Victorian Christmas Crackers, that go pop...

I tucked the last sprigs of pine

into my new dining chandelier this morning...

and added some silver balls...

(my original chandelier makeover is here)

I think my halls are thoroughly decked...

I am ready to sit back and enjoy the sparkle...

and do a little crafting...

you know I love all things Victorian,

every year I pick up Christmas Crackers,

 ready made from the store...

you know the kind,

with the little plastic toy,  a paper hat,

a joke or a fortune...

I have always thought it would be fun to make

them with candy or a real gift inside...

but,  a Christmas cracker without the pop it makes

 when you pull it,

 is kinda a dud...

so I was so excited to find a source for the poppers

and cheap too!

Old English Crackers

 even has a nice set of instructions on the site ...

I used crepe paper

and some reproduction Victorian scrap...

and tried to create a rosette end

 by tucking in an extra swirl of paper to the end...

Next stop cookie baking,

I haven't even started yet!

Tonight I am joining the fun at...

Show and Tell Friday

Flaunt it Friday

Feathered Nest Friday

Vintage Inspiration Friday

and

Saturday Nite Special

Thanks for stopping by...

The Last Two Pieces of Cake...

Don't you love to sit quietly at night

and soak in the holiday sparkle...

the house is almost silent,

cozy...

sit by the fire..

an implied fire,

may not make heat...

but, 

sure can make you feel warm inside...

a late night treat...

the last two pieces of cake...

my Mr. is the breakfast cook,

but baking is not something that excites him...

once a year

he bakes me my favorite dessert,

Pineapple Upside down Cake...

a simple loving gesture,

tradition...

a simple tablescape,

really it's barely a tablescape at all..

still,

an excuse to enjoy pretty dishes...

delicate silver forks...

and my favorite Rachel Ashwell napkins...

special needn't be fancy or over the top...

just in your heart...

I hope you find the time to sit quietly

and soak in the holiday sparkle..

:-)

Today I am joining...

Tablescape Thursday

 

Thanks for joining me tonight...

My New White Stairs all Decked Out...

Are you ready to see my new foyer colors?

It has been a long time coming!

and truth is...

I still have a long way to go,

but,  Christmas wasn't waiting so I am on break:-)

the new wall color is Pink Granite

by Martha Stewart...

the color is moody..

sometimes grey, sometimes pink..

the wall below and behind the stairs is the same color..

the woodwork is now Deep Cream

by Ralph Lauren...

the room is a shockingly different than last Christmas..

(you can see here)

I wrapped the stairs in more Laurel garland

 from the garden...

it is surprisingly fast to hand make garland,

and Laurel leaves are

 easier on your hands than pine...

our little tree this year,

is a simple untrimmed pine...

a bell for Clarence is always a must...

a hand full of small vintage balls,

simple and sweet...

old fashioned strands of tinsel are also a must!

I am usually a glob it on girl,

but I restrained...

simple tissue paper wrapping,

with sprigs of last years Lavender,

and fresh Pine..

Pine and Lavender are my new

 favorite fragrance pairing!

twinkle,  twinkle...

Tonight I am joining...

White Wednesday

Wow us Wednesday

Open House Party Thursday

and

Potpourri Friday

Thanks For Visiting Me Today!