I am finally rounding the Christmas decorating corner and the finish line is in sight. I have had the dining room covered in bins, ornaments, garlands, and ribbon and I’ve been using it as a staging area for the rest of the decorating. Slowly, I’ve been using the decorations and the dining room is getting cleaner in the process. I’m just about ready to put away anything leftover and make the dining room table look pretty. But first, here is a little corner of the kitchen I dressed for the season…
With all of the beautiful things happening in the kitchen, this antique wooden shelf from Dreamy Whites is a favorite. Maria’s pieces are always a splurge, but they are also some of my most prized pieces. It’s one of those unique finishing touches that makes this space mine. I’ve also always wanted a place to display my antique ironstone mold collection and this is the perfect piece. And, I knew I wanted to decorate it for Christmas.
I hung a garland of mini stockings from Penny & Ivy along the top shelf, tucked in some and dried oranges, and added an LED candle on top. The faux greenery sprigs are actually part of a Norfolk Pine Garland that I dissected. The garlands are made of sprigs inserted into a plastic holder, so I just pulled the sprigs out of the garland to use on shelves, tuck into other garlands, etc.
The candles are the ones I shared about last week that look so real. I even bought some more to use in the dining room and around the house. They just add so much to rooms in the evening, especially as it’s getting dark so early. It’s a nice glow and ambient light without the worry of a real flame. I’m a fan.
We’re almost done buying presents and getting things ready for Christmas day and, I must admit, I am ready for the slowdown that comes with the holiday. I really enjoy being in my jammies, not paying much attention to the clock, watching a movie in the middle of the day, curling up with a book, or sneaking off to take some art classes or play in my sketchbook when everyone else is happy. It’s just an awesome time that I look forward to each year…
Last week I was in a thrift store and it was full of what was obviously someone’s donated ironstone mold collection, each one about $2! Since I am not a collector of them, I did not buy any, but I sure hope someone else got the deal of the century!
You didn’t mention the stocking garland in the photo….is that something new that you made?
WOW!
She mentioned the mini stockings being from Penny & Ivy.
Love this way to display your molds! It looks so pretty, Marian! I’m with you on Christmas week being a great at-home time. It’s the best week of the entire winter.
I think she said the sock garland came from Penny and Ivy. I looked at the site and saw lots of lovely things. I have also checked out Dreamy Whites and enjoy looking at all the cool things from France and beyond.
The display is wonderful and adds a sweet touch of Christmas to that part of the kitchen. Love it!
Hard to believe Christmas is just days away.
Dear Marian,
What an incredible eye you have! Your sighting of the “Dreamy White” antique rack proves it once again. And, what a deserving gift from Maria! It’s doubly charming with it’s Christmas greenery and the single candle.
May the rest of your holidays be filled with equally surprising treasures and relaxing pleasures. Your inspiration makes it so for me.
Merry Christmas hugs,
Diney on Mercer Island
Always so inspiring, Marian.
Thank you! I just received my order of the tapers – even better in person! I’m a fan, too. Christmas blessings to you and your family.
Thank you for sharing the lovely little corner of your kitchen. What a great way to display your ironstone bowls.! Just wondering- did you paint the picture under the shelf?
What a beautiful little corner! I love the antique wooden shelf and how you have made it a moment for pause and admiration with your collection. My favorite photo is the one from the side that shows a peek into the rest of the kitchen. Our basement has painted cabinetry but I’m not overly fond of the color that it is painted – grey. So, I am considering saving my pennies and having it painted either a green much like yours or blue. I’d love to add antique shelving and show off some prize pieces as well. Maybe someday…
I hope you enjoy your ‘slow time’ during the week of Christmas and I am looking forward to doing the same!
Lovely. Tell me about the long handled basket under the shelf. Please.
Those baby stockings are so cute I actually squealed out loud.
That shelf looks just perfect.
There’s nothing quite like genuinely old wood. I see why this little piece is one of your favorites! I also take apart the norfolk pine garlands, (or most every type garland I buy) I’ve been slowly adding one every year because they are pricey, altho I love the norfolk pine garland, I also find them a bit heavy on the faux plastic vine, and a bit unwieldy, so I just take them apart and use them everywhere. More bang for the buck. I may have to switch out my battery operated candles to the ones you use, the “flame” seems more realistic. As usual you knocked it out of the park with your holiday decor!