Last updated on December 2nd, 2011
MY PASSION FOR HOLIDAY-DECORATING began in 1963, when I made the Santa ornament pictured up top (an ornament, perhaps, that only one’s mother could love). Today I’ve traded in my construction paper, crayons and yarn for “grown-up” things like African violets, fresh fruit and evergreen boughs. These make splendid contributions to the Christmas spirit here at A Garden for the House (click photos to enlarge):
Here, evergreen boughs, African violets, pine cones and ribbon make a cheerful sight for the parlor mantel. (And speaking of African violets, check out this centerpiece I designed for the dining table one Christmas.)
The dining room mantel is adorned with fresh fruit, including pomegrantes, clementines, apples, pears and grapes. The setting was inspired, more or less, by the old Dutch painting “Still Life with Fruit” which hangs above.
The staircase is decked out with a cedar garland (thoroughly coated with Wilt-Pruf), as well as ribbons and ornaments in green and gold.
A small red poinsettia resides in an old soup tureen set atop one of the games tables we bought from Dominick Dunne’s estate.
The doll that tops the Christmas tree was previously an angel. Lily the Beagle chewed off her beautiful, feathered wings.
The Christmas tree is a nine-foot Frasier fir, decorated with old family ornaments, as well as those my partner and I have acquired during the past 12 years.
Do you enjoy decorating your home for holidays, too? Let me know in the comments field below.
Don’t miss anything at A Garden for the House…sign up for Kevin’s weekly newsletter!
Related Posts:
Tis the Season for Saintpaulia
Your Favorite Holiday Cookies
My Jingle-Bellish Window Garden
The Poinsettia Has A Future
Decorating Wreaths
Katreader says
I haven't been able to get into the Christmas spirit this year. Work is messing with me, Dad is going through major health issues…so I haven't done much decorating this year. The outside lights are up and the Christmas tree is up and decorated, the nativity is out and the stockings are hung by the chimney with care. But that's about it. Oh, the rat cages will have Christmas hammocks and tubes and whatnots-and they have a small artificial tree in their room.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Katreader – sorry to hear about your Dad…I hope everything will turn out okay. Sounds like you've already done a splendid amount of decorating. Christmas hammocks, tubes, and an artifical tree for your pet rats? How sweet is that?!
Erin says
Your home looks beautiful. Your bows look great! Were all decorated for now. I just need to make the table centerpiece.
Debbie P says
I think your framed santa ornament is adorable! I keep my kids various homemade ornaments and still hang them on the tree. Of course, they're only 17 and 19, but I will never get rid of them. There isn't a room in my house that isn't festive! Your decorations are absolutely lovely. I especially like the mantel with the fruit. Just beautiful!
Renee says
Guess what I discovered, Kevin!? Your blog is best viewed using WIE not Firefox! That's why I haven't been able to leave you comments. Learn something new everyday.
Renee says
Anyway, your mantel is beautiful, and your fallen angel tree topper is lovely. Merry Christmas~
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Renee – welcome! Thanks for the Internet Explorer tip…I know some users have to click “Post Comment” twice before their comment appears. Maybe Firefox is the problem. So glad you liked the “fallen” angel as much as Lily did!
Debbie P – Do save your kids' art projects…they may not appreciate them now, but will 40 years down the road. My mother recently sent me my childhood scrapbook, as well as a number of kindergarten and elementary-school art projects. Shocking stuff! Apparently I made lots of “garden art” as a toddler!
Erin – The ribbon was fantastic — and it gave me an excuse to practice basic bow-making!
suscha says
Kevin,
Your mantels are simply breathtaking. You do the Victorians “proud”!