Sunday, December 18, 2011

There's a kind of hush.....


Atlanta Home & Lifestyles

The holiday season is fully upon us and I know most of you have already finished decorating for the season. Because mister man and I use fresh greens everywhere in a home that has a wood stove and fireplace going they can really dry the air out. Because of that we like to decorate a week before Christmas insuring everything stays fresh and green.

Suzanne Kasler

While I like the look of big splashes of Christmas everywhere time is usually a game changer for us to keep things simple and low key.

Southern Accents, 2004
(Decorated with winterberry, greens and tiny boxwood on the mantle)

To bring the simple beauty of the outdoors in….

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, 2010
(A Charlie Brown tree needs love too!)

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, 2011
(What could be simpler then two evergreens in urns!)

When you’re surrounded by a forest as far as the eye can see that’s easier to do.

Southern Accents, 2004
(Fresh winterberry and branches, we have those!)

It’s a good thing too since the place we usually go cut our tree down has only replanted their fields and the trees won’t be ready for at least a decade. So Mister Man came up with the idea to go into our forest and see what we could find.

My image
I was a little skeptical but along the way we found pinecones, winterberry and branches to decorate. And then we found him the perfect little tree hidden among some great pines.

My image

My image

We brought our tree home and planted him up in an antique urn. The burlap will keep his dirt in place so after Christmas we can take our little tree back outside and put him back in the ground.

Southern Accents, 2002

A quick trip to the grocery netted us with cranberries and kumquats, the garden store for paper whites, Amaryllis flowers and small Cypress trees.

Mister man got thirsty!

After all our decorating and running about was done Mister Man decide it was time for a little eggnog….laced of course!

My image

I even netted these funky green flowers from the grocery store, they look just like moss in flower form. I have no idea what these guys are called but love them! Yes they are intensely green.

So what’s your personal style full blown decorating or natures offering?




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43 comments:

  1. Heather RobinsonDecember 18, 2011 at 1:15 PM

    Debra, this is all so beautiful! I love your respect for the nature surrounding you. Actually, Remi said that this should probably be the last year that we buy a cut tree as it just does not sit right with things anymore and I agree. So this year we are already doing everything more simply and next year more so!

    Bisous! And wishing you a very Merry Christmas.

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  2. NikAntikDecember 18, 2011 at 1:32 PM

    Thanks, Debra, for your lovely story. When I think that I spent the whole day down in my dungeon :-( I do love this green thing from your grocery - I would love to have some of these in my house, pls couldn't you find out the name? Your decoration looks so wonderful, I love fresh green, too. Hugs for all of you and especially for Dylan-boy! Nik

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  3. GinaDecember 18, 2011 at 1:38 PM

    Dear Debra, Love this post...beautiful picks. We only use fresh greens and I love using small trees in antique urns. But what are those huge urns, planted with tall trees, doing in the middle of the kitchen? Maybe they are just resting until they can be placed in a better spot.

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  4. SHERRY HARTDecember 18, 2011 at 2:02 PM

    I love all of the images leading up to yours! Then when I saw you put that little tree in the pot with burlap I was in love:). You did good girl !

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  5. SqueakDecember 18, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    Your little tree is beautiful!

    My decor is pretty low key: an amaryllis and some paperwhites in rusted urns, a 3 foot tall tree for the cats in the "kitty cat dining area", an urn with greenery and branches on the veranda and a vine wreath with paperwhite bulbs on the front door.

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  6. The enchanted homeDecember 18, 2011 at 2:48 PM

    I love a lot of greenery, berries and pinecones. This year I brought out whatever I had convenient and its a litlte more red than I normally go for but its pretty and certainly very festive. I love a really woodsy outdoors feel, the lusher the better. That Suzanne Kasler photo is gorgeous!
    I love your urn and tree, understated and so elegant! Noting like fresh greens, beautiful post and happy that you had such a productive day!

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  7. Splendid SassDecember 18, 2011 at 4:19 PM

    Beautiful post! Love all of the greenery. The table in Suzanne Kasler's home is gorgeous! All so beautiful.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  8. micheleDecember 18, 2011 at 4:24 PM

    my style is definitely lazy and sort of random.

    i love love love your tree and the urn!

    michele

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  9. Acanthus and AcornDecember 18, 2011 at 5:49 PM

    D~
    I put my indoors greens up today too! I used a lot of pinecones, more than usual. I felt the need to simplify too this year and these images were all just amazing.I've kept so few old SA issues, so this was a special treat to see these pictures!!!

    Just loved your tree in the urn, the burlap peeking out is such a great touch, I need to try that next year!!!
    xo,
    ~R

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  10. AnonymousDecember 18, 2011 at 6:37 PM

    love your sweet little tree and that you are so careful so that he can be replanted again...I love your style and way of thinking...as much as I love a live tree, it's not really "live" once you cut it down...but fresh greens are not enough to damage the tree so I go with that so I still have the lovely scent of evergreens...but since I don't go over board with Christmas, I only need a few decorations and I'm done..beautiful and inspiring post..
    best,
    maureen

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  11. Decor de ProvenceDecember 18, 2011 at 8:30 PM

    What a wonderful post! I love the way you always look at details and also enjoy the simple pleasures in life! Your tree is darling and I love that antique urn!!!
    I so need to get a real tree next year - you have inspired me; I miss that wonderful smell.
    Hope you and your family are having a wonderful holiday season!

    Much love,
    Desiree

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  12. sharon santoni at my french country homeDecember 19, 2011 at 1:24 AM

    HI Debra, you have put together some really beautiful pictures here, hard to choose a favourite but I do love the colours in the fourth shot.
    What a perfect little tree you found and how great that he'll go back to the forest afterwards.
    Sharon
    xx

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  13. VictoriaDecember 19, 2011 at 3:56 AM

    I think the simple style you prefer is lovely and elegant. My style happens to be over the top ornate only as far as trimming the tree -- angels, cherubs, mercury glass, ribbons, etc., etc. As for the exterior though, I like wreaths on the door and topiary spiral pines decorated Della Robbia style, but nothing else. I am not a fan of lights outlining the roofline and windows.
    Have a wonderful holiday.
    Best...Victoria

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  14. Barbara@HausDesignDecember 19, 2011 at 3:57 AM

    I just LOVE your idea of "borrowing" the tree for the holiday and then giving it back to nature! Well done - and a model we should all follow! Thanks so much for your nice wishes today also!!

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  15. AnonymousDecember 19, 2011 at 4:35 AM

    Hmmm..... love the idea of using evergreens in an urn INDOORS! Might have to steal that one!! xo

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  16. pve designDecember 19, 2011 at 4:45 AM

    I am a "all is calm" sort of person and love lots of greenery, and candles. Attended a party over the weekend and the tree reminded me of my childhood, lots of silver tinsel and that too was pretty and sparkly.
    I think simple is good but something unexpected adds dash like lacing the egg nog.
    pve

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  17. designchicDecember 19, 2011 at 5:57 AM

    Oh Debra, I needed your Suzanne Kasler image for my dessert party...gorgeous!! Love all of your beautiful greenery and yes, I adore using a natural, fresh look in my Christmas decorating...love your urns!!

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  18. VeronicaDecember 19, 2011 at 6:42 AM

    Hi Debra. Wow some wonderful inspiration here. We also use a fresh Pine branch as a Christmas Tree and we have to do it at the right time in the heat here or else we will have a dehydrated sad looking tree!
    Merry Christmas to you.

    Veronica
    Tassels Twigs and Tastebuds

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  19. Thoughts on DesignDecember 19, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    Taking care of our business and client this year dicates simplicity - fallen pine boughs collected on walks through the local cememtary, large dried leaves from oak, beach and tobacco leaf trees sprayed white, silver and gold aranged with gathered pine cones - all will be arranged on mantels and as table centerpieces.

    This week, we will make Sally's famous Fruit Cookies and Fudge for family and friends. (We're very alte on this one...) HOpefully, teh home made eggnog will have been brewed by then. It awlays makes the evening seem shorter...

    Cheers,
    John

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  20. Taylor GreenwaltDecember 19, 2011 at 8:22 AM

    Love this post! Beautiful images and love your tree. After decorating my house this year I was just thinking that next year needed to be simple. I love the idea of getting a live tree and just adding poinsettias around the house.

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  21. Boho Farm and HomeDecember 19, 2011 at 9:29 AM

    I am going to our local garden store to buy a tree but not to put up but to cut up and stick the boughs all through the house. I love the smell and you are right, if you do it too early they all dry out and look just awful.
    Merriest of Christmases to you Debra!
    xoxo
    Caroline

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  22. Sharon Lee JohnsonDecember 20, 2011 at 12:53 AM

    Your tree in the urn looks beautiful and I love the fact that its a living thing - I'm going to copy this idea next year - love the burlap idea too - so clever! I am also a fan of using what nature provides to decorate - it somehow has more of a sincerity about it. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas, Debra and thank-you so much for your support of my blog - it is very much appreciated. Much love Sharon

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  23. UnknownDecember 20, 2011 at 9:28 AM

    there is something so natural about green! I love it. Such a beautiful touch to any home decor! Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!!!

    OH and I thought youd be interested in my "cashmere-soft" throw giveaway!!!

    http://colorissue.blogspot.com/2011/12/five-days-before-christmas-giveaway.html

    xoxo
    Aarean

    colorissue.blogspot.com

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  24. Luciane at HomeBunch.comDecember 20, 2011 at 12:00 PM

    Hello my dear friend!

    How are you doing today? I want to thank you so much for all of your kind words... I miss your posts, but as you know, my life is pretty busy right now! :-)

    I also want to wish you a very merry Christmas!!!

    xo

    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

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  25. Marie SöderbergDecember 20, 2011 at 12:53 PM

    woaw..you show us such marvelous pictures..(you are killing me..)
    I still decorating..I think Im never finshing..hahaha..always find some corner neding some christmas..

    all the best to you and a Merry merry christmas

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  26. Mona Thompson Providence Ltd.December 20, 2011 at 7:04 PM

    You are really living the dream. I'm so happy for you. I hope you have the best Christmas ever. XO, Mona

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  27. Fashion-ishaDecember 20, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    I love greenery! Each one of these looks is so classy and fresh!
    xo
    Sharon

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  28. StaceyDecember 20, 2011 at 8:02 PM

    Debra, I love your take on decorating for Christmas. Keeping it simple and environmentally friendly too!! Wonderful! Love your tree and that you planted it in an antique urn. Merry Christmas to you and the Mister. Oh, and also to Dylan:-). XX

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  29. debra @ 5th and stateDecember 20, 2011 at 8:38 PM

    i'm with you girlfriend, nature all the way. i do however have yet to begin, sooo sad! hope you post photo's of your completed magic
    have a wonderful christmas!
    xo
    debra

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  30. quintessenceDecember 20, 2011 at 11:05 PM

    These are some of the prettiest holiday decoration photos I've seen - great picks!! And I'll have a cup of the eggnog please!

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  31. AnonymousDecember 21, 2011 at 6:08 AM

    congratulations Debra, on being awarded the Blog on Fire award... you have a lovely blog and can't wait to find out the 5 things about you..
    best,
    maureen

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  32. Blooming Rose MusingsDecember 21, 2011 at 7:49 AM

    Debra, I so agree with you. Nature is such a gift and we should celebrate her beauty. I love your tree in the urn and that you are going to return it to it's natural environment. I always use natural greens and usually decorate lightly with greens and pinecones and candles and of course a few decorations.
    Wow, the thought of eggnog sounds really inviting...may I join you!?!
    I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a delightful holiday season.

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  33. LaPouyetteDecember 21, 2011 at 8:01 AM

    Dear Debra,
    This my third try to leave a comment. Wrote a rather long one yesterday twice which obviously disappeared in the cyber space or....

    It was all about your lovely images and little tree which I love. But lost "the thread"! Therefor shortly - no tree this year in our house due to Oskar and others, will miss the real bees wax candles on the tree which provide always a magic atmosphere when lit.
    But will take "nature offerings" from our garden and we'll have just a simple decoration which Mr. B likes most. And he is rather happy not to have to struggle this year to get a toll tree into an old Christmas tree stand and in the right and straight position and not having any sort of arguments with me and.....

    Love Mr. Man's image! That's how my one looks normally before Christmas!

    Thank you so much for your lovely comments and your best wishes to Oskar. He sends a big purr-purr to you and Dylan.

    MERRY CHRISTMAS - HAPPY HOLIDAYS

    Warmest greetings,
    xxxkarin

    I do hope that my comment does not disappear again :) :)

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  34. for the love of a houseDecember 21, 2011 at 10:29 AM

    love your very own little tree in the urn!
    Wishing you and Rick and the precious Dylan a very Merry (albeit not white;) Christmas!!

    joan

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  35. A room with a viewDecember 21, 2011 at 12:17 PM

    I do like what you found in the forest and you are fortunate to be able to help you find something so perfect! I love the whole look with the burlap and the idea that you will replant it is wonderful.

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  36. Ivy CladDecember 21, 2011 at 1:41 PM

    Simple beauty has been my theme this year too. I love your tree in the urn. Simply stunning!

    Keri

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  37. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereDecember 21, 2011 at 5:44 PM

    I love all the images leading up to your photos. Your little tree is wonderful and looks great in the urn. Merry Christmas!
    xo,
    Sherry

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  38. UnknownDecember 22, 2011 at 5:21 PM

    Debra,

    I share your fondness for the real greenery and have had to refresh once already. This year, I didn't go nearly as all out as I have in the past and I'm finding it oddly enjoyable.

    And this is reminding me to bring out the eggnog!!

    xoxo Elizabeth

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  39. La BrocanteuseDecember 24, 2011 at 5:01 AM

    Hello Debra,
    I adore your little tree, truly do!... Thank you for stopping by so often at my blog, it is much appreciated and precious to me. May your Christmas be blessed, and peaceful. Love and Xxx from Afrique du Sud....Colette

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  40. Atelier de CampagneDecember 24, 2011 at 8:30 AM

    Hi Debra,
    I like all varieties of Christmas trees, even the Charlie Brown tree.
    Wishing you, your loved ones and family a Happy Holidays.
    Johan, Trinidad and Martin

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  41. Ispirato DesignDecember 27, 2011 at 4:01 PM

    So many nice options. I would like to do some things differently next year and this is definitely at the top of the list. More REAL greenery.

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  42. Aurelia January 18, 2012 at 1:25 PM

    i love the images, love your blog, following you.http://aprettylife13.blogspot.com/

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  43. GraceJanuary 20, 2012 at 3:04 PM

    The green flower is a dianthus..a friend that is a florist just used it today in an arrangement & I was amazed it was a form of dianthus. Just came across your blog & spotted the flower

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