good luck in your new home!
Posted by: Carole | January 06, 2010 at 02:19 PM
Happy New Year Alice.
I hope that you, Josh and Renoir will be very happy in your new home and that 2010 has many wonderful adventures in-store for you all.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Posted by: Kerryanne English | January 07, 2010 at 05:30 AM
Happy New Year!
Best wishes in your temporary new home. I'll anxiously be awaiting photos of your new place. :)
Posted by: Shana | January 07, 2010 at 07:44 AM
What a nice visit I had to your blog, just stunning...
Happy New Year
Posted by: Kathy | January 07, 2010 at 08:22 PM
it all looks lovely....even after Christmas!
Posted by: Janean | January 07, 2010 at 08:39 PM
It's beautiful as always!
You know my thoughts are with you, Josh and Renoir always (but I miss our chats ;)
Posted by: Tracie~My Petite Maison | January 08, 2010 at 12:54 AM
Hi Alice: It looks like you had a wonderful Christmas. I am so happy you got a new place to live. It is always good to make new starts, no matter how hard it seems at the time. Wishing you God's best this New Year. Blessings, Martha
Posted by: Martha C | January 08, 2010 at 01:15 AM
I hope you, Josh, and Renoir have a happy and healthy New Year with many successes in 2010. I'll be following your blog this year for inspiration and the positive vibe you have created here.
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | January 08, 2010 at 05:50 AM
Congratulations on your new opportunity.
Your decorations are lovely. You don"t need to cover the house in Christmas, a few
beautiful vignettes are all you need.
Posted by: Chatelaine | January 09, 2010 at 12:18 AM
Very lovely Alice! Best of luck with your move. I had your beautiful Believe garland gracing my doorway! Your work is beautiful :)
Becca
Posted by: Becca | January 09, 2010 at 10:41 AM
Good luck with the move!! I do hope you have everything running smoothy with out too long of a break!
Hugs,
Margaret B
Posted by: Margaret Bouwmeester | January 10, 2010 at 12:04 PM
You really did a lot of little things for the holidays in the middle of a move you made it so pretty and simple. You and your families's last christmas in your home and off to make new memories in a new home.
Posted by: Debra | January 10, 2010 at 01:50 PM
Hi Alice it's so so great come back after a long time and see again your wonderful blog!!! Your Christmas decoration are so wonderful!!!! I love all those pictures!!!
Congratulation for your new home!
Have a nice week and see you soon
Posted by: bleudelavande | January 11, 2010 at 11:24 AM
Alice, I am sorry about Christmas but what you did have out was beautiful. Wishing you much luck and happiness in your new home.
Posted by: Sandra | January 11, 2010 at 12:40 PM
Your photos are gorgeous! I stumbled upon your blog through the flickr link - was instantly in love with your "white-style". I will have to add you to my follow list and come back often.
Posted by: gina | January 11, 2010 at 06:10 PM
Happy New Year Alice and congratulations on your move. Best wishes!
Posted by: Lisa Super | January 11, 2010 at 09:36 PM
Good luck with the new Home, and a Very Happy New Year, how nice to be closer to your mom, a girl has gotta love that. Hugs, Diane
Posted by: Diane | January 12, 2010 at 12:25 PM
very best luck with moving to your new home.. see you then!
Posted by: desiree | January 14, 2010 at 12:22 PM
Hope you enjoy your new home - how wonderful to be near your mother.
Your christmas decor is so pretty - love the white, silver, nuetral color combination
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | January 14, 2010 at 03:00 PM
Hi Alice... it is a little bit late maybe but i dont want to miss to wish you all the best for the New Year!
Have a great time with your family and all the best for you...
Greetings from Germany, maren
Posted by: maren | January 19, 2010 at 07:58 AM
Dear Alice, your photography is incredible. Awesome!
I wish you a very happy New Year!!
Hugs
Federica
Posted by: Federica | January 20, 2010 at 02:40 AM
Alice thank you for sharing your gorgeous photographs- everything was displayed so lovely, I have the same sweet snowman. Wishing you the best this New Year- I can't wait to see the lovliness you will create in your new home.
Posted by: Lorraine lewis | January 26, 2010 at 01:58 PM
Missing you too!
Posted by: Tracie~My Petite Maison | January 28, 2010 at 01:01 PM