Decking the Halls

Happy Monday, friends. How was your Thanksgiving? And your weekend--have you started decorating for Christmas yet? After celebrating the holiday with my family, Mr. H. and I took off for Whidbey Island--it's just a short ferry ride from Seattle, but feels like a world away.

We've made it a post-Thanksgiving tradition to tuck ourselves away at the Inn at Langley to rest up a bit before the festive whirl and twirl of December. 

 Images from The Inn at Langley

The lapping of Puget Sound out the window, a long walk on the beach, hiding from the rain in front of a fire makes it pretty easy to put off the holiday to-do list, at least for a couple days.

 British Homes & Gardens

 

But now that we're home, I'm ready to dig in and deck the halls... I've said goodbye to the white pumpkins and I'm letting the sugar plums of inspiration dance in my head! 

Here's what I'm thinking will make our home merry and bright this year:

 Southern Living

Mercury Glass is always a favorite - I love how it reflects candlelight.

Traditional Home

White Flowers look crisp and clean-- a White Christmas is a Seattle rarity, so a few white blossoms stand in for snowflakes.

Country Living 

 

White Ironstone--Instead of buying things specifically for Christmas decoration and then packing them away for the rest of the year, I like to use the things I love every day to create holiday magic. Our collection of White Ironstone is makes the perfect containers for white flowers...

 Traditional Home

..and of course, I can't decorate for Christmas without bringing the Blue and White into the show.

Country Living

Vintage Ornaments-- I love adding new ornaments to the tree every year, but my favorites speak of Christmas Past. I've already scooped a few treasures from the local antique mall to sprinkle on the tree and around the house.

 Southern Accents

Windows make a lovely frame for Wreaths and I can't wait to hang one in our newly decorated breakfast nook -- I'll be able to smell the greens when I sip my morning coffee.

 Southern Living

And speaking of perfect frames for wreaths, I think our Vintage Mirrors want to get in on the act this year, too. 

Canadian House and Home 

 

Deck the Stairs -- every year I tell Mr. H that I want to adorn our staircase by winding a garland around the banister, but our "elves" haven't come through yet. This is the year, I've already sent him the link to this post from Eddie Ross that explains how to hang the greens without scratching the handrail.

Country Living

Pomanders--Christmas is a celebration for all the senses and I especially love the scent that a few homemade pomanders bring to a room, plus they add a pretty pop of color to table or counter.

And that's my inspiration list so far -- I'll share some photos as it all comes together.

Have you decked the halls yet? Or are you just making your list and checking it twice? What's the first bit of holiday cheer in your home each year?