Christmas Decorations

I had so much fun decorating for Christmas this year! 

Yes, I know, Christmas is over, but I was too busy enjoying it to share my pictures.   Last year we had just moved to this house in December, so not everything was unpacked. We were good to even get a tree put up. But this year I was determined to make a happy, cozy place for my family to celebrate

What makes me smile the most are the dishes on my new china hutch.  I found it earlier this year on Etsy at Vintage Mill Werks.  They finished it just the way I wanted, rustic for me and new for Joseph. Now I have a place to display my dish collections.  It's a great way for me to get my color fix!

This year, I found some cute polka dot dishes to go with my bowls plus I added the plaid tray and plaid salad plates, which go right along with the cozy plaid I added in the other rooms too. 

 Color anyone?  Yes, thank you!!

Isn't this cake plate cute!  I turned it into a giant "snow globe".

Instead of buying new pillows each season, which can be very expensive and take up a lot of storage room, I've found that sewing simple envelope style pillow cases works great.  The plaid are a super soft fleece that are great to snuggle.

The formal living room has the same buttery fleece except in red.  

I love our family tree!  It has ornaments from my childhood, from every place we've traveled, our colleges, gifts, and homemade ornaments by the children.  

It sparkles, has all the colors I love, and brings back great memories. 

One of these years, we're going to try 

a formal tree but I think this one will always be my favorite.

Although the decorations are fun, hopefully they all remind us of the true reason for Christmas.
 I want our home to reflect the joy that comes from knowing that
our Savior was born, lived, and died for us. 

His resurrection means that he still lives and has conquered death for us.  

What a great message of peace the gospel of Christ brings to our lives!!

I hope that His message will ring true daily, throughout the coming year!