It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

I thought I would post a few pics of my attempt to get my house ready for the Holidays.  I have this window box on my front porch that I always agonize over what to do with during the winter months.  I found this fun, but messy, craft idea on another blog site, either Apartment Therapy or decor8, I can't remember.... and decided to give it a try.  I like that it is not specifically "Christmas", so I can leave it out there all Winter.  Of course, I had to make this and install it on one of the coldest, windiest days so far this season!  A good test to its' durability. ;-)  For how-to instructions, just go to this website: http://www.cottageliving.com/cottage/gardens/article/0,21135,1683527,00.html

I left the dirt from my Summer plants in the box and just laid a few Holly branches on top of that.  It's hard to see here, but I did lightly spray the leaves w/glue and sprinkled on some of the fake snow. I felt it needed a little shot of color, so after scouring through my Christmas decoration boxes, I found...

this nice, big, red bow! 

Now, back inside, where it is much warmer!  My Mom made this wonderful quilt for me several years ago and I always use it in a different way each Christmas season.  The dining room table I bought recently is just the right size for quilt!

I'm on to a Snowflake/Snowball theme, this year, it appears!  I found a package of glitter snowflakes at my favorite store, Ben Franklin.  They were in the sale bin for under $3.00.

 

                                                                                                                          

I've had this Annalee Doll baby angel for years, and again, always try to use it in a little different way each year. This year I guess it is whimsical/cruel. Can she breathe in there??? 

Last year I used these cute little Christmas ornament placard holders I found at HomeGoods.  Since I'll have the napkins w/pics on them this year, that will eliminate the need for names at the table.  I put the ornaments to good use as a decoration instead.

I picked these tiny Santa candles up years ago in a Crate & Barrel.

More Santas...

This White Santa is a stencil done on a chalkboard with paint. This theorem stencil is from Red Lions Stencils. The photos in the frames are both of my daughter, one from a few yrs ago and the other when she was a baby. ;-)

Here's a closer look. I'll post a few more holiday decorating pics tomorrow.