Merry Christmas 2024
December 21, 2024
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah! We are feeling calm and cozy and all set for the big day and hope you are feeling the same way. My husband and I have had a few gatherings at our house this December which we enjoyed, but did not do too much nor do too many as to run ourselves ragged. We've not eaten too terribly much and have generally kept pretty well to a budget and did not go crazy on spending, so all's well at the Knitionary abode. Still, I cannot believe Christmas is just a few days away. This particular December came whooshing through very quickly for me. Do you feel the same? Please come on in and see what we've been up to and visit our holiday home.
I loved our Christmas tree and mantle this year. These rooms look pretty with touches of red which is good because I knit so many new ornaments this year and most of them are red. More red comes from artificial berries and pomegranates scattered among the faux magnolia garland found so many years ago at Target. Good old Target. The deer on the mantle are 5ish years old from Pottery Barn. I dropped and broke the big daddy from the set of three, but put him on Facebook Marketplace for free and sure enough, someone came by within an hour to pick it up saying they had a soldering iron and could repair it.
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| This past month I sold 16 vintage collectible Christopher Radko ornaments on Ebay to make room for all the new Arne and Carlos Christmas balls I had knit. My son is a real Christmas fan but he gave me the ok to sell the 16 and we kept two dozen of our favorites. Yes, we had a lot and still do! |
We had a dinner party for nine the other night--friends of ours with whom we have traveled to England. To start we served a gorgeous gougere wreath with champagne. Such a festive way to start a party.
I set the table with my aunt's Lenox Harvest dinner plates. They are simply elegant and elevate any table setting. Sadly, I haven't used them as often as I'd like because they must be hand washed because of the gold trim. But after setting this table and admiring them so much, I vowed to use them other than just during the holidays. It's not so bad to hand wash!
For the evening's menu, we sat down to a light and refreshing simple greens and pear salad with balsamic pear vinaigrette, brought by a friend. I served Julia Child's recipe for Coq Au Vin which I made the night before but didn't fully cook until right before serving. I served it with mashed potatoes and buttered carrots, both of which were also brought by friends. This wasn't exactly a potluck, but when they offered to help, how could I resist?
Folks, dinner was magnificent. I know the compliments were sincere because I was eating it too and couldn't imagine what could have been better. Good old Julia. She taught me how to cook and I'll always be grateful. I should say that my husband didn't want to deal with chicken bones and requested only thighs because he thinks they are the most tender and flavorful part of the bird, so I purchased big boneless, skinless thighs from the butcher section of the supermarket and they were wonderful. I allowed two per man and one per woman. For a dessert I made 4 different types of Christmas cookies and have enough leftover for when the family comes.
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| I made the balls specifically for the centerpiece and then offered them as party favors at the end of the night. They are now living their best lives in new homes! |
I look at the table setting above and think how lucky I am to be able to set such a pretty table and enjoy so many wonderful evenings with friends and family. The best gift one can receive is to spend time with those we love.
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| I'm so happy with this little purchase. I purchased two tealight spinning candle holders on Amazon, two different designs for under $10! They were so charming on the bar. |
I like to indulge myself with a few new decor items every year and this year I found lighted snowflakes from Ikea. One is in my living room and another in my knitting room.
The entry way has a nativity given to me by a friend, and my 70 year old family nativity is in our bedroom this year. The hallway is where entering guests put their coats so I always make sure it's festive. For the last few years I've hung paper snowflakes and don't know if I'll ever get tired of them.
The kitchen doesn't get much decorating because it is command central and I need to have my surfaces clear, but I still want to have a tiny bit of holiday representation! Last year I found this metal buck candleholder from Walmart and he calmly stands guard.
Above the sink I hang some of my handmade ornaments on a metal leaf garland from Anthropologie years ago. I keep it up year 'round and hang seasonal things, most often the peg dolls I make.
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| My beloved Santa that mother purchased some 70 years ago at the Piggly Wiggly. |
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Carter's advent socks that I made a few years ago hang on a tiny tree in his book nook in our family room. Even at the grown up age of seven, he still makes a beeline to this corner to open up his stockings. He is always backed up and so has quite a few to open when he visits but is careful not to go over the date. I stuff them with money, chocolate gelt and fruit roll ups. It's a hit! |
If you've read any of my Christmas posts from previous years you'll notice my decor looks pretty much the same year after year. I do try to move things around from room to room, but too often I like the way it looks and decide not change, but this year I found some fun houses! I think I am going to leave them out all year, I love them that much. I bought two sets, both similar, one from Target and one from Amazon.
Merry Christmas!
Happy Hanukkah!
I wish you a warm and relaxing holiday season that is sprinkled with oodles of good cheer.
xoxo Kristen
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12 Comments
I love reading your Christmas posts, especially this year because we are away for the entire month of December and don't have a decorated house! I miss it, but also happy to be on the road!
ReplyDeleteI am more than a bit envious! Traveling the entire month of December? Where did you go? Where are you now? I am so nosy but it is so intriguing to get away!
DeleteI forgot to say Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteAnd Merry Christmas to you!
Delete
ReplyDeleteHi Kristen 🎄
I always enjoy all the ideas and projects that you share! Everything is tasteful and special without being overwhelming.
I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season.
Peace,
Kat
Thank you so much Kat. Merry Christmas.
DeleteLovely table settings and decor as you enjoy entertaining at this festive time of year, Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for you comment. xo
DeleteMerry Christmas, Kristen. Thanks for the beautiful photos which always inspire me.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. I'm humbled to know I have inspired you.
DeleteThank you for the beautiful gift of your blog. Wishing you and your family much joy in the coming year.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sweet comment! :)
DeleteYou make my day when you make a comment!