No matter what you wish for at Christmas, nothing can beat the simple sights and sounds around one's home.
Hang your wish list in a prominent place!
Listen to traditional carols and Christmas songs, remembering the long ago learned words, and join in..............................
..................or blow loud horns and trumpets of joy.
Pull Christmas crackers, jumping when they snap! Traditionally enjoyed by British revelers before digging in to Christmas dinner so they can wear the silly paper hats inside.......how we love them and are glad they are now available in the USA.
Burn candles brightly. They light up the evening as it draws in early, casting shadows around the rooms. The romance of gentle candlelight.
Perfume your home with Nature's scents. Long lasting rosemary is perfect and can be trained into simple topiaries.
Unwrap your Christmas treasures to hang from a tree, dangle from a hook, rest on a pretty china plate.
Stand by your window, looking out into the crisp world. Wait for the first big flakes......wish for them to stick and turn the dreary Winter garden into a holiday wonderland.
.......Wish upon a star.......
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Wow, Mary, lovely photos and fabulous decorations.
ReplyDeletejust stopping by to wish another brit a Merry Christmas. I'm happy this year we found English Christmas crackers state side lol.
ReplyDeleteDido
Oh,Mary,you have put me in the mood. I am going to haul down those decorations today! Yes, I haven't done a thing yet as I my leave only began today and things were just so hectic. We also love our Christmas crackers over here (the British heritage) and our silly hats! No silvery snowflakes, though! I just read your wish list and the mention of a simpler life touched me. Perhaps the austerity of the financial crisis can lead us there? Anyhow that is on my wish list too and I am going to have it for the next three and half weeks till the university reopens! Have a lovely day, dear friend, amidst the beauty of your home which you share so gernerously on the blog.
ReplyDeleteYour house is so beautiful and inviting. You have such a style about you. It speaks Mary. This is a very nice entry.
ReplyDeleteNancy
PS: Hope all your wishes come true.
Ah! There is no place like home...Mary's home! Okay you are like me. I feel like I am doing things more simply this year but it is not showing in the photos. You have a beautiful sense of style in your home. It is perfect and it is Mary! I have a wreath on my mirror in our entrance and it always says WOW. I want to do a little decorating this afternoon but am now talking with Mom on Skype. Wish you were talking with us.
ReplyDeleteHugs ~
Heidi
such nice decorations...love the color palette.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing.
Mary - those are such beautiful pictures! Reminds me of Corey's!
ReplyDeleteManuela
Mary! The decorations are gorgeous! I love seeing those angels everywhere! They do look great! Love, Vanessa
ReplyDeleteLovely photos. We still dont have Christmas crackers in France!
ReplyDeleteAnd, we all know that when you wish upon a star your dreams come true.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely works for me. Thanks you for the dose of beauty, Mary.
Beautiful post... and beautiful photos of a rustic Christmas... How soon could you get to South Texas to do some decorating???
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas
Hi Mary
ReplyDeleteWe always had Christmas crakcers when I was a child. Where did you find them? I'd like to get some this year.
Rhondi xo
Your home looks so pretty and inviting.
ReplyDeleteHow beautifully elegant Mary. I love your style!
ReplyDeleteIncredibly magical and beautiful! how christmassey indeed.
ReplyDeleteAhh good--I can post again!
ReplyDeleteI really do hope you share with us your xmas traditions as the weeks go by, would love to see how this expat deals with that.
You are such a beautiful writer! Thank you for sharing the "feelings" of the season! Love your wish banner!!
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful imaages and perfect words! You've gone and done it again- reminded us all of why we love to visit here!
ReplyDeleteHello Mary, Your post is lovely this morning. Christmas music makes my day. I can't get enough of those old familiar songs. Of course, singing loudly lightens ones heart. I am wishing tomorrow will get here soon, as I am so looking forward to being with each of you. No time for shopping Mary, but our visit will be special.
ReplyDeleteSee you then...Love, Jeanne
It's simply gorgeous, Mary. I love it!
ReplyDeleteMary, everything is lovely! Simple, elegant and peaceful!
ReplyDeleteLove it all!
Chris
Why subscribe to decorating magazines? I can come here for even more than I can find in those. ...scrumptious photos, design and decor done with a loving hand and warm heart, words that stir my mind and inspire me and a friend.
ReplyDeleteStill hoping to see you and the girls tomorrow.
Hugs,
Deborah
Lovely gold and silver colour.
ReplyDeleteThe colors of the objects you choose, as well as their patina, resonate with me so strongly. I wish I could throw out all my old decorations and use ones like these.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely entry encouraging one to come and visit for awhile.
ReplyDeleteIs that a Cathy Penton charm in the bottom pic lying amidst the dainty buttons? How beautiful!
Susan
What an increadibly beautiful blog I just stumbled upon!
ReplyDeleteI shall put it into my favourites.
Have a Merry Christma,
Angelika.
Mary, Your decorations are so beauteous! I have been too busy to do much decorating so I must get busy! My e-mail is herbgirl1@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteI wrote to your e-mail and don't know if it went through so wanted to list it here too. Can't wait to send out the giveaway items to you.\Mandy
Oh so pretty!! I love rosemary. It can be played down to the most rustic of surroundings and yet it also fits in with shimmery chandeliers and silver candlesticks. It's amazing!
ReplyDeleteLynn