Today we are enjoying this:
The springboard for this mantel was the Vogue reproduction. That was the holiday card I sent 10+ years ago! Within the last couple years, I also purchased a similar authentic Esquire greeting card via ebay.
I think the holiday cards work well with the photographs of my dad's older siblings. They were taken in January of 1938 and February of 1945.
The mirror above the mantel was their household mirror. They got dressed for school looking into that same mirror in the 30s. It is fun to think that they're together again!
New to the mantel this year are the framed holiday postcards. The frame is one I picked up from the thrift store ages ago and painted. I just mounted the cards on a piece of watercolor paper with painters tape. One is postmarked from 1904! Another was dated 1908 and even addressed to a recipient, but never mailed.
New this year are also the holiday wreaths I made. One for the kitchen door and one for the front door area.
I just bought two wreaths from the grocery store. In addition to the ornaments, I attached sticks and Dollar Store greenery I painted with a brush (it is too cold to spray paint!). I secured everything with green floral twist ties also from the Dollar Store, so that it can all be easily removed and reused. The jury is still out on the spray snow. Perhaps I should have concentrated it more in some areas instead of a consistent application...?
Also new this year is a tree shape using hardware twine and Command Hooks to display holiday cards on the door leading upstairs.
Here is the dining room window. It is definitely a holiday favorite!
The window is especially pretty at night when the garland is lit up. Don't mind the sad hibiscus. It will be happier once spring makes its return and it is outdoors!
I didn't trust myself to take a Christmas tree down before Valentine's day. You know, with the baby's arrival and all. :) So this is our tree this year.
And that's it for holiday decor here!
Merry Christmas to all!
