Like our other trees it's artificial due to my allergies. This picture doesn't show the many gifts that will go under it which, of course, makes it look all the more festive. I love all the ornaments and most everyone has a special meaning...many were given to me by friends or former students, some were made by my children when they were little, some were bought on special trips or vacations. But the first ones to go on are these tacky vintage green balls and red & white bells...
These were the ornaments we bought for our very first tree as a married couple. We were still in college and had very little money. I bought them at a fire sale so they were cheap, cheap...but I love them because of their special meaning.
I love Christmas ornaments...
These were made from a light bulb and a seashell...
And this one is a starfish painted by my mother-in-law...
My son made this one out of flour dough when he was in 1st or 2nd grade (my grandson looks just like him:)....
Some others I love are...
Now for the outside...
The side porch is where everyone comes when they visit. The rocking chair spent many years at my husband's grandmother's farmhouse...now I spend many peaceful moments there talking on the phone or just rocking & thinking:)...
As anyone can see, I don't decorate fancy...just old-fashioned and down-home style that fits our lifestyle. We finished the shopping today (hopefully) and I've only got a few gifts left to wrap, so now I plan to spend some time with a good book and a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate and just enjoy the fruits of my labor! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night...
Cheri, your tree and decorations are beautiful. So many memories with each ornament. How I understand that! They are treasures, aren't they? I really love the way your decorated the outside of your home too, and what a gorgeous home you have. So welcoming! Thank you so much for sharing. If you have time, link this up to the Boardwalk Bragfest on Tuesday. You've earned the right to brag after all this decorating! Well done.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your beautiful Christmas decor! I love it! I Love "down-home" style!
ReplyDeleteI do the same!
I like to decorate with a "Old Toy" theme and a "old Fashion Christmas" with the traditional Christmas colors including candy canes, ribbon, berries and Christmas garland mixed in with a lot of FAMILY traditions!
I love your Gingerbread Kitchen, especially your Gingerbread Tree!
Your Home is so inviting!
Thanks for visiting! Come by anytime!
Love, Brenda
Wow! You decorate each little corner! Those vintage ornaments are so precious...they all have a story! Each year of our married life, we look at each other when done decorating and say "this year's tree is THE best!" lol So many memories on it...
ReplyDeleteWow Cheri, I'm impressed! You're already decorated for Christmas. Mine is still sitting in the boxes, but at least it's out of the attic.
ReplyDeleteEverything looks so warm and welcoming. I enjoyed looking at your ornaments. I understand about them holding memories.
Thanks for sharing.
Joyfully,
Elizabeth Ann
You are so on the ball Cheri!
ReplyDeleteMy living room tree always looks very similar to yours! Boy we have similar tastes!
I love the outside decor! What a beautiful home you have!
Hugs,
cindy
Oh dear, you sure are inspiring me to "get it done" and enjoy the Season! There is always so much to get done, shopping, wrapping and decorating! You should come help me:) Hope you get to spend some time in that gorgeous rocking chair on that lovely porch at your beautifully decorated home! Have a blessed day! Much love, Theresa
ReplyDeleteCheri - I love your tree with all the sentiments. Our is the same way. Paper bells with a thumbprint of glitter from pre-school, my husband's fourth grade pickle jar ornament, a few clay snowmen I purchased when we were on a shoestring budget our first year together. It is so fun to go through them and share with the kids. Love, love, love that porch! Your house is amazing. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Cheri, you are a buy decorating blogger. I have not blogged one Christmas thing yet. Love your gingerbread tree the best but all are wonderful. I am thinking about making gingerbread to hang on my tree at some point as it smells so good. Yes, we are in Washington cty Ga. and also have another house near Augusta (that's the one usually on the blog). Love the porch on your house all decorated for Christmas. I will follow you. hugs♥O
ReplyDeleteI meant busy decorating blogger! hehe
ReplyDeleteThe memories of each ornament are the heart of the tree. Yours is beautiful and so is the outside of the house. It make me want to come in and share a cup of cocoa with you...that is if you'll finish my shopping for me! Now I need to get moving and decorate!
ReplyDeleteYour home looks lovely and festive...I love that your ornaments are so personal and special to your family.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you have finished your shopping and wrapping already...I have yet to begin lol.
Thank you so much for stopping by last week.
Blessings Kelsie
I love the "down-home" style you have. :) Your tree is gorgeous, and so are all the ornaments and the stories that go with them!
ReplyDeleteKelly
Hi Cheri,
ReplyDeleteCome by and see my little copycat tree when you get a chance!
Hugs,
Cindy
WOW you have really been working and so many great ideas and memories. It is definitely time for a good book and something of comfort.
ReplyDeleteOh Cheri, I just love all your Christmas decor and the memories behind so many of the pieces you display. I'm with you, the gingerbread tree is my favorite. Being in the kitchen during the holidays is so much fun. I love all the baking and cooking for friends and family.
ReplyDeleteYour home is so inviting and I know that you'll be making even more memories this year! BTW, I adore that little angel (3rd pic in the post), she is just the sweetest!
Merry Christmas!
I've been catching up with all your wonderful Christmas decor posts~ you have such a lovely home, and such great trees! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and your sweet comments!
ReplyDeleteHello Cheri, how are you, I really like your tree its beautiful and specially your house looks beautiful... is it cold there? I am reading your About Me... and love it I too love to make new friends. its a magical world of Internet where we can find new things...
ReplyDeleteCan you please spare a little bit of your time for my new post, its something different I hope you enjoyed
http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
Love
Farah
I'm so jealous that you have your decorations up already. I need to get busy!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the sweet comments on my blog :+) I love your tree, I can't wait to put ours up this Sunday!
ReplyDeleteI love your "down home" traditional style of decorating. Your tree looks pretty and I love all of your special ornaments.
ReplyDeleteYour home looks lovely.
hugs
Sissie
Hi Cheri...it's great to meet you too. I thought I had left a comment but I don't see it. Actually I think I didn't and lost it. I have been doing that lately... :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by and leaving such a warm comment...so sweet of you!
I hope to see you again soon...
(Where the heck IS my comment?!!)
Mona
...walks off mumbling to self!...