Tuesday, December 14, 2010

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!

51 comments:

Town and Country House said...

Really pretty. I love the poinsettia in the blue-and-white planter on your table!

Sherry@Back2Vintage said...

I love addition of pine and berries on the chandelier. Just beautiful!
Sherry@Back2Vintage

Anonymous said...

Your dining room is so pretty Vanessa! I love it!

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Vanessa...

Girlfriend, your home looks absolutely gorgeous all dressed up for Christmas! Ohhh...and I love the open architectural features in your dining room...soooo beautiful! I think that all of your Christmas touches to that room are fabulous...I really do love it! Your buffet is gorgeous...love your new runner! And of course, I love silver and think it's perfect to bring out for the holidays! Thank you, sweet friend for sharing your gorgeous Christmas decor with us...such a treat! You know, I feel exactly the same way...since I started blogging I have begun to design and decorate more. I have always enjoyed doing it and I have gotten sooo many fabulous ideas from all the creative and talented people here in blogland! I often say that I have no need of buying decorating magazines any more simply because of all the fabulous blogs!

Well dear lady, again...thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us...you did a fabulous job! Have a wonderful week!

Warmest Christmas Wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Vanessa, your dining room looks beautiful and ready for the holidays. Love the santa on the transferware plate.

Sandra said...

Oh my goodness, Vanessa! I am in Christmas la la land! I love everything you shared with us! It is so pretty and festive! Ok, I neeed to find some mercury glass candlesticks! Thanks for sharing with us.
Sandra

Needles Everywhere said...

I love it all. I think you're dining room is marvelous. I have a tendency to 'over-Christmasize' and you have certainly captured an elegant beauty.

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

Love the mercury glass candlesticks and you can't go wrong with blue and white. Everything is just so pretty.

Anne said...

I love the understated elegance of your dining room - beautiful!

DIYbyDesign said...

Absolutely beautiful. I love that silver teapot. You did such a wonderful job on your dining room. To answer your question - to take a picture at a window during the day you need to adjust the setting on your digital camera. On my camera which is a small digital camera you can change the mode to backlighting. This allows you to take a picture even if the sun pouring in the window. Hope that helps you.

Unknown said...

Love your dining room. Love the elegant Christmas touches.

Susan deGeneres said...

Your dining room is just lovely. I'm having a hard time picking my favorite elements, but I've narrowed it down to the framed family photos of kids & Santa and the side table display.

I'm so far behind on my decorating, that all I can do is laugh about it. LOL! However, seeing yours does give me inspiration and hope that I'll eventually pull it together.

Hugs,
Susan

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Vanessa, thanks for sharing this at the party!

Becca Bertotti said...

Thanks for my crazy word shout out, friend! You're too funny! I'm sooo loving your dining room ... what a gorgeous china hutch. The mercury candlesticks are perfect flanking your beautiful pointsettia. And, your chandie looks great with the touch of greenery. I love the kiddos' Santa pics ... and the Spode Winter's Eve plate is lovely. Oh, wait, the tea service is fab, too (and sentimantal). The cranberries are a great splash of color there, too. Okay, I think that just about covers it! Love it. Hugs from your "bling-i-fied" buddy. Becca

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

How elegant and perfect for the holidays! I love all the photos and the personal touches! What style you have! ♥

Sonny G said...

Love your dining room all dressed up for the holidays... Thanks for giving us a tour. I sure enjoyed it.

Sonny G said...

Love your dining room all dressed up for the holidays... Thanks for giving us a tour. I sure enjoyed it.

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Vanessa, Everything is beautiful! I love the greenery in your chandelier and the mercury glass candle holders. The vignette on your buffet is perfect. I had to laugh at your daughter hiding the cranberries. You'll be finding those all around the house until July! Thank you so much for joining my party. I always appreciate your support of my blog.
Happy Holidays,
Sherry

Laura said...

Everything looks just beautiful.
You did a great job and it looks like you are all set!

Laura
White Spray Paint

I linked to the same party-

Melanie said...

You make me want to decorate the rest of my house:) It looks so pretty. Love the table and love the greenery in the chandy.

Pamela said...

So very pretty Vanessa! I started on the dining room but not sure if I am gonna finish or not. I am getting kinda burnt out already and the thought that it all will be coming down in the next two weeks makes it even worse. I so truly love your room though!

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Vanessa,
I almost swooned when I saw those pink pointesttia's in that gorgeous blue and white urn against the rich dark wood. Oh you did a fabulous job putting the mercury glass candlesticks with it all. Just perfection!!!!!!
The tea pot on your buffet is swoon worthy too!
Beauty all around!
Yvonne

Angela said...

Your home is beautiful, I love your style! Merry Christmas!

NanaDiana said...

Vanessa...Maybe we could have matching comforters on our cots in the Hallway of TJMaxx. Doncha just love that store? I love those mercury chunky candle holders you found. I would have bought them too! Everything looks wonderful..from the chandelier right to the silver Santa napkin rings. It is perfect and lovely. Hugs- diana

Tammy @BeatriceBanks said...

I love your traditional style. Everything looks so beautiful. My favorite is the silver tray filled with cranberries. So festive! I'm your newest follower and would be delighted to have you follow me back!
Merry Christmas!
Tammy

Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door said...

It's beautiful, Vanessa! Oh, Yes! Christmas morning at our house looks JUST like that plate! LOL!

Katerina said...

You have a lovely home and you decorated it very beautifully.

Unknown said...

Vanessa,
I agree! I have been so inspired this year from all the beautiful things I have seen on other blogs. It has been a lot of fun.
Your dining room is right up there in the gorgeous category!!!
xo
lynn

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...

I am absolutely in love with your mercury glass chunky candlesticks. They are some of the most completely gorgeous candlesticks I;ve seen.

Grr....

:-)

Sarahx

Anonymous said...

Vanessa, it just gets more beautiful every time I see your home. Thank you for sharing!

Debbie said...

Once again, I'm impressed and inspired by your decorating. You have such a wonderful eye for just the right thing.

I love those faux cranberries. I use real ones which need changing out and don't have the big "POP" factor. (And aren't you glad your daughter isn't hiding real ones... eek.)

Now, I'm doing a once over of the house to see what else could be tweaked. You are SO RIGHT that blogland makes for much better decorating because of the inspiration.

Love your dining room, Vanessa.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful Vanessa, just Beautiful!

Lisa ~Suburban Retreat~ said...

I have loved touring your dining room with its festive decor! You've done an amazing job!

Connie said...

I'm starting at the beginning and hoping to get to all the participants of Christmas decor, honey, but that's going to take a while since there are sooooo many!

We're in the west of Idaho but consider it northwest, not Pacific, but northwest anyway. Your decor is lovely and just what I'd expect of someone in that region. Our granddaughter lives in Washington and I love visiting with her in that area.

Just gorgeous, sweetpea!

xoxo,
Connie

Heather@Gourmet Meals for Less said...

Okay while everyone else is ooohing and aahhing over the decor, I'm cracking up at the "ideal Christmas family" plate. That is the funniest thing ever. I know our family always looks just like that on Christmas morning..not.

By the way LOVE the cranberries, where did you get them?

Love ya!

your sis

michelle said...

Oh dear girl it is just gorgeous!! I love the mercury glass candles holders (I think you TJ Maxx is WAAYY better than ours) and all your Christmas touches are just perfect my friend! Your home is something out of a magazine and I always feel so "at home" when I visit! :)

Thank you for all your kind and sweet comments on my posts lately, especially of my second chance. I am so blessed to have met you my friend and look forward to getting to know you more in the new year! :)

Hugs to you!!!!! :)

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Your home is gorgeous and so are all the decoration. Beautiful!!

Emily {Frilly Details} said...

What a beautiful space, Vanessa! All of your Christmas touches look great. I'm going to have to add some greenery to our dining room light fixture. Yours looks so pretty!

Honey at 2805 said...

Hi Sweet Friend. I am really enjoying the tours of each of your rooms. You are so together! Wish I could say that I am. Maybe by this time next year.

Ashley said...

So pretty! I love the greenery on the chandeleir. You have such a great collection of holiday decor all over your home. I can't wait until my collection is that big!

Debbiedoos said...

I love your new mercury! I saw those too at our TJ's...I honestly have no place to store or put anything anymore! Your dining room is sooooo very pretty. It is great inspiration out here...I have learned so much.

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

It all looks so very pretty...love those santa napkin rings. Come on by and party with us at my OPEN HOUSE...hope to see ya there:)

Blessings,
Linda

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Your dining room and home are welcoming and beautiful!

Merry Christmas!
Hugs,
Maryjane

An Oasis in the Desert said...

Wow, lady, you out-did yourself in that dining room. It is truly gorgeous. I just love how your mirror reflects so much more wonderful decor from another room. As for daytime inside photos, I have the same problem. I've been using the "Party" setting without the flash on a lot of indoor shots & also the "Close-up" setting, again without the flash. You have to have a very steady hand for the latter. Hope these suggestions might help.
CAS

Unknown said...

Love your dining room! I love how you decorated the serving pieces... and that plate... TDF!

Merry Christmas!
~Liz

Unknown said...

Vanessa,
Not sure how to otherwise respond to your comment, so I will leave it here-
FISH FOOD????? Eeeeeeeewwww!!!
That must have topped off your day. Let alone WalMart at night, when all the "fun" people are there!!!!!! I refuse to go into a WalMart past 8 a.m., but then, I don't have a toddler!!!
Hope you got some sleep and be careful while you wrap at night!!!
xoxo
lynn

Anita Diaz said...

Those photos are absolutely adorable!! Love your dining room. I love those candleholders too. I also love the greenery on the chandelier! I thought about doing something grand then decided on just greenery. Everything looks beautiful!!

Christie said...

I am either laughin' or cryin'!!! This is so funny!! The plate is how we all look isn't it?! That is so funny! Everything is lovely! I love the Santa napkin rings and the mercury candle holders, and the entire display !! How warm and welcoming!!

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Hey there Vanessa~Loving the Santa photos- so cute! Loving the greenery you added and your room looks beautiful! I love the sideboard display and that french tray! Of course we all look like that in the morning! lol!
Thanks for sharing this at my party!

René said...

It all looks so pretty Vanessa! I love blue & white porcelain any time of the year.

-Rene

Unknown said...

Sorry I'm so late to your party!!LOL-Your home is breathtaking-I finally have some time to sit down for a breather and enjoy everyone's blogs and you go ahead and take my breath away! Wow is all I can say! Hope you had a wonderful holiday and I wish you happiness in the new year!