I spent the entire day yesterday decorating the house. I tell you, that is a job and a half. I am very happy with the way things turned out though. My new discovery this year are micro mini lights that have a battery pack. I love these little lights and have them in a half dozen places throughout the house. My first visit to Ace Hardware, I neglected to wear my eye glasses, so I ended up with two sets of micro lights that twinkle by accident. My son in law tells me I am likely to trigger epileptic fits in some unsuspecting guests, but for now I am leaving them in place. You see the fire place and mantel above, and in the lower left corner I have a bowl of red balls with twinkling micro lights. A bit frantic perhaps, but I am going to see if they grow on me.
The photo above is my buffet in the dining room. I have my crazy expensive snowman collection and more micro mini lights. These stay nice and calm, no twinkling at all.
My Murano glass Christmas tree collection, given to me by my generous mom, over the years. More micro mini lights. Of course.
The library, close ups of Santa collections below.
The Snowman collection is below, also in the library.
The Tree. I am not sure this is "finished". My husband has an extensive Radko ornament collection and he is happy to have that front and center starring on the tree with no other distractions. I want more however, to fill in any sort of blank space. We shall see how that plays out.
This photo is kind of dark, but the vignette may be my favorite. I have had these two little crystal trees for years and years, and have not even put them out the past couple of years. When I unpacked them, Eva was very taken with them--the sparkle, the bling etc. Well, I have these micro mini lights on my brain, and wound two strings of them around the two trees. Awesome. I have them on a table at the end of a dark hallway, and it is just a show stopper to see those pretty things all lighted up.
The front hallway, much the same as last year. So glad I posted a photo of it, so I could re-create it! Micro mini lights are a 2014 addition of course.
The coffee table.
Eva is completely entranced with the snow globe, and I suppose it is a matter of time before she shakes it and drops it, but I am hoping for the best.
There is more to share, but that is enough photos for one post! Hope you enjoyed this little home tour. I have most of my shopping done, which is a huge load off my mind. I still have my husband to do, and a few odds and ends, but I think I am going to be able to sit back and enjoy this holiday season without too much stress!
Your holiday decorations are fabulous! I can't decide if I like better your Santas or your snowmen. ;-) I think I need to check out those micro mini lights ... I've got several small-ish things that could use some lighting. Regular lights seem a tad overwhelming, so perhaps these smaller ones would work perfectly.
Posted by: Kathy | December 05, 2014 at 05:02 AM
Very pretty settings and the tree looks great! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family. This will be a great one with Eva this year.
Mary
Posted by: Mary Kastner | December 05, 2014 at 05:57 AM
Everything looks oh-so-pretty, ready for Christmas. It will be a great holiday with Eva at her tender age, and Ahren and friend at home as well. Thanks for the preview, maybe I will get going on the decor change soon. We have a small tree but loads of quilts that make our cold TX winter very colorful and cozy. Maybe Eva can look at the snow globe safely if advised to always be sitting down and then she can have it, kind of like holding a new baby. I remember they were always amazing and very special. Merry Christmas and thank you for your wonderful blog all year long.
Posted by: Stephani in N. TX | December 05, 2014 at 06:18 AM
How lovely everything looks and I see many of the precious decorations are "up" where they are safe from little hands and paws! Very wise of you. When a friend's mother was given the suggestion to put things "up" out of her children's reach, she replied that "up" was full!
Those Radko and Murano ornaments are so beautiful on your tree and around your home. We seem to do a scrappy Christmas tree with a mix of all sorts of ornaments from family and friends and our years together.
I'm surprised that the twinkling mini lights don't have a switch to turn the twinkle off.
Cheers for being ahead of schedule so you can enjoy the holidays without being rushed!
Loved the pictures and I look forward to the rest of the pictures.
Hugs!
Posted by: Barbara Anne | December 05, 2014 at 06:35 AM
Your house looks so pretty and festive! I have not done much here and am going on a business trip next week which is really cutting into my holiday time. I need to get to it tomorrow.
Posted by: Cathy | December 05, 2014 at 06:53 AM
Your decorating is gorgeous. I have a Christmas tree!! Pathetic, I know. I need to go shopping. Thanks for sharing, Nicole.
Posted by: Tracey Holzer | December 05, 2014 at 08:35 AM
Oh it is just beautiful.........you have it all set up to pretty.........
If I don't get back here to comment before Christmas I wish you and your family a merry christmas..........
I have enjoyed following your blog for another year and look forward to 2015.......
Posted by: Chookyblue | December 05, 2014 at 11:37 AM
Love all the decorations and mini lights! I have an old large snowglobe I got from Costco years ago that winds up with a little train around the base. I'm thinking something like that could be put on a table for Eva to look at without having to pick it up. There are also cute little plastic ones you could get her, my kids all loved snowglobes and so does the granddaughter.
Posted by: Anita | December 05, 2014 at 01:23 PM
Your home looks SO Festive Nicole ! JUST BEAUTIFUL !!!
Posted by: Sue Babich | December 05, 2014 at 01:43 PM
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas…your home is beautiful all decorated for the Holidays! The only thing you need is some family from Ireland & the scene will be complete! You must be so excited!
Posted by: Jan | December 05, 2014 at 02:34 PM
You should be on a home tour Nicole. Beautiful decorations. I'm going to go and look up Murano Christmas Trees on eBay now. I love that collection. Great gift idea for my mother who collects Christmas tree figurines. Have you ever seen Crinkle Claus collectibles? I have about 300 of them, and it has been a few years since I talked myself into getting them out of all of their boxes... Maybe next year :)
Posted by: Jennifer Gwyn | December 08, 2014 at 11:04 AM
Beautiful! And good for you for being so ready, so early. Now you can relax and enjoy!
Posted by: Debbie R. | December 08, 2014 at 11:38 AM
Everything looks beautiful and festive! I like those micro mini lights...must check those out.
Posted by: Donna | December 09, 2014 at 05:21 AM