2009...A Year In Tablescapes

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Hello my friends...Happy New Year!!!
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My...oh my...here we are in a brand new year...2010!!! Today I'm celebrating all the great things that the Lord did for me in the year 2009...thanking Him for all of His many, many blessings to me and my family!!! I am also thanking Him for the brand new year...2010!!! Sooo many great things transpired this past year and I'm looking forward to 2010 with great anticipation!!!
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I am joining Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch...for Tablescape Thrusday! Please go by Susan's and see what she has for us today and while you're there...you can check out all of the other Tablescape Thursday participants! I would like to offer a special word of thanks to Susan for hosting this fun filled tablescaping event every Thursday of this past year for us! That is alot of tablescapes! Hehe! I appreciate you, Susan!!!
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Wow...2009 really was a great year for tablescapes! I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the beautiful and creative tablescapes that were posted for Tablescape Thursday this past year! And...I can hardly wait to see...what all of you creative and talented tablescapers...will turn out for 2010!!!
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Today for Tablescape Thursday, I thought I would celebrate a few of the tablescapes that I created in 2009...so without further ado....
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2009...A Year in Tablescapes!

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" A Love Affair" A Valentines Day Tablescape

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Posted February 12, 2009.

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If you would like to see more of this tablescape....just click HERE.
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"Green in the Spring" Tablescape
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Posted on March 18, 2009
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If you would like to see more of this tablescape...just click HERE.
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"Brume de Rose" Tablescape
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Posted on March 25, 2009
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If you would like to see more of this tablescape...just click HERE.
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"Dollar Store Tablescape"
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Posted on April 1, 2009
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If you would like to see more of this tablescape...just click HERE.
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"Good Friday Brunch" An Easter Tablescape
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Posted on April 8, 2009
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If you would like to see more of this tablescape...just click HERE.
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"To Mama With Love" A Mother's Day Tablescape
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Posted on May 6, 2009
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If you would like to see more of this tablescape...just click HERE.
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"Water" A Seaside Tablescape
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Posted on June 3, 2009
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If you would like to see more of this tablescape...just click HERE.
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"Rose Faeries" Tablescape
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Posted on July 29, 2009
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If you would like to see more of this tablescape...just click HERE.
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"Tea for Two"
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Posted on November 2, 2009
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If you would like to see more of this tea party...just click HERE.
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"A Summer's Ode" Tablescape
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Posted on September 2, 2009
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If you would like to see more of this tablescape...just click HERE.
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"Autumn...Sweet Autumn" Tablescape
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Posted on September 30, 2009
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If you would like to see more of this tablescape...just click HERE.
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"Autumn With Antoinette" Tablescape
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Posted on October 21, 2009
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If you would like to see more of this tablescape...just click HERE.
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"Silver Elegance" Red Transferware...A Christmas Tablescape
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Posted on December 16, 2009
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If you would like to see more of this tablescape...just click HERE.
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"Silver Elegance" Olive Green Transferware...A Christmas Tablescape
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Posted on December 16, 2009
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If you would like to see more of that tablescape...just click HERE.
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"Christmas in the Woodlands" Tablescape
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Posted on December 21, 2009
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If you would like to see more of that tablescape...just click HERE.
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Well my friends...there you have it, "2009...A Year in Tablescapes"! Thank you so much for coming by today...I hope that you enjoyed a "look back" at a few of my tablescapes from 2009!

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Do you have a favorite?

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Although I really enjoyed putting all of these tablescapes together, I have a couple of personal favorites, "A Summer's Ode" and "Silver Elegance". Both of these tablescapes really define my favorite design styles!!!
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Sending you my warmest wishes and blessings for a fabulous New Year!!! I'm looking forward to another year of sweet friendship and fellowship with you!!!
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Love ya'll,
Chari
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2009 Christmas Highlights at Happy To Design
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Hello my friends! Wow...it's almost time to ring in the New Year but before we do, I thought I would share a few of the 2009 Christmas highlights at Happy To Design!

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It won't be long till all the Christmas decor will be packed away for another year! I must admit...I squeeze every minute and every bit of enjoyment out of Christmas that I can! Hehe! So before it's taken down and packed away...I would like to take you through one final tour of our Christmas home! There are quite a few photos...photos of my living room, dining room, and a few of my favorite Christmas vignettes! They are pretty self-explanatory...so I'll just let you enjoy the photos without being soooo wordy! I hope that you enjoy!!!
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2009 Christmas Highlights at Happy To Design

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I just took these photos today! I don't believe that I've shared them with you before. This is an area in my kitchen where I sat up our "Hot Cocoa" station. I love my little snowman cocoa canister and cups!
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The snowmen are three dimensional! See there little carrot noses sticking out...hehe!

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Below is a close-up photo of my mercury glass Santa! He stands about 21 in. tall! He has such a beautiful face...and I love the bright colors of his suit and toys!!!
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Well my friends...I'm so glad that you stopped by for a visit! I hope you enjoyed the 2009 Christmas tour of our home! Please leave me a comment and let me know that you were here...I would love to visit with you!!!
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I'll see you in the New Year...
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Love ya'll,
Chari

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Hehe...Just a Little Snowman Humor!

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Hello friends! Just thought you might enjoy a little "snowman" humor today! Hehe!
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Love ya'll,
Chari
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Welcome to the 36th "Sunday Favorites"

"Sunday Favorites" is a Sunday meme designed to give bloggers a chance to share a favorite post from the past!!! For more information on how to republish a past post just click on the "Sunday Favorites" info photo in the sidebar of my blog.

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Hello my friends!

Welcome to the 36th run of "Sunday Favorites"!!!

** I hope that you are having a wonderful Christmas weekend with family and friends! We had a very blessed Christmas! We are enjoying my husband's two children who celebrated Christmas with us and will be staying with us during their Christmas break from school!

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This is such a busy time of the year with all the activities and festivities of the holidays! I debated whether or not to have Sunday Favorites this week. It's just so easy and quick to republish a past post for Sunday Favorites that I decided...why not! Hehe!

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Wow...with Christmas over...we are now looking forward to celebrating a brand new year! Can you believe that in just a few short days that we will be ringing in 2010? It just seems surreal to me...really! As I get older, I seem to be losing time...often wondering where it went to? I remember that when I was a child, I often thought that any year after 1999 would be like "futuristic...space age"! Hehe! I mean...the year 2000 just seemed "way out there"!!! And...here we are...about to celebrate the year 2010!!!

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Today for Sunday Favorites, I am sharing a post from the past called..."Ringing in the New Year...2009!" It was alot of fun looking back...one year ago! I was still fairly new to blogging, only 4 mos. old! Hope you enjoy!!!

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Well my friends...have a super Sunday! Thank you so much for coming by today!

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Instructions for Participating in Sunday Favorites

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If you are participating in Sunday Favorites, please be sure to add your permalink to Mr.Linky and not your general blog address.

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Please copy and paste the Sunday Favorites logo button to your Sunday Favorites post or your sidebar so your visitors will know that you are participating. Also...please link back to the host blog, Happy To Design. This is important because it helps those who are visiting your blog, find the other wonderful blogs that are participating.

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Please do not add your link below, until your Sunday Favorites post is actually published to your blog.

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Thank you so much for your participation!!! I am going to really enjoy going through your "Sunday Favorites" posts!!!

Love ya'll,

Chari

Sunday Favorites

My favorite post from: December 31, 2008

But first....thinking back on all of my blessings in 2008!

The countdown begins....it's just a matter of hours till we "Ring in the New Year"!!! As this year draws to a close, I cannot let that happen without thanking each and every one of you for all the blessings that you have brought me!

Although, most of us have never met, I cannot tell you how important you are to me!

With great fondness, I think back on the days of Rate My Space, where many of us first met....where we shared our love for home & family! Often times, we refer to one another as a "virtual friend" simply because our relationship has been through a computer but I would like to say that you and your friendship is just as "real" to me as my own dear family!!!

In the beginning, it was our passion for interior design that drew us together...with pride we uploaded photos of our homes and then sat back "holding our breath"...waiting for the comments to come...hmmm, "would people love my home as much as I do?", we would ask. And yes, there were a few that didn't ....but the few that did...WOW...they were the winners...they were the "keepers"!!!

Asking for input and suggestions, we ventured forth on a journey that many of us could have or would have never expected!!! We just couldn't wait for Vanna to post another fabulous room....and I tell ya what, it's still beyond me how such a grand lady with such a grand home could be so down to earth and enjoy "rubbing elbows" with some of us that only aspire to her design genius!!! But she's our Vanna...and our fearless leader of the ChattyCathy's...hehe!!!

Soon we were meeting for our daily "Coffee Clutch" at dear sweet Gloria's house....a morning ritual that I looked forward to!!! Gloria always had the pot on in that beautiful blue & white kitchen of hers....you just couldn't help but feel at home there! One by one, we would file into Gloria's kitchen....but it didn't take me long to realize that if I didn't get up early enough....all the donuts that Ann brought were already gone...boohoo!

I remember all of the leisurely evenings that we spent out on Susan's porch with our iced tea in hand, the smell of magnolias carried on the "Summer breeze...making me feel fine"....ahhh, what a way to end the day! What? Are you kidding me??? It never ended there...for the night owls in our group...we just carried the party on over to my Sis' Cindy's house...digging through that totally awesome pantry of hers for a little midnight snack! Of course, while we were there, we were always "picking her brain" for interior design "how to's"...hehe!!!

I'll never forget the countless times that our night parties soon became "sleep overs"!!! Of course, one of my favorite bedrooms was Lynne's beautiful toile bedroom...and that girl always had a breakfast tray waiting for us the next morning!!! Dear Lynne always had to run off to mind her gift shoppe but she always provided us with breakfast on that pretty tray before leaving!!! I remember the debate on whether to take out the pretty tree that was behind the bed in that toile room or to leave it....nothing ever stayed the same with all of us girls around...hehe!!!

Ohhh...the toile bedrooms...they seem to be our favorite!!! One night we'd have a slumber party at dear Lynne's and the next night we'd meet in Laurie's beautiful black & white toile bedroom...ooooh all those buttery yellow accents just melted us!!! And as we gathered around Laurie, she would talk (sometimes it would take several comment boxes) and then she would worry that she had said to much but we were always enthralled and grateful for her conversations!!! Those warm summer nights almost always led to a swim in Laurie's pool!!! Ohhh...the fun and games! But it was all innocent fun....we always minded our "lady like" manners....well almost all the time!

There were the nights....hmmm....that I recall....a certain mischievious little group emerged! They were a strange bunch...you might even call them a gang because they always traveled in packs...hehe!!! Dressed in pantyhose and fishnet stockings...what? that doesn't sound so strange??? Hmmm...the pantyhose and fishnets were on these lady's heads!!! Oh yesssss....incognito....and they were led by a "Granny Farkle"!!! She was the ring-leader!!! When least expected...in the darkness of night...they could be found "tip-toeing" through our homes....they carried purses as big as they were....and before you knew it....they had "STRUCK"!!! Things started coming up missing....I lost my dear French bust to that gang!!! They were always so sly....so secretive....except when they started fighting amongst themselves!!! Why...I heard told....that there was a fight over at Vanna's one night....in that pretty little shabby chic guest room of hers! Granny Farkle's gang started fighting over which one was going to get Vanna's "courting seat"....and as I hear it, it really wasn't much of a fight because the tall 5' 10" blonde gang member won....hehe!!! And all this time, Vanna thought there were ghosts in that pretty little bedroom....wink!!!

We were quite the group....grand admirers of "all things pretty"!!! And pretty things were in abundance in the homes of these ladies!!! I just loved Laura's (Tomarie) Limoge collection....I'm still drooling over that pretty little aqua box with the flowers on top and the little pumpkin coach...ahhh...and then there is Christine's doll collection! Oh yes, and speaking of "dolls"....didn't we all just have the best time of our lives at Christine's for Thanksgiving? She is such a doll...and definitely the "hostess with the mostest"!!! I do believe that Christine's Autumn tablescape was the most beautiful that I've ever laid my eyes on!

What a talented bunch of lady friends that I have....from Christine's tablescapes to Ann's knack for crafting....I'm still going to make one of those pretty books like she made!!! My Girlfriend's talents are "never-ending"....and I've learned so much from all of these grand ladies...and at the end of 2008, I can say that I'm a better person because of them!!! Each of us have moved from an acquaintance and friendship made at RMS onto a true friendship of genuine care, concern, and love for one another!!! This past year we have enjoyed each other's fellowship....we've shared tears of joy....tears of concern....we've prayed for and supported one another....and I just know that if I ever really needed something, I could go to them!!! It really just doesn't get any better than that!!!
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Thank you my friends....for all of the sweet memories....for making 2008 a remarkable and memorable year for me!!! I will always love and cherish you....and I'm looking forward to more of your sweet fellowship in 2009!!!

Love ya'll,

Chari

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PS....To all of my blogging friends....I look forward to getting to know you better in the coming New Year!!!

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Update & just a little note: The dear ladies that I mentioned in this post have since started their own blogs....

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Vanna from Delusions of Grandeur

Gloria from Happy To Be

Ann from Life At Ann's Place

Susan from Between Naps on the Porch

Cindy from Sisterhood of the Creative Heart

Lynne from Lynne's Gifts from the Heart

Laurie from Bargain Hunting and Chatting with Laurie

Laura from Tomarie's Cabin

Christine from Christine's Home and Travel Adventures

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It's been nearly two years since we first met during those days of Rate My Space...I am still enjoying the friendships of these dear, sweet ladies! If you haven't ever met them or visited their blogs...please go by and pay them a visit! You'll be so glad that you did!!!

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A "Christmas in the Woodlands" Tablescape

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Hello my friends...Merry Christmas!!!
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I'm so happy that you stopped by today for a visit! I just wanted to wish each and every one of you...my dear sweet friends...a Merry Christmas!!! I pray that you and your families are filled to overflowing with the peace, joy, and love of God this Christmas season!!!
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Ohhh my...I had so many big plans for Christmas this year! I have been busy, busy...but I think I have run out of time to do some of the things that I was hoping to accomplish. For instance, I had three different Christmas tablescapes planned, however I have only been able to get one of them done! Where does all the time go to? Anyway, I would like to share with you, the one Christmas tablescape that I was able to finish! Enjoy!!!
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A Christmas in the Woodlands

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We are having a quiet, informal Christmas this year. It will just be my husband and I and the two children. I have planned an informal dinner for the four of us on Christmas day in our dining room...something warm and inviting...fun and full of Christmas magic!
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A "Woodlands Christmas" Place Setting
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I found these beautiful Christmas plates on ebay several months ago for just $12.49 for the set of four! It was love at first sight!!! These beautiful salad/dessert plates are called "Winter Greetings" and are manufactured by Lenox. Ohhh...just look at those sweet little chickadees! I decided to pair the Christmas salad/dessert plate with a solid red dinner plate...simple...informal!
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The amber colored goblets come from Walmart. I like how they pick up the amber tones on the Christmas plate!
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The Table Linens
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I love my new Christmas placemats! The black, red, and green colors are perfect with this Woodlands Christmas tablescape! I found them at the Dollar Tree...for just $1 each! I had hoped to find red and green plaid dinner napkins but I just ran out of time...so I used the solid red napkins that I already had!
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A "Christmas in the Woodlands" Centerpiece
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Ohhh...I had so much fun putting this table centerpiece together!
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A Woodlands Birdhouse
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I thought this pretty black birdhouse would be a great focal point for my "Woodlands Christmas" centerpiece! You know...those sweet little Christmas chickadees needed a home!

I used pine greenery and sprigs of red berries at the base of the birdhouse and scattered a few pinecones into the mix. I then added two decorative iron candleholders with pillar candles to each side of the birdhouse. The pillar candles were a little plain so I added a bit of twine, greenery, red berries, and a small pinecone for decoration.
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and we can't have a Christmas Woodlands without a bird's nest...
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I added a little bird's nest at the base of the birdhouse...it just seemed right! Hehe! A little cast iron bird is resting upon the nest.
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The Christmas Birds of the Woodlands
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Besides the little chickadees and the white bird in the nest...a couple of other birds came to visit! Ohhh my...they sure are plump little creatures! Hehe! I found two pretty wooden black birds at Hobby Lobby this past summer. I just loved the ornate cut-work design in the sides of them. If you look real close, you will see that the cut-work pattern is holly leaves and berries! Sooo pretty!!! These precious little guys were all black but I decided to touch up the holly leaves and berries with a little green and red acrylic paint so that the pattern would show up a little better.
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Christmas Trees...A Little Woodlands Magic
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I found these two beautiful red and gold glittery Christmas trees at the Goodwill a few weeks ago...they were only .50 each!

They bring a certain Christmas magic to our Woodlands...don't you think?
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A Christmas in the Woodlands...Buffet

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I thought I would include a couple of photos of the Christmas decor on my dining room buffet.
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Ohhh look...and here is the Woodlands Santa!
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I decided to use my Woodlands Santa in the dining room this year. And believe it or not...this is where the entire "Woodlands Christmas" theme began! We just had to have a Christmas Woodlands for Santa!!!

I started collecting Santas a few years ago...I don't have many but this one is my favorite!!! I just love his burgandy cordoroy coat with the all that fur trim! He has a tall staff in his hand that has a bit of pine greenery mingled into the top of the staff...and yes...another sweet Christmas bird...a Christmas cardinal! Santa is carrying a burgandy velvet bag over his shoulder...filled full of sugared fruit! Another bag sits at his feet with more sugared fruit! I think Santa has been feeding all of my Christmas Woodlands birds!
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And there you have it...a Christmas in the Woodlands tablescape!
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"Deck the Halls Tuesday" Party

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I am joining in with the Deck the Halls Tuesday party today! This marvelous Christmas party is hosted by the very sweet Susan over at Thoughts From Over the Rainbow. Please go by and see what Christmas pretties that Susan has for the party today and while you're there you can find a list of all the other Deck the Halls Tuesday party-goers!
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I would like to give a special thank you to Susan for hosting this fabulous Christmas party for the entire month of December! Susan, I have had sooo much fun participating!!! I also have really enjoyed all of the fabulous Christmas that everyone has shared for your party, my friend!!! I hope that we can do this again next year!!! Thank you, dear lady...for all of your hard work!!!
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Tablescape Thursday

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I am also participating in Tablescape Thursday hosted by very own Susan from Between Naps on the Porch! You won't want to miss out on Susan's fabulous Christmas table! Please go by and see Susan and all the other beautiful Christmas tablescapes!!!
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I would also like to give a special thanks to Susan for hosting this fun filled tablescaping event for us every Thursday! Each week, it's like opening up one of our favorite design magazines...with literally hundreds of fabulous tablescapes for our viewing pleasure!!! I always look forward to seeing everyone's beautifully set tables!!! Thank you, Susan...for providing us an avenue for which we can play with our dishes!!!
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Well my sweet friends, thank you so much for coming by today and taking a peek at my "Christmas in the Woodlands" tablescape! I'd love for you to leave me a comment and let me know that you were here...I'd love to visit with you!!!
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Have a wonderfully blessed Christmas, my friends!!! May the Lord bless you with good health and sweet fellowship with family and friends!!!
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Love ya'll,
Chari
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