Christmas Decorating 2011 - Part 2

The second stop on our little tour is the upstairs Christmas tree in the bonus room. I used my black pre-lit tree in here again this year. I switched up the colours and decided to use white, silver, crystals and red.

Here we go.................

It's kind of hard to tell, but as well as some silver and red geo mesh at the top of the tree, there is also a white feather star.

 
I am so happy with this tree! It's really festive and not typically what I would use as colours. Gotta love those trips out of your comfort zone!

I tackled the banister next. I use artificial green garland and build it up with lights, ribbon, mesh and ornaments. Most of my garland is el cheapo and can look a bit skinny. Adding to it beefs it up and makes an inexpensive garland a little more luxe! This took me a total of 45 minutes...I think that's a record! I had a great time creating those wreaths, I even had a few extra to give away. I also indulged Mr. Mel's love for multicolour lights (gasp) and I have to admit that I love them!

I was well on my way to getting the house done, and then it happenned...BAM! An old back injury came back to haunt me and I was out of commission...just like that. I was so frustrated. So, with limited mobility for the past few weeks, I only managed to dump glass balls into every container I could get my hands on and put out a few other random decorations. Certainly not what I had planned, but it'll have to do for this year, health comes first!

This Santa stands about three feet tall and he's one of my favourites. I received him as a gift from my mother-in-law when Mr. Mel and I were just dating, and I also love that my kitty, Butterball, has licked the coating right off one of those fake berries! It makes me smile every year when I see it.

I also couldn;t resist putting up my little Disney Princess tabletop tree. It's impossible to have a bad day when Cinderella is smiling at you each morning. Over the years I've picked up some mini cupcake ornaments and Martha Stewart floral glass balls that are super cute.

Whew! Now that that's done, it's time to snuggle up with Mr. Mel and the kitties and reward myself with a cup of hot chocolate.

Peace out, and have a wonderful Christmas, everyone!

Stained Glass Window

A few years ago my mother-in-law took up stained glass as a hobby. When we moved into the house she generously offered to make us a stained glass piece for our upstairs window. After picking out a pattern and selecting the glass (wow, who knew there were so many different kinds?!), she went to work...and boy did she work!

This week she and my father-in-law came over to install the window. When I came home and saw it, it literally took my breath away. It is amazing! And, let me tell you, this was no small undertaking. The window is about 5 1/2' by 3'. It is a remarkable gift.

I am in LOVE with the finished product! It's gorgeous and, as a practical matter, provides us with some much needed privacy (this window is in Mr. Mel's closet).