The warm cozy over-abundance of Christmas becomes annoying and I just need a little sparseness...for awhile anyway.
So, here is how it all breaks down around here after all the shiny balls and garlands are packed away:
My kitchen window with clean, bare IKEA bottles all in a row.
My winter mantle with candles, twigs, and pine cones:
And my coffee table with everything removed from it but a platter of candles I shopped the house for. Nested in a mess of pebbles, they look clean:
They cozy things up when they are lit at night!
Isn't that a cozy shot?
Oh, and if we're keeping it real...I want to show you the pre-cropped version of the mantle photo. Yes, my kids' Christmas gifts are still piled up in the family room:
i have mixed emotions about taking down the christmas decorations. first i'm totally ready, then annoyed at trying to fit everything in the bins, then a little sad that the holidays are over...then i have my zen moment! the house is clean and open again--it even looks bigger! lol
ReplyDeleteI NEVER buy candles, even though I love the warm glow they cast. I just always forget how much I like them. Also? Unscented soy or beeswax candles are hard to find and expensive!
ReplyDeleteDon't you just breathe a sigh of relief? It's my favorite time. We have a collection of candles on our coffee table too!...right down to the stones.
ReplyDeleteWhere do you put Christmas presents when the house is already chock full of stuff? Beautiful mantle as always!
ReplyDeleteMy Christmas is STILLLLLL up!
ReplyDeleteI was happy about that for a while now I'm over it and want them down. Just need DH to get the bins out of the attic since the ladder is too unstable for me to climb on. We might get this done next fall. :)
Thanks for the pre-cropped shot. It just makes me feel human. I, too, have a Christmas stack. I keep moving it, but I'm flumoxed with where to put it. Maybe because none of it is mine??
ReplyDeleteStarted to de-decorate early this year. It took me 3 days to put all the ornaments back in their homes and organize the tree box. Now 10 days later, I still have decorations in piles to be put away and Christmas dishes, glasses etc to organize....it seems like it is taking forever! Deep down, I DREAD the emptiness after all is put away - but you inspired me that it could be nice - thanks.
ReplyDeleteI love your fireplace...it is gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean when you say you want a clean uncluttered feel after the holiday decorations are put a way! ME TOO!!! Love the candles on the coffee table. I have a silver platter very similar to yours. I may have to "steal" your idea!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for keeping it real!! :) LOVE IT!!
We...Still...have our decorations up! At first I was all "we put them up late. If people can decorate before Thanksgiving, then we can keep them up till Valentine's Day!"...yeah, not so much! I'm taking them down this weekend ;)
ReplyDeleteHa!...Love an honest woman ..LOL!
ReplyDeleteputting away Christmas makes me sad. everything looks empty. guess i'm a clutter girl at heart! i did get my tree packed up (way before the super bowl this year!) but the rest of Christmas still decks my halls :) well, i do a little switch in the dining room... i put away my red snowflakes dishes and pull out my blue snowmen plates. so now it is just winter!
ReplyDeleteMy Christmas decor has been down for awhile (ok, christmas night).
ReplyDeleteI missed my space!
Very beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you for showing the precropped shot of the mantel. LOL
Glad to know we aren't the only ones!
~Amy
Beautiful shots through the windows. I love seeing the snow! Where did you get your framed art above your fireplace? Very nice!
ReplyDeleteI love the bottles lined up in a row! I also love your Mantle and the simplicity of your after Christmas Decor, it looks fabulous!
ReplyDelete:)r.
I love how you decorated the mantle! Happy Blogiversary!
ReplyDeleteI love candles and mantles, and fireplaces! Although I hate taking down my Christmas decorations, I like to get back to normal, but I still keep my candles though!
ReplyDeleteI love the cosy glow of them, and I have them everywhere!
Twigs I just paint to suit my decor and put them into vases!
Gorgeous family room. I love the view!
ReplyDeleteI've got candles and stones on a tray on my coffee table, too. Love them all lit up in the evening.
It all looks so perfect!!! Candles do make it cozy!
ReplyDeleteI leave my snowmen up until I get my valentine's stuff out...so it makes the transition easier....and for the record Cubby hounded me until I got the christmas pile put away...he needs everything organized:)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great warm look! I have trouble once I take down my Christmas decoratoins, because I love the warmth of them, but don't know what "winter" decorations to have up for Christmas...
ReplyDeleteCan I ask what setting you had your camera on to get that warm candle shot? I'm learning my new slr and trying to learn tricks. :)