My Dining Room and I Thank You!

I gotta tell you...all of you lovely bloggers have been a huge influence on me this Christmas. I have seen so many amazing displays of gorgeousness that frankly, it can be a bit intimidating at times! From the "bling-i-fied" (that's for you Becca!), to the beauty of using natural elements to over the top richness in color and textures, I have seen it all. And, more so than in any other room this year, I have tried to take a little piece of each style and bring it into my Dining Room.

So, we thank you for all of the fabulous Inspiration!

My Dining Room is located just beyond the living room but is not a completely enclosed room of it's own. I have to keep that in mind when decorating so as to avoid the "more is just more" syndrome!

 I hopped on board the Mercury Train when I found these chunky beauties. Found at...you guessed it...TJ Maxx, of course!

Placed on either side of this potted poinsettia, they add just the right amount of glitz while maintaining some simplicity. I didn't even put down a tablecloth or runner just so they would really pop against the dark wood.

I did, however, add a runner to this side table where I focused most of my decorating energy and resources. I was determined to not spend a lot so I only purchased the runner. And yes, that was from TJ Maxx too. Maybe I should just set up a little cot there and have it be my vacation home!

Simple, un-lit garland adds texture and depth and the gold ribbon winding around helps soften it while also adding just a hint of color and shine.

One of my favorite 2 tiered stands holds a whole bunch of faux cranberries and I love how that color just pops! My daugher is also loving hiding these around the house just to make mommy

insane laugh at how silly she is.

I used a simple round silver tray and placed a silver teapot on top along with a sugar and creamer set that were Wedding gifts my parents received over 40 years ago!

The man of the hour himself, sits atop one of my Spode "Winter's Eve" plates that I am slowly collecting.

They are really hard to find! 

I couldn't leave well enough alone and had to add just a little something to the handle of the teapot.

Also on the tray are these Santa napkin rings that I purchased soon after my hubby and I got married. I love them and I've never seen any others quite like them!

Does anyone know how to take day-time pictures facing a window? I don't, but I wanted to show you the wreaths hanging on the dining room windows so I had to take this shot at night.

 This was the best I could do during the day to give you an idea of their true color.

Now, I have seen some AMAZING chandelier creations out there in blogland, but I took my cues from you nature lovers and just simply added some fresh greenery and red berries to mine.

Here is a closer look. It almost reminds me of hanging mistletoe! Now, how are my hubby and I gonna get up there to kiss?

This could get interesting folks!

 On the little table that sits on the other side of the Living Room sofa I created this little vignette.

This votive holder is not technically "Christmas" but I just love the tones and pattern and I get to use it year round!

I used this plate because it is just exactly how we look on Christmas morning. Hubby in a tie, me with my hair all done up, no puffy eyes, fire roaring, no wrapping paper strewn about, the children happily commenting on each other's gifts and not trying to take anything from each other. Isn't that how you all look?

I switched out our regular photos for these of the last 3 years of visiting Santa on Christmas Eve. For 2 years Lauren had no expression at all and then last year we got a partial smile. We always visit the same Santa at our Downtown Carousel.

Let's hope we get some good smiles this year!

From this Southern Girl at Heart,
Vanessa

Linking to
Feathered Nest Friday
Share the Decor Holiday Party
Boring to Better
Boardwalk Bragfest
Tuesday Treasures
Whassup Wednesday