Friday, December 2, 2011

Joyeux Noel in the Kitchen

Ok.

Please, don't hate me.

I actually had all of my Christmas decorations up before Thanksgiving.

I know.
I know.

You think I'm smart crazy.

But I just couldn't wait.

I wanted a good month of enjoying the whole glorious season
instead of the three weeks that are the norm.

And since my OCD leaf blowing was completed for the year,
I now had time to floof for Christmas.

Up to the attic I went to start scrounging around in the multitude of bags and tubs up there
filled with balls and bells and boughs,
wreaths and wrapping paper,
lights, lights, and more lights...

and a lot of dead ladybugs.

Ewww.
How in the world do they all get in, anyway...???
Such is the life in a creaky, old farmhouse, I guess.

I ended up hauling down only a couple different bags
because I was going for a certain look this year.

No
red and green.
No
poinsettias.
No
velvet bows.
No
brightly colored balls.

Not the typical Christmas decor for Heaven's Walk this year.

A simple, pared back, neutral, natural look is what my heart was craving.

What would Christmas look like out in the garden....?

Can you guess what that certain look was?

Well, if you know me well,
you'd say ~

"Jeanne d'Arc".

Yup.
You'd be right.


I started sorting through the bags
while the butternut squash in the oven baked merrily away
filling the house with it's sweet scent....

and making my stomach growl.


New brushed stainless jewelry for the cabinetry will be purchased soon. Yay! The glass knobs will be stored away for future furniture projects.




Amidst this mess in the kitchen,
I was searching for juniper boughs,
white candles,
mercury glass,
pine cones and moss,
garden statuary,
terra cotta pots, 
and galvanized pails.


I floofed and floofed and floofed
all day long,
and slowly ~
gradually ~
the look was coming together.

I kept running back into the living room to refer to my
JDA Christmas issue
(which was breathtaking as usual).
I wanted my house to look like it jumped right out of that beautiful magazine.

Ready for the reveal?

Grab your cup of pumpkin spice latte
(me, too - please!)
and sit back...

*

*

*

*

*


I love how the sunshine was washing the room with it's warmth that day.


Cement urn:  antique market

Mercury glass votives:  Hobby Lobby

Tiny LED tea lights were added to the votives that were tucked in the juniper boughs.







A few left over olive branches were tucked here and there.


Olive branches: Michael's

Nest:  Wayside Treasures




I later added a little bling to the nest.

Glass snowflake:  Target

I placed some crystal encrusted red dogwood branches across the top of the pie safe.

The subway sign is from Red Letter Words.
I love reading that verse every time I walk into the kitchen.

It's comforting.

"I have loved thee with an everlasting love;
therefore with loving kindness
have I drawn thee."
~Jeremiah 31:3




French script star:  Wayside Treasures.  Boxwood wreath:  Farmhouse Wares.

I recently won this beautiful grain sack pillow from
generous Marty at A Stroll Thru Life.

I adore it.

It was made by talented Ann at On Sutton Place.
She does beautiful work and has an Etsy shop called
Sutton Place Designs.

The darling ruffled Nest pillow slip behind it was made by sweet Shellagh
(a treasured friend of mine)
at Ticking & Toile,
who also has a wonderful Etsy shop.

I like it draped across the back of the wicker chair for now.

If you're looking for some beautiful Christmas gifts,
pop in and check out their awesome handmade treasures.
These gals are over-the-top talented!

Nest pillow slip:  Ticking & Toile; grain sack pillow: Sutton Place Designs. Chair color: BM "Wyeth Blue".


I purchased this topiary at a local antique market this summer.
I can't, for the life of me,
remember the name of it.

It starts with a "P", I do know that,
and it looks very similar to 'Angel Vine',
but it has burgandy stems, not dark brown stems.

Anybody have any ideas....?

It's happily growing on the window sill over the sink.




I am soooo loving my kitchen this holiday season,
and am glad that I lugged that ginormous frantel home with me this summer.

Always follow your instincts, girls!
God gave them to us for a reason.  :) 





Did you want to take a peek into the master loo, too?







Mercury glass acorn:  Target






Simple,
natural,
and
Jeanne d'Arc inspired.


Ok.

You can go refill your latte now....




Next week:  The living room!



{ Christmas Blessings }





Linking to the parties on the lower right of my sidebar.
Just click on the buttons and check out all of the
beautiful holiday ideas!

Oh ~ and don't forget to participate in the
Christmas Blogger Block Party
and
The Holiday Link Party!
Info on my sidebar!








78 comments:

  1. Everything looks so pretty Laurie!! You sure conquered the look you were going for!!
    Blessings~
    Sandi@WaysideTreasures

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  2. LUV IT, LUV IT, LUV, IT!!! Laurie, you did an awesome job with you JDA inspired Christmas decor. I love the simplicity.

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  3. I LOVE THEE WITH AN EVERLASTING LOVE.

    thankfully, these words will swim in my brain for awhile with lingering images of your romantically dreamy decor.

    what a comforting nest you have created. so so lovely, laurie.

    michele

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  4. It's beautiful, Laurie! I've been liking a more simple and natural look too. I like to add in a lot of greens to help give me that feel. I love all of yours, especially that little wreath.

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  5. Speechless, I am!! All your foofing has created such a peaceful, well put together home. I love everything you've done.

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  6. Laurie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    It's so gorgeous!!! And yes I hate you....all done before Thanskgiving....puh-lease....;) No I'm totally kidding you are so adorable & your house is coming along so fabulously...you will be featured in JDA soon, I'm thinking!!! :)

    I thought I recognized that little "Nest" pillow laying there!! :)

    xoxoxoxo,
    Shellagh

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  7. I love the natural look you went with! I can definitely see the JDA influence.

    Have a good weekend,

    Carolyn

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  8. I love the look in your home! Not sure if it would fit in here, too much color here. But I love the simplicity of it.
    I tend to be tacky for Christmas, but have decided to do a calmer version this year, too. I still need to crack some tubs open! Hopefully this weekend.

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  9. Everything looks so beautiful, Laurie! You did a wonderful job with your decorating - you have a talent for putting all the right elements together! And you are right about trusting our instincts!

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  10. Looks so beautiful! We love the same things...neutrals, mercury glass, etc. You have a beautiful home. I can't wait to explore your blog more.

    Thanks for visiting me!

    Kristen
    Sophia's - Live Beautifully

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  11. OMG! It's so beautiful! I love the simplicity of it and... well all the white of course! I've been so jealous of those out in blog land with beautiful white rooms and decor and I finally joined the ranks and painted my living room and dining room last weekend. I haven't posted pictures yet (hope to tomorrow) because I work and when I leave in the morning it's dark and when I get home it's dark... not good for taking pictures :(

    Anyway, your Christmas decor is so lovely!

    Tania

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  12. Everything looks so beautiful. I will be decorating this weekend.

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  13. So so so pretty! Thanks for commenting on my living room post! I love your decor too!! Relaxing! :)

    Merry Christmas

    ~*Jessica

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  14. It looks beautiful Laurie. I've gone with white this year, with some blue accents. I'm loving the clean fresh look :)
    Have a blessed weekend!
    Blessings,
    Marcia

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  15. clean and fresh! I love it!! Wow do you have me in the mood for tomorrow's big decorating here!!!! -I just love visiting you...it's like a big smile and hug

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  16. So pretty, Laurie! love the evergreens with all the white! xoxo

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  17. Hi - you have made a wonderful christmas decoration. Your interior is so cozy, I love it! Enjoy this beautiful time of Advent! Hugs, Barbara

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  18. Love this look, Laurie! So serene and simplistic looking, yet warm and inviting. I, too, decorated early so I could enjoy the season with family and friends, and focus on THE reason for the season.

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  19. Simple. Gorgeous. I'm lovin' it!!!

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  20. Oh Laurie I just love it all!
    Magazine ready for sure!

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  21. LOVE it! love all the white and the simplicity. your house is really cute too.
    x

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  22. Oh is this a page out of JDA ??? Wow so beautiful! Even the bathroom !! I love the cute little nest under the cloche...I await the living room !! Gail x

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  23. Thanks for stopping by The 2 Seasons and giving me the info about aging my French market basket. I visited Rosemary's blog and took notes. I can't wait to make it look as good as hers. Your blog is lovely. I, too, am going with a natural (no green/no red) Christmas decorating scheme this year.

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  24. Simply stunning! Your neutral, nature Christmas decor is beautiful and graceful. Love that stocking. Diane

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  25. Oh my gosh Laurie this is all so perfectly you. Seriously you could do this for a living. Wonderful simple touches every where. Thank you so much for mentioning my shop. The pillow does look pretty good in that chair! I'm so glad you are enjoying it. Looking forward to seeing the rest of your home. Have a good week!

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  26. So beautiful, I love all the evergreen!

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  27. Oh Laurie! It's just beautiful...it feels ethereal and soft and calming...everything Christmas should be and often isn't!! Good for you for following your instinct.....sigh...just oh so lovely! Thank you for sharing it with us at Inspiration Friday!

    Heather

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  28. Oh Laurie !! it look great your kychen just totaly my style.......love it...........♥.. ♥... ♥....

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  29. LOVE, LOVE it Laurie! You have nailed the simple JDL look indeed. I feel as though I'm perusing its' pages when touring your rooms here. And you're not alone in starting to decorate a wee bit early - it just can't be helped! Like you said, we want an entire month to enjoy it all.
    And I'm certain you will enjoy your lovely home. I look forward to seeing more!
    - Susan

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  30. Very scandanavian farmhouse here!! so frosty fresh and pretty with the simplicity.

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  31. It's simple, it's natural... and just WONDERFUL!!! Thanks for sharing and have a nice weekend!

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  32. WOW! You really nailed the look Laurie. I love it.

    Hugs,
    Judy

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  33. Very simply gorgeous....my favorite look! Clean and elegant and natural and simple. What more could you want?! Linda

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  34. It's not just beautiful it's ethereal...love it!

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  35. "Merry Christmas" Laurie,

    After the lady bugs you had me, and not to worry your home is pages and pages right out of JDA Christmas Issue I have been drooling over my favorite pages for over a week now! I could so see your home of white and gray right in the magazine as I find something of yours to crush on :)

    You Loo?.... I just love, loveee, loveeeee!!
    it is a peaceful sanctuary place, OH! can I refer to a place of this nature as to being a sanctuary?? well it would be one of mine, a peaceful bath reading JDA oh! yes Heaven :)

    Thank you for sharing you love over at my place it truly means more than you will vere know :) It was music to my ears to hear your heart jump over the theatres and it touched the edges of my heart that you spoke of them in such a poetic way.

    Thank you my sweet friend,
    GOD is good is he not:)
    Blessings to you and yours.

    Merry Christmas.
    ~Dore

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  36. What a beautiful post full of the most gorgeous eye candy. Love the dreamy whites with just a pop of color here and there. Very nice!

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  37. Found you at Potpourri Friday. You did a great job with your Christmas decorating. I love your kitchen chairs!

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  38. beautifully calm and fresh with all of the white and just the right amount of greens...love your "loo"! i can't wait to see more!
    erin
    xxoo

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  39. Love your blog! What a lovely post! All your decorations have a wonderful winter feeling.

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  40. the plant is Pilea glauca

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  41. So happy that you stopped by. I am in love with your beautiful home! Absolutely gorgeous♥ I'm your newest follower. I'm off to visit for awhile. Got my chai tea with a little half n half and vanilla flavoring. I may be here awhile ;)
    Toni

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  42. Hi . So many nice pictures Hugs Karina

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  43. Your diningroom looks very serene with all the natural elements. A peaceful place to sit and relax....and bask in HIS presence.

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  44. I adore poring over your postings...this is very special! You should be so proud of the warm, comfortable feel you've instilled into your home!

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  45. Very pretty! I love your new loo! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  46. I don't hate you. I join you. I always start putting out my Christmas decorations and decorate my tree at the first of November. I want ot enjoy the Christmas season while it's here. So here's to you for getting started early from your newest follower.

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  47. Oh wow, Laurie, everything you touch turns to gold! This is perfection and I adore your house and your decorating...and I love those stockings...

    I have never read that verse before and I think it is now my favorite Bible verse...how beautiful!!!
    XO
    Cindy

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  48. It's comletely stunning. White is in a league of it own. Your mantel is divine and I particularly love the vintage window.

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  49. Laurie, you did a terrific job. Love this look! ~ Sarah

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  50. It all looks so BEAUTIFUL, calming and serene!!! I love it. I am SUCH a color person, I don't know if I could ever pull this off but YOU have done it beautifully. Just gorgeous. XO, Pinky

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  51. Oh love , love , love !!!
    It all looks sooo pretty! I wish I could say I was right along with you,Our advent wreath is all we have out so far! I'm so inspired from all your prettiness!

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  52. Your home is beautiful! I am loving all the natural textures and colors for this Christmas season too! Simple and sweet, nicely done Laurie!

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  53. Hello my sista! Your home looks so beautiful and so cozy! You are really getting the JDA look down, it all looks perfect. I so want to take a nice relaxing dip in your tub, what a great place to ponder life. :)
    Enjoy your week!!
    love ya!
    xoxoxo

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  54. Wow! Simply gorgeous! Will you come to my house? I need help! LOL

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  55. So very, very pretty! Laurel@chippingwithcharm

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  56. gorgeous laurie! you are spot on girl, looks like a feature for sure. i love your natural neutral theme. perfection.

    merry christmas,

    shelley

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  57. I love the simple decor with added nature to the mix. Thanks for sharing on White Wednesday.
    xxx Liz

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  58. Gorgeous! I feel inspired to get back to work!! :-)

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  59. Hi Laurie,
    Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my Bling Burlap and Bedspring Mantel! Glad I found you and love your pared down Christmas look with that great mercury glass. I see you live in an old renovated farmhouse - my house is over 100 years old and I just did a total reno too. Fun times!?
    Kelly

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  60. Hello, LOve all your pretty pics!!!

    I'm not sure what kind of pinecone tree we have it's huge, I'm sure it's been here awhile
    I think I will have to do a little research though, not sure if the little flowers are from the pinecones or what, but they are very cool.
    Wish I could say I was on a roll with decorating but it's coming very slowly.
    Have a most wonderful day!!!!

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  61. Laurie, You are the sweetest! Thank-you for all your comments on my blog. You made my day! I couldn't wait to pop over to check out your blog, and you were right, we do like all the same things!! I love it! Aren't grain sacks the best?! You had asked if I use them or collect them. Well, a little bit of both! I am currently hand stitching a huge bedcover out of one of the grainsacks rolls. I am almost finished, I just have to sew on the grain sack border (yet it will probably take me all winter!) When it is finished I will be sure to show pics on my blog.
    Thank so very much again,
    Maria
    www.rustyhinge.blogspot.com

    PS. I am your newest follower, can't wait to come back and see more!! :)

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  62. It's beautiful, Laurie! You have definitely achieved the Jeanne d'Arc look! Love it! And tell Rhett that...I do declare! He is a fine Southern gentleman to buy me new curtains! lol Happy week!...hugs..Debbie

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  63. Can you say L-O-V-E! So glad you stopped by my blog so I could find yours! I'm smitten with all your white!

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  64. Hi I'm one of your fellow featured at Boogieboard cottage. Didn't realise I'd been here before.Your link stood out amongst the features so I clicked it. I've already been here but I thought I'd let you know how lovely I think your style is....so lovely infact that I'll say it again. Love Love Love your stylish whites. It looks like a charming room!!!!

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  65. You succeeded... everything is beautiful just like jda! ( I recently was able to read the Christmas issue and oh my... gorgeous!) Your home is so pretty, i can't wait to see more! t.xoxo

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  66. Cute! We have a starfish ornament...it's one of my faves. I used to live in NC and bring home those big old pinecones for Christmas gifts...you just can't find them up North except in decor stores!

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  67. Good Morning Laurie!
    I'm blown away, your post was like looking through a beautiful magazine for inspiration. I love the way you mixed everything from greenery to texture. I was all over your table with the nest until I saw the dish with the key. Sigh!
    Have a wonderful day,
    Hugs Rosemary...xx

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  68. I just discovered your blog...love it! Your photos are beautiful...wonderful job.

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  69. oh my goodness, its just all looking so totally GORGEOUS I 'm lost for words. I too am going for a neutral look this season and you have got me even more inspired now!!
    alicia

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  70. Completely dreamy Laurie! Love that mantel in your kitchen you lucky gal you. I loved when I saw your mercury glass acorn...I bought some for my tabletop tree this year too! I just can't get enough of this look...absolutely love JDA inspired homes. xo ~Lili

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  71. Your Christmas decor is gorgeous! I'll have to come back and look around some more...it's almost 11:30 p.m. and I have to get up for work tomorrow!

    Your home truly is heavenly!

    I'm a Michigan gal!

    ~Sandy

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Bless you and thank you for visiting! I read each of your comments and treasure them all. So, please make sure your settings will accept emails, or leave your email address so that I can reply! ♥ Laurie