“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).”
Matthew 1:23
Hello sweet friends! It has been a very busy week and I didn’t seem to get much accomplished. I had planned to share the dining room tree with you today. It was so cloudy over the weekend and into Monday, then it rained all day Tuesday making it impossible to take photos. Not to be defeated, yesterday I used my iPhone instead of my good camera and took photos. It took all day to get these shots…between playing inside a tent and reading books to Ella Mae, and rocking and chasing Emma. That little princess can move fast on her hands and knees! Yes, it is very tiring, but I love spending my days with them and count it all joy to pour into their young lives. Today, I am preparing Seth’s birthday dinner (a day late). He was very thankful to each of you for the birthday wishes sent his way.
I had plans to change the decor in my bay window, but I liked the changes that I made last year and decided to stay with the arrangement for 2019.
We did buy a new tree, a 6 foot one that is wider than the slim one we did have. The large wooden nutcrackers returned to the bay window along with my collection of German Steinbach nutcrackers.
The tree is decorated with glittered fruit, silk roses, and feathers!
The signed Steinbach nutcrackers are hand-crafted in Germany. I have a small collection of eight and most were given to me by friends. I like the little skier!
The Madame Alexander angel was a gift from my Mom. I cherish all of the wonderful keepsakes from my friends and family. I use those treasured items, that hold a lifetime of memories, rather than buying new Christmas decor. After all, Christmas is full of memories for all of us.
I can’t remember what year we found the wooden nutcrackers at Walmart. They stand over five feet tall, and always guarded our entrance until last year. They have a few cracks and chipped paint from being exposed to the weather.
“Some Christmas tree ornaments do more than glitter and glow, they represent a gift of love given a long time ago”
-Tom Baker
A large Radko Santa music box was a gift from a very special friend many Christmases ago, he is still playing after all these years!
Ella Mae has claimed all of the nutcrackers which are small enough for her to hold!
My sweet friend also gave me this Radko nutcracker music box!
Thank you so much for your visits and gracious comments. Wishing you a most joyous Christmas Season!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace, Calypso in the Country
Mary says
Your dining room is gorgeous with your beautiful tree and collection of nutcrackers! I love your combination of sugared fruit, flowers and feathers on your tree. It looks like you found the magic hour for photographing, with dining room flooded with light…your photos are beautiful with your iPhone! ♥
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Mary. Happy Thursday!
Roxanne Bernard says
What a beautiful and festive dining room! I loved reading all the stories about your precious treasures. It sounds like a busy and fun week with the girls! I never had children, but the idea of grandchildren seems wonderful. 💕
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Roxanne, having little girls has been so much fun! Thank you and Happy Thursday!
Nancy says
Your dining room is decorated for the season so beautifully! Such lovely tributes you give to all your friends and relatives of each memorable Christmas piece. My favorite is your Mom’s Angel. She is your Angel and is always there with you.
Your tree is beautifully decorated! I enjoy seeing all the sugared fruit on it.
And the littles are keeping you young! Right? How fun for them and for you!
The new iPhones are impressive. And yours did an amazing job! I have a 8 plus and love it. I’m amazed how well the lighting can be changed and fixed instantly with them.
Happy Thursday to you! 🤗😊
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you dear Nancy. Your comments are so sweet. Yes, the littles are keeping me young. I wish you could see me getting in and out of the tent. The hubby’s bright idea was a tent for the girls to play in, he wasn’t thinking I would have to be in the tent🙄. Happy Thursday!
Nancy says
You gave me my morning giggle…! You are the perfect grandmother… tents and all!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
😂😂😂
Bonnie Morgan says
Enchanting and delightful! Your room looks stunning! I have a similar Madame Alexander tree topper that was my MIL’s. I’m putting up her small tree in our living room with her ornaments in her honor this year.
I know Ella Mae has enjoyed your nutcrackers. I love the large ones in your bay window by your tree.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Bonnie, EM has really loved all of the decorations this year. Emma loves it all too, and I am constantly running after her to keep her from the trees. Happy Thursday!
Clara says
Pam, your dining room is gorgeous! Your tree with the beautiful fruit, flowers, & feathers is perfect for the dining room! I usually have a tabletop tree with fruit ornaments on it but I didn’t put it up this year so getting to see yours is a treat. Your photos are perfect. The nutcrackers are all so colorful and I can understand Ella Mae wanting to claim the ones she can carry! They’re just begging for little girls to include them in playtime! With so many elegant new things to explore little hands are tempted. You’re a great PJ making special memories with the grands; stories they will share their entire life. Have a great day! Clara ❤️🎄🎅
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Clara, you are truly a sweetheart. Being a first time grandmother came a little later in life than most experience. I treasure every special moment. Merry weekend!
Sandra at Maison De Jardin says
Oh, Pam, your tree and dining room are too beautiful to put into words. I love everything you have done and you are an amazing lady to do all that you do. I know your home sparkles with Christmas and the love of the season shines through. Wishing you a beautiful day.❤🎄
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thanks so much Sandra. Wishing you a Merry Weekend!
the Painted Apron says
Your dining room looks gorgeous Pam, and all your nutcrackers look so cute gathered around your tree! How special they are because they are so full of memories, and I can picture Ella Mae proudly clutching a small nutcracker in her arms 🙂 I really admire you’re keeping them 3 days a week, that is not easy! I love your sparkling fruit and your new larger tree. The Madam Alexander doll is fabulous! I got an overwhelming urge to buy a nutcracker on Cyber Monday, and found one on Grandin Road. He arrived yesterday on my birthday afternoon and my son and his boys had so much fun unboxing him and placing him in our home, He is wonderful and now we are in the process of choosing a name for him! I hope he will bring them a lot of memories in the years to come! Have a wonderful birthday celebration tonight!
Jenna
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Jenna! What a great idea to name the nutcracker. Keep me posted as to what name he is given. You were right, the traffic was horrendous. We sat still for forty minutes trying to leave Saks. We just decided to make the best of the situation🎅🏻🤶🏻
the Painted Apron says
Oh yikes! I went to TJs at noon like a fool, but managed to get in and out pretty quick…I hope you got your shopping done!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
No, but I was able to get the things I can’t get here. It wasn’t nearly as bad after we got out of the Saks parking lot. Merry Saturday❤️
Michele Morin says
What an artfully decorated tree! Beautiful from every angle!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you so much Michele!
Shannon@Belle Bleu Interiors says
Pam, your dining room is gorgeous adorned for the Christmas season! Your tree is stunning, and your Nutcrackers are adorable! Your home is always beautiful no matter what the season! Enjoy your day and spending time with those sweet grandbabies, dear friend!!!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you my friend. Wishing you a Merry Weekend!
Bobbie T says
Prettier than anything in Traditional Homes or Southern Living! Nothing can compete with the memories and those sweet grands! Wishing you a blessed holiday season.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Bobbie, thank you for your most gracious comments. Wishing you a most joyous Christmas season!
Heritage Hall says
Pam dear, I am so moved by the way you conserve and preserve…especially memories. The
tree is the piece de resistance of the room (except when EM and Em are playing with the nutcrackers) I delight in your tale of tenting with them…you are a special Grandmother, tiring
though it may seem. You amaze in what you accomplish despite it all… We finished our mantels
yesterday and now on to the table settings… wish they could be left in situ for a longer time…
Have to say it again, your tree is superb and magazine cover-worthy. Thank you for the inspiration…
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Mary. Tenting is fun until Ella Mae wants me to zip us up inside, my claustrophobia won’t allow it! I know Heritage Hall is beautifully adorned!
Heritage Hall says
LOL – I can just picture you and EM inside the tent trying to come to terms
The Hall is shaping up…. wish I might…..
Anne/The Cajun Couple blog says
I am swooning over your nutcrackers! Beautiful!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Anne!
Allyson @ Southern Sunflowers says
Your Madame Alexander Angel topper is absolutely perfect for your gorgeous Christmas tree!! I loved entering your home to take a glimpse of all your Christmas decor, so much I looked twice. I’m visiting from the Grace at Home Link Party. I’m #8 in the party.:)
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you dear Allyson for your visit!
Rita C. says
Pam, no need to change what looks so perfect! I love that tree and the surrounding nutcrackers. The tree looks so nice and full. If you don’t mind sharing your source, I am always interested in comparing the shapes, branch design and lighting on trees. Thank you!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Rita.
Marion says
Pam your tree and room are beautiful. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SETH Have a blessed.happy year.
Marion
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thanks so much Marilyn!
Marilyn says
Pam Those Nutcrackers are so pretty. I love all the different colors in your collection. Happy Birthday Seth.
A Blessed and Merry Christmas
Marilyn
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Marilyn!
inspiredbyjoydianne says
Your tree is so beautiful with the fruit and feathers. The nutcrackers are perfect in this location. The Madame Alexander angel just stole my heart. I am loving the blue in your dining room more and more. What beautiful taste you have and how beautifully you put it together. I am sure Emma is at the perfect age where the lights and the ornaments are a source of delight for her. Happy Birthday celebration.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you dear Dianne.
Linda Stoll says
Pam, your home is so beautiful … the columns, the floors, the paint color …and of course, that tree!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Linda!
Liz says
What a lovely tree surrounded by nutcrackers! Love the combination of fruits, flowers and ornaments. You have a fun collection of nutcrackers! I think it’s great that Ella Mae gets to play a bit with them. Sounds like you have your hands full with both grandchildren to help out with but what a blessing!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thanks so much Liz! Blessing for sure!
Cheryl says
Your beautiful home looks like a magazine or post card! I love seeing how you bring it all together to look so elegant and inviting! Always such a joy to visit with you, sweet friend!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you my friend ❤️
Michelle says
Your dining room is beautiful!! I love the big nutcrackers!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Michelle!
Tea With Jennifer says
Stunning as always Pam, I love your ornaments!
Bless you sweet friend,
Jennifer
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Jennifer ❤️
marmeladegypsy says
Well, there’s so much to love here! I’ll pick three — the artist ornament, of course; your glorious nutcrackers and that Madame Alexander. I used to have a small collection of those that was sold in our estate sale when I was 25 and had no space to keep things. I wish I’d kept those!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Jeanie. My mom had a large collection of MA dolls.
Shirley @Housepitality Designs says
Your dining room is truly exquisitely festive. Your grand loves must live seeing all of the beautiful decorations you have throughout the house. Love the M.A. Angel!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you so much dear Shirley❤️
Maristella says
Absolutely gorgeous!That angel is unique,how precious!
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thanks so much Maristella!
Nancy Andres says
Lovely! Visiting you at #LYC. Will pin this post. Have a beautiful Sunday and be well.
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thanks so much for visiting and pinning!
Anita Trippi says
Such a beautiful tree and the colors! Oh my. We have many Steinbach nutcrackers, as well, but haven’t displayed for many years. I’ll have to find them and bring them out! Thanks for your beautiful blog.
oldnewgreenredo says
Lovely post, and so many interesting sentiments attached to your lovely treasures. I still have my ‘baby’ Alexander doll from 1952…from my Grandmother…and yes, I know about how attached we can become!
Lovely post!
Barbara at Mantel and Table says
Such a beautiful room, and great stories! 💗 Thanks for sharing the memories!
Debbie- Dabble says
Your Dining Room is lovely!! What a beautiful Tree!! Thanks for haring!!
Hugs,
Debbie
Pam @ Everyday Living says
Thank you Deb! Merry Christmas to you and yours!❤️
Debra Oliver says
wow, amazing phone pics, Pam. your dining room is wonderful, love those (almost) life size nutcrackers! Have a very Merry Christmas!!
Sarah says
Pam, this is simply delightful! I love the tree in the bay window and your sugared fruit is gorgeous. Love the nutcrackers too. For years I had a nutcracker collection as my teaching partner would give me one each year. When one of my nieces was a child, dancing in the nutcracker, I decided to give the collection to her. I kept only one, a German one my mom had brought home to me from a trip she took. This year I added two MacKenzie-Childs nutcrackers.. I love their fun faces and different characters. Happy Holidays!