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It goes without saying that this holiday season will be one for the books. We are all trying our best to remain safe and at the same time all we want to do is hang out with groups of people again!
I admit I was a bit low. I woke up yesterday and decided to light up my space as much as possible to make me feel a bit brighter.
Every year I have hung bows on my bannister and filled them with lights and glass tear drop ornaments along with our Christmas elf. He guards the staircase every year with a smile on his face. Hey, if he can handle sitting in a storage box for 10 months of the year I should be able to handle 2020.
Another favourite part of the holidays is dressing my mantel. I love spending time in the living room with the candles glowing and the mini lights sparkling. Many people have asked how I go about dressing the mantel so I have attached a set of photos giving you all my tricks.
I start with a clean slate and attach a single bow of evergreen across the width. Next place a few decorative pieces that will help to hold the remaining greenery and ornaments. You will see in the photos that I have been able to collect some very realistic looking bows and picks. This allows me to keep the arrangement set up until the new year. Slowly I build up the greenery sliding the picks into the base until I am ready to lay in my ornaments. Once you have this all in place you can set a string of battery operated mini lights in and around the greenery. I found a set at the Dollar Store for $3. One other thing you will notice is my collection of glass candle sticks. I have them in the living room and dining room. I go through a lot candles as you can imagine. The best deal on boxes of candles is at Ikea. I believe they are 20 in a box for $7 or $8. I admit each time I am at Ikea during the year I pick up a box so I am never without.
If you don't have glass candle sticks I suggest using tall narrow glass vases or wine glasses in various heights with floating candles inside.
There is nothing so beautiful as the moment the evening settles in and you light the candles.
One big change for me this year has been my drapery work. It has been difficult to go into peoples homes due to covid. That meant not as much drapery work but all was not lost. I have been making Christmas Heirloom Stockings. A gift that lasts a life time. This year I will be donating a percentage from each stocking to a rescue group for dogs. It is called Sit With Me. I adopted a wonderful companion that I named Walter. We rescued each other at the right moment. Sadly due to many circumstances there are many lovely dogs looking for their forever homes. They just want to be loved and in turn love you back.
Whatever your holiday season looks like this year I hope that you are able to share a small glow of light that reminds you we are all doing our best.
My very best wishes to you and your bubble. Let's hope we don't have to say "bubble" at this time next year.
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