Saturday, December 18, 2021

A Festive Forest

It's finally a festive forest in my home! (Say that five times fast!) So, c'mon in! (Cue the music!)


My house is a 1960s ranch, about 1,250 square feet. The living room is long and and the far end serves as the dining room. Between the two spaces, there are four trees. I love trees.


So, let's start in the hall, a wall tree with mini-Radko ornaments and my Greeting Angel welcome guests.


I love these smaller ornaments. And they are very sturdy!

This is the main tree. In the past, I have written that it is a biography of my life. Every ornament means something.


They are older or cherished because they came from my parents' (or in one special case, my grandparents') tree. 


Others reflect our travels, were were gifts from friends, or the things I picked up along the way, just because I liked them!


This one, the Woodland tree, stays up much of the winter and pretty much everything on it is a bird, a snowflake or otherwise reflects winter. 


It pretty much looks the same every year.


And I love it.


The Happy Tree stays pretty much the same as well. I couldn't resist this flocked tree a few years ago and it makes me happy, just looking at it. 

Everything here is felt or fiber and it's all bright colors. When I'm having a bad day, I check this one out!


In the back, by the dining table is what used to be the Solstice Tree. This year it's the Bright Tree. 


For whatever reasons, a lot of the pretty glass ornaments and the Radkos didn't seem to fit right on the Big Tree, so they got their own!


And, of course, I tucked in a few vintage postcards there, too! 

In the family room, is Mom's Tree. Everything here is either something that my mom collected or something that reflects her, that I know she'd like. 


I've written about this one in other posts so I won't go into detail. But this one makes me happy, too.


My Feltie Tree is on the dry sink/bar. It started out with more but I plucked a few from inventory for gifts! 


In the kitchen, my small white tree, made a Southern Exposure in this workshop. I miss those Southern Exposure workshops!


(And while we're in the kitchen, the wee shelf by the sink)


Oh yes, I even lit up the rosemary plant! 


No tree, but a bit of festivity on the baker's rack, too! Cocoa, anyone?


There's a tree in the bathroom (just because I can) and another (the Angel Tree) in the guest room. 


 In my room, Dad's Tree -- all ornaments that reflect my dad.


This year, my quilt is a vintage red and white one.


 And of course, the creche, a gift from a lovely friend when she moved and downsized.


Since Rick is traveling this week and will need to semi-isolate when he's home from the trade show and till he gets a Covid test, we wanted to get him decorated before he left. 


I let him take three of my small trees and he gets his own festive forest filled with ornaments that date back to when the boys were small and the angel topper his grandmother made.


Elmo and Lamb Chop await the Toddlers (who by now are more into trucks!)

I leave you with one last tree -- this one came down in the neighborhood during the wind storms this week and crossed my road.


It only took a couple of guys from the fire department to make short work of this one.


When I think of the damage and loss of life elsewhere, I realize, we are so lucky.

Sharing with:   Pink Saturday   /   Love Your Creativity   /   All About Home      Tuesday Turn About  

56 comments:

DUTA said...

ן love it that you have a Mom tree and a Dad tree. They definitely deserve the honor.
There's a lot to be seen and enjoyed at your pre-Christmas decorated house. With Covid still here, I suppose you don't expect many visitors these days. Still, it makes you happy, and that's the main thing.

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz said...

I can imagine how happy you feel when you see all these lovely trees because it makes me very happy to see them!

BeachGypsy said...

Wow!---Girlfriend, you have REALLY DECKED THE HALLS!! LOL. It sure looks great---warm, welcoming, festive!! You nailed it for sure! Love all the pretty trees, all of them have something special to like! I like that shelf area too---I also have quite a few of those lil trees, and I have a "tree forest" each December. I use spray paint to make mine the colors I want. I probably need to stop buying the trees---we are quickly running out of room to display them, LOL!! I limit myself to usually one or so each year. Anyway, enjoyed this fun post and loved seeing your pretty decor. Oh!!---and yes, you know how I LOVED THE Southern Exposure posts.....do miss those for sure. Have a festive and fun week!! Hugs from Charleston.

Misadventures of Widowhood said...

Oh, my gosh, you sure have some beautiful works of mini art on those trees. I cant' imagine where you store all your things when it's not up for the holidays.

Valerie-Jael said...

Well, Jeanie, you really get to the top of the class with your decorating! It must have been a lot of work! Now enjoy it! Hugs, Valerie

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Oh my! Your home and some of the photos look right out of a holiday movie. I love the happy tree....oh and the felties tree! And how wonderful to have keepsakes from years past. I don't have anything like that but I have some thrift store finds that remind me of my early childhood. Holiday hugs!

Susan Kane said...

You have done up Christmas so cleverly! The trees are each different.

anno said...

So festive! What a great lift to the spirits - thank you, Jeanie! Hope you're enjoying a wonderful weekend!

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Jeanie,
You and I do love our Trees but it is because we love our ornaments!! I always say that is why I have so many Trees.....And keep some up year round too!! LOVE all your Trees and all the memories in the way of ornaments that you have on them!! Yours and Rick's house are both so festive and brimming with Christmas happiness!!Loved the tour!! Thanks so much for always stopping by!! Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Jeanie,
I think I deleted my comment..So If I did, let me say that I LOVED the tour. You and I love our Trees because we Love our ornaments...And I love all the memories on all your Trees...Thanks for always stopping by!! Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Mae Travels said...

Your special trees are all amazing, year after year. Your house looks beautiful and very festive.

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

William Kendall said...

Very thoroughly decorated.

Linda Stoll said...

Oh I do cherish those old ornaments from my Grandma, too, Jeanie! They are so fragile that I'm afraid I've broken a few more than I would have liked over the years. These gems are packed with beauty and memories and love!

Merry Christmas to you and yours! I'm grateful our paths have crossed this year.

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Sorry if duplicating my comment.
All your trees are beautiful!
The burlap star design is a nice craft project to try.

Lowcarb team member said...

Absolutely wonderful, from your first photograph to your last and everything in between.
I just love your decorations.

Merry Christmas Wishes.

All the best Jan

Red Rose Alley said...

Oh Jeanie, four trees! They are all so festive and pretty lit up. I was drawn to the red space with the rosemary plant, as there's just something about red at Christmastime. Oh, and then I saw LAMB CHOP! Me and the girls have been looking for the original Lamb Chop, but can't seem to find him anywhere. They do have a Lamb Chop dog toy that squeaks, no thanks. Jess had one when she was little, but through the years, she gave it away, and misses it so, as she has a hard time getting rid of stuff animals from the past. The Nativity scene is beautiful. Your vintage red and white quilt is very nice, and I love the reindeer pillow. The hot cocoa space on your baker's rack is so cute, and I enjoyed peppermint cocoa this Christmas season, so good. I didn't realize your house was only 1250 sq. feet, but you managed to put up all your trees, and it all looks wonderful, Jeanie.

Merry Christmas week to you, dear friend.

~Sheri

*I think my favorite is the main tree. It's so pretty, and the ornaments look vintage to me. It's so special that every ornament has a story. : )

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Jeanie, you have really been busy bringing all of your lovely decorations out! I know how happy family treasures make you as you place them about your home! I'm so glad you were spared any damage from the recent weather issues that have plagued so many. Enjoy a happy week reflecting on all the beauty and light you have created in your home!

My name is Erika. said...

I always love seeing your trees Jeanie. Thanks for taking us on a tour today. That Mom tree is such a wonderful idea. I don't remember seeing that one before. To me, there is nothing more Christmas than a tree, and with all your trees, you have a lot of fantastic Christmas spirit. I hope you are ready for Christmas. Hugs-Erika

ashok said...

Wow so wonderful to look at your decorations!

Tristan Robin said...

I had to come out of hibernation to tell you how much I've enjoyed following your holiday decorating - and this one really caps them off! So many terrific tree with such splendid tales and treasured memories behind them. It's as if you've written a visual Christmas DIY book on how to make holiday memories for a lifetime!

I did put all seven trees up as well as the Putz houses and nutcrackers and the music box collection. My heart isn't really into this year, but it has cheered me up somewhat with the doing of it.

I'm writing this in the middle of the night. I couldn't sleep so I decided to get a head start on my Christmas baking. I have to have enough baked goods to last us through our Christmas Eve/Christmas classic Christmas movie marathon. 14 hours of holiday cheers and tears. And we eat our way through every moment of them. LOL I'm sure you'll be baking and entertaining - and many will enjoy your lovely and romantic home-and-family decorations!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Jeanie,

Your trees and decorations are so pretty. I love that each ornaments holds special memories. Your home looks so festive and beautiful. Your are ready for Christmas, let the fun begin. I am glad you did not have damage from those high winds. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Take care, have a great new week!

Jenn Jilks said...

What a beautiful post. It made me smile. You DO love your trees!

Sharon in Las Cruces NM said...

Wowser girl.......you are an awesome representative of what Christmas fun and beauty and creativity is all about. loved every picture and I can't wipe the smile off my face. I am going to re-look at this post at least once a day for positive vibes and enjoyment factors. Maybe you should send me a "bill" for THERAPY! HUGS TO YOU AND YOURS FOR A DELIGHTFUL SEASON OF LOVE AND LIGHT.

Pamela said...

What a wonderful forest! You are ready for the holidays.

Rita C at Panoply said...

Wow! You really put a lot of energy into putting up and decorating your forest! I was very sparing in what ornaments I chose for just my one tree, but tried to get something that represented each of my own themes on there.
Merry Christmas Jeanie & Rick!

La Table De Nana said...

Always so festive!!!!!

Ricki Treleaven said...

I heard y'all had some straight line winds! I'm happy that you had no damage to your home. I love the colorful felted tree. It's my favorite! All your trees are neat. Have a Merry Christmas, Jeanie!

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

That is a lot of trees to decorate, but how special each one is! I only have one tree, but it too is loaded with ornaments that all have meaning or memory. Merry Christmas week!!

Sandi Magle said...

Oh, Jeanie how lovely. All your trees are marvelous, and I love the idea of each having a special type or theme of ornaments. I thought I was bad with 5 trees..and here you are in a small house also---with all of yours...I lost count.
Have a very Merry Season and a great New Year! Sandi

Karen said...

I went shopping for a new tree last week. Unfortunately none were to be had. Apparently the new stock of Christmas tat is stuck in shipping containers somewhere on the west coast or fell into the ocean when a container ship burned. I'm hoping stock will roll in after the holidays and we can buy at reduced prices. I saw a five foot flocked skinny tree that really looked like the cats meow.

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Jeanie. I love all your trees and how they reflect your life. I decorated only the public rooms this year. I got lazy. Your bed looks so pretty and comfortable. I sometimes wish I had neutral walls in the bedroom so I could do Christmas up proud like you did. It is beautiful. Hope everything comes out good with Rick and wish you both a very Merry Christmas..xxoJudy

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Your holiday decoration and trees are lovely, Jeanie, thanks for not only sharing the photos but the back story such as with your mom and dad trees. Hopevall goes well with Rick's travels and that you will all be able to celebrate together on his return.

Joanne Huffman said...

So festive and fun! Love you forest.

DeniseinVA said...

Fantastic decorations Jeanie and love the memories. Love what you've done. Thank you so much for sharing.

Bill said...

Wow, your house is fully decorated for Christmas. I really enjoyed seeing all your beautiful trees with their ornaments. Wonderful job creating your new Christmas memories along with the older ones. Have a very happy and peaceful Christmas.

Polly said...

What a beautiful collection Jeanie, I love the bird tree. I know how much pleasure they give you. We have two in our home and they make me smile.

Sandra at Maison De Jardin said...

Jeanie, now I have proof you are amazing. I thought I did well to put up one tree and a few decorations here and there. I have done some baking and there are a few cookies that need to be baked. Oh, and presents to wrap. Mike has been a great help in the kitchen this year.

I hope Rick's test will come back negative. Dreadful Covid, it just won't seem to go away.

Merry Christmas to you and Rick!

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Look at you being all festive. Your decoration are so fun. I love themed trees. Thanks for sharing your lovely Christmas decor. Merry Christmas.

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

I love all of the trees, especially the mom and dad ones! And I just love your felties! We have one from you and some cat ones my MIL got us last year. They are so perfect for our boys!

We just ice have the one tree but I love it so much and especially the ornaments from each boys’ first Christmases, like the little handprint and footprint molds. It’s a reminder how much they have grown and changed!

Carola Bartz said...

A Mom tree and a Dad tree is such a sweet idea. You sure have a lot of trees in your home. I like the little felt animals - did you make all of them?

Anonymous said...

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas darling. Sent with love from Australia ❤️🎄 Cath

The French Hutch said...

Wow, you've been busy making merry! I love each and every one of your trees, especially how you have one for your mom and dad. I think that is so special. If I had my way I would love to have a forest of tress Our main tree is what I named the memory tree, full of ornaments from our son while growing up and our travels and what we enjoy collecting. I love how you decorated your home, it looks fabulous! So happy to hear the damage in the neighborhood was not so devastating. We had 75 degree temps and storms with lots of rain. Went to bed with A/C on and turned the heat on today after the cold front moved through. A normal December here. Hope you have a wonderful week leading up to Christmas.........











Marilyn Miller said...

I love all your trees including the ones for Rick. The big tree is so special with all the memories. I realize I don't have any ornaments from my childhood. I had one Santa boot, which my daughter has now. It was a gift from my grandpa.

Pam Richardson said...

Jeanie, I love that you have a mom and dad tree, that is so special. I love every tree because they are totally you. I can imagine how much time it takes to put them all up and fluffed and then decorated. I hope the week of Christmas bring you much joy, my friend!

Iris Flavia said...

I love that every ornament has a meaning. Can imagine I would stand there for hours, going through memories each time.
What a nice idea! I might copy you! I have these things here and there, but not in one place.

Nice to see, too, you "still" have DVDS, CDs and such. Most have but netflix these days. I wonder what do they do if that goes for a day? We have backups :-)

Ohhh, the bird! And the star. And your fireplace. And certainly your Dad-tree. Thank you, you just gave me so many memories of mine. And a cute painting with the three boats, too.

Sad about the isolation awaiting you but my Elmo here cheers to yours.

Yes, we are lucky! Merry Christmas, a good last thought!

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

So many beautiful trees filled with memeories! You do indeed have a forest in your home for Christmas. Sending you a Christmas hug and a wish for a blessed holiday.

gigi-hawaii said...

I am glad that there was no damage to your house from the fallen tree. Your Christmas decor really looks nice.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I love all of your trees! How wonderfully festive!

Divers and Sundry said...

Your house is filled with seasonal good cheer. I love that you have so many trees. It adds to the festive feel to see these Christmas trees throughout the house :)

R's Rue said...

I absolutely love it.

Prims By The Water said...

I so loved perusing each picture slowly taking in all of the decor. So much to like in each picture. A few of my favs is your bed set up, your memory tree, and the feltie one. So festive and I am sure you are enjoying looking at all of your trees lit at night. They are so magical! Janice

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I also decorate with trees, but mine are all tabletop and not decorated like yours. I'm always in awe of the amount of time and effort you put into decorating each tree. I can tell Christmas truly dominates your home each year. Such incredible beauty in your trees, dear.

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

Jeanie, it is an enchanting forest! How wonderful that every ornament means something to you, and I love that there is Mom's Tree and Dad's tree - I think that's the loveliest tribute I've ever heard.

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

So many special trees filled with wonderful memories! Love the Happy Tree - it made me happy just looking at it! You have some amazing ornaments and love the little shelves, too. It must be so sparkly and pretty at night. Wishing you a lovely Christmas and all good things in the coming new year. xx K

Librarian said...

Your themed trees are a great idea! And you are right - luckily, only that one tree fell across your road, no further damage.
All about your house now says "CHRISTMAS" - it's very festive!

Victoria Zigler said...

I love that your trees are themed, and imagine it does look like quite the festive forest in your house right now... It sounds wonderful to be among it all.

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