Gather around the Hearth

It's been colder here this weekend and you can just feel it in the air.  Snow is supposed to be coming our way at least that's what they say.  I have finished up my holiday decorating and will be turning my attention to baking and shopping this week.  My husband and I will cut a live tree down next week and put it in my kitchen.  This house was difficult to find a good spot for everyone to see and be able to get around a real tree.  I'm very excited, I also plan on taking the kids to some things around town this week too.  I've been told about the downtown areas sleigh rides and different activities for kids so hopefully we will be able to check those out too. 

Here's our family room and main bathroom

Welcome to my home, as you enter the front door this is what you see.  I decided to do some simple greenery with my door basket and little mittens.  I bought the basket from a store in St. Charles, MO.  I change it all the time, it's so versatile.  The greenery I found at Jo Ann Fabrics.  It's to some bells, berries and pinecones in it. 

My little entry table I painted and crackled a few years ago is just perfect for a little area.

Then my sewing machine holds a lighted house and tree with snowmen tucked next to them.  The mitten chest holds just some of my snowmen.  I have been collecting them since I got married.  I love being able to leave them up all Winter. 

Some if the snowmen on the bottom shelf of the mitten chest are part of a set of chalkware snowmen.  I got them a long time ago and I love them. 

poinsettas in a basket, green sprays tucked inside my shelf

I always have a little tree in almost every room.  In the new house I don't quite have enough to go around.  I plan on fixing that problem by hitting some of the after Christmas sales.  I have the tree inside a painted mustard bowl with a simple raffia tied at the top.  I simply added some Christmas towels and the bathroom is done.

This is the view of the room as you walk in new arrangement.  We put the TV/armoire against the stairwell so it's not the first thing you see when you come into the house.  This room houses my Santa collection.

My santa collection

patriotic Santa

This was one of my first Santas, I still love him today.  I think the Woodland santa is my favorite one.

Oops, a snowmen snuck in the room too!

my little wooden nativity, someone made for us

when my mother passed away this is one that I really wanted.  It's a puzzle too it all fits together.

my little sofa table that sits in the kitchen is back behind the sofa while the tree goes next to the windows

My little reading nook, country living christmas book I came across as I was putting away books.  I love the little Santa picture of my kiddos.  It brings back the memories, sadly they have given up on Santa this year.  I keep encouraging them to believe.  My advice to parents of little ones is to hold onto that magic as long as you can.

  I'll be back soon with more photos hopefully my bedroom curtains come in so I can show you my master bedroom, then my winter wonderland in the basement.

Holiday Blessings to you!

Carey