Decorations & a glistening tree ...

Night comes early in Winter & the little lights go on in the kitchen windows & everything is cosier with the coloured glass lit by the lights. The bowl of Christmas cookie cutters are ready too. 

The little nutcrackers are in position above one of the clocks, these ones are not as frightening as some. 

 There is nothing more lovely than the decorated Christmas tree twinkling away in the dark of our winter nights. The nights draw in now before 4pm & the lights from our tree & the inglenook fireplace garland are welcoming, warm & set the scene to relax & enjoy the run up to Christmas. 

Our tree is in shades of gold again - white, old, rose, yellow gold & it glistens amid the lights. 

I used this white dove of peace felt topper as the crowning glory this year. I have had it for several years but not used it. However, with the world being so agitated, it is appropriate to seek peace. 

This is one of several decorations throughout the house. The white twig tree (Hobbycraft) is once again decorated with my hand beaded South African ornaments- a reminder that my heritage stretches far & wide. My late mother, grandmother & great-grandmother used beads in their crochet & embroidery work, especially when making the essential beaded doilies to cover jugs of all sizes at home. I still have some of theirs & they are a reminder of the talented line I come from. 

The sideboard is redone with the lovely, mainly gifted Christmas china that is well used for the next few weeks until Epiphany in January.  We use things from the sideboard & because they are out, they will be used & enjoyed. 

I hope you have found time to surround yourself with the things that have meaning & are special to you as we mark the time of the festive season. 

Thank you for your company, do tell how your planning is going or how you will be spending the festive season. 

Dee