~FIREPLACE MANTEL AND ...

Some of what I have done in the family room..

 I THINK I am finally done with the fireplace, but you know me..things could change before morning!

Can you believe that my snowmen were purchased in a little house in the desert that someone had turned into the most charming shop, EVER!  I am serious about this, and I've been in a lot of shops.  

After my husband, Frank, passed away, I never returned to that area again.  Frank would park out front and patiently wait for me each time we passed through on our way home from Riverside.  

The greenery is fresh.  I saved the trimmed pieces off my own tree and the men gave me all the boughs from other tree's that had been cut.  The rest are out back in a pan of water where it's cool and cold.  When these get a bit dry..I will change them out. I do that every year. 

  

The chairs look a lot more burgundy than they are.  The color is more cranberry. 

No idea how that tray got behind the chair.  :)  That's my favorite red cup on the end table.

The little sleigh with the dolls was a gift from my youngest son, Danny when he was young.  It's a music box that plays "Let It Snow".  Each doll is china/bisque and has totally removable clothing..even the tiny hats.

I always find a place for it.  The greenery in the bowl and pitcher is fresh.  The hydrangea's are silk.

My coffee tables are ALWAYS a challenge.  The cloth on the table I found at a huge Antique Mall in the heart of downtown Riverside across from the famous Mission Inn.  I believe one of our Presidents was married there.  Was it Reagan?  

 This is the sofa table that sits behind my little red love seat that faces the fireplace.  It used to be white and I painted it black.  The knobs are going to be replaced with MacKenzie-Childs knobs.  Just you wait and see.  HOW I would love to find some at an Estate Sale.  :)  Those things are expensive.

 This is my Christopher Radko Christmas tree.  I didn't get the best picture of it.  It has gingerbread men all over it.  Each year I just press the ribbon and plug it in somewhere in my kitchen.  In this home it is on the breakfast bar.  (I painted the bar stools black when I painted the sofa table.)  Wonder what color they will be next.  I have a thing for painting stuff.  Yep...I do!

The tree was a gift from my boss when I was in property management.  They did give the most lovely Christmas presents each year.  (plus bonus!)  

 And of course these are Fitz and Floyd.  I collect the red and clear crystal and I CANNOT remember what it is called.  (I just hate getting old when this happens!)  Shoot!!

(little temper tantrum there!) 

We have "cottage cheese" ceilings..and one of these day they are going to get scrapped and painted again.
It's something that I mentally change every time I look up. AND a beam is going to be installed to divide the room in 2014.  Uh huh...(PH hates that I always have a project!)  

 See???  My STILL untrimmed tree except for the handmade teddy bear angel on top.

A lady in Palm Springs made it.  I have had her for..the late 1970's.   She was at a craft fair I went to.

I am using her this year because little great granddaughter, Emily is going to be here on Sunday..so..decorating for her mainly.  Table, lamp, sugar bowl, books and bookends. table topper (matches the livng room topper on the coffee table) are all garage sale items.  The lamp was $30!
All of my drapes were made by a lady that does great things for me and a reasonable price.
Everyone needs someone like her.

I divided the family room with garland.  I love it but this is not a good picture because of the flash. 

So...that's it.  Just the tree is left to do.  When I took this picture I was still decorating..I ALWAYS get in a rush.  Even left my water pitcher on the floor by the tree...When get the tree finished I'll take another picture. Don't expect much..I'm getting worn to a frazzle!  

*BIG SMILE*

So...until next time..

Merry Christmas!

Love'n hugs,

Mona