My Christmas Tree Is Up And The Mess Put Away

My Christmas tree is the star today. I actually had the tree up and the little bit of extra decor finished by the Sunday after Thanksgiving. The last few years I’ve been late with everything but not this year. I even have all my shopping completed and the presents wrapped.

I decorated the tree with vintage Shiny Brite ornaments. I usually add multiple strand of pearl bead garland or silver bead garland but not this year. I usually pile on the fake plastic snow but not this year.

I ordered vintage looking tinsel or ice cycles from Amazon and smothered the tree in silver strands. I took all these photos before the tinsel arrived.

I thought about taking another photo but as I’m typing this post it is nighttime and dark and I didn’t have the energy to put the external flash on my camera and start taking photos.

Maybe I’ll take some later and add them to this post. The ornaments are a mix of vintage glass ornaments from Poland, Germany, and other European countries. There are just a few new ornaments mixed in.

I received this ornament from a neighbor.

This photo from 2012 isn’t very good but I wanted to show you my favorite Christmas tree. I LOVED this flocked tree but the lights died and it got old. 

I decorated the mantel too. I gather things I think will work then add and replace items until I’m happy….or just quit.

The mantel decor is a mix of new and vintage items.

Instead of hanging stockings I grabbed the cloth bags.

The JTS bought me this brass Santa, sleigh, and reindeer set when he was stationed in Korea in the 80’s.

Instead of setting up the Putz house display on the wood wardrobe this year I put it on the roll top desk. There is a vintage mirror hanging above the desk.

It was tricking getting photos of the houses without getting me in the mirror.

I have a collection of vintage angels I place around the house.

This little one is so sweet. The expression on her face!

And I like this angel because of her glossy finish.

I’m not sure of the snowman is vintage or a cheap dollar store piece. I dubbed him vintage anyway.

I have more decorations to show you but I thought you might enjoy seeing the mess my family room was in while decorating. We bloggers tend to share only the pretty pictures.

Along with bringing Christmas in I have to take some stuff out.

I have Christmas decor stored in the workshop, shed, and in closets and cabinets inside the house.

I love our big family room which used to be a two car garage.

Do you see what is under the tree?

Yep, I have to place magazines under a couple of the tree feet to get it level. Otherwise it looks like the leaning tower.

Moving on the dining room and kitchen. I love these little houses.

I set the houses on cake stands and then add the trees along with plastic snow flakes and Epsom salt.

I spread a pretty lace tablecloth on the dining room table and the houses make a nice centerpiece.

Next, I filled the china cabinet with Christmas dishes.

I’ve collected these dishes over the years when they were deeply discounted after Christmas.

I got the painted Santa plate at a church thrift store when we lived in Pensacola.

I add the ice cycle garland and then turn on the lights in the china cabinet.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are Lenox salt and pepper shakers.

I only decorated the family room and the kitchen/dining room. I have so many trees and so much decor but I can’t do it all anymore. Anyone right there with me?

I’ve also been in Arkansas and will return right after Christmas. My 93-year-old dad is not doing well, and I’m spending time with him. I love to read your comments. If you have time, write me a note and tell me about your Christmas decorations. Thanks for being here, Kathy

Kathy Owen

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Author: Kathy Owen
Kathy Owen is the founder of the home decor blog Petticoat Junktion where she shares tutorials on painting furniture and upcycling thrifty finds into unique home décor. Her DIY projects have been featured on the Home Depot Blog, Plaid Crafts, Behr Designer Series, and in numerous magazines. Kathy’s newest website is HappyHomeDIY.com