Christmas On Our Porch

I determined to use greens on the front porch from what was in my gardens and I'm pleased with the results. I kept the bones from the Autumn decorating and used lots of greenery.

The pictures were taken late afternoon, giving it a lovely glow.

The red berries are from a spring-flowering tree and the dried lime light hydrangeas are perfect for outdoor  pots. I had planted a lavender in this pot for the summer and simply tucked in the greens around it.

I lit the candles on a gray day just for fun and light them at night when guests are expected.
It's very pretty!

Instead of my usual greens that I've used for years, I hung a small rolled sheet music hanging with added greens on the front door. It's protected by a storm door so it'll be fine there. I'm hoping the exposure will age it!

Christmas Mantle

My Christmas mantle is simple. My taste has changed from fussy 'more is better' to almost plain, but what is there, speaks. I think it must be my age! Less to dust, less to store...now it's 'less is more!'

When I decorate for Christmas, I like to decorate around what is there already and simply changing out the little stuff. The empty picture frames are still there. I was sad to take down the Autumn display, I liked it so much! But I like this just as much.

The airy greens with the red berries are a long-time staple for Christmas decorating at our house. The pears are a thrift find and the silver Christmas tree balls are a post-Christmas buy. The berries on the top shelf are real rose hips. The rest of the items are there forever until I get another brainstorm! :)  

I love Christmas!                

Brown Paper Bag Flowers

Brown paper bag flowers?!

Yes, indeed...out.of.brown.paper.bags.

Simple to make. Simple to hang. Simple classy style. 

 And I shamelessly copied!

Thank you, Clarita!

Click on her link to see her Autumn wall.

You'll find it hard to leave - she's very talented!

http://lifeisadance.xanga.com/

I was unable to do a link to the original site, however, you'll find it on hers.

This is my version...

I love old silver and it's such a classic for Christmas decorating!

The teapot was a yard sale find and the creamer and sugar a gift from a friend.

The trays are a GW find and the berries are real.

The lantern was a Christmas Tea door prize win.