Holiday Home Tour 2007

"Welcome!! Please come in."

The sun may be shining, the Autumn leaves are still falling......we're still raking.....and there's not a sign of white stuff due to the warm North Carolina weather. However, Christmas is almost here and you're invited to visit the cottage. Many of you will have seen my photos already ~ but hopefully you'll enjoy visiting again as there are a few changes ~ you know how we just can't seem to stop rearranging! Those of you who are first time visitors are so welcome to my home at Christmas.

Let's visit on the porch a while - a cup of English tea, a mug of hot raspberry chocolate, an espresso perhaps, a sip of sherry or a glass of good red (let someone else drive you home!), sorry no iced tea - I'm not that Southern yet!! Perhaps we'll open that big tin of Belgian chocolate biscuits, or I can warm up the mince pies with the melting rum butter, or how about a bowl of sherry trifle? We'll all start the diet after the holidays, right?

If you're here after dusk we'll light the candles and the fairy lights.

We'll turn up the volume so we can hear the angels caroling in the background.

Now we know each other a little better let's step inside and I'll show you my favorite Christmas vignettes for this season. I love to decorate my dining room ~ snowflakes at the window and my 'little uglies' the jesters clambering up the corner etagere.Rosemary and perfumed candles add to the Christmas scent.My living room is cozy, especially later when the fire is blazing and the many candles burning.If you have time I'd love to take you on a quick visit to the back garden. Duck as you go through the arbor, there are Christmas balls and lights hanging which you may not see in the daylight! Oh I almost forgot to tell you, and you were so polite not to ask the whereabouts of my Christmas tree! Yes it's here, lighting up the gazebo again this year as we're limited for space in the cottage. It's very lovely at night and quite safe from the prowling wildlife as the gazebo is screened.

Thanks for visiting ~ wish you could stay longer but I know you have many other homes to see on this tour - visit hostess Tracey at Notes From A Cottage Industry to see them all decorated for Christmas. Have fun, remember the true meaning of this holiday. and always keep the child within your heart........believe.

A very Happy Christmas to each of you.