A touch of Christmas: Kitchen and Living Room

We finally have our entire house decorated! Much thanks to my husband for putting up all of the lights (he even bought timers for all of them!) while Gretchen and I were in Branson.

I have been racking my brain all weekend about what to post; I feel like it's been a while and we had such a busy weekend that I really had to take some time to get in the mood. But, as Gretchen and I cuddled by the fire last night with the Christmas tree beautifully lit and watching The Santa Clause 2; it just put me in the mood! I needed that- the holidays are so stressful and I'm not sure that's what God intended as He sent His Son to be born on that day. I hope that you are finding some time to relax and enjoy the season!

Okay, on to the fun stuff- the decorations!!! Have I told you yet how much I love Christmas?! It's my favorite holiday, and remember I was married at Christmas time! A few weeks before our wedding some wonderful family members of mine hosted a Christmas themed bridal shower for me, and it was by far my favorite! Thanks to this shower, I was set for Christmas decorations for our tree and house, and wound up with beautiful serving pieces. If you know someone getting married, you should keep the idea of a holiday themed bridal shower in the back of your head!

Alright: I had to post a few more of my decorations in the kitchen: Our advent calendar (has pb cups inside-yum!) and an adorable serving dish that I received from my high school friend/sorority sister, Rebecca. I just received the smaller countdown from my Aunt Mary while we were in Branson.

A few decorations on top of my fridge (sorry for all of the cluttered art work and menu's- that's what happens when you have a child!) I have a Santa cookie jar and Santa pitcher; I believe my grandmother gave me both of them.

And, in our back hallway. I placed all of my "country" themed decor on our antique secretary. I purchased the sign above the secretary last year after Christmas (on sale; so it was dirt cheap!) and placed the ribbon to hang it with hot glue!

My mantle- I wanted to make it "big", but this was about as big as I could get it! I used garland, gold mesh netting, beautiful holly bushes that I have, my 2 rose bowls (1 with a candle, the other with sparkling berries), and 2 candlesticks (a gift from my MIL last Christmas), along with our snowflake stocking holders and stockings- purchased from Lillian Vernon.

And, another view....

If you haven't taken the time to post your holiday house on your blog, please do so! And, leave me a comment pointing the way to your blog so I can see everything! I still need to take the time and post my tree (I love it!), but I can't wait to see everyone else's! If you still need some holiday inspiration, check out this blog!

And, don't forget to enter the December giveaway! I'm probably going to throw in a suprise for the winner!!!!