My 2010 Family Christmas Tree

The title of this post says, Family Christmas Tree because this tree is full and I do mean full of so many Christmas memories.

 As I unwrap the precious ornaments each year I wind up crying bitter-sweet tears without fail. Oh the wonderful Christmas Eves and mornings that have been spent around this very tree.

I do have a little disclaimer that I need to mention. I have been done with the tree for over two weeks, but I had a few problems getting this post up.

I struggled so much this year getting the lighting right in my photos. I have finally given up!

 After all Christmas is only six day away!! So without further dialog, here is my Christmas tree. Shall we start at the top and work our way down?!!!

This shows the ribbon that I made to repeat the element of black and white stripes that are in my Kitchen dinette. Oh no! I just noticed I don’t like the way the tail on the ribbon is looking stiff. I better get a step stool and fix that.

I love a little whimsy so you will find candy-like ornaments on my tree.

Notice how Santa’s arm is broken? He fell off his skateboard.

Actually this is one of my son’s ornaments and as a little guy he use to play by the hour with this ornament. Even though it is broken it holds special memories and will always be on my tree.

You will also see a Christmas Spider web on our tree. Have you read the legend of the Christmas Spider, you can read it here.

The ornament on the left is one that was on my parent’s first tree.

We added snow on the branches. I love the look, it is so frosty looking.

For my packages I  use my black and white stripe signature wrap mixed with red and lime green and one other multi-colored stripe.

I keep it whimsical by adding polka dot ribbon and sparkly curly ribbon to the packages.

My 2010 Family Christmas Tree

So my dear sweet friends there you have it!!!  I hope you have enjoyed sitting around my tree with me?!

Merry, Merry Christmas to Each and Everyone of YOU!!!!

Kathysue

My Christmas Kitchen

You all have seen my kitchen dinette with its black and white color scheme.

 I also carried it into the kitchen  with just one little touch of red. I used red in the adjacent family room so it was a perfect little tie-in!!

Here is a picture of my dining room just for a reminder of the direction I am taking this year.

Right across from this table you will see this….

Here are a few close-ups

Now you can see just a small touch of the red that I will be introducing into the family room.

A few more tiny red touches. I have my silver Revere bowl full of scented pinecones and pomanders made out of limes. This bowl smells delicious!!

I put my crystal bottle stoppers in some of my glassware. I loved the repetition of the black stripes!!! Plus they look so sparkly and I do love sparkle at Christmas time.

I purchased two of these balls at Pier I. I thought they might work on the table, but they just said too much for that setting. I think they are perfect inside my cupboard.

How about some Jingle bells for your cupboards. I used napkin rings around my knobs for a festive little touch.

One last picture of my mini cypress trees with just a very small dash of sparkly glitter………

The kitchen is a warm place to be at Christmas time. Mulling spices in the Crockpot and the red lacquered tray ready for tea or coffee.

Candles are lit on the window sills. I have my crystal chandelier dimmed so it looks like candlelight. I just enjoy being in there so much.

Even washing dishes is fun this time of year!!! Boy I wish that feeling would last all year long!!

Merry,Merry Christmas from My Kitchen to YOURS!!

Kathysue

Look What I Just Ordered!!

I was so excited when I saw these great looking cocktail napkins over at Sue’s on-line store, Zhush.com!! I ordered two sets.

The napkins are 5 in. square and they have black numbers on them!!! You know how I love a black number or letter.

They come 6 in a package for only $15. If you order before the 21st you can get free shipping with the shipping code, Freeshipz.

I know Christmas is not over yet, but we all know what is NEXT!!!

Happy New Year’s celebrations!

These napkins would be a great hit at any party.

I suggest you run don’t walk over to Sue’s and order these!!!

Good Luck!! I hope she still has some for you.

Kathysue

BTW:

For more party planning ideas be sure and visit

Party Resources for my guest post there today!!! 

 Kate has a wonderful series of different bloggers party hosting ideas. Be sure to  read some of the other ideas from fellow bloggers.

 There are some really great tips there!!!

You can click here or go to the top of my sidebar to blog hop over there!!