Thursday, November 29, 2012

...and so it starts!


Today-
slowly but surely the decorating has begun here at my house.



The Christmas music is on full blast and I am unpacking the decorations.

Nothing to show yet except for my little paperwhite bulbs.

Wondering if they will stay on the mantle or if they will be 
put on the window sill?




I won't know until I get everything out and start placing things around.

Where to put the Nativity?

Where to put the tree?

Where the iron angle from the garden will sit?



Where to put what and how to hang the greens?

 I love the greens added around the little pots of  paperwhites and 
the pop of red from the cranberries.



These are all BIG decisions for my little mind!





I love this process of making Christmas a special time in our home and in
our family.




I love taking my time and giving it much thought.




My decorating is simple now compared to what I used to do when 
the children were small.
Everything had to sparkle and glow when my family was young.
I loved it!



But now I go for a more simple look.

Pretty in a different way.


It's the BAKING I go all out for now....

and I can't start THAT until THIS is done!!!


So I had better get back at it!

Wishing you all a wonderful day full of the magic that the season brings!


84 comments:

Julie Marie said...

Your paperwhites are so pretty with the greens and cranberries June!... mine have grown about a foot in ten days!... I can hardly wait to see all of your Christmas decorations... I tried to simplify this year... I really did... but it's so hard to not put out years worth of Christmas memories... maybe I should just summon up my memories next year and not all of the decorations!... will you please post some photos of the yummy things you bake as well?... mmmm... I can smell the cinnamon and such drifting down my way from your kitchen right now... enjoy your day, listening to Christmas music and taking your time with your decorating... much love, xoxo Julie Marie

Home and Lifestyle said...

Christmas...it's a wonderful time! I like your decorations!

Warm regards, Ingrid

Blondie's Journal said...

I feel the same way as you, when the kids were young every surface was covered and everything had a whimsical theme. I use less and less of my Christmas decorations every year in keeping with the quieter times. And I like less clutter!


Your paperwhites look so pretty surrounded by the greenery and berries, the pictures so soft. You are off to a great start, June!

XO,
Jane

Victoria said...

I love your paperwhites in the little cups! So simple and so beautiful:)

Oh I was the same when the boys were little, everything was very gawdy and colorful:)

Happy decorating June!

My name is Riet said...

Hello dear JUne. It is already looking so poretty, the paperwhites and the little green and red.I can't wait to see it all.
Hugs from Riet

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

Hi June!
Your paperwhites, greens and cranberries are lovely in their simplicity...so serene! I feel the same way about decorating for Christmas now...compared to when the kids were little. It is interesting how our tastes change! Thanks for sharing the process...your photos are inspiring! Have fun! :) Laura

Geli said...

Hello June! Your decoration with the colors white, red and green is soooo beautiful! I love your style! I hope to see more ..... I wish you a wonderful weekend with your family! With love, Geli

Maison Beldecor said...

Hi June,
the paperwhites are soooo pretty, great and simple with the cranberries and greens - whishing you a lot of fun with your decoration.
Bine

jill said...

June I look forward to seeing what you do with your decorating for xmas,Im going to try and not put so much out this year but Iv said that before and it hasnt happened so we will see.Love your little paper whites they look like they are going to be so delicate,have fun with your dec's.Love Jill xx

Dorthe said...

Dear June, your start of decorating has the most wonderful feeling of christmas, oh so beautiful, simple, yet elegant, and real christmassy!
I adore the paperwhites and it looks so sweet in the white things-together with the green and cranberries.
Hugs,Dorthe

Mary Palumbo Collings said...

The hardest part is deciding what goes where... ha ha so fun though!
Ciao for now...

oldgreymare said...

Looking forward to seeing it all as you progress. Lots of photos please? <3 <3

Anne said...

June it looks beautiful and special already and I am only getting a small glimpse. Oh yes the baking I do allot of that too! Cant' wait to get started! That is the best part!
xx
Anne

Anonymous said...

I like what has been accomplished so far =) Simple decorating is my style ;) P.S. I love going through your gardening photos for much needed inspiration, your flowers are beyond gorgeous!! Xo, Ashley

Leanne said...

I started baking today. No decorations up yet, but there's a thing I'm going to tonight so I needed to bake for it. (This is what I'm telling myself.)

Junebug said...

The Christmas music is playing on my computer as I sit here at my desk. I can only dream of what I am going to do for decorations this year here at work. Last night I was putting all the Fall decor away.

So now I'm ready to start. I love the simplicity of cedar and cranberries. I know I will be using a lot of fresh greens with a little shimmer added. That will be about it so I will be watching here for more ideas. So that means pictures!!

I'm to the point I can't do a lot of baking or I eat myself silly. No will power, non, nope, just pig out. So post pictures so I can dream of the smell and yumminess. Not sure that is a word but I know it is a feeling.

Hugs and love to you dear June from the other June.

Susie said...

The paperwhites look so cute in the bowls. Can't wait to se all your pretties . Smiles, Susie

à la parisienne said...

June,

I'm sure that every Christmas decoration you put out will be beautifully displayed!

I've never tried paperwhites...It's one of those Christmas decorations on my "bucketlist." For some reason, I'm intimidated by them...

Maybe next year?!

You're pictures are beautiful as always.
Enjoy your decorating!

Mandy

Susan Shull said...

June-I love your little containers. I have always wanted to force paper whites, but I have never done it. I think this will be the year! Thanks for the motivation!

Deb said...

Gorgeous ... as always!
Christmas music playing in the background here too ♥
Have a wonderful Thursday June.

Carolyn said...

Hi June,
It looks pretty already-love those paperwhite shots!
I love to bake for the season too but every year more of our family are wheat or dairy free or on diets and won't eat sweets-making it more of a challenge.Then the really hard part is for me not to gorge on it all!However,it wouldn't be Christmas without some holiday baking.

Take care,
Carolyn

NanaDiana said...

I can't wait to see what you do, June. I gave away so much stuff this year and was going to go simple...BUT..our oldest son is staying with us and wanted to do it up big...so we did. Plus, this may be the last year we are in this house and I wanted to do it up proud one last time. Good luck to you- I am almost done- xo Diana

ps. Pop by if you get a chance and wish my little SweetCheeks a Happy Birthday- she is going to read all the comments.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

I am like a little kid at this very moment, connecting with all of you precious friends. Your home is READY MY DEAR, and you are sharing the glory of passion for white with us who love it as well. I am so busy I can't even see straight, but here is a rare moment this week where I can come here to revel in your vision for calm beauty. THANK YOU!!!!!!! Anita

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi June,
Your photos are breathtaking as usual. The simple loveliness of the pots and bulbs and the touch of evergreen with the berries....I love it.

hugs
Sissie

Olive said...

June, this is pretty in a oh my gosh you are so talented way. hugs, olive

wendy said...

Well whatever you do to decorate I KNOW it will be splendid cause that's how you roll.
Funny story...ANN MARIE came to visit me today, and she said "wouldn't it be fun if we could just drive up and see June".
YUP !!!...said I
I have been in Utah for Thanksgiving and fly home tomorrow. THEN I guess I'll start to address my decorating issues. I don't put out near as much either. Without the grandchildren around to oooo...and ahhhh...over it, what's the point says I.
And I don't bake much of anything otherwise I'd just sit around and eat it all.
hugs to ya

Low Tide High Style said...

Just beautiful June, and I look forward to seeing the rest of your holiday decor. Like you, I now do much less than I did when the kids were young, and I love the new found simplicity!

Kat

Faded Charm said...

Looks like you and I are on the same page, June. Love the "pop" of red from the cranberries. I bought some to string this year, but where to put them???

Have fun decorating!

xoxo
Kathleen

Sandi said...

I adore your photos June! They are just perfect. Wish I could take photography lessons from you!! :)
Happy day!
Blessings~

flowersandhome said...

Hi June, we must have had the same idea. I finally put the Paperwhites in a big bowl today as well. They are showing a little green like yours but its not straight up, it's all pointing sidewards... I wonder how that will go... Wait and see if the Paperwhites will grow and bloom. I can't wait ;-) Slowly but surely I'm starting some Christmas decorations here also.
Bye,
Marian

butiksofie said...

Wow this is so pretty and I really love the first photo! Hug Anja

Deborah said...

Oooh love the paperwhites June!
And I love the simple, yet beautiful decorating too.
So lovely...but you know, all that you touch becomes lovely.
Big hugs to you as you decorate and make everything beautiful!

All my heart,
Deborah xoxo

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

Hi June!
Well, your home sure is looking pretty already. Love your new blog header!
I know what you mean - there are so many decisions to make and tweaking to be done. It is fun though, isn't it? I love to have the Xmas tunes on in the background when I'm decking our halls.
I like your idea of keeping things simple. The greenery and cranberries look perfect. Enjoy this time!

Ivy and Elephants said...

Hi June,
I love your simple and calm hand at decorating. Your home is always so beautiful and inviting. Can't wait to share in the final reveal!
Hugs,
Patti

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Simple, and oh so beautiful! I love natural decorations! I just enjoyed your thoughtful Thanksgiving post too. Love that darling and delicate heart you featured. I always love the early part of the season best when you can still take your time with things and aren't jaded by any of it yet! :0)

Diane said...

Those cranberries just make it pop. I'm looking forward to watching the progress. Time's fleeting! Diane

summersundays-jw said...

Your photographs are wonderful. Nature gave us the best decorations. Jan

suziqu's thread works said...

I couldn't agree with you more dear June!
I would have paperwhite bulbs any day over glitzy. I've never been one for this type of decoration anyway.
It's the simple things and the simple message of Christmas that we all need to get back to.
The paperwhites stand so elegantly on the mantle and will complement any other decorations that you adorn your home with.
Simply enjoy!
Sending much love from my fragrant garden here dear friend,
Suzy x

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Oh, what a great start!!! Love the plant bulbs and as always your pictures are breath taking!!

Carol

Carina said...

Such beautiful photos, so elegant! Have a wonderful Advent season.
Ciao Carina

Fete et Fleur said...

Dear June,

Those lovely little cups holding the bulbs are too precious for words. I love the pop of red and green color against all that creamy white. How yummy that you like to bake. This is a big baking season for me too.

Thank you so much for keeping up with our bathroom saga and for all your encouraging words. Your a breath of fresh air in my day.

Hugs!
Nancy

Big hugs,
Nancy

Barbara said...

You said "simple decorations", but your "simple" is just breathtaking. Love your cups with greenery and cranberries, such a beautiful combo.

Love,
B.

Custom Comforts said...

So beautiful in all it's simplicity June! Your home is always a treasure to view and I am so thankful you share it with us. It always looks like newly fallen snow at your house, everything so white and pure. Just lovely.
Cindy

Unknown said...

gorgeous gorgeous!! I love paperwhites......can't wait to see them in bloom!

chateau chic said...

June, your mantel is so beautiful with the touches of green and pop of red. Doesn't get much better than that!
Mary Alice

Unknown said...

Oh how I love your style June! Simple and gorgeous :) Enjoy your decorating...

Beehive Needleworks said...

Dear June ~
You are off to a grand beginning! I do fancy "simple" and shall look forward to admiring the great reveal. I feel certain that it shall indeed take my breath away.
Wishing you much joy on your decorating adventure!
Fondly,
Judy

Heaven's Walk said...

Beautiful, June! I luuuuuuv the sweet, natural, rustic - yet feminine look to your decor. Those paperwhites are going to be absolutely gorgeous by Christmas! I haven't done any decorating yet except for the front porch. lol After seeing your pretty decor, I'm much more motivated to start hauling out my Christmas totes! :)

xoxo laurie

Cindy said...

The paperwhites look precious, and so filled with life with their little green tips peaking out. I can't wait to see everything when you're finished... and hear about what you're baking. And, i want to see some of your gorgeous photos of the baked goods, so i can lust over them!

Cindy

Nella Miller said...

Hi June, I am loving this pared down look too, lovely, you are off to a beautiful start...funny how we simplify as time goes by. I will have to be content this Christmas with viewing all the lovely homes posted by fellow bloggers, which I love to see! Your photos are beautiful, and I wish you happy baking too! N.xo

Anonymous said...

So pretty!!! I haven't started any decorating yet. I guess I'm having too much fun seeing what everyone else is sharing. :)
Hope you all have a lovely weekend, June!
Hugs,
Zuzu

Privet and Holly said...

Hi sweet June ~

The older I get, the
simpler I like the Christmas
decor to be in our home,
as well. You really have
the touch and I love what
you've shown us, already!!

I don't know how you do
it all with such love and
grace, but so happy that
I get a little peek into your
doings!

Happy Saturday,
xo Suzanne

Anonymous said...

Oh June, it looks so beautiful!!!
Your photos are simply stunning!!!
I am going to school for photography, but it is slow going!! I hope I can take photos like yours someday!
I hope you have a lovely night.
Sincerely,
Melinda

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Oh Junie... I LOVE your style.. it's so fresh and light... With sort of a Swedish twist... I'm crazy about it... Hmmm baking... Don't do much of that myself. I used to, I don't know exactly what happened about that. I do know my Thanksgiving pumpkin pie was a disaster. It's my little grandson's favorite thing... I have a handle on a yummy crust and it is always pretty darn good, but this year I forgot the sugar.........Ewwwwww... It was HORRIBLE.

I've been meaning to ask you... I remember you telling someone in Bloggyville how to spread the whole blog gig out. Now, I come to visit you and it feels restful and flowie.... mine feels all crampy and tight... Would you mind sharing that secret with me??? So the pix are bigger and there's more space???

Ok Darlin'... think I'm calling it a day pretty soon here...I've been sewing all day and I think I'm permanently cross-eyed.

It's supposed to be REALLY cold by the end of the week... Brrrrr....

xoxo
Spencer

Mimi Sue said...

Yes, take your time and enjoy the moment! I, on the other hand, have a girlfriend dinner at my house on Tues so I'm rushing and a little anxious that I'll get it all done before the big event. Love those cranberries scattered here and there. So charming. Mimi

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Good morning lovely June! It is always so nice to receive your visit; thank you for taking the time during this busy season to stop for a chat! I am very excited about my next project. It is a commission for a local wedding stationary shop and I will be making a PAPER WEDDING dress with a train. It will be in their shop window and that will be a chance to share with the community.

OK, GO GIVE one of your horses a hug around the neck for me! I so want to go to a horse farm to touch one. When I get a bit stressed, animals help me to calm down and relax. A horse would do the trick for me just now!!!!!! Love to you and enjoy your beautiful home! Anita

La Vie Quotidienne said...

How beautiful. You have caught the loveliness of the Papperwhites perfectly. I agree, one of the problems in holiday decorating is that that are so many fun and pretty things to do ~ it's hard to decide!

Claudia said...

Love the look of your paperwhites in those gorgeous urns, June.

xo
Claudia

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Hello June...you are off to a simply beautiful start, can't wait to see more! Oh and I love your new header!

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

Now thats my kind of decor...so simple and understated..nothing says classy more than your style..you are a true inspiration! x0x0

flowersandhome said...

No snow or ice here either, though the rest of our little country did get to camp with it. just lots and lots of rain here and a lot of wind. Love all you december garden pictures, they are so beautiful and colourful although it's already december. I really enjoyed them all.
Bye,
Marian

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KC said...
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MJ Ornaments said...

Beautiful June, I'm all for simple too. Xoxo Martha

Musings From A French Cottage said...

Your paperwhites are perfect! I too, love decorating for Christmas. It's so much fun to create magic in the home!

Have a wonderfully blessed day!
~Kathleen

Anonymous said...
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Stan and Jody Gabara said...

June, Your paperwhites are so beautiful and how you've displayed them is gorgeous. I always get inspired looking at your blog. You capture just the right lighting with your camera! Thanks for the inspiration! Happy decorating!


Jody

Suzanne@Meridian Road said...

I love simple, too. Those little bowls are so gorgeous! The red and green around the bases just pops. It will be even more gorgeous when the pape rwhites bloom.

Joy Jones said...

Hi sweet June! Your kind comments on my blog always make me smile..thank you.....and thank you for the beauty of your blog. I am in awe of your photographic talents and wish I could tag along with you and the beauty you create...hope your holidays are wonderful ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Rostrose said...

Dearest June, your soft-colored decoration is good for my eyes and good for my heart. I also prefere a simple look now, and the combination of white, green and red is pure, beautiful Christmas-style!
I also want to thank you for your wonderful comment on my post about fears. Only one thing I have to tell you about this post: I think you've used google translate? A sentence has been mistranslated - I didn't notice it, till I read your comment and the comment of Mariette: The scene of the novel was NOT a village of U.S. natives, but a village of indigenous people in the state of India!
(Crazy translation - and I have to confess, it sounds crazy and confusing that I read a book about "Indians from India", when I made a journey in a country where "American Indians", now called native Americans, are living......... ;o))
But I think many of the old stories of all indigenous peoples are similar around the world - and are wise stories.
I loved to read that your great-great grandfather was a Cherokee!!! Now I know the roots of your strong heart!
Hugs and blessings, my dear,
Traude

Debbie said...

Love the pretty little urns you are using for the paper whites, June.
It amazes me how you can use the simplest things, and create such a lovely site.
xxoo

Pansy Cottage Girl said...

Hey Beautiful,
I cant find your email and would like to talk to you about a project. Please drop a note where I can reach you.
XO~Sharon

The Spanish Dahlia said...

Hi June~

Looks like your off the a lovely beginning to decorating your beautiful home! I love your paperwhites. I've always wanted to try those, but always seem to forget amongst all the birthdays and anniversaries that come so close to the holidays for me. I can't wait to see what your home looks like when your done!!!
Enjoy your Christmas music and your precious moments with your family.
XO~ Steph

Lisa said...

I knew I could count on you to jump start...me! I love your ever so simplicity. I find I am experiencing Christmas sparkle all over again, with the new babies in the family.
I would love to smell your home when the baking starts.

I must catch up on the previous post. I'll be back to help shovel the snow.

xoxox
Lisa

farrah 927 said...
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Unknown said...

Your blog is simply gorgeous! I have so many questions for you lol. I hope to make mine as pretty : )

Areeba Khan said...
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melissa said...

I'm in love with your blog!! So inspired!

Ana said...

Absolutely beautiful in its simplicity. Love the pop of red and green. Hope you are doing well my sweet friend.

Much love,
❤Ana

Bente said...

Dear June. Your decorations are just perfect. Love the simple style. Your garden angle is sooo beautiful.

Have a great day

Hugs

Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries® said...

Oh June...ennnchanting is the only word I can think of when looking at your lovely,serene holiday home ornaments...filled with your soul-shine. I love visiting here, I always leave soothed, inspired and happy. :)))
Love,
Tracey
x0x