Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Christmas is nigh

The Christmas spirit has once again (albeit a little late) come ever so lightly tapping on my bright pink, front door, but this year I have  opened the door just a little for the Christmas magic to slip in. In previous years I have been that gal who goes all out in sprinkling Christmas glimmer and sparkles throughout our li'l ol', humble abode. Alas, this year, my 'more is never enough' approach to decorating is not evidenced. Is this really me speaking? Me, the gal whose decorating wand crazily sprinkles Christmas dust to each room. Sadly, yes 'tis true. With all that has transpired this year I wanted to speckle just a little Christmas magic to our parlour. The evidential proof of my sprightliness to the subject of 'All things pertaining to the subject of Christmas Decorating, a la Kim Sharman Style', in previous years can be seen here and here......that is of course if you are so inclined to take a few hours minutes to have a bo peep.

But to the parlour.........

The Christmas tree is up and twinkling at me; and all whom should happen upon our abode and sit awhile in our parlour.


Of course, if perchance you should sit in my festive parlour, we would enjoy a cup of tea. You and I would partake in the gentle art of tea drinking; pouring tea from a pretty Royal Albert teapot and sipping from a pretty cup. Oh, I always take tea in such a grand fashion! Would I tell a fib?? Never!!




This year the thought did cross my mind (oh all right, the thought muddled around my brainpan for quite a while) to perhaps acquire a white tree which is a little smaller than my 9ft beauty; and doesn't require a crane to assemble and a ladder to clamber up and down for a weekend, in order to hang each decoration one by one. But no, with my daughter stating categorically that she would never speak to me again if I perchance sent this elegant 9 foot tree to dark and musty environs forevermore, where spiders seem to exist in abundant numbers, it is yet again standing ever so lovely in the corner of our parlour.


It is an elegant tree. It is a tree where family members' names hang, bringing to mind precious memories that stay forever in one's heart. It is a tree where angels abound. Over the years I have crafted all manner of sweet angels. I have a penchant for angels, for these heaven-sent beings. It is a tree filled with many, many hand stitched and embroidered pretties and lovely store bought baubles which have tickled my fancy.











With the tree decorated and sitting rather handsomely in the corner, the next task at hand is to gussy up the mantle.


I haven't bought Christmas decorations for a good while, but this year I wanted to cast an elegant, white look to my mantlescape. These sweet little ceramic houses found their way into my bag. A tea light is placed inside and they burn brightly giving a lovely festive ambiance. They are so very pretty.



This lovely cherubic light has been sitting in our cupboard for 10 years. Originally it was a present for our oldest daughter but as she lives in the USofA, I unearthed it and asked our friendly sparky to install it and....voila!! Originally it was sheathed in gold and as I am not a fan of an over-abundance of gold, I painted it white and then rubbed it back so that touches of gold shine through. I am in love with my cherubic being hovering above.


Christmas isn't Christmas without a few candles shining brightly. Just a 'few' candelabras that I have collected through the years. An old and rusty bird cage stand adds a lovely milieu to my chandelier.




My two babies. So many cherished Christmas memories revolve around my girls' delight and happiness on Christmas morning. It's wonderful, is it not, seeing the magic of Christmas through little childrens' eyes.


Mirrors abound in our home. I think at last count there are 30 of these looking glasses gracing corners of our home. No I am not one of the narcissistic creatures that is forever gazing at one's reflection, quite the contrary........I love how they reflect gorgeous light.



To cover the soot stained fireplace I placed a length of white voile to cover the bricks, a couple of mirrors and of course, candles. I love, love, LURVE the ballerina sashaying across the mirror!




My beautiful angels which is a receptacle for flowers. The roses are abloom in our garden at this time of year.



When decorating for Christmas I love to use things I already have. These angels normally sit above a doorway, looking kindly upon everyone who enters our home.






Are not these celestial beings, beautiful??




A parisian boot, ready to be filled with pretty surprises. I designed and stitched this (and the elf boot) a couple of Christmases ago. This pretty is for me.........


.....and this elf boot is for my good husband.



It's a wrap. The adornment of the parlour is finished. Of course the bedecking of my parlour seemed to take forever! Every year I have to psyche myself up to begin the begin of decorating for Christmas.....but....I am always happy with the result. I love the calming and restful atmosphere of my parlour; it is  a lovely place to sit a while and ponder the meaning of Christmas.

As I sit here in my parlour and reflect upon Christmas, I am reminded of the Christmas story, when Jesus was born that first Christmas morning so long ago, and the love and grace that surrounds it. I am reminded of the depths of God's love for me....amazing really. I am reminded that Jesus is the reason why we celebrate Christmas.



I know 'tis a wee bit early but........

May your Christmas be decorated with much love and precious memories as you gather around your family.
May there be moments when you ponder the Christmas story and the beauty therein.

Wishing each one of you the loveliest of Christmases.


44 comments:

  1. Gorgeous tree and decorations ! Your house is beautiful !
    Have a great week !
    Anna

    ReplyDelete
  2. Good morning Kim,

    Wow, and this is only your "small amount" of decorating? This place is decked out! So many lovely touches of Christmas.

    Oh yes, I shall have some tea. Thank you for asking. I love that plush white carpet. I am wondering how you can have such a beautiful thing and keep it so white.

    Most impressive of all it that amazing Parisian boot! I can only imagine how much patience it takes to create such a treasure. But, of course, I see that you do that all the time.

    Thank you for sharing your lovely home.

    ♥Hope

    ReplyDelete
  3. Good morning! Your tree is very pretty and that stocking! I remember when you made that I think. I'm glad you cracked the door to your humble abode and let Christmas in ; )
    Blessings on you this wonderful time of year. Hugs,
    There was never any doubt you would take tea in a grand fashion....

    ReplyDelete
  4. You really have an elegant crafted Christmas tree, I love all the beautiful handmade angels and the family names.
    Wish you a merry and blessed Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Loes. Happy Christmas to you. I suppose you will be busy this week baking delicious Christmas treats.

      Delete
  5. The tree, the pallor, so special, so very elegant and beautiful!!! I no longer "do" the big tree, I sprinkle several small ones around the house. They are easier and predecorated.....I wonder when it happened that easy was better than tradition??

    No matter, the reason for this season lies within our hearts!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Kim, Your parlor is beyond beautiful and your tree so wonderfully decked out with those homemade oranaments. I could most definitely sit in there a while and ponder over a cup of tea. Thank you for sharing and may you have a most blessed Christmas as well!

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a truly magical atmosphere, as magic is this moment, a spell that is renewed every year ... thanks for having received me in your fairy world, all cloaked in a veil of romanticism that makes it even more fabulous everything that each photograph leaves us glimpse ... your house is very nice, always, but now it's really a reflection of a dream !

    May your evening be filled with joy, and so the rest of the week just started, I hope it with all my heart, my dearest Kim , with a world of love and gratitude ... if we won't meet again before than Christmas arrives, let me wish you all the best for this Time of the year !
    Dany

    ReplyDelete
  8. I SURELY ENJOYED WATCHING YOU DECORATE YOUR PARLOR FROM AFAR, MICHIGAN, USA. YOU ARE A UNIQUE AND TALENTED INDIVIDUAL. I THINK A WHITE TREE WOULD LOOK LOVELY, EVEN THOUGH I DO LIKE YOUR GREEN ONE. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU

    ReplyDelete
  9. Loving all the wonderfully restful white! I also pondered purchasing a smaller white tree this year, at the suggestion of one of the children, but our slightly smaller than your tree is the only one the children have known and it would seem strange to have something else. (Plus storage space for a second tree would pose problems). Thankfully the children love setting up the tree and entirely decorating t it. This year they chose to go elegantly using only our gold, silver and white decorations. It looks beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  10. So, so beautiful! I wish you you the best Christmas ever :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. It seems that every year I get more and more minimalist with the decorating and spend more time dwelling on the real meaning for the season. Apartment living has narrowed my focus even more - it's amazing how space constraints change the outlook too. I loved my visit with you and seeing all your lovely decorations (and peeking at the previous years too). Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  12. You have such a wonderful tree,but I think a white tree would look beautiful also.Maybe next christmas ;)Everything you decorated looks magical...I love it.
    Warm hugs,
    Caroline

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Caroline. If only I lived near your gorgeous shop,then I could pop in, have a cup of tea with you and acquire one of your gorgeous pretties.

      Delete
  13. Oh, so pretty! Would love to stop by for a cuppa!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Beautifully done. I'd love to stop in for a cup of tea and witness the beauty first hand.
    I love the boots,mantle, angels with a bird in hand, and O that lamp shade with its treasure under neath...A truly wondrous tribute to such a special time of year.
    Best Wishes to you and yours. Merry Christmas, Kim!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hello Kim,

    I am sure Santa will have a cuppa with you, nothing but the best China for him and you. I love how you have decorated for Christmas, hope you all enjoy this time with your family. Your family have been truly blessed with a good health outcome this year.

    Happy days.
    Bev.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh Kim, I think I would just simply LoVe to sit in your parlour & drink tea with you surrounded by all that gorgeousness. It is just wonderful & inspiring - I cant choose a favourite part, it is all Soooo beautiful. Your tree is spectacular & that mantle . . . & those boots ... Oh My ... !!! Wishing you & your family a wonderful festive season dear Kim & heres to a
    Happy AND Healthy year ahead x x x x

    ReplyDelete
  17. Enchanting is the word that came to mind as I strolled down your writing and photos. I agree with your daughter. Love the photo of the tree by the window. What a beautiful view. Happy Holidays, Kim!

    -Soma

    ReplyDelete
  18. Wonderful. I like that Parisian boot.

    ReplyDelete
  19. So pretty! I love all the white!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Kim. I am home from visiting my grandchildren and just getting started on decorating for Christmas. I love all your homemade touches. Love all the white - makes me think of a snowy Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Lovely post Kim, such pretty decorations and your tree makes mine look bare.. definately should be green to offset your ornaments better.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Your parlour is just beautiful, the tree is indeed quite splendid, it must have taken ages to bedeck it with so many beautiful decorations. You must have so much patience although I have to admit when my children were small I too took great pleasure in making my home magical for them. Now my small tree sits quite forlornly in the corner, I haven't even stood my Christmas cards up yet. Have a wonderful Christmas. :) x

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hello Kim, Oh, how I would love to visit you in your parlor for tea. Your décor is gorgeous. I love the cross stitch ornaments and the precious elf boots! Blessings to you and yours this Christmas. I so appreciate your blog friendship.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Kim everything, just every single thing, is sublime. You have such a way with things and such a gorgeous way of writing. This post is a joy. Blessings of the Season. Mimi xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a lovely thing for you to say, Mimi...thank you! May you have the loveliest of Christmases with your family and friends....and don't forget to enjoy a little of sparkly. =)

      Delete
  25. How very lovely it all is, my dear Kim! From your beautiful tree to your delightful mantel and everything in-between - so full of love and joy. I can imagine sipping a cup of tea while watching the flickering of candle light on the faces of the angels and listening to your wonderful and lyrical conversation. Wishing you and your loved ones many blessings at Christmas and in the coming New year. xo Karen

    ReplyDelete
  26. What a beautifully decorated tree, Kim! Vintage gorgeousness at its best. Who wouldn't like to come to your home for the holiday?
    Amalia
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  27. Dear Kim, as usual you take my breath away! Beautiful sites in every direction. I want to wish you and your family a blessed Christmas and a pretty terrific new year!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I think this is the third time I've looked through this post Kim! So much to take in, and I love it all. The cherub angels look heaven sent, and all the white and sparkle makes me think of frosty snow. Have a very Merry Christmas!!
    Wendy xox

    ReplyDelete
  29. Your Christmas decorations are so lovely!! Your tree is gorgeous, I'm glad you listened to your daughter. However, there might be room for a pretty white tree in another room! :) I love how you mentioned you would 'gussy' up your mantle. I use that word, along with 'fixy' when I talk about fancying up things and people always giggle. My mom used those words and I'm happy to see a few others do, too!! Enjoy your cup of tea near your tree, Kim, and have a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy 2016!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. You tree is a wonder to behold, resplendent in all its glory
    , I love that your own fair hands have crafted so many of the decorations!
    Confession time though, I am ever so envious of your white houses which I would love on my mantel to accompany the solitary one there.
    Your home is so lovely it would be sweet to sit & sip tea with you but for now I wish you a very merry Christmas with lots of joy & blessedness!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hello Kim,
    this is fantastic, wonderful everything!
    Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, all the best <3!!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Kim, as always everything is beautiful and magical! I am wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas! Margie/NY

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello there, lovely Margie.....how delightful it is for you to visit. It's been a long, long time since we last chatted. Thank you for your sweet comments. Have the most wonderful Christmas celebrating with your family. I often think of you and Melody....I hope all is well way up there. Kim Xx

      Delete
  33. I too just loved my virtual visit through your beautiful Christmas decorated home. You have such a great eye for decorating!! MERRY MERRY CHristmas Kim. :)V

    ReplyDelete
  34. many thanks for all your kind words!! merry christmas, have a joy filled holiday!!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. your home is beautifully decorated for the holiday. Your mantle village is so pretty in light and nicely lit at dark. Your tree is beautifully decorated with collected and made treasures.
    Merry Christmas

    ReplyDelete
  36. How lovely to 'meet' you Carol; thank you for visiting my little corner of the world and thank you so much for your lovely comments. xx

    ReplyDelete
  37. Kim, it is all just delightful! Your cherubs are magical indeed. Love the stockings you made and your handmade ornaments are simply precious. Hope you had the most joyous of Christmases. Wishing you a wonderful New Year!
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
  38. Ah, someone else with a Mad Passion for Textiles, so I instantly felt a Connection! And Tasmania no less... which just seems like an Exotic Destination to me filled with things you wouldn't just see anywhere else on Earth I suspect? Blessings from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian

    ReplyDelete
  39. Your blog is wonderful Kim! I am enjoying looking at your posts!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Oh my dear sweetness - we have not known each other for an entire year, yet and I never saw any of your christmas decorating. This was such a fun adventure - and as with all of your other posts - I had to go back several times to reread and absorb every little drop of sweet beauty. Your parlor is divine - I doubt I would be brave enough for white furniture - but it suits you so beautifully. I love every little thing that you decorate with - and the colors and the fun and the homemade ornaments. And to have all this in the summer and have roses galore - the mind is wild with the excitement of it all. Now I'm off to see the other links you have listed - then finally back to my latest email to you my dear. Merry christmas season once again. And away I flit - to see more christmas in your sweet home.

    ReplyDelete