Sunday 30 November 2014

First Sunday in Advent 2014


Advent, from the Latin word adventus which means arrival, 
is the beginning of the Christian New Year.


Like many others around the world one of my favourite Christmas traditions is to prepare evergreen wreaths to decorate the front doors of our home.


Over the years I have decorated many different styles of wreaths, some with fresh greenery cut from the garden and also sometimes faux.
These are the two very simple ones welcoming visitors to our home this year.

The faux fir wreaths were purchased at IKEA
the berries and other faux greens came from my Christmas decorating stash.

I was inspired by a wreath featured in the LL Bean catalogue
and made copycat versions.
In 2009 the wreaths were created using fresh greenery and tree bark from the garden,
 pine cones & faux berries from stash. 

The double front doors lead straight into our home's entrance hall
which has also received a small seasonal makeover this weekend.



I may add a runner to the top of the chest of drawers and perhaps a Santa or two?


But, at the moment I'm liking the clean lines with just the smallest touch of glitter and gold.


The mantle piece in the library is also one of the first areas to be decorated for Christmas.

This year I'm using cherished antique pieces to decorate the mantle.
Gilded cherubs, a gift from a dear friend in Bavaria many years ago;
two engraved glass German bier steins, also a gift
and in the centre a French clock.
The silver and glass angel is a modern piece
bought whilst shopping with an English friend a few years ago.


 Every year a small amount of tweaking usually takes place before I'm completely happy with it.
I'm thinking that the two miniature Christmas trees may have to go,
 or be embellished somehow.


It's looking a little dark during the daytime
but really comes alive in the evening 
when the table lamps are on and the candles lit.

In 2009 I used a shot of  the decorated mantle as my blog header.
In 2010 the theme was silver with gold accents.
In 2011 I went back to my favourite combination of red, green and gold.
and finally, one last vignette before you go.
I changed out some of the objects displayed on top of my desk to reflect the festive season.
There is something so simple yet classic about silver and white with a dash of green.


The  Court China trio on the left
was manufactured by
William Lowe of Longton, Staffordshire, England.
circa 1912.

Linking to the following blog parties this week
A Pause in Advent hosted by Angela.
Christmas in the Country with Brooke
and
Mosaic Monday where Judith is our host.

21 comments:

  1. It is fun to see your decorations. I started yesterday by clearing way the fall decorations. I will let the bareness linger for a few days before I begin decorating. Your door wreaths are beautiful. My daughter's mother in law used to make my wreaths. They live in the mountains, but lost all of their pine trees in a forest fire. Wreaths are very expensive to buy. Thanks for helping to get me into the mood. Have a good week.

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  2. Your decorations are so beautiful! The wreaths are just lovely on your gorgeous front doors! Enjoy the Christmas season!
    Miss Bloomers

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  3. Maggie, I love your style. Those wreaths on the front doors are so versatile (I particularly love the 2009 touches). All very beautiful and yes, white, silver, and green are gorgeous.

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  4. What a beautiful home you have. OI do like the idea of gradually adding to the decorations throughout advent. Thanks for joining the P in A. Advent blessings xx

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  5. JUST BEAUTIFUL, Maggie! This really welcomes one to Christmas!

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  6. Okay, I'm in the mood, now, so will get to decorating. I love simple on the wreaths.

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  7. Maggie, it is gorgeous -- I love seeing how others decorate and really appreciate your use of antiques on your mantle and in your decor. The wreaths are killer gorgeous!

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  8. Your home is lovely, Maggie. I enjoyed seeing the variations of your decor over the years. It's good to tweak things a little from time to time. White and gold with a bit of greenery is really lovely. Thank you for sharing!

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  9. Beautiful, Maggie. I may need to go to Ikea for a wreath. Those are so realistic. I love seeing photos of your home. Takes me back to my visit. Everything is always so warm and inviting in your home!
    Thanks for the tour!

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  10. Hello, Maggie!
    You have a lovely blog.
    English gardening in the French countryside... what could be more inspiring?!
    Your home and Christmas decorations are really beautiful.
    Have a joyful Advent!

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  11. You've created some nice wreaths Maggie and although the faux greens are realistic, nothing beats the fragrance of fresh, does it? That being said, I have a faux wreath myself a friend made me in purple and gold.
    Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday.

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  12. Your decorations (and house!) are beautiful.Visiting from Pause in Advent! x

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  13. Your Christmas decor is so pretty - thanks for sharing with us.

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  14. What a lovely post. A lovely blog and a lovely life you have created. I will return!

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  15. Such clean and simple ideas. A true inspiration.

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  16. What beautiful wreaths and adore the oil lamp on the side board.

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  17. Thank you for such elegant inspiration! You give me courage in a new home confronted with a mantlepiece for the first time in my married life!

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  18. Beautiful decorations!! Thanks so much for stopping by and for taking the time to leave such a sweet comment!!

    hugs,
    Deb

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  19. Lovely! So serene and restful. xoxox

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  20. You have a lovely home and the decorations and wreaths are beautiful. Very classy! Wishing you a happy Advent season!

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Thanks for stopping by, your visit just made my day!