Monday, December 7, 2009

Deck the Halls…

Welcome to Deck the Halls! Whether you are here to participate or just to browse, I am glad you’re here! I appreciate your patience last week with both me and Mr. Linky! I think (and pray as I type:) that we have resolved our issues. Today I want to take you into our dining room where I am trying several things for the first time. This is another room that is “my room”.

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You people in the land of Blog amaze, inspire, and teach me constantly! I have never used fresh greenery in here before and have never used a wreath on the mirror. After seeing many of yours, I thought I might “audition” the look. It was meant to be. The fresh garland came from Home Depot on black Friday. I wheeled into Lowe’s on a whim and there was one, yes ONE, fresh wreath left and it was half price. I had floral picks and ribbons in “the closet”

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I want this room to have a formal feel and still feel welcoming. I used gold to pull out the accents in the wallpaper.

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I thought I’d show you a close up of the wallpaper. It’s really more of a deep red than it photographs, and though I never think of it as “Christmasy” the pattern almost looks like deer on an ornament—perfect for this time of year! I don’t think wallpaper ever truly goes out of style—the pattern-yes; the concept-never.

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I like to buy floral picks anytime they are sale. They make any gift or package special. I picked up several gold ones at Old Time Pottery for less than a dollar each.

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Several months ago I was browsing through back posts in My Romantic Home and saw Cindy’s beautiful dessert pedestal adorned for Christmas. I emailed her and asked her about it. She graciously emailed back that it was one of her prized possessions and from Disneyworld, a long ago gift from her mother. So much for plan A—on to plan B. After several trips I found two cake stands that would give me the same look. One came from Marshalls; one came from T.J. Maxx. Several of you were nice enough to share how to make the starfish. I love this. I think it might be my favorite new decoration…and it might just be here after Christmas.

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It was such an inexpensive project—almost all dollar store items. The pearl garland gives it that elegance I want for this room.

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The force-bloomed paper whites or narcissus is a project I do every year. Frankly, it’s like rolling dice. You can usually plan on about three weeks—sometimes more; sometimes less. There is nothing that smells better and I love this touch of spring. It seems to signify the birth and hope that Christmas is all about.

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I planted the bulbs in votive holders with clear marbles and covered the roots with this gold ribbon.

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I hesitated about showing you this picture—the chandelier is not my favorite. But the fresh green garland dresses it up a little.

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Finally, the table in candlelight—white poinsettias in my antique footbath with candles to continue the white, green, and gold theme. Be sure to come back Thursday…there will be a whole new look for a luncheon.

Thanks so much for visiting with me. If you are participating please add your permalink below. Don’t forget to link back. I can’t wait to see how you’ve “decked your halls”!



54 comments:

  1. Susan, you've done it again. Your home looks so divine! I too have been looking at all of the pictures of wreaths on mirrors and love the idea. I think I might have to do that next year.

    I can't wait to see everyone's posts-Mr Linky will behave today I am sure!

    Thanks so much for having me today.

    Best wishes, Natasha.

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  2. Love the gold bows...love the pearls and especially love the candlelight! So simple and so pretty!

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  3. Everything is so Pretty!! I love the tiered stand with the starfish and pearl garland. You did good!! :-) I am in this week - thanks again for hosting.
    Glenda

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  4. Beautiful, beautiful! Thanks for hosting...first time posting!

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  5. OUTSTANDING! So beautiful Susan! I love the fresh greenery and the wreath over the gorgeous mirror! The pedestal stand is really, really wonderful! Thanks for the inspirations and the beautiful photos too! Cindy

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  6. Everything is STUNNING...just beautiful. You did a wonderful job.
    My post isn't too much about Christms but since I had one Santa showing, I had to join you. I promise NEXT Tuesday will be all about Decking the Halls!! :O)

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  7. Your Dining room is just simply gorgeous. I love the garland and wreath on the mirror, it is really beautiful. Your cake stands with the lovely pearl, starfish and christmas balls is stunning. A perfect centerpiece. Everything looks just wonderful. Hugs, Marty

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  8. You're right about the wallpaper looking like an ornament with a reindeer in it. I really like your wreath over the mirror. It all looks so rich and beautiful. The cake stand is gorgeous. Rosie

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  9. Oh, how pretty! I love the arrangement with the starfish! Everything looks gorgeous.

    Sue

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  10. Thank you for hosting again! I am so inspired now to decorate my light fixtures! Everything is so elegant...I know people must love visiting you in person, because I love visiting you virtually!

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  11. Hi Susan, I love your dining room! I am showing mine today, as well. I am an avid wallpaper fan, so your red is something I'm admiring! Love the stacked cake stands, the pearls, and glittery starfish. I think the wreath on top of the mirror looks just fab, too. Thanks for hosting this party. I missed last week's because I was still quite looney. LOL
    :-) Sue

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  12. Hello! Nice to meet you. I do believe this is my first visit to your lovely blog. I love your Christmas decor. I hope you don't mind that I become a follower. I do hope that you visit my blog some time as well.
    Blessings,
    Sandra

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  13. Oh, Susan, it is just beautiful. And I love your buffet.
    Sheila

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  14. Yay, Mr. Linky is working!

    Susan, your dining room is pretty and elegant. I love the fresh greens, and the white items on your buffet (really like your wallpaper too!). Please share with us how you made the starfish.

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  15. Susan, what a beautiful dining room! And the white cake pedestal is gorgeous - just love it! Linda

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  16. That is all so gorgeous! I love how you made your own tiered dish and it looks fantastic!!!

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  17. Susan,

    Wow, where to start? The fresh garland with the wreath on the mirror with the gold touches are perfect for that room. Love how you brought out the gold in the wallpaper. I love paperwhites and you are right about how they are such a wonderful smell and symbol of rebirth during the Christmas season. The two-tiered piece with the starfish is stunning! So much beauty. Absolutely wonderful!

    Christi @ A Southern Life

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  18. Beautiful creation with the cake plates - I love your starfish....so pretty ! Your place
    looks like a showcase ! Thanks for hosting !
    Kammy

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  19. Susan,
    Your dining room is beautiful, everything is perfect. I love your wall paper! No one would ever know those decorations came from the DS. they are wonderful. You talked about the starfish, did you make them? They are beautiful. Thanks for hosting and for sharing.
    Sandy

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  20. Oh Susan! That wreath on the mirror is a keeper for sure...so elegant! I love the look you have created in that room! And the paperwhites look lovely. It was one of the ideas I brought home on my mental list from Madison, but I'm not sure if my staff would leave the bulbs alone! I might find them rolling on my kitchen floor! lol So I am enjoying yours! I'm happy Mr. Linky is cooperating tonight! Have a wonderful week!...hugs...Debbie

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  21. Since red is my favorite color, I love your dining room wallpaper! Thank you so much for hosting this event :)

    ~Susan (A Northern Gal ;)

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  22. Everything looks absolutely beautiful! You made a wonderful decision to add the greenery and the wreath over the mirror, I love the look!!
    I also love the stacked, decorated cake stands...very pretty.
    You definitely look ready for the holidays!
    Jane

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  23. Susan everything is beautiful. I love the chandelier with the fresh green garland!! See you next week:)

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  24. It looks beautiful and I'm so inspired! My favorite is the wreath on the large mirror!!

    Thanks for sharing. I'm trying to link up for the first time...hope it works!

    Jane

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  25. Susan, everything looks gorgeous! The garland around the mirror and the wreath are perfection, and I am loving what you did with the cake stands-so professional looking. Thanks for the party link! laurie

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  26. Absolutely beautiful! THANK YOU dear gracious hostess for all you have been through to make this possible for all of us...you are appreciated!

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  27. Everything looks so elegant. I like to use live pine, too. Especially since we use an artificial tree. It still gives the smell of pine. Paper whites are another wonderful smell.

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  28. This is so lovely, the photo in candlelight is incredible. Everything is just beautiful.

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  29. The mirror looks awesome!! I love learning from other bloggers. I love what you did with your chandelier and I have a whole bucket of spruce branches here! lol!! ;-) Hopefully I can join next week when I have more to show!

    xoxo
    Jane

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  30. Hi Susan! It's late and I'm so tired! We just got back from San Antonio but I was determined I was going to make your Party! I love your dining room! I promise I'll be back tommorrow to look at yours and everyone else's decor. I'm afraid my eyes are closing as I type this! God Bless my friend! Lauralu :)

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  31. Thanks so much for hosting all of the Christmas decorating! I enjoyed visiting all of them!

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  32. Susan, thanks for hosting another "fun" party. Girl, your decor is stellar. So rich,warm and inviting. I love your use of the fresh greens. Love, love, love the starfish..you made it?? Wow!! How girl how?? Looking forward to your tablescape on Thursday... again, thanks for hosting darling..hugs ~lynne~

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  33. Your dining room looks so elegant. I think you achieved just the right look. Thanks for hosting, and I'm glad you and Mr. Linky made up.

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  34. I love your stacked plates! I have a silver set and a glass set, but have never been brave enough to stack them with anything other than cookies!
    The gals on the Holidays Forum at Garden Web are very much into them. They do amazing things with them.
    Love the paperwhites..I didn't know they had an aroma!
    Thanks for hosting, Susan...

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  35. Your home is beautiful, I love your decorations. especially your dining room.

    Karen

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  36. Susan, I just linked my Deck The Halls post and put a link to your lovely participants. Decorating ideas are always so welcomed. Have a Merry Tuesday.
    Karen

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  37. Thanks for the reminder for this Susan. I have had your badge on my sidebar for a couple weeks but completely forgot to participate.
    You did an awesome job. The white all looks so elegant. Every room should have a touch of gold in it.

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  38. Hi Susan,
    I know I'm a day late...but I just put all the finishing touch up. Can't wait to go and be inspired!!!
    Your decorations look so lovely. I love your mirror...very elegant.
    xx
    Karen

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  39. Your wallpaper is gorgeous...just my style!
    And you did an awesome job on your pedestal arrangement. Lovin' the fresh wreath on your mirror!
    Thanks for a fun holiday party.
    Rhonda

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  40. My dear sweet and loyal friend, how I have missed you. I am totally blown away at your beautiful decorations. Everything looks so gorgeous, and it is wonderful to see how your blog has grown. I am just so enthralled with your reindeer moss post as I sit here and catch up. You have some great ideas, and I am so impressed. Are you doing Deck The Halls every week? I will be sure to put your button on my blog. Thank you so much for your care..
    XO Sue

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  41. Hi Susan! I really like your great dining room. The white decorations are fabulous. I'm joining in late but will be back to link in next week, too! Blessings...

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  42. Oh Susan, what an elegant dining room. Absolutely stunning! My post is up now, too, so pop over when you get a chance.

    Big TX Hugs,
    Stephanie
    Angelic Accents

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  43. Gorgeous! Love your tiered dish....and the wreath on the mirror and garland is very, very pretty!

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  44. Susan,
    Everything is beautiful! I adore the wreath on your gorgeous mirror! I just love fresh greenery...the smell is so wonderful! I think everyone in blogland has fallen in love with Cindy's beautiful server...you recreated the look beautifully! I am going to join in your party soon! Yea! Mr. Linky is working!!! :-)

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  45. I SO enjoyed your Christmas decorations. Love the fresh garland and wreath on the mirror. Thanks for hosting Deck the Halls.

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  46. Hi Susan,

    I love all your Christmas decor ~ the wreath and garland are beautiful.
    Thanks for showing us your delightful home.

    I hope that you are having a great week
    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  47. Hi Susan, Just found your post this morning and thought my post last evening might be a fit. Thanks for visting me and your kind words. I went back and provided a link to your blog so others could see all the wonderful decorations too. Thanks for hosting such a great party. Your decorations are beautiful!! I really like what you did with the mirror in the diningroom!! Linda

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  48. All of it is just yummy, but in particular, I love the wreath and garland on the mirror! Might have to copy that next year!

    And thanks for visiting my blog yesterday!

    Jane

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  49. Absolutely beautiful! Great job. :) Now I have to go pick up the pace. :)

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  50. Thanks for hosting, I enjoyed joining in, even if it is a bit late!

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  51. I'm so glad I discovered your hall-decking party this morning. Your decor is just gorgeous! I'm excited to check out the rest of your blog and links to other hall-deckers!

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  52. WOW! Thank you for inviting us into your beautiful home! Your decorations are GORGEOUS !! And, your recipes look delicious! Thanks for hosting such a fun holiday party! And, I sincerely apologize, but I'm a new blogger, and I just added my holiday home tour; however, I just realize you do this on Tuesdays. I hope I'm granted a learning curve. LOL Please stop by and take a peek at my decorations ... our home was featured on our local Christmas Tour of Homes last week so I would love to continue the tour "virtually". Take care, Becca (http://adventuresindecorating1.blogpost.com)

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  53. Thanks so much for sharing, and giving us the chance to show off. I liked the ornament wreath the best.
    Kat

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