Monday, December 13, 2010

Christmas Keepsakes

One of my favorite decorating projects, not only for Christmas, but for every season, is the Welsh dresser, which is the focal point in our breakfast area. It doesn't seem that long ago when I was decorating it for Spring ...

Then came Summer ...

And Fall ...

And now, here it is all dressed up for Christmas with some of my favorite Christmas keepsakes ...

Apple candles and Avery's little Lefton Christmas plate ...

Christmas Owl hiding amongst the holly vines ...

We bought this little Santa's workshop when our children were little, and, even though it's gotten a little battered through the years and has been glued several times, it is still one of our most treasured Christmas decorations.

Another very old and much loved decoration is this set of brass Angel Chimes ...

Lighting them has become one of our granddaughter Avery's favorite Christmas traditions ...

Christmas Candy Centerpiece on the breakfast table (another one of Avery's favorite decorations) ...

And Joey, Avery's "Elf on a Shelf," enjoying the decorations from his perch high on the chandelier ...

The two little squirrels you see on the dresser are Ralph and Cindy, named in honor of our son Benjamin's imaginary-friend-robots when he was little ...

Best wishes to you for a week filled with your favorite Christmas Keepsakes, sweet memories of Christmases Past, and lots of wonderful memories-in-the-making.

Christmas Lagniappe ...

After I posted this, I went out to blow some leaves off our patio (in 20-degree weather), and was delighted to see this rose blooming on my arbor ...

To think that that little rose could "weather" the cold and bloom one more time, was a "How Great Thou Art" moment, and I wanted to share it with you ...

6 comments:

The Decorative Dreamer said...

I love seeing your Welsh Dresser all decorated for the holidays. You such wonderful and interesting keepsakes. My favorites are Santa's workshop and of course the elf in the chandy.

Deb said...

love the photo of Avery...she is so grown up...love your decorations....

Anonymous said...

Janie
I love your Welsh Dresser in all seasons but especially at Christmas. This is beautiful!

The photo of Avery is wonderful! She is a doll.

Marlene said...

It is so special to have all these wonderful things you family has enjoyed through the years. The Christmas owl is beautiful, and of course I loved seeing your adorable Avery again. You share so much beauty with us and I appreciate it all.

RachelD said...

Such beautiful vignettes and such wonder in her face---the rose is just the icing on the very special cake.

Lagniappe, indeed.

Jenni said...

I loved the Magnolia leaves and lights on the top of the W. dresser, and what a sweet picture of Avery Grace...

You sound like a fun grandmother; I know she will cherish those traditions forever, as will your other grandchildren!