Christmas Time is Here

Christmas is upon us in full force!  As previously mentioned, I've been super jazzed about the holidays this year (there's no explanation whatsoever for that except that perhaps I'm just really looking forward to what's to come next year).  This year I wanted to change up the look of our holiday decor a little bit.  Typically it's just the standard array of decorations that we've collected over the years - none of which match or make any decorating sense whatsoever :)  So this year I wanted to spruce the place up a bit!  I spent countless hours on my new favorite website (pinterest) looking for improved decorating ideas.  I think we did pretty good :)  The best part is that MOST (not all) of the decorations were from the Dollar Store of all places!  If you get there early enough, they have an amazing assortment of fabulous holiday finds :)

view of our living room from the dining room

our 2011 mantel

2011 red and gold Christmas tree

our poinsettia and pinecone garland.  I'm especially proud of this project :)  I had found a similar 6' garland at Hobby Lobby on sale (50% off) for $30.  I knew it was going to take a least 3 strands to cover our staircase and spending $90 was completely out of the question!  So I went to Wally world instead and bought an 18' pre-lit garland and 3 6' poinsettia/pinecone garlands, strung them together and voila . . . a $90 concept for a $25 sticker price.  Not a bad compromise at all!

our breakfast nook ready to welcome our guests for dinner

our first Christmas dinner party with our "new" dining room furniture

first time in 8 years we've been able to display our Christmas china!  This means a lot to me as it was a specific gift from my parents when I was first married.

just another view of the living room/foyer from the dining room

All in all, I think we did a pretty good job with the limited resources we had to spare.  It sure it nice and cozy to come home too as well!  It's really beautiful all lit up!  I just love the magic of the holidays :)