HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE🎉

As usual, I will be enjoying on a quiet New Year's Eve in my cottage. The photo above is a closeup of my kitchen farm table centerpiece. The pine cones are real, the greenery looks real but it isn't and neither are the pomegranates. I have a really large wooden charger and it looks very festive full of these things.

I had to stand in the vestibule to take this night photo and get the chandelier. The countertops are still filled with Christmas cards and the sinks have dishcloths hanging on them. I should have neatened up more but the table is what I was trying to feature. 

I haven't chosen a movie to watch tonight yet. I hope you all have a happy and safe New Year's Eve and a wonderful New Year's Day on Monday. xo

Before & After Fireplace Wall/TV Wall

This was my fireplace with a small TV in my living room. I have had only two fires in two years, both on Christmas Eve.

You've have seen this photo in a previous post but I wanted to show it again as an AFTER photo with the fireplace covered.

You've seen this photo too. My old TV was extending into the room beyond the hearth on the right.

New 43" TV with Donna Reed Show. It's on in my area mornings from 9am-10am on the Decades Channel.

Old 24" TV tuned in to the same program. It looks like a larger screen because I was up close with my camera. First photo shows size better. I am still pleased with my new arrangement and having a larger screen. Happy Spring Equinox or the first day of Spring. 

Parmesan Crisps Decorated for Christmas

Aren't these savory crispy cheese shortbreads beautiful?

My friend Stacey made them and dropped them off on Christmas Eve along with many more delicious dishes. See the first batch she made and posted on Instagram below. 

These are photographed right out of the oven in her kitchen. Read more about the changes she wanted to make with the next batch on her @staceysnacks Instagram post HERE.

Have a great Sunday! xo

Christmas Eve

We had a dusting of snow overnight.

Here it is in black and white.

M E R R Y   C H R I S T M A S

From my cottage to all of my followers.

Carl Larsson "Christmas Eve"

Carl Larsson watercolor 1904-1906 in the Nationalmuseum, Sweden. I adore seeing his family gatherings. Isn't this Christmas Eve buffet spectacular?

Merry Christmas to All

My snow melted overnight thanks to the hard rain, fierce winds, and unusual warmth for this time of year. It seems that 2020 is continuing to be a year for the record books in every respect! This photo was taken on Christmas Eve morning and I added the greeting to wish you all a happy Christmas Day that is merry in every way. xo

Happy Christmas Eve

My weather sounds pretty ominous for later in the day or early evening for rain and strong winds. I posted these hares on my blog back in 2013. See more of my Christmas Eve Posts Here. Be safe and blessed tonight. xo

Christmas Decor by Mother Nature

These holly leaves dusted and outlined with frost plus the blurred red berries in the background make a beautiful living Christmas card on this Christmas Eve morning. via

Christmas Eve for Three Lucky Girls

Isn't this the sweetest bedroom for three little girls to share? The rustic beds with the flannel sheets and woolen blankets must be so cozy. I love the windows over the beds too with deep sills. Waking up on Christmas morning with filled stockings at the foot of your bed must be the happiest childhood memories ever for these girls. via

Christmas Eve at My Cottage with Luminaria

Christmas Eve 2018 at My Cottage

I finally edited an iPhone photo and made it good enough to post. I used the photo editor built into my phone. I am so happy my across-the-street neighbors invited me to participate in luminaries to set out on Christmas Eve. I did my walkway too and it was magical. The long-burning fat candles amazed me. I had no idea they would burn between 10 and 12 hours depending on the wind conditions. My neighbors ordered the bags and candles here. This is going to be a tradition for me for sure. I took this photo about 10:30 pm when the full moon was above my cottage and the stars were plentiful and bright. Only 6 families signed up, two next to me and three contiguous properties on the other side. Several friends said they drove through and commented on how beautiful it was. Maybe more will participate next year. I hope so. One more day until year's end. Where did it go? xo

Simple Christmas Decor

I love this minimalist Christmas tree and package wrapping. Simple is good. My neighbors across the street put out luminaria last year on Christmas Eve and this year they invited all the people on the street to do so too. They ordered all the supplies. I decided to only do my front walk and just finished putting out my white paper bags filled with sand with a fat candle inside. I won't be home when it's time to light them so my neighbors will light mine. It will look so nice when I come home.

lu·mi·nar·i·a

noun

a Christmas lantern consisting of a votive candle set in a small paper bag weighted with sand and typically placed with others along a driveway, sidewalk, or rooftop as a holiday decoration.

UPDATE: I was amazed at how long the luminaries lasted after they were lit at dusk. The special candles lasted for almost 12 hours. My neighbors ordered them here.

Christmas Eve in Iceland

Yes. This does sound perfect. via

Christmas Eve and Santa Tracker Live

Wishing you a Happy Christmas Eve.

Follow Santa's trip via Google Maps and Santa Tracker

Will You Have a White Christmas?

My weather for Christmas Eve is cold and clear. I'll take it! via

Farmhouse with a Forked Path

via

Isn't this delightful? I hope they have a Christmas wreath hanging from both peaks. Happy Christmas Eve. I'm off to watch "The Bishop's Wife" on Turner Classic Movies! xo

Christmas Eve Blessings

See more vintage Christmas images here. 

The rain has stopped and we are having record warmth. It's supposed to be 74° today and it's already 70° and it's not even 9:00am. Oh well. I'll take it in lieu of snow. Have a wonderful day. You can do it. Here's hoping your stars align and everything will go smoothly and you will be ready for Santa tonight. xo

Rabbits and Christmas Buns by Beatrix Potter

Merry Christmas and Plenty of Buns

An entirely unknown drawing showing an inventive use of lettering on the jars, bag and label on the set of keys. The message reads: “A Merry Christmas and Plenty of Buns H.B.P.”

Beatrix Potter's full name was Helen Beatrix Potter. Since her mother's name was also Helen, she went by Beatrix.

Fine ink and watercolor drawing heightened with gouache signed lower right [within key label]. Sold at Sotheby's London July 2008 for 42,050 GBP 

Happy Christmas Eve. I'm having dinner with friends. See you on Christmas morning. xo

Christmas Eve -- Vintage Images

Keep working and wrapping and cooking and decorating. You'll make it! I'll keep doing the same. xo

The Rush is On

I have so much to do today. It's Christmas Eve and I have presents to wrap, a small tree to decorate, and dishes to prepare for tomorrow. I added a border to this print I posted last year of the Christmas Hares. Maybe I'll have time for something original later. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Great Christmas Eve Bedroom

Hang your stocking from this fireplace and see if Santa came on Christmas morning without even getting out of bed. I have a rug just like this one in my kitchen in front of the sink. Love it.

Merry Christmas to all of my wonderful followers, blog readers and friends. You are the best!