Saturday I decided I better start decorating for Christmas since I’m going to be gone some in the next few weeks. It’s such a huge job so I just figured I’d tackle as much as possible this weekend. Here are some “before” pictures. 
A mess you say? No kidding!
Why do we put ourselves through all this?
And finally, the shelves are empty and dusted. (the only time the house gets a complete cleaning…LOL)
You’ll have to wait for the “after” pictures since we haven’t even celebrated Thanksgiving yet, but, oh heck, here are a couple of teasers.
I wanted to get the fireplace area finished first because I really wanted to see what the stockings would look like. They are the kits I got from Primitive Gatherings. I’m really happy with them. 
Uh oh, this was taken before I put stuff under the candles to stagger the heights!
And a close-up. Hmm, I’m going to have to work on that 4th one getting it to hang straight. Also, too much of the light color on the left. Going to have to switch them . LOL It’s amazing what you see in pictures.
Yesterday morning we woke up to this…
What a better way to spend a Sunday than with some snow on the ground and decorating for Christmas. It actually made the chore task a lot more fun.
Oh, okay, a couple more sneak peaks.
I’ve got lots of tweaking and “phoofing” to do before you can see the rest but at least it’s a start.
And what would decorating be without my little guy, Jack, helping out.
Have a great Thanksgiving everyone. Cherish your loved ones because…you just never know...
Hugs, Anne
so far, it looks great, your stockings look darling....can't wiat to see what you find in them...so glad Jack is being helpful....he must be excited too!!! See you soon..xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteit never really feels like christmas until we get to grammy's house! can't wait to see it all in person...:) and to see you in person, tomorrow! we love you, grammy!
ReplyDeleteI cant wait to see the rest of your pictures its making me feel all christmassy.
ReplyDeleteKaren
I think the stockings look great....and the snow looks fab....love the sneak peeks of the decorating - it looks fab already...and you have the cat to help! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.......
ReplyDeleteBeautiful decorating! Love the mantle and everything else, especially the kitty.
ReplyDeleteJack....he's quite the guy! Immediately in the first photo the quilt above the fireplace caught my eye! I love it and wanted to see it closer...you delivered as I scrolled down and saw those adorable stockings too! I'm looking forward to seeing your holiday decor...you know how to do it up right!!
ReplyDeleteMy heart has been heavy as well lately...the one year anniversary of dad's passing is next week. Last year at this time I was by his bedside. Your absolutely right..we shall enjoy each day as a gift.
Beautiful, Anne. I'm looking forward to seeing more!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Looks like too much work to me LOL, I'm sure it will be beautiful when you are done!!
ReplyDeleteCrispy
I love what you've done already. I bet your place is gorgeous for Christmas. The stockings are *too cute!
ReplyDeleteNo snow in Madras! It was very cold and windy on Sunday though.
Happy Thanksgving to you Anne.
I love what Emma wrote...ahhhhh. NOW that's why we do it!! Well done, Grammy! Looking good!
ReplyDeletePaulette
So far, so good! I am going to start this weekend. I heard it's going to be 80 here. :( I wish we could borrow your snow for the day.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful fireplace photo! Minimal decorating for me this year...9 month old mischievious pup in the house! She's a chewer too and a thief. She runs around like an elephant so the tree will be table top! Have a very Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy your snow.
ReplyDeleteSo funny what your blog today is about...because just yesterday I was at the Material Girls...yes, I have started back going every other Monday, and I was talking about the lovely Christmas party at your house and how wonderfully you decorate for the holidays. Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving. xop
ReplyDeleteI love what I see so far. I am waiting till after we have dinner, then I can tear the house apart;) Jack looks a lot like my Dora, is he as obnoxious, as she is?
ReplyDeleteDebbie
It looks wonderful so far, Anne. I wish we had a little bit of the white stuff to put me in the mood.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see the rest. And I just love your new stockings!
Have a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Looks like a marvelous start! I am still on the cleaning shelves phase, hopefully I can get more done tonight
ReplyDeleteI made a couple of those same stockings last year. Yours turned out very prim looking good!
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing. i love everything and can't wait to see more. the stockings are really nice and i love the bowl and tote box displays. i need to get going!
ReplyDeleteYour mantle looks very cool Anne! I love the stockings with the quilt above them. I hope you and your family have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteWhat a big job, you go all out and it's going to be fabulous. I love the stockings! What a nice comment from your GD. Happy thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteTHANKS for showing all the teasers... maybe it is coming a Christmas after all... and it even might be fun to drag out some boxes and start decorating!!!
ReplyDeleteLong to see the whole room decorated... :o)
With the children grown and gone, I had a fleeting thought that I might not decorate this year. After viewing your decorations this silly thought has vanished. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteOh my your decorating is making me feel festive. I love the stockings and snowballs.
ReplyDeleteAnne, those stockings are to die for! I really, really need to make some of them. Seems to me I've seen that pattern in a book. In any case, I'll need to check with Primitive Gatherings.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving!
Anne, Beautiful Home and I love the quilt and those stockings are adorable. Jack looks like he just had some turkey too, so satisfied. LOL
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Turkey day.. You have me inspired to start decorating.
Anne, it looks terrific! Could be used as magazine photos. I love your broken star quilt. How did you quilt it? I can't decide whether to add a border to mine or how to quilt it. Jack is adorable in any setting.
ReplyDeleteThe mantle is wonderful Anne...can't wait to see more and with all of Jack's help you'll be done in no time. Sending lots of good thoughts to you! Oh the snow is sooooooo pretty!
ReplyDeleteLove the stockings and the Snow!! Hugs, Mary
ReplyDeleteLooking good so far .... Love your collection of wooden trees on the mantle.
ReplyDeleteHi Anne,
ReplyDeleteHope you had a lovely Thanksgiving. Love your decorations so far. I wish I had your decorating touch.
Anne, I wish you know how much I enjoyed your post today - your home will be a magazine shoot when you have all those boxes adorning your home.
ReplyDeleteCan I come over for coffee and cake? LOL
It's looking good Anne. What a job decorating is huh?
ReplyDeleteI love your stockings. I just got that book out the other day. Maybe next year I'll have them made.
The snow is sooo pretty. I cant wait till I get some here.
Your teasers are great, love the prim stockings! Looking forward to seeing more of your decorating.
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays!