CHRISTMAS JOY ON THE MANTEL

http://www.poofingthepillows.com/

Hi eveyone!

Welcome to Estelle's!

We live north of Dallas
which features a beautiful historic downtown district!

I have met so many lovely people

through our hobby of blogging.

When Stacey invited me to join

the Christmas in Texas blog hop,

I was over-the-moon excited!

I look forward to meeting new bloggers

and

drooling over all the talented

Texas bloggers who are

sharing their homes

all dressed up for Christmas!

I so hope you will enjoy the

holiday whimsy of our 

fireplace hearth and invite you to visit often!

Here is my Christmas wish for you and those you love!

Y'all come on in.......

Welcome your loved ones home to the pure JOY

of Christmas traditions.

Revel in the glow of candles,

the scent of pine and evergreen,

and

the sparkle of ornaments on the family tree.

At our house,
we start decorating the first week in December.
As the weeks pass, we continue
to add decorative touches as time allows
and
when the inspiration strikes.

We always begin decorating an area,

particularly the fireplace mantel,

with an inspiration piece.

This year, I found it to be "Joy!"

This beautiful woodland print reflected so much of what I love
about Winter and Christmas time....
the snow laden woodlands, the evergreens of snowy branches,
and
red cardinals.
It reminds me so much of our woodlands at
The Maine House.

And....the feeling of JOY....
as we celebrate the birth of the Christ child.

The second favorite inspirational piece

was tartan plaid.

Each little addition to the mantel

reflected a touch of tartan...

from a simple winter scarf

to

a tartan plaid coat on a tiny Santa.

Two new stockings were added this year
made of red and green tartan plaids, fur lined cuffs
and
jingle bells!

The whimsy of new,
the charm of old,
the cheer of holly greens and Christmas reds.......

Your mantel display doesn’t have to include garland and lots and lots of layers.
 It can be as simple as hanging a beautiful wreath over a piece of existing artwork.

In each charmed circle, there is a greeting

and embrace of natures goodness.

December 25th....outside the morning
dawns quietly, but inside, the stillness
has already given way to wide eyes,
gleeful voices, and plenty of hugs,
as the little ones, bursting with excitement,
bounce into the living room,
ready to begin the celebration.
This day is the culmination of all the planning,
giggling, wrapping, baking, decorating,
and, of course,
whispered conspiracies.
At last, Christmas is here.
Revel in the JOY of being
Home for the Holidays,
together with the people closest to your heart!

More lovely homes on the tour today

BJ @ Sweet Nothings  

http://bj-sweetnothings.blogspot.com/

Aimee @ It’s Overflowing 

  http://www.itsoverflowing.com/

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage

http://www.ferncreekcottage.com/    

I received a sweet invitation from Kathryn
to link up with her lovely blog
and
Make It Pretty Monday
http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2015/12/make-it-pretty-monday-week-160.html