“I think everything in life is art. What you do. How you dress. The way you love someone, and how you talk. Your smile and your personality. What you believe in, and all your dreams. The way you drink your tea. How you decorate your home. Or party. Your grocery list. The food you make. How your writing looks. And the way you feel. Life is art.”

~ Helena Bonham Carter

Welcome to our holiday home! This year we went with a simple and natural look, with touches of red, and mercury glass for accents.  Fresh greens, birch, and pinecones helped bring the outdoors in. As always, our favorite decor includes lots of candles, festive music and comfort food ~ all with a twist.

Notice Max & Margot ~ always part of the Crabtree scene!

Every time Jeff and I go walking in the woods I seem to collect another birch log. I love using the birch in my arrangements, but especially Christmas decor.

We go walking and hiking in the woods, and before you know it I have spotted a piece or two of birch! On our last walk we noticed these cairn rock formations here and there.

“I believe in the cosmos. All of us are linked to the cosmos. So nature is my god. To me, nature is sacred. Trees are my temples and forests are my cathedrals. Being at one with nature.”

~ Mikhail Gorbachev

There is the prize! Birch Loot! Then the protest …. “this one is much too big.” Bringing a chainsaw into the woods is also a no no according to the birch carrier!
Then I notice this!  We load up the car, and go home to play!

The ordinary acts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest.  ~ Thomas Moore

Now that the outside is complete, we move inside.

This year I put my carolers on the tree.

This lovely galvanized cake stand is a gift from my neighbor Sandy. We went out shopping one day, and I got to pick out my Christmas gift. Sandy is my dearest, neighbor/friend/decorator – cohort! She also loves all things birch, and galvanized!  After we shopped, we embellished it with birch, pinecones, greens and mercury glass.  I will do a blog on her house soon ~ she is such an inspiration to me.

Now, it is time to invite my parents over to lounge in front of the fire. We served this Tomato Bread Soup, PAPPA AL POMODORO, from our favorite cookbook author, Chloe Coscarelli. It was a major hit ~ very hearty and flavorful.  I have posted the recipe on my face book page if you would like it.

I follow some very inspiring home decor blogs. One of my favorites is Susan Branch.  I saw this on her previous post, and thought it was a lovely blessing for all of us. Susan is an artist, author and lover of the Home Arts! I think you will love her page too.

Thank you for coming by my blog today.  May everything that makes for a happy holiday come to you.