Saturday, December 26, 2020

Christmas At Home. . .

Christmas came in with a BLAST. . .

A fire in the open hearth fireplace was certainly necessary on Christmas Day. . .Outdoors the temperature plummeted to 18 degrees but with the wind howling, it felt like 9. . .May not be unusual for our friends to the north. . .but here in the Delta, where winters are fairly mild, it was COLD!

The fire always adds so much to our Christmas Day so we would have lit it anyway. . .Mr. LaShay loved it. . .If you'll look in the end chair, you can spot him as he gazes at the fire. . .

All in all, it was a quiet Christmas for us. . .but we enjoyed the down-time tremendously. . .Our Christmas dinner was the highlight with smoked turkey and ham, grits dressing and gravy, cranberry apple relish, fresh corn, a green bean casserole (a tradition), ambrosia, pumpkin 'mashed potatoes' with pecans, dates, coconut and lots of butter. . .

And for dessert, fruitcake made with my Grandmother's recipe and holiday cheesecake. . .There may have just been two of us, but we didn't let that stop us from celebrating the day. . .

Additional dollar store buys included those adorable snowman mugs above. . .They are quite large and could double as soup bowls, too. . .Other buys: Christmas plates, Hot Cocoa sign, small Christmas tree, berries in glass, white tipped mini pine cones, white candles, candlesticks, checked bow, checked snowflake. . .making my dollar store $50 challenge a success. . .I'm not sure I actually spent the entire $50. . .It was definitely a fun thing to do. . .

And so. . .with Christmas over, it means a New Year is coming soon. . .It is hard to believe it is that time already. . .My New Year's wish will be for a better 2021 for all. . .and I'll be sure to eat black-eyed peas and cornbread this New Year's Day for luck. . .I don't want to leave any options for a better year undone. . .(grin). . .

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Santa Is Ready. . .

Santa has packed up his red farm truck with trees, packages, and reindeer feed for the long trip he will soon be making. . .He'll leave from here at THE COUNTRY FARM HOME Christmas Eve. . .just as soon as the sun goes down. . .As always, he looks forward to bringing joy to young and old as they find their gifts under the tree on Christmas morning. . .but for now, he's happy and content just resting on our sofa. . .

Okay. . .so I'm a little into my imagination. . .but who wouldn't be in this bright and festive living room? . .Now you can see where previous peeks are fitting into the scheme of things. . .for here I continue to add little touches from the dollar stores. . .while using make-do items around the house. . .

My one purchase--not from a dollar store--is the primitive Santa from Whitehouse Creations in Bernie, Missouri. . .He is dressed in a piece from a vintage woven coverlet and holds a cotton Christmas tree and his friend, Mr. Snowman. . .I stuffed a small reindeer feed bag into his arms, too. . .

I decided on the farm truck theme back in the fall, long before Thanksgiving, when the dollar stores began putting Christmas items out. . .I snatched many of them up because I was sure they would go quickly. . .The farm truck theme has been around several Christmases now, and normally I stay away from what has already been done. . .But this theme still tugs at my heart. . .because I AM the Farmer's Daughter. . .I rode with Daddy a lot in the old 'bob' truck. . .and I have Daddy's 1983 'Big Red' Chevy truck sitting in the drive. . .

I bought the metal truck a couple of years ago. . .and have used it in the summertime as well as winter and never tire of it. . .So the dollar stores certainly made me happy when they had the country truck theme with complimentary decor. . .

I think the key to decorating with dollar store themes is to not go overboard with them. . .Add a few here and there. . .coordinate with the other rooms in the house. . .and it ends up being striking instead of  'cute-sy'. . .Make it Plain and Simple. . .Don't over do so that everyone can appreciate the entire scene instantly. . .

From the dollar stores, I purchased: red plaid bows, metal 'Noel', reindeer feed ornaments, black plaid mitten ornaments, red candle, brown wrapping paper and string, red cardinal, and the HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS sign. . .so appropriate for this Christmas when so many of us will be home. . .but it also brings good memories of past Christmases at the farmhouse. . .

The entire setting brings smiles. . .Hope it sends some your way, too. . .


Monday, December 21, 2020

The Candles Are Lit. . .

What is it about candles that tug at our hearts. . .especially at Christmas? . .The warmth and glow set against the cold, blustery winter scene beyond the window brings calm and contentment. . .in ways that only the heart can feel. . .

It is a bright spot in the darkness of gray winter skies. . .as a hope swells up within. . .that life will be even better in the coming year. . .It is the excitement of the season. . .and the joy of family. . .

All very true. . .but there must be more. . .I think candles make me ponder. . .to stop and think about the blessings in my life. . .and to be thankful. . .in all ways. . .In fact. . .every time I light candles. . .I'm reminded of Christmases past when my family was all together. . .including the aunts and uncles and cousins. . .I'm reminded of those times when I couldn't be home because of work or distance. . .and yet. . .I knew those at the Christmas table were thinking of me, too. . .and loving me from a distance. . . 

And I'm reminded of Christmas present. . .when the world may seem topsy-turvey. . .and we may be sheltered in our homes due to this pandemic that has changed all of our lives. . .but in it all. . .aren't we still blessed? . .Don't we still need to stop and be thankful? . .I know John and I are. . .and lighting candles. . .cuddling by the fire. . .and feeling good to be with each other. . .makes all the difference. . .

Tonight I plan to wish upon a star. . .A Christmas star. . .for right after sundown there will be a bright and shining star. . .much as it was that first Christmas. . .There won't be another like it for 500 years. . .And my wish will be that The Light will continue to shine in all its forms all over the world. . .guiding our way through the darkness. . .BLESSING US FOR YET ANOTHER YEAR. . .


Friday, December 18, 2020

The Stockings Are Hung. . .

When I was a little girl, we never had big felt stockings or those knitted specifically for Santa to stuff. . .We chose one from Daddy's sock drawer. . .Always trying to get the largest and most stretched one he had. . .Then one Christmas, my Grandmother made us our first real stockings of felt with all kinds of embellishments on it. . .and of course. . our name. . .That year, Santa had to come up with more goodies to stuff them. . .

But I must say that after all the numerous stockings I've collected over the years. . .I still like socks out of the drawer the best. . .

I've had the plaque hanger for years and never found the right place for it. . .I think this year I have. . .Such a simple thing. . .but it brings to my mind the Christmases of my childhood. 

On our breezeway porch. . .I decided that I was tired of the traditional Christmas wreath. . .so when I saw the Santa and huge stocking at a dollar store, I knew exactly what I would do with them. . .I did fill the stocking with a little stuffing to make it stand out. . .The Santa was one I could not resist. . .The moment I spotted him, I knew he was a keeper. . .Together, they make a fun and festive entrance into the keeping room. . .

Decorating from the dollar stores has certainly been different from my usual decor. . .but I have enjoyed the challenge. . .And there's more to come. . .(grin). . .soon. . .

HOLIDAY BLESSINGS!


Tuesday, December 15, 2020

The Tree Is Trimmed. . . . . .

It's a gray, cold day outdoors. . .but indoors, the tree is trimmed. . .and the lights are on. . .giving the entire keeping room a soft glow. . .

This year's tree is a vintage one. . .It's been in our family for years. . .It's needles shed a little. . .and some places are a little bare. . .although you really can't see it once all the decorations are on. . .

I decided to trim it in plain and simple style green glass-like balls, "snowballs" and white glittery snowflakes. . .inspired by the green sled I fell in love with and purchased in Missouri. . .Did you notice I've stayed true to using black and white for drama with plaids, gingham checks, and flower-y wrapping paper?. .Underneath I have a few wrapped packages, but decided to make it more farmhouse with a basket and crocks. . .Most people would never think about putting crocks at the tree, but why not? . .Have a little fun.

I did challenge myself this year to decorate with items from the dollar stores. . .and allowed only fifty dollars to make my purchases. . .The rest had to be make-do with decorations I had. . .and some live greenery. . .You'll see most of the purchases later in the living room. . .but I did incorporate a few in the keeping room. . .just to bring a flow within the house from one room to the other. . .

Believe it or not, the sled was already decorated. . .except for the plaid mittens. . .It is small enough to tuck under the stockings and not overwhelm the tree. . .

One corner down. . .more to go. . .But, honestly. . .don't you love the challenge of it?

Christmas decor doesn't have to be expensive. . .Just use the imagination. . .

From the Dollar Stores: Victorian Stocking, Plaid Mittens, Check Snowflakes, Additional Green Balls, Wrapping Paper, "Falalala",  Ceramic Red Truck


Saturday, December 12, 2020

More Of The Mini Log Cabin Collection From Country Rustic Magazine

The WINTER ISSUE OF COUNTRY RUSTIC MAGAZINE is on the stands. . .where. . .inside I have two articles! . .FAMILY STORIES INSPIRE A LOG CABIN COLLECTION. . .AND. . .DIY LOG CABIN ORNAMENT. . .

As always, I took so many more photos than were used. . .Ya just never know what will make the final cut. . .And, too, I love being able to share a few of the left-overs with you. . .Of course. . .to view some of the best shots (and the story), you'll have to get a copy of the magazine. . .but maybe these few will inspire you to include some collections in your Christmas decor. . .

Your collection doesn't have to be mini log cabins. . .nor does it have to specifically for the holidays. . .Anything that you treasure. . .and maybe brings good memories. . .could be displayed and enjoyed at Christmas more than any other time of the year. . .

Your collection display doesn't always have to be front and center either. . .For the most part, I like to tuck the really small log houses in among other decor. . .In fact, I want the smaller ones to be a part of a larger vignette. . .


 

It was these smallest log cabins that inspired me to design a log house ornament out of cinnamon sticks. . .


 Here is one of them below. . .partially finished. . .(instructions in Country Rustic Magazine)

But there are a few cabins in my collection that demand one's full attention. . .

Such as a log cabin doll house. . .

or a tenant cabin crafted after one of the past houses on our farm. . .

And. . .where else should the log cabin tins be than in the kitchen?


By placing pieces of your collection among the other holiday decor. . .it becomes more personalized. . .and hopefully will make you smile every time you see it. . .

You'll find more log cabins and vignettes in the WINTER ISSUE OF COUNTRY RUSTIC MAGAZINE of course. . .along with other great articles and photos. . .I think it's one of the best issues yet.

 I haven't forgotten my promise to return with some of this year's Farmhouse Holiday Decor. . .I won't even go into all the unplanned things that have gone on, keeping me from finishing the decorations. . .which is actually funny because I never feel it's ever complete. . .Maybe I should say I'm about to be satisfied with what has been done. . .(grin)

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

A Quick Peek At Our Christmas Decor

 Don't worry. . .There is a lot more to come! . .Christmas just isn't Christmas if I don't have something new to show you each year. . .

Well. . .This year the colors I chose are BLACK, WHITE AND GREEN for the kitchen-keeping room. . .and RED added to the living room and bath. . .Can hardly wait to show you. . .but there are still some finishing touches to be made. . .

And. . .I've done it all (just about) with items purchased from the dollar stores. . .and with make-do items from previous Christmases. . .Less than $50 total. . .That's been the fun part. . .

Will be back soon . . .Don't Miss It!


Sunday, November 22, 2020

For The Thanksgiving Table, Part II

 
 I guess I'm just a farmhouse gal when you get right down to it. . .
It seems I always gravitate to the basic neutrals of THE COUNTRY FARM HOME. . .
 

I do love the new TURKEY PLATES I purchased for Thanksgiving. . .which we will pile high with turkey, dressing, and lots of veggies Thursday. . .but we have a tradition here started by my Mom for Friday. . .On that day I will put the turkey plates aside and in the center of the table I'll stack plenty of farmhouse white ironstone plates in all sizes, bowls, silverware, napkins, salt and pepper. . .anything one might need to help themselves to the left-overs from the day before. . .It's each man for himself after Thanksgiving. . .

Because. . .to start off the Christmas season. . .I will be busy bringing in the tree and decorations. . .There will be a big pot of spiced tea simmering on the stove all day while I begin to add more cheer to the farmhouse. . .If it's cool enough, we'll have the first fire in the open hearth fireplace, too. . .Nothing says holidays better than a good fire to warm hands and heart. . .

As I was gathering everything for Friday. . .I decided to set one place at the farmhouse table that might also have been used for our Thanksgiving dinner. . .The theme here has no turkey plates or bright colors but I have brought together hints of our country's first celebration. . .a Giving Thanks message. . .pewter and candles. . .a hornbook. . .dried corn. . and a soft, orange ceramic pumpkin. . .

Mother of Pearl and pewter knives. . .with cotton bolls to remind us to give thanks for the bumper harvest this year. . .


A little straw makes a nice nest for the white ironstone. . .On John's 18th century style clay pipe from Colonial Williamsburg. . .a little bird perches. . .with more reminders of the harvest. . .

The farm girl in me immediately felt  hugs from family, past and present. . .Honoring the first Thanksgiving. . .and Mom's day after traditions. . .Remembering our blessings with outward signs of Thanks. . .This says it all. . .And. . .it makes this Farmer's Daughter smile. . .

As an added note. . .I never celebrate a Thanksgiving or Christmas without thinking about Mom and her absolutely delicious, melt-in-your-mouth dressing. . .She saved and froze stale bread, biscuits and cornbread for months before as the basic ingredients for the much-loved compliment to the turkey. . .If you would like to read more, and get the  recipe for the dressing and giblet gravy. . . FOLLOW THIS LINK. . .

 

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