Somehow not only at Christmas,
but all the year through,
the joy that you give
to others
is the joy
that comes back
to you.
John Greenleaf Whittier

Merry Christmas

Shopping last night, talking to people, wishing and being wished a Merry Christmas! Its nice to hear that being said, brings joy and a smile to the heart. After all, it is Christmas ... for God so loved the world, He sent his only son.

Wishing you all love and the joy of this season. Merry Christmas ... I love saying that!

Just look at this wreath ...

I fell in love with this. Something that I just have to make. Take a look over at Cathie Filian's blog - its wonderful!!!! You can find the materials lists and how to here: http://cathiefilian.blogspot.com/2009/12/create-vintage-style-holiday-wreath.htmlay-wreath.html

Christmas Luncheon Table

for a few special friends. Two weeks ago we met at my friend's house ... three of us, a table set for holiday fare, lovely lunch, great conversation. This week the three of us again, plus another at my house. Small, quaint, festive again, so looking forward to it.

The table setting(s) are from dollar store this year (the red and white dishes), Bon Ton is where the Reindeer dishes, cups and coaster came from three years ago, the silver Reindeer was from a centerpiece quite a few years ago and centerpiece is in an oval wicker tray with Reindeer handles bought in an after Christmas sale at Michaels three years ago ... something how this all came together from all things I had (except the dollar store dishes) ... and of all things, the first Christmas card we received this year was none other then a Reindeer!

There's only one thing better then a pretty tin of cookies ...

and that's a pretty tin of cookies and the recipes. Received this yesterday and tucked inside were the recipes shown below. If you click on the picture you can easily read the recipes. They are very good cookies!

Ahhh, how sweet it is!

First of the season

Its a winter wonderland out there.

So very pretty, just right for the season.

Just wants to make me shout Merry Christmas.

Have a wonderful blessed Sunday!

Doilies of the Season

Two of my favorite Christmas table toppers ...

now to add some doo dads, some baubles ... off to go find some more of my "leftover" decorations.

Crocheted Snow Swirls

With just a little bit of size 10 crochet thread you can make these simple little swirls which add a bit of whimsy to your tree or gifts.

With a size b hook, chain 31

1.) 2 single crochet in second chain from hook

and across - 60 single crochets

chain 1, turn

2.) 1 single crochet in each stitch across,

chain 1, turn

3.) 2 single crochet in each stitch across

and fasten off.

That's it, so very easy, so very cute!

With a squirt of spray adhesive you can add glitter for a sparkle.

Homemade Christmas Tags

This year's Christmas party favor is a candle and holder. I found these gold decorated candle holders in the dollar store, the clear glass ones with a candle (Big Lots) which fit just perfectly inside. Wrapped in clear wrap with gold/silver curling ribbon.

After I found a verse I liked and typed it up, I cut out a cute angel design from Christmas cards. To the back of the angel I glued the verse and trimmed the paper to fit the size of the tag, laminated, punched a hole and attached to the wrapped candle and holder.

Something small that says Merry Christmas, thank you for coming and enjoyed your company.

When wrapping packages, I cut designs from the wrapping paper. For these tags I first glue the typed to/from and sentiment information to an unlined index card and then glue the card to the back of the wrapping paper cutout. The card makes the tag sturdier. Follow as for above tag by trimming, laminate and decorate.

Tied with a pretty bow, embelished with a rose, holly and this pretty tag makes a beautiful Christmas package just waiting to be opened.

Crocheted Star Motif I

With small amount of size 10 white thread and size 4 hook


1. Ch 8, join in 1st ch, ch3, 19 dc in loop, join to ch 3, 20 dc.

2. Ch 3, dc in same stitch as ch3, 2 dc in each stitch around, 40 dc.

3. Ch3, dc in next 6 stitches, *ch 3, skip 1 stitch, dc in next 7 stitches*, repeat around, join in ch 3.

4. Sl st to next stitch, ch 3, dc in next 4 stitches, *ch 3, sc in space, ch 3, skip 1 dc, dc in next 5 stitches, skip next dc* repeat around, join to ch 3.

5. Sl st to next stitch, ch 3, dc in next 2 stitches, *ch 4, sc in space (twice), ch 4, skip 1 dc, dc in next 3 stitches, skip 1 dc*, repeat around, join to ch 3.

6. Sl st to next stitch, ch 7 (counts as beginning ch 3 and chain 4), *sc in next space ch 4, (three times), ch 4, skip 1 dc, dc in next stitch, ch 4,*, repeat around, join to third chain of beginning dc and fasten off.

A sweet adornment to a small holiday package.

Decorating

Well, the trees (two) are up and most of the house is decorated. This is a first in several years. When the kids were home I always had the house decorated for Thanksgiving, then Thanksgiving was the official lighting of the trees and kicked off the holiday season. I think its nice to be back to this. Love the evenings now with the soft white lights glimmering.