Merry Christmas!

Since I can't send Christmas cards to everyone, I thought I'd put our smiling faces up here to wish you the merriest of Christmases. We're headed up North to Chicago to be with Nick's family and will more than likely get some snow and possibly snow on Christmas! Here's hoping!

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The Christmas Story

From Luke 2: 1-20

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Veggie Christmas Tree

Last night we had a fabulous party for the Mother's Group at our church (avec husbands). I made this veggie tree and it was both easy and fun to create! Check out the tutorial here.

Christmas Vignettes from Our Home

Here are a few snapshots of Christmastime at our house thus far. Enjoy!

What you do with stockings when you don't have a fireplace...

 A Mexican nativity set we purchased last year in Cozumel

This ornament belonged to Nick's Nana

Our toddler-proof tree

Vintage thermos vases for extra tree branches

Kitchen cabinet wreaths

 Christmas bunting made of fabric scraps and an old, wool skirt from Goodwill :)

Boxwood wreath for the front door

Front porch cheer

A girls' ornament exchange I hosted this weekend

Winter sangria and a hot cocoa station

A Toddler Proof Christmas Tree

This, post is a bit overdue, but it's here. As a follow up to this post, we found the perfect table-top tree at the Home Depot along with some paver stones and a galvanized bucket et voila, our toddler proof Christmas tree! Collin loves pointing at the Christmas Tree and we hold him and let him touch some of the ornaments, but we've had zero issues with him messing with the tree because it's too high for him to reach! I never thought I'd love having a small tree this much. Watering and caring for this tree is a breeze. Furthermore, we were able to use all of our favorite ornaments and leave off the filler ornaments you typically put on a large tree.

A Very Vintage Christmas, Room by Room- The Living Room

Whether you are looking for some vintage inspiration to deck your living room in holiday cheer or simply needing ideas for gifts, this vintage living room captures the essence to a laid-back mid-century modest space. 

As I mentioned in my vintage kitchen Christmas post, "You can go a number of routes when crafting vintage Christmas decor for your home. I like to mix flashy pieces from the later fifties and sixties (like tinsel trees or big, outdoor holiday lights) with more rustic, rugged pieces such as plaid curtains and checkered fabrics from the 40's or fresh cyprus garlands. Blend your modern Crate & Barrel or sophisticated Pottery Barn pieces with playful reindeer ornaments, mossy terrariums filled snow capped model trees, homespun fabrics, and White Christmas inspired Vermont firewood bundles. Remember, you are aiming for a vintage feel in your home, not a vintage stage set for a play."

1. The use of gold in your holiday decor adds sparkle and class, taking the look up a notch. The lovely Starburst Mirror from the Home Depot is an affordable $34 and will add class to your home year-round. Make a glittery banner to add whimsy to your room or skip the mess and purchase this beauty for $18 on Etsy.

2. Ground playful pops of orange (DIY Noel Pillow) with traditional reds and plaids. Land of Nod and West Elm offer some a number of handsome, traditional looking stockings. It's important to remember you don't have to be matchy-matchy with color.

3. Offer comfortable, retro styled seating like this chair for $379 from Urban Outfitters. The aqua upholstery is a soothing complemnet to a high-charged holiday colorscape. In total, there are ten color options to choose from.

4. I am partial to fresh trees. Always have been, always will be. There is nothing like entering a pine-scented wonderland every time you walk through your front door. But, if the upkeep is a bit much and you are looking for an alternative to a fresh tree this year, then what's more vintage than a faux tree? Scared of the synthetic options out there? Check out this lovely, realistic-looking, pre-lit Vienna Twig Christmas Tree on Amazon. At a cool $59, you can't go wrong. 

5. Etsy, Ebay and your local thrift establishments are the perfect place to find shiny, vintage ornaments. Mix them with your more modern pieces for an effortless, retro-chic look.

5. For an easy DIY candle mantel piece or window sill showpiece, purchase plain, white, glass religious candles like these from your local dollar store and red stick-on letters. Spell out "Peace," "Joy," "Noel," "Christmas," the possibilities are endless. 

6. Restoration Hardware has a bevy of old-timey games like Dominoes and Scrabble. Buy a few as gifts, keep a few for holiday parties at your house!

7. Last, but not least, there is a nothing that highlights the true meaning of Christmas like a vintage nativity set.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more Very Vintage Christmas rooms!