Everyday Living

Christmas Vignettes: Joy To The World!

~ Christmas, Decorating, Holidays

 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life”
‭‭John‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭

Today we are ending our tour of the Caroline House and I will admit…these three posts haven’t covered even a fraction of all there is to see in the beautiful show house at Briarwood Presbyterian Church!

So far, you’ve seen a gorgeous transitional sunroom and a to-die-for Christmas bedroom.  Today, we will take a walk through the beautiful front doors, see some beautiful sights along the way, and finally end up in the library…which, to me, was the crux of the show house.

The whole room displayed God’s love for the nations as seen by vignettes lining the bookshelves.  After all, the reason we have a holiday to celebrate is because God loved us and sent his Son for us.  Joy entered our world in the form of a baby!  I hope you all enjoy our final walk through this beautiful home…

A beautiful welcome with fresh flowers and greenery!!    I love this hand-painted prayer for all!!     The dining room chandelier is dressed with fresh flowers!    A simple nativity!  Greenery adorned the bannister overlooking the living room!      Wreath representing countries of the world greets you as you enter the library!  A framed world map hangs above a small shabby chic sofa!  Vignettes representing countries filled each shelf!  I love this idea that reminds me of the truth that “God so loved the world”… not just one country or one people group but everyone is included!  “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins”
1 John 4:10

side Linking with Pieced Pastimes, Silver Pennies, Life on Lakeshore Drive, Thoughts From Alice, Coastal Charm, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, Savvy Southern Style, Ivy and Elephants, French Country Cottage, From My Front Porch To Yours, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict, Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, The Charm of Home, Cornerstone Confessions, A Delightsome Life, Imparting Grace, Posed Perfection, Katherines Corner, Rooted In Thyme, Share Your Cup, The Enchanting Rose, 21 Rosemary Lane, Northern Nesting, Cozy Little House, Rattlebridge Farm, Rustic & Refined

…Our Daily Bread

~ Faith, Holidays, Thanksgiving

 Fine bread and good olive oil are so wonderful. If available, I indulge in far too much at one sitting. Then I am past full, to the point I know I will surely never be hungry again. Same is true every Thanksgiving. Then comes Black Friday. No,  I care absolutely nothing about shopping. But, I am hungry again! Turkey sandwiches, on good bread of course. Truly these are things to be thankful for daily, however nothing compares to that which is totally satisfying, eternally filling, and free to all who will partake.

Could there possibly be a menu like this?
Sure is!!

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life, whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst”
John 6:35

To get a more detailed account of this menu, we encourage you to click here:  John 6:22-59 

Tablescape Tuesday: ‘Tis The Season

~ Christmas, Food & Entertaining, Holidays, Tablescape Tuesday

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign.
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and shall call his name Immanuel”
Isaiah‬ ‭7‬:‭14

“It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year“, because we celebrate the birth of Jesus!  During the hustle and bustle of the season, may we not lose sight of why we celebrate.  Without the birth of Christ, there would be no Christmas!  May we all invite him, King Jesus, into our everyday living.

Today, let’s take a step back into Christmas past and re-visit my favorite tablescape from last year!
Setting a table for Christmas is always fun!  I just love all the many colors of the season!
I decided to go with tall crystal candlesticks for this setting.  There are 3 different pairs on the table and I bought them several years ago at my favorites–TJ Maxx and Tuesday Morning.Katy gave me these gorgeous place card holders (actually, they are ornaments).  She saw the idea here: French Country Cottage.  I love that she painted the antlers gold!
My Mother made the Christmas tree napkin rings in the late 70’s.  They remain one of my most cherished gifts.  Every Christmas season when I unpack them, I am reminded of the love that went into all the beautiful things that she made and all the people with whom she shared her many talents and love!Several years ago, I was shopping with my friend Elaine and I spotted these glasses at Pier 1.  I really liked them, but didn’t buy them.  A couple of weeks later, Elaine brought me a beautifully wrapped package containing–and you guessed–these beautiful glasses!
IMG_2319The gold deer were also a Pier 1 find! The Christmas China is Fitz and Floyd Classic Choices in the Winter Holiday pattern.  The salad/dessert plate is Rose Wreath! When I first saw this pattern in a magazine, I immediately fell in love! I ordered 12 place settings and I have enjoyed that it is not a common pattern!The tablecloth is Sferra – luxurious and expensive Italian made linens.  But, I bought this at Tuesday Morning for a real bargain!My friend and fellow designer, Terri, made this faux frosted fruit centerpiece six years ago and it still looks great! I am looking forward to sharing Christmas tablescapes with you this year!  Hopefully, it will inspire you to welcome your friends and family to your table! 

“Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us, Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart”
-Charles Wesley

side Linking with Pieced Pastimes, Silver Pennies, Life on Lakeshore Drive, Thoughts From Alice, Coastal Charm, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, Savvy Southern Style, Ivy and Elephants, French Country Cottage, From My Front Porch To Yours, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict, Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, The Charm of Home, Cornerstone Confessions, A Delightsome Life, Imparting Grace, Posed Perfection, Katherines Corner, Rooted In Thyme, Share Your Cup, The Enchanting Rose, 21 Rosemary Lane, Northern Nesting, Cozy Little House, Rattlebridge Farm, Rustic & Refined