December 8, 2015

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

62 comments:

  1. {{{{ clap clap }}}}...what a beautiful mantel...you are sooo good at combining whimsy with traditional and I LOVE it. I love all your Santas and snowpeople...it just dawned on me that I have a Santa dressed in plaid...maybe like yours, that I've not unpacked as yet. I will look for him today. I love the plaid stocking...I have a post coming up about all our stockings.
    Everything looks amazing....this is so much fun. xoxo

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    1. Oh BJ...you know I am one of your most faithful followers! Love and hugs to you and your family!! Loved your joyful post today!

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  2. Hi Betsy, love your mantel. Just gorgeous with the theme of JOY. You've created such a cozy and inviting space around your fireplace. Your Santa's are treasures. I have so enjoyed my visit on our tour and your newest follower. Have fun Texas neighbor!!xo

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    1. Hi Celestina Marie! Thank you for visiting Estelle's! I am thrilled you enjoyed the tour and I wish you and those you love the merriest of Christmas!

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  3. Betsy, your mantel is so beautiful! The redbird art work is just wonderful. Actually everything you do is pretty. You've really got the most wonderful sense of traditional style and I love it all. I also love the Christmas oiwn you included with this post. Pinning.

    Thank you so much for joining today. ♥

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    1. Hi Stacey! Thank you ever so much! This was a very fun blog hop and I can't wait for more lovely Texas home viewings! Hugs and Merry Christmas!

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  4. So beautiful! I love all of your touches of red! Merry Christmas, Betsy! xo, Andrea

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    1. Hi Andrea....thank you for visiting today! A very Merry Christmas to you!!

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  5. I need that Joy print for my cardinal room. You have such a beautiful mantel. So happy to meet another Texas blogger.
    Katie
    Let's Add Sprinkles

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    1. Hi Katie! Thank you so very much for visiting today! Lovely to meet you too! Wishing you a very Mery Christmas season!

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  6. I just love all the traditional red and green Christmas decorations! I am using plaid this year too. It is such a festive, cozy look at Christmas time. Your JOY print is really beautiful and inspirational! I also really like the sled you've placed on your wreath!

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    1. p.s. those donuts in your blog header have me drooling! :)

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  7. Your mantel is beautiful. I love your collection of Santas and snowmen.

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    1. Hi Ellis! Thank you for stopping by today! Merry Christmas!

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  8. Awwwww...so pretty! I see something that I can do already. My home couldn't handle the elegance that yours has, but my little stag can wear a garland. Thank you for such a wonderful tour...off to BJ's...

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    1. Good Morning Vee! I am thrilled you had a little inspiration for your home! I love, love seeing pictures of your decor and how warm and inviting your home is! Have a lovely day up there in Maine! Hugs!!!

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    1. HI PENNY! Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope you are having a beautiful December!

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  10. Glad your blog was posted on the tour of Texas homes. I've not been here before, but will be back. I don't think we live far from each other.

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    1. How exciting....cannot wait to visit you too! Merry Christmas!

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  11. Hi Betsy! Oh, your mantel is absolutely gorgeous! Love the fun things and the elegant things all combined together - classy. Your fireplace surround is so beautiful! If I still lived in Texas maybe Stacey would have invited me too! :)
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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    1. I know she would have Shelia....your home is always a beautiful inspiration! Thank you for stopping by today!

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  12. Merry Christmas Betsy! Your mantel is breathtakingly beautiful...and your words are priceless! "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." This is the true meaning of Christmas! Traditions of familiar sights and smells stir joy in each of us! I am so inspired!!! XO, Aimee

    XO, Aimee

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    1. You are a love Aimee....thank you ever so much for visiting and commently so sweetly! Merry Christmas to you and all those you love!

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  13. I love that wreath !! The mantle is just beautiful. Betsy, your white deer remind me of my daughter's that I posted about today. I love old Santas. My daughter made the one that is on my mantle. She made one for each of her sisters and me too. Blessings to you and yours, xoxo,Susie

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    1. I must pop over to see your post today Susie! Blessing to you also and I am so appreciative of your visit today!

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  14. What a beautiful mantel Betsy! I love your tradition of starting with an inspiration piece.
    I think that is why I love Christmas so much- it is that magical combination of tradition and creativity.
    I am a Texas blogger too!
    I hope to see you tomorrow.
    Enjoyed visiting,
    Laura
    White Spray Paint

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    1. Good morning Laura....I am really looking forward to visiting you at White Spray Paint! This has been the most wonderful thing about our blog hop, meeting new Texas gals! A big thank you to Stacey! Merry Christmas!

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  15. So Gorgeous! A visual treat everywhere you look! I'm loving the blue lights on your tree. Such an unexpected pop of color. Well done!!!!

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    1. Hi Lisa....Our tree alternates from clear white lights to colored lights...I had not even decorated the tree yet...so it looks a bit forlorn.....thank you so much for visiting today! Merry Christmas!

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  16. Hi, Betsy,
    Your Joy print is perfect for your mantel. I had to pin it to the Christmas in Texas Pinterest board. You are a woman after my own heart... blue lights on your Christmas tree.

    Part of this year's Christmas Joy has been meeting and getting to know my fellow Texas bloggers.

    Merry Christmas.

    Judith

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    1. Good Morning Judith..I just love your name...my sister's name is Judith also! I agree...meeting new Texas bloggers has been just a true blessing! Thank you for stopping by and leaving such a sweet comment!

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  17. Betsy, I feel the peace and joy immediately. What a beautiful room! The mantel is full of inspiration for me. I'm smiling at all the tartan details! Thanks for sharing this gorgeous space. Kudos on an excellent post! Merry Christmas!

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    1. Merry Christmas to you also Sarah! Thank you for dropping by today and leaving me a kind comment!

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  18. Betsy your mantle is just stunning. I adore the touches of plaid. Even more are the warm sentiments shared on your blog. Bravo!

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    1. Hi there...thank you for visiting today and I certainly appreciate your sweet comments! Merry Christmas!!!

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  19. Betsy, your mantel decor is gorgeous! I love all of the different levels. Well done! Thank you for sharing it on the tour. Feel free to share it at my Make it Pretty party. Here's the link to this week's party. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2015/12/make-it-pretty-monday-week-160.html Have a lovely week. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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    1. Hi Kathryn! I thank you for your blog link. That would be wonderful! Cannot wait to pop over and see more fabulous decor! Merry Christmas!

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  20. I just wandered in, and think I would like to stay!! Red, cardinals, plaid and a kitty cat!!! Just my kind of place!! Your home looks lovely and cozy, may you have many blessings of the Christmas season!
    J

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    1. So very sweet J....thank you! Hope you come back for a visit...Merry Christmas!

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  21. Stopping by from Stacey's and so glad I did! So much pretty here...love the print and the wreath! Enjoy the season in your beautiful home. :)

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    1. Hi Kim! I am so happy to have you visit today! Thank you for leaving such a sweet comment...Merry Christmas Day!

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  22. Beautiful Home! So nice to meet a fellow z Texan!

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    1. Hi Kim! Thank you so much for visiting Estelle's!

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  23. Betsy, your Christmas hearth exudes pure JOY! I really love the use of plaid in your lovely decor. You Texas gals really know how to decorate! ♥

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    1. Hi Martha Ellen! Thank you ever so much for dropping by Estelle's today. I wish you a very Merry Christmas!

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  24. It is all so beautiful and inviting - just as I knew it would be!! Joy is the perfect word for this most blessed of all seasons and I feel joy with my every visit with you here in your blog! And I always leave with a little something.....a recipe, a craft or decorating idea and always with a smile!

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    1. This just warms my heart Linda...I gather so much inspiration from you and others sharing their homes also! Big hugs!!!

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  25. I love your mantlepiece and fireplace decorations, so simple and elegant. And quite 'olde worlde' as well I think. Thanks for sharing it. I'm thoroughly enjoying my tour around Texas :)

    Diana

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    1. Hi Diana....so happy you visited Estelle's today! We certainly have been treated to lovely homes haven't we? Merry Christmas!!

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  26. Very beautiful! I love the warm and cozy feel. I hopped over from Stacey's. Really enjoying the tour. The Joy sign is perfect! I love using plaid for Christmas and have it in my family room and kitchen this year. Tomorrow I will be hosting the theme of an old fashioned Christmas for a joint Creating Christmas link party. I think your mantle would be perfect and would love if you shared it!
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Hi Jann...I will certainly check this out and thank you for the invitation to join! Excited to see what your blog is all about! Thank you for visiting today! Merry, Merry!

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  27. Good Morning!
    I am enjoying my morning visit with you with a cup of coffee! Your mantle is stunning and I am loving how you have incorporated Joy into the Christmas Season. Your home is beautiful and your heart exudes joyful goodness!
    Merry Christmas,
    Jemma

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    1. Hi Jemma....thank you so much for visiting today....hope you are having a wonderful December...Merry Christmas!!!

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  28. Hi Betsy! It's so wonderful to get to know another fellow Texan! I am a reader and decorating and dog lover too. I am following you on your blog and Pinterest now too. Love your mantel. Merry Christmas my new friend!!

    Big Texas Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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    1. Hi Susan! How exciting! I thank you so much for becoming a new follower and reader! I too, love meeting new blogger friends, especially from Texas! Welcome! Now how precious is a dog named Bentley....I must read more about this little precious fellow! Hugs and Merry Christmas!!!

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  29. I just love that woodland print and I don't think you can ever go wrong adding tartan plaid!

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    1. Merry Christmas..thank you for visiting Estelle's!

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  30. HI Betsy,
    Your mantle looks simply stunning and I so love the chair next to the mantle. Everything looks so warm and welcoming!
    Merry Christmas!

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    1. Hi Kitty! I so appreciate your sweet comment. Thank you for stopping by. Merry Christmas!

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  31. Beautiful home. And you've captured the true meaning of Christmas too!

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  32. Your Mantel is just beautiful and invites me to feel the real joy of Christmas. What a great addition to the tour!
    Merry Christmas!
    Miz Helen

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I so love receiving your thoughts and comments. I also hope you found something that made you smile.