christmas 2010

It's hard to believe that Christmas has already come and gone.

This month has certainly been a busy one around the Wingerden household. We hosted Christmas this year for the first time in our new home.  Events like this are usually just the pressure I need to get things whipped into shape.

So, for those of you who have found your way here to get a taste of our Christmas in 2010, I hope you are in for the long haul since there is much to share...

We'll start with picking out the Christmas tree...

It was  a misty afternoon and not too cold....perfect for finding our tree...

We found a family run Christmas tree market just a little ways from our house.

After some debate {I am very picky when it comes to trees}, we chose one from the group above. I had big plans for this tree...and was very excited to get it home.

Only to realized it was about 2 1/2 feet too tall! After Josh sawed a good portion off of the bottom, it was the perfect size.

Then the next project was to flock it. Neither of us had ever done that before, but I have always loved the look of flocked trees. I found a kit online and Josh rigged up a way for us to use it {turned out we didn't have the right equipment which I didn't realize when I purchased it}.

And away we flocked...must have looked like a site to our neighbors with all of the white powder flying in the air as we sprayed the tree in our backyard.

We didn't have enough flocking to heavily coat it, just enough though to add a  soft, lighter coloring to it.

Then it was on to decorating!

Only silver, white, and cream ornaments this year...with burlap garland.

White lights of course...as well as several religious inspired  and handmade ornaments...

I purchased the beautiful ex-voto "Mary Did You Know" tags from Ozma of Odds on Etsyand adore them. They were a perfect addition to our tree.

A favorite 'Merry Christmas' tag from sweet Sandi, and I purchased a set of two sheet music rosette ornaments from the lovely Susan of Paper Hill.

Some old favorites....

Some new additions...

As you might notice if you are a regular here, we have made some changes in the living room...like painting the walls {finally! The color is now "puff" gray. I was so sick of that 'macaroni and cheese' yellow - still have the office to do as you can see in the background}.

And we hung our chandelier...{haven't found the crystals yet...still lots of unpacking to do!}.

Another new addition this year was the mantel next to our tree. As I mentioned in my previous birthday post, Josh had planned on purchasing one as my gift.

When the one we really wanted ended up being sold before we got there, we decided to get creative with what was available.

I never thought we would go with a brown mantel, but the TV fits in it perfectly {which was one of my main goals}.  We plan on mounting the TV on the wall inside the mantel and then I want to make up some linen curtains to go inside, so I can "tuck" it away whenever I don't want to look at it.

This year we had to improvise, however, so I was happy when I found the 'yule log' on cable, so we can enjoy a nice 'crackling fire' in the new mantel.

 

A fresh Boxwood wreath adorned our front door this year, and an old chalkware Jesus, found on the side of the road, rested by the mantel - to remind us of the true meaning for our celebration.

After the  tree and mantel were situated, we had a lot of work to do in the dinning room to get it ready for serving 11 people.

First thing I wanted put up was the chandelier I purchased last spring on Craigslist. It has been stored away since we purchased it, and I have been dying to see it up with all the crystals on it...

Josh painstakingly cleaned each strand and put it up for me. I sure do love that man.

I also worked hard decorating and cleaning up our hutch {but that really was the fun part}...

I filled it with greenery, antique white pottery and other special touches...

 

Our new vintage dining set, that we also purchased last spring and had in storage until we moved in, thankfully came with three leaves. We felt like royalty with how long it was, as I set the table and got it prepared for our guests.

I got to put out my new butter dish given to me for my birthday from my Aunt Maureen, and Josh picked up the bouquet of flocked branches at Wegmans. I split it in two for one bouquet on each end of the table.

Thankfully my mother helped me with the cooking and many of our guests brought hors d'oeuvres and desserts.

For dinner we served cranberry stuffed turkey breasts, ham and lasagna rolls, along with a cranberry vinaigrette salad and several side dishes. It was quite a production, but overall came together wonderfully and all seemed to have a good time.

Earlier that day we exchanged gifts between the three of us {Josh, myself and Renoir of course}. Renoir went first and was quite the spoiled guy that day.

Even got a new gray bed for the floor in the living room {although he is still preferring his "romantic" bed}...

Josh got me an old clothes wringer that I spotted at the antique shop down the road from us awhile back...not sure what I will do with it yet but it sure looks cute!

And I got Josh an old printing press box to store his jewelry and supplies in...

We were also blessed to receive several other wonderful gifts from our family and cards sent in from some of you lovely Ladies...thank you so much! We cherished them dearly and have them displayed in our dining room.

I even received a special gift in the mail from Maren of Maren's Hus a few days before Christmas. A beautiful handmade Christmas ornament...

It's beautiful and even has images on both sides. Thank you so much Maren for your thoughtfulness! :)

We have been truly blessed this year in so many ways and are so grateful for all of our family and friends.

I wish all of you a very Happy New Year ahead and can't wait to share more exciting news from our home and life in 2011!

Till next time...

 

Comments

[Rebecca]

I love what you have done ~ how absolutley beautiful! Truly magical memories ~ many blessings to you and Josh in the New Year! Rebecca

[susan]

Hi Alice! Your home looks so beautiful! I love what you've done so far and your photographs as always are wonderful. Happy New Year to you and your family! Hoping to meet up with you in the New Year! Susan

[Claudia]

Alice, your new home looks beautiful! What a joy Christmas must have been for you - finally being able to decorate your very own home. Beautiful.

I don't have a new camera yet, but I'm saving my pennies for one. My current Canon is the high-end point and shoot and it has the settings found on more expensive cameras. I just can't change lenses. Any advice on what camera might be best? I so admire your photography.

Happy New Year to you and Josh and Renoir!

xo
Claudia

[Tracie~My Petite Maison]

As always, there is so much to take in w/your photography, Alice, and the magic that comes through with each word you express in your excitement of the season and life. Truly some of the reasons you're so near to my heart.

Your new chandelier is amazing!

All the best for 2011 et love to you from our maison. xo

[Charlotte]

can I come live with you? your home is everything I would like my crazy to be...stunning decor this year, my dear!

[Julie Marie]

Happy New Year to you Alice, and to Josh and Renoir too of course!... everything looks just beautiful, as always. I love your new chandelier, and your beautiful hutch with your vintage white pottery. Renoir looks quite comfy and adorable in his little bed!...much love to you... xoxo Julie Marie

[My Shabby Roses]

I love lots and lots of pictures and enjoyed looking at each one of them. Your house is turning out so sweet, as I knew it would. I'm glad you had a wonderful time with family. Wishing you a blessed New Year!
Debbie

[Isabel ~ Maison Douce]

It's always such a pleasure to stop by, everything looks absolutely beautiful!!!!! Happy holidays!
Isabel

[Leah C]

Thank you for sharing your Christmas with us...every picture is so very lovely! I'm drooling over each one of them;) Especially love the mantel & chandelier; simply stunning pieces! Wishing you the happiest of new years, Alice!

[Allison]

everything about this was just lovely and I thoroughly enjoyed reading and looking. just delightful!

[yael]

All the best for you and for your lobed ones

yael

[maren]

Dear Alice, i am so happy, my letter arrived in time - it came back when i sent it for the first time (i don´t know why) and so i tried again.
I wish you and your family all the best and a happy new year!

lots of greetings, maren

[Sheila R]

Your home for the holidays is delightful and so welcoming. Thank you for sharing it with us. Wishing you all the best in the New Year!

[Monica]

What a joy when I saw you posted! Thanks for these inspiring pictures.
I absolutely love what I can see of your new nest, your décor is impeccable! So so beautiful.
Hope 2011 will be a sparkling year for you!
Monica xo.

[Lori]

Alice ~
Ohhhh my goodness ~
Your home is just absolutely gorgeous!!
Thank you for sharing with us :)

xoxo
Lori

[lorraine lewis]

All so very beautiful Alice. Your photographs are gorgeous. I am in love with the tiny church ornament-it looks vintage, a treasure to hold on to. Thank you for the beauty y
Wishing you the very best of the new year.

[paige]

what absolutely gorgeous photos!
merry christmas
xo

[Margaret]

Happy New Year Alice!!!!
Wishing you and your hubby a wonderful and exciting new year!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B

[Chatelaine]

Love your decorating style. You have a gift for making it all work. What a fabulous chandelier and I adore that paint color. Your Christmas decorations are lovely. I especially like the skates in the wreath.

I hope you, Josh and Renoir have a happy and healthy New Year!

[Robin Thomas]

Oh. I am just not sure if I want to slap you or just go ahead and move in. It's settled, I will be spending next December at your house.

[Lisa Super]

Fabulous post with wonderful pics. Who in their right mind would leave a chalkware Jesus on the side of the road??? Everything is just lovely Alice!

[Cheryl ~ Casual Cottage Chic]

Alice,
Thank you for sharing your home with us a you prepared for CHRISTmas. Your talent for decorating is one many of us envy! Love the French Market sign atop the hutch, and the fireplace mantle is just fabulous, as is the chandelier. Can't wait to watch progress on the rest of your home in 2011.
xo,
Cheryl

[natalea]

Happy New Year! I just love all your gorgeous photos and decor. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. And thank you for the link for the ex-voto! I just ran over and bought one for my daughter's hope chest. I tuck away special things each year and the ex-voto seemed fitting because she prayed she'd get the part of Mary in her pre school play and she did! She was so sweet, so I want to write about it and tuck it inside of the box so she can have it for her tree someday. And speaking of trees, yours looks so simple, elegant and pretty. May 2011 be a wonderful year for you! xo natalea

[Susan]

Hello Alice,
I can't tell you how much I adored this post! The Christmas decor in your new home is stunning and I am amazed at that chandelier! Craigslist!!!
I have been enjoying your blog for many months, and finally started my own last month. You have been such an inspiration to me, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of your talent and shared joys in 2011.
- Susan

[Mapiurka]

Love your blog! Leave mine so you can see my wall decals' collection
http://mapiurka.blogspot.com/
Best regards from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

[Debra]

Your Christmas post is so good I love the pictures and your decorations and of course we knew it would be beautiful. I love the fire place mantel and the way you decorated it. Alice your house is really coming along and it is so your style and the way you wanted to and have fixed it up. Your first Christmas in your new house and hosting the christmas dinner will always be one that you can and will remember.

Merry Christmas all and HAPPY NEW YEARS!

[Dawn Edmonson]

Hi sweet girl!!!! Alice, I just have to tell you....your photography absolutely takes my breath away!!!! Of course you know I love your subject matter as your taste is so beautiful and your new home is so wonderful..... Girl, I can see ANY of these photographs in a book that I would LOVE, LOVE to purchase!!!! Wishing you a great a very creative new year, hugs and love, Dawn

[linnea-maria]

Gorgeous pictures from your christmas home! Love it all. The dark brown mantelpiece looks wonderful so clever to put the tv in it. Warm wishes /Therese

[Lizzie @ Infectious Chatter]

oh my goodness, i LOVE your "fireplace"!!! Such an adorable home you have :)

[bleudelavande]

Hi Alice all looks so amazing!!! I love all those photos, my favourite is your fireplace!
I know I'm in late but I wish you a Merry Christamas and a happy new year.

[The Flying Bee]

Hi Alice,

Just wanted to say that I just saw your feature in the Feb. Romantic Homes. I absolutely love what you wrote. Congrats on being chosen. p.s. love your blog and your photography

~Adrienne

[Jennifer Hayslip]

Stunning....your home is so beautiful and festive! I love the mantel and how you decorated it just perfectly! Im a huge fan of Currier and Ives. My mother collects their holiday scenes. ;)
Your photography and post is breathtaking! Better than looking at a magazine! ;) Happy New Year!! XO,Jenn