Carols and candlelight

Greetings one and all. I hope you enjoyed a very happy Christmas and dear old Santa brought lots of treats to fill your household with fun and laughter. Happily my son's pleasure in using his new camera has resulted in some festive pics for my blog.

Our final decorations went up on Christmas Eve to the sound of carols and the flicker of candlelight.

This year we cut a Christmas tree from the garden. It was completely overshadowing the rhododendrons so it had to come down and it was enormous. Unfortunately quite a bit had to be removed from the top and my daughter thinks the poor fairy looks as if she is perched in a crow's nest. I have to say it is one of the nicest trees I have ever trimmed. The branches are thick and strong and readily hold even the heaviest baubles.

And here, feeling very at home on the tree, is the gorgeous Santa sent from my blogging chum Suzanne at Blueberry Cottage in Massachusetts. Isn't he wonderful... I love him.

Reflected in the mirror over the mantle the tree looks quite small but I can assure you it isn't!! We are keeping it well watered in the hope that we get minimum needle drop.

The coloured lights were made for summer evenings in the garden but as the summer forgot to turn up this year they have put in an appearance for Christmas. Made by my daughter and myself several years ago they are simply jars that have been painted with glass paint and then decorated with gold swirls and stars etc. Tea lights sit nicely in the bottom.


I'm glad I cleaned the brass candlesticks ready for the dining table. 


Candlelight reflected in glass is just wonderful don't you think?

Twinkling Christmas trees always look nicest when its dark outside.

I bought these lights 25 years ago and every year I expect them to flicker and fail like other tree lights seem to, but they just keep on shining. (My thanks go to the German manufacturers).

Christmas is a time of excess and I like to group vintage items that will glow in the candlelight on the dining room mantle.

And in the alcove below sit the nativity figures that I made the year I was married (shepherds and kings stand either side) .


Another little collection! An old Bible and Georgian and Victorian coins that have seen two centuries of Christmas pockets and purses.


And last but not least. My dear son and daughter... I can't imagine Christmas without them.

Comments

[Miss VanDroo]

Everything is so beautiful...I am in awe!

[Suzanne]

I love the tree Eli! It looks very Victorian England to me for some reason . And old coins--Victorian ones--whoa! Remember I asked to have you explain the old money to me--shilling, pence and such...LOL! Everything looks so festive and cozy I would just like to pop right on over--to bad the ocean separates us! So glad your Christmas was beautiful.

[Redwood House]

Hi Eli, what beautiful pictures, it is so nice to have the family around at Christmas isn't it. As you have said I also cannot imagine the festive season without my girls around, they usually have their friends around as well which makes for a happy houseful of young people, what is nicer than the chatter and laughter of family and friends, Jenny the dog of course considers herself one of them/us and is in the thick of it all getting completely spoilt. It will soon be just the two of us again which is fine just a slightly different way of living not so much cooking, washing and ironing to do which has to be a plus I suppose, a lot of keeping in touch on the phone comes into play untill the next hols or weekend visit, ummmmmmmm sometimes makes for thoughtful moments....
Happy New Year
Jan x

[Selia Renzetti]

Dear Eli,

I love your tree! Your son took such beautiful photo's! I do love the candlelight reflected in the glass. Your Nativity scene is just adorable. I love the old bible and coins! The photo of your children is so nice.
Wishing you a Happy New Year!
Blessings,
Selia

[clarice]

What a beautiful Christmas you had. What a wonderful memory. I LOVE the colered jars you did. Thank you for sharing that idea !!! Clarice

[Rhondi]

Everything looks so beautiful warm and inviting. Lucky you to be able to cut down a tree from your yard and it looks like a perfect one to display ornaments.

[Paula]

Dear Eli,
What a delightful post! I enjoyed seeing all your beautiful Christmas decorations! Your home is gorgeous! The photos are so pretty! I love your tree and the santa Suzanne made you is just beautiful! The jars you and your daughter painted are so lovely and cheerful and your brass candlesticks look so pretty! Yes, candlelight is wonderful! I love all your vintage things, the old Bible, coins and the nativity you made are all so beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing your home and Christmas decorations! I love the photo of your son and daughter and I am sure they could not imagine a Christmas without you! What a blessing children are!

Love, Paula