Candle Glow

Although we often burn candles throughout the year, the candles of Christmas somehow seem more beautiful. Perhaps because other special displays around the room help with illumination, the shadowy dark corners suddenly light up, the room is different, more homey and cozy. Heidi at Celebrate the Seasons shared an easy candle decorating project using things we already have. She asked that we post pics if we came up with a design..............this is what I did last evening while decorating the living room.

I've had these wonderful old world map candles many years but hesitated to burn them - don't you do that, buy lovely candles and then want to hoard them? I wouldn't even light these when the power went out in a major ice storm a few years ago and we were without electricity for well over a week!! This is the first lighting and they really are beautiful. The heavy painted glass plate is the perfect base, and with a few sparkly tree ornaments, some real pine cones and faux pearls, voila, a great hearth display when the fire is not burning.

While by the hearth - my favorite Winter spot - I started on the mantle decorations. I love pears, to eat, to cook with and to use in my decorating. When setting up my Christmas vignettes I usually blend in Holiday items along with what I'm already using - partly because I have a shortage of storage space, but also because I like this look and don't feel rushed to take it all down after the Holidays. Closer to Dec. 25 I will add fresh greens and berries to the mantle.

A little whimsy is always fun - these stocking holders come out of storage each year and always make me smile. I'm still working on my new stockings for this year - they're hanging but later today I plan to decorate them so will show a close up another time.

Well I'm starting to get the Christmas spirit now. Will have photos from the dining room next time - my favorite place to decorate.

Have a fabulous weekend.............stay safe if traveling, have fun if cutting down or picking out the Christmas tree, enjoy being with loved ones whether family or friends.............and decorate because Christmas will soon be here.