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Minimal decorating for Christmas was on tap for 2017.  I planned to do a tree and nothing more.  Let's face it, getting the tree from the basement is a pretty big deal.  Getting ornaments from the third floor is another big deal and requires more than one trip as did the tree itself.  So that's what I did. I settled on black and gold as the theme for my silver tree this year. That included the wrapping for presents too. My grandsons got pretty excited when they saw all the wrapped presents until they were reminded that Grandma wraps empty boxes. I felt good having my decorating finished early but then I realized I should probably take the bright orange and yellow leaves off the front door and replace them with something more seasonal. No big deal. Reflections are always a problem when trying to photograph this door. I tried one last time.  This time I got the radiator inside the house, the storm door I'm holding open, the mail carrier and...

I want to take the opportunity to wish my followers a joyous holiday.  Relax and take in the festive atmosphere for soon you will be packing away all those ornaments, garlands, and decorative holiday finery.  And so, from my house to yours, MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!  Just for the record, this is what my house looks like for Christmas 2011. I switched out the shades on the chandelier from burnt orange to silver.  I had some in black so I sprayed them silver for the season. The paper around the candle holder was faded so I rewrapped them in silver and turquoise from a wallpaper book I had on hand.  I just realized my pictures are a little on the dark side so I started searching for better ones.  I'll insert one here. I added a few ornaments and called it complete. White candles and glass holders was all the fire box needed. I kept the mantel really simple with three white pillar candles and a little silver sparkle at the bases. S...

Christmas, like Halloween, is one of those holidays where it’s hard to go over the top.  You can just keep adding and somehow it works.  When I question whether to add something else, I think, “When in doubt, bring it out.”  Now, keep in mind, that phrase is turned around to mean the exact opposite the rest of the year.  I know gaudy is possible and I have seen some borderline lawn decorations, but, most of us reset the gaudy meter this time of year.  It’s just JOLLY.  What the heck. I mention this now for those of you who are wondering what all this stuff looks like in one house.  Rest assured that 2-3 days after Christmas it will be going back into boxes. Some decorations move easily from one holiday or party to the next.                                My menu board is going to be one of those items...