Step 1 - Christmas Decorations

50 comments
I view Christmas preparations as a step-by-step process. Step 1 is getting my minimalist decorations up. A few years ago I pared down my decorations and then last year our flood pretty much finished the process for me. I have to say - I like it better. Not that I don't appreciate decorations in other people's homes! I love to see Christmas things. But I don't have to dust and put up/put down at your house. Now that my kids are older and I'm not a grandmother yet, minimal is best for me. We trimmed the tree - a several day process. All my ornaments are hung or ready to give to friends. We picked a tall thin tree for my entryway. It is my favorite place for a tree tucked into the corner by the stairs. The tree skirt is one of three my sister made years ago. It's a ME inspired design.
I really like the simple balls and plush ornaments I made. Shelbie and Mason strung cranberries too. (Who suggested that? Thanks!) It adds that homemade touch.At the top of our tree we placed this darling quilted angel sent to me from Terri at Purple and Paisley. It is perfect and completes the look. When Christmas is over I'm going to keep the angel in my sewing room. She's too precious to box away. Thanks again Terri.
On my porch is my Christmas flag. This is an original pattern and it is fast and easy to make.
Of course I had to use lots of fabrics - why not?
After Christmas last year I made this quilt from Elizabeth's pattern "Vintage Christmas". I really have nothing in my house that matches it but I loved making it and I love the design so much that I kept Elizabeth's original vision and colors. I have it hung in the entry way this year but when I get my Christmas Cottages finished - the cottages go in there - and I'll move "Vintage Christmas"to my sewing room. It is a better size for a smaller wall like I have in my sewing room. I love those Christmas balls.This buffet is in my entry way too. I change the setting according to season and whim. I decided this year to use one of my vintage tablecloths under my Christmas collectibles.This is a wreath quilt I made at least 5 years ago. It was my first watercolor. I really had fun making it but my machine quilting is really awful. I almost didn't hang it up. Thank heavens I've improved since then! I think I'll retire it after this year.

Step 2 is making gifts. Step 3 is buying a few gifts. Step 4 is wrapping gifts. Step 5 is enjoying Christmas Eve and Christmas. And Step 6 is taking everything down immediately after Christmas! Of course everyday I try to take time to remember what Christmas is about and give thanks for my many blessings.

Keep your eye out for this magazine for me. It is supposed to be out today on newsstands. I'll tell you why once someone has a copy in their hands.

-nanette
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50 comments

Purple and Paisley said...

your angel looks cute...and your buffet is fabulous! i can't wait to see THE MAGAZINE!...=)

Di~ said...

OK, I need to go to the store right after I shower anyway, so I'll be lookin' in about 45 minutes. I bet you are in there!!!!I love your skinny tree and where it sits right there by your railings! Way to be organized!

Terri S said...

I'm a minimalist when it comes to Christmas decorating too. I suppose I'll have to do more when we have grandchildren, but for now, I like it simple. Your tree is lovely ... and I love your Christmas quilts. By next year, I'm going to have a Christmas quilt too!!

Suburban Stitcher said...

I think that you should keep putting out your wreath quilt! I put out my first craft decorations every year...even though now I too roll my eyes at them! It reminds me of where I started and how far I've come :)

Abby and Stephanie said...

I just love the handmade ornaments. We used to make cranberry strands and peanut butter bird seed houses to put out for our feathered friends. I should do that again this year. Can't wait to get the new magazine. Will you be signing autographs?

Browndirtcottage said...

ok nanette....that is a seriously cute tree...i know about these things.....i consider myself somewhat of an expert...i put up 13 trees one year...i used to have an antique store....decking everything out big time for wonderful open houses...literally staying up all night to get ready....did this for years....so now...i drag my feet just putting up one....i know how long it takes to put it all up again..ugh!....sometimes simple can be very effective.....you have done a "sparkly" good job...i love the pieces on your buffet....i put my santa collection on mine....speaking of...i'm off to bring more down and maybe find my tree today at the bottom somewhere!!

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

"""It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas""""
Your ornaments look wonderful on your tree and i love the buffet!
Hmmm, who had the cranberry idea, let me see.....
I need to Borders and get the magazine!!

PamKittyMorning said...

I love your decorations. I don' t have a thing up. At all. Can't wait to find the magazine, maybe I'll head out to borders today for an outing. Can't wait to see why!

Messy Karen said...

i just love your minimalist beauties. that Vintage Christmas is gorgeous. i shall have to put that on my list. that same list that includes your cute xmas patterns. honestly if i could only do it this year. i would. i love the ziggity-zaggity. but will wait for you to tell us what's up in babyland.

Thimbleanna said...

Love your tree Nanette! And oohhhh, could it be that you're in the magazine???

Jana Nielson said...

That tree is my favorite so far! I am in the process of weeding through all of my Christmas dec. I have all of the Handme downs from years past, and lots of junk that is out of style.

I want to have a flood so that I can start over!!

Joanna said...

I love your wreath quilt. Isn't it fun how we can look back on things we've done in the past and see how much we have improved? I love looking back on what I did when I first started to quilt and comparing it to what I can do now!

Nedra said...

I can tell we are in the same age bracket because I have minimalized my Christmas decorating too. This year we are even contemplating not getting a live tree because we will be in Phoenix over the holiday. Kind of nice to feel like we don't have to do so much isn't it?

MichelleB said...

Thanks for show and tell! I really love that vintage Christmas quilt. Love those colors.

Kritta22 said...

Umm...if you are looking for a place to send that lovely retired wreath quilt...I would love it!! I'm sure your worst day sewing is my best! I'm just saying...I don't think that beautiful quilt should be in a closet somewhere. You just let me take care of it!!

Candace said...

Great tree, Nanette...and that little patchwork angel...isn't she just precious! I love your holiday quilts - maybe I can just print pictures of all your decorations and hang them around my house??? Can't wait to see the magazine - I'm a long-time subscriber! Cheers!

em's scrapbag said...

I'm a less is more kind of girl so I agree with you. I do love the decortions you have up. Very nice.

Sandi Linn Andersen said...

Ohhhh, Nanette, I love that tree! My big tree is up but we're having issues with the lights so maybe by tonight we can get that part done and I can move on to the fun part - decorating it! I'll be watching of that magazine!! Wonder, wonder who might be in it?!!

Betsy said...

All your decorations look lovelt. Like you I wanted to par down this year so everything is not out.
I loke your step by step process.

Sherri said...

Your tree, your quilts, the vintage tablecloth on the buffet--I love them all! And I'm sure you must have a pattern in the magazine!!! I've got to start decorating...but this year I'm feeling a little minimalist myself...I may not take everything out!

Sherri said...

Your tree, your quilts, the vintage tablecloth on the buffet--I love them all! And I'm sure you must have a pattern in the magazine!!! I've got to start decorating...but this year I'm feeling a little minimalist myself...I may not take everything out!

Carrie P. said...

All the decorations are beautiful. I like things simple too. I especially like the Vintage Christmas quilt.

Carrie P. said...

I have seen the magazine at the store but did not really look at it because it is baby quilts. No babies here but I will definitely look through it.

Kim said...

Oh I love that wreath wall hanging- you need a wreath pattern-lol. My dad has the very same tree I think.Tall and skinny and like yours perfect for the spot it's in :)
Other than my quilt and my wall hanging, that's all I've done also. But hubby is bring in the Christmas dishes- so it's wrap up the fiesta ware and bring out the Christmas dishes :(

Shari said...

What a lovely tree! It photographed so well and the ornaments look so cute. Love the little angel. It's good to have a few decorations without too many - after all - it's about people, not things!
Merry Christmas!

mary-myneedlethead.blogspot.com said...

You have been tagged by me! Love your blog! Hugs, Mary

Celia said...

Oh, love your entryway. I think I'll copy it a little bit! Lovely!

Eileen said...

Where in the world did you find a tree that tall and skinny? I had to buy one to get one like that. It looks wonderful! LOVE the way you have it decorated!
And your vintage Christmas treasures there.. I just wish I could come and see them in person. That table cloth is darling beyond measure.

Ruthie said...

I saw the magazine at Joanns on Saturday, but didn't pick it up....darn.

Cathi said...

Your tree looks wonderful! I love it. And I love your tree quilt! I've got to figure out what to get out for decorations this year -- we've got two very inquisitive kitties which makes for some odd decorating choices at Christmas. LOL

Kim said...

I got my copy of the magazine tonight when buying fabric for the mystery we're doing on New Years Eve day....I was reading it looking for you while they were cutting fabric. Even hubby was impressed - Congrats!!!
We knew you when :)

Mel said...

Fun Christmas stuff Nanette! I get the F&P magazine, you've got me curious!!

Rhonda said...

How festive and inviting. Your decorations are really great. I think we all have alittle child in us that loves the lights, tinsil and smell of Christmas.
Take care.

Dionne said...

Wow, beautiful! I love your 'minimal' look!
Cheers!

Mam said...

Never thought to decorate the buffet, especially with one of a kind Christmas dishes. Thank you for such a great idea.

Sherry said...

Your tree looks beautiful. The homemade ornaments look great with the simple ball ornaments. I love your angel, all the quilts & your buffet. It all looks so festive!

Anonymous said...

Pretty pretty pretty Nanette! I love your tree and the adorable quilted angel from T! Your home looks so cozy for Christmas. I need to find a skinny tree like that, my living room is soooo tiny and with the addition of a giant wardrobe this year I don't have much room for a tree. I'm on the lookout! x

Val said...

I love your decorations. I like simple too. I believe mine are simpler that yours. Yours are gorgeous especially the wreath quilt. I love it.

Busy Little Quilter said...

Your Christmas decorations are lovely. I think a lot of people are into simple this year. There are things that I still haven't found a place to put them. I have to take it all in a step by step process, too. I have to think about it for a little while. My husband thinks I should get it all done in one day, but I don't work that way. It's a creative process for me. If I'm not careful, Christmas will be here and I won't be finished!
Your home is beautiful.

Cheryl said...

I love your decorations, and Nanette I got the magazine today!!!
Hip Hip Horray for you!!! I won't say anymore :-)!!!!!

Patsy said...

I saw your magazine at WalMart in Hurst, TX (between Ft. Worth and Dallas) at lunch today. If you can't find one near you, please let me know and I'll get one for you.

Patsy
TxPat

Tracey said...

Nanette, My good friend Susan at Homespun quilts told me about your blog. i can see why, your Christmas quilts are very beautiful. I love expecially the wreath one. How original. I too am paring down my decorations. My 3 boys are grown and out of the house, and it's just a lot of work. I didn't put up my Dickens Village this year, and a lot of other decorations, but I still have plenty up believe me. Have a great holiday and I'll be visiting again.

Carrie P. said...

I had to go grocery shopping at Walmart this morning and guess what I found. The magazine. Your pattern is so cute. I just love the border fabric on the quilt. Congratulations. I am so proud of you.

Happy Zombie said...

I'm all bruised from kicking myself. I was at the magazine rack at the-store-with-the-name-we-cannot-speak-of and saw the issue... and I didn't even pop it open! I'm gonna go back there today and get it.

Huge congrats, Nanette!!!!

Nan said...

I love your tree! So pretty, especially where you have it. My stair balusters are the same as yours! All the quilts you've made are very pretty, too. I love that Christmas is a step by step process. I'm making your Step 2 my Step 1! I'll probably get the tree decorated this weekend. Merry, merry!
I haven't seen the magazine, but I betcha congratulations are in order, you talented girl, you!

Ginger Patches said...

I love your tree! I have always wanted a two-story house with an entryway like that just to put a tree there!!! Great Christmas quilts...I absolutely love the pink and aqua one, well I love them all but that one is soo different and pretty!!!

Elizabeth said...

I love all your photos! And I like your version of Vintage Christmas better than mine.
Can't wait to run out and find that magazine!!

Elizabeth said...

I love all your photos! And I like your version of Vintage Christmas better than mine.
Can't wait to run out and find that magazine!!

jacquie said...

i love looking at other people's christmas decor...i knew yours would have lots of handmade. simply beautiful! tall skinny trees are hard to find. i think i'm adding a magazine to my list of things to get this weekend!

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