It's beginning to look a lot like CHRISTmas...

As promised I am giving you a peek of my windows "dressed" for CHRISTmas! The picture above is of my living room window. I spent the day with some help from Prince Charming hanging drapery rods and brackets. The red chiffon window scarf was already in use as were the red panels. The tapestry panels and valance along with the antique gold swag valance and panels are new additions to this window ensemble. Now I am ready to begin clearing way objects to make room for holiday decor. I think I will place my tree in front of the window. In the past, I used a slim Frasier Fir that is about 7 1/2 feet tall. I've been thinking of using a 6 foot Balsam Pine and placing it on a 2 foot decorative riser. I got the idea from Southern Living Christmas At Home (in stores now). Check out page 28 if you have a copy.
This is a picture of my dinning room window. These two rooms are open to each other, separated only by two large white columns (see last picture in this post). I wanted the window treatments to complement each other without being exact. I am very pleased with the way the windows turned out. The patterned panels really add some punch to the dining room.

I had a little extra time at the end of the day to unpack a few CHRISTmas decorations. I just purchased these Holly & Ivy Reindeer from my Home Interiors line. I am playing around with some arrangements. I am not sure where I will use them or how I will display them but here they are standing among a forest of Red Mesh Glitter trees. I also purchased stocking holders that match these deer. Just darling!

I worked on some place settings for the dining room also. This is just one option. I love these ornament themed salad plates. I am using them with ivory china and a matte gold charger. I have a couple of other ideas for the dining table so I am not sure which way I'll go just yet. I like the red damask tablecloth but it feels like it's missing something....

Lastly, I found a little time to work on a couple of floral arrangements too. I have two tall black & brown vases. I usually make identical arrangements for each and use them on either side of my fireplace mantel in our family room. This year I want to use them in the dinning room or formal living room. I really like the "limey" green floral stems with the ruby red poinsettias. Very fresh. It's definitely looking like CHRISTmas around here. Just 44 days to go!

Tomorrow is Veteran's Day. The Royal Princes are out of school so the plan is to add a little holiday flair to the upstairs Media Room. Check back tomorrow to see how we made out.