Holiday decor: Down and dirty

At Thanksgiving Mark and I decided it was not enough to make a nice meal to acknowledge the occasion and mark the day as different from every other day we've all been struggling through. We set the table with my grandmother's china and glassware; all of it more than 100 years old. We even got dressed up. 

All that is another way of saying that it seems equally important to celebrate Christmas, even if it's just the two of us home alone. I am being very restrained compared to years when the house was full of holiday guests. There's greens from the garden by the front door (above), shoved into a rolled up tube of chicken wire. A selection of evergreens is one of the big benefits of the winter garden come December. This is my version of quick and easy / down and dirty decorating.

Decorations on the fireplace mantle, of course; what else is it for? Two tiny houses in red and gold by local artist Chuck Bauer were already in place and seemed perfect for the holidays with the addition of a pomegranate.

It was a no-brainer to leave a red painting by Mark along with a 19th century miniature portrait both of which have been hanging on the fireplace wall for months. That way, all it required to look like Christmas was a tree and a pair of votive candle holders. 

The 2' tall tree — with a sturdy metal framework, base and star topper — is covered with deep red beads. They are shiny but not glittery. This is one of a pair purchased many years ago from the Wisteria catalog in its first year. Notice how the base sticks out a bit over the edge of the mantle. Turns out the mantle is only 6" deep, which is surprisingly narrow for many of the objects I want to display there. That's a measurement worth remembering when I am trolling the local antique mall. An activity that I really miss and can't wait to do again. 

Comments

[Susie at pbmGarden]

Your decorations are beautiful and tasteful. Love the beautiful ceramic bowl. It's a good reminder to celebrate even though holidays aren't what we're used to. (I dressed up on my birthday this summer and it really made the day seem special.)

[Linda Brazill]

SUSIE — Hope you are doing well. It's been a long year. We need all the lights and cheer we can find. 

[Jane Strong]

I like your attitude. Me, I am making all the traditional and some non-traditional foods but spreading them out over days and weeks while saving a serving or two in the freezer or fridge until the day comes to eat them all together. I like Thanksgiving better than Christmas.

[Kris P]

I think you and Mark have the right attitude. I hauled my husband out yesterday, just as dusk was setting in, to pick up a Christmas tree before our new stay-at-home order went into effect at midnight. I can't say I feel much like decorating at the moment but at least I have the tree (currently sitting in water on the back patio). I've only missed putting up a tree once in my life and it didn't seem right to compound the unpleasantness of this year by skipping it a second time.

[Kristin]

Your decorations are lovely. We got a tree last week, and I decorated the mantel and the top of the piano. I hung our son's stocking with the rest of ours, even though he will be staying in Denver because 2020. I'm trying to plan fun things for the three of us to do. I am glad Alex is staying put, but I know I will start to feel a bit sad as we get closer to Christmas. Wishing you and Mark all the best! P.S. I have started Barack Obama's A Promised Land, and am thoroughly enjoying it. I will be dipping in and out as library holds arrive for me.

[Beth@PlantPostings]

Very nice holiday decorations, Linda. I hope you are staying safe and warm. My dad is staying with us, so the three of us are sharing nice stories and traditions. I don't know if my kids will be able to join us this year. :(

[Nell Lancaster]

Agree completely. I started with an advent wreath, and am following up with magnolia leaves and a big red & gold bow in a crock on the front porch. We'll be cutting down a seedling cedar as we've done for the past few years (they're weeds in the fencerows and field), and this year I'm in a mood to load it up with lights and ornaments.

[danger garden]

Love the bead tree. You say it's one of a pair purchased many years ago. Do you still have the second?

[Linda Brazill]

LOREE — Still have its partner. But I figured those little houses should stay put and I would only use one of them. Got your book and am very impressed.

[Linda Brazill]

KRISTIN — We are having a very quiet holiday — especially compared to last year when we were party central at our house.  I remember when I first moved to  Madison, knew no one and had no money to get home. Those were some of the last solo/quiet holidays I remember. 

The Obama book is on my list. I am reading online via our library system and also ordering books for curbside pickup. What a lifesaver the library is this year. And I've purchased from two indie bookstores in town as well. An embarrassment of riches.

[Linda Brazill]

NELL — I love the idea of cutting down something on your property. Definitely can't have too many baubles or lights this year. I just ordered a pair of candlesticks from a local glassblower having a sale. Curbside pickup.

[Linda Brazill]

KRIS — I remember the times I did not have a tree, even if I can't recall much about the trees I did have over the years. You won't regret getting one. Even If you just put some lights on it or put it out and decorate it for the birds.

[Lisa at Greenbow]

Of course you need some Christmas decor and it is lovely. Even tho you are only two you deserve beauty of the season in your home.