Where the Magic Happens

Before Christmas completely passes me by, I wanted to get pictures of our decorations this year, mostly so I will remember where to put things next year! I thought I'd start with the kitchen and dining room today.

This is our fourth Christmas in this house and I feel like it's finally coming together the way I want it to.

The decorations are a mix of handmade, vintage and happy, colorful things.

I only buy new things that I really, really love. I couldn't resist this new creamer and sugar bowl.

I can't resist dishes with eyelashes.

Or dishes with mustaches and monocles. I mean, I'm merely human.

The mug rack is sporting some new friends this season. See what I mean about the monocle? The owl mug had to come home with me. The best part is that all of these are staying out when all the rest of Christmas has been packed away.

Here's an overall shot of the kitchen side of this long narrow room. Don't be fooled by the power of photography, the cabinets are falling apart and we don't even want to talk about the 30 year old tile counters. But even so, this room makes me happy and I will patiently wait however many years it takes to get my dream kitchen.

 The view from the kitchen doorway.

 A favorite flea market find.

All of these things have been collected over the last several years. Some I've received as gifts and those are extra special to me.

More evidence of my preference for dishes with faces.

Oh my. I'm not sure I realized just how big this collection was until I starting looking at these pictures. Is there a 12 step program for people that love dishes with eyes?

This is the other side of the room. I suffer from chalkboard paralysis. I'm sure this is a real condition. I know what I want to write here and might get to it by Christmas day. Or more likely will sweet talk someone else into writing it for me. Just squint and imagine it says Be Merry. Perfect.

The mantle is one of my very favorite things this year. My guy (such a good sport) made me the N and the L, I "borrowed" the E from Emma and the O is a foam wreath that I wrapped in torn strips of fabric. I love how it turned out.

The season is slipping by so quickly. I've finished all the stressful stuff and have now officially entered the part of the season where I start letting go of things on my to do list. Another year without Christmas cards. Another year where I can't possibly make all the Christmas projects I wish I had time to make. Another year that I didn't bake for all of the neighbors. Another year that my presents aren't perfectly wrapped.

This is real life, not some magazine worthy perfect image of what Christmas should look like. This is college tuition payments, cars in the shop, hair that needs to be colored, laptop that needs to be replaced, doctors appointments, slipcovers that need to be washed, not enough time in the day, messy, lovely, reality. I wouldn't trade it for anything.