Sunday, December 14, 2008

The Halls -- They are Decked















It's time for BooMama's Christmas Tour of Homes!

Come on in and make yourself at home -- let me show you around and share some of my favorite Christmas decorations this year.



When you the walk through the front door, this is the view into our great room.



(By the way, lest you think I have some kind of avant garde decorating sense, that crazy swatch of fabric hanging on the window is a "mock up" for my window mistreatment that is still a work in progress.)

Here is a close-up view of our tree. We've had it up since the middle of November, but (I'm embarrassed to say) it took BooMama's Home Tour to finally motivate me to put the angel on top:



Do you hear the music in the background? I'm playing one of my most favorite Christmas CDs:


It's such a jaunty set of tunes. I love it.

These are the Christmas elves that I inherited from my grandmother.



I know some of them look a little strange, but they mean a lot to me. As a little girl, I remember being fascinated by them.

Oh! I almost forgot to introduce you to Cherry. He's our "Elf on the Shelf." He arrives at our house each year on Dec. 1 and flies back each night to the North Pole to report to Santa on behavior at the Life with Three house. Each morning, we find him in a new hiding spot. The kids think he is just the best.



Here is our Christmas Countdown Calendar, which was made for us by a family friend. We hang an ornament on the tree for each day in December.



And, finally, a favorite sign, which hangs prominently above the door in the kitchen.



Before you leave, be sure and try a piece of this crockpot candy. I discovered it last year over at Brin's blog. It will blow your socks off -- I can't stop eating it. I've included the recipe for y'all below:



(1) 16 oz. jar unsalted peanuts

(1) 16 oz. jar salted peanuts

(1) 12 oz. bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips

(1) 12 oz. bag of milk chocolate chips

(2) 12 oz. bags of peanut butter chips

(2) 1 lb. packages White Almond Bark (or Vanilla Candy Coating), broken in pieces

Layer ingredients, in order listed, into (4-quart or larger) crockpot. Cover and turn the crockpot on low for two hours. After two hours, stir to combine. Replace lid and cook for an additional 30 minutes. Check to see if almond bark is melted and, if so, stir and spoon mixture onto wax paper. (I like to decorate it with sprinkles.) Allow to harden for about an hour. Gym membership not included. :)

Merry Christmas and Happy Home Touring!

20 comments:

Jen said...

I love the sign and your elf collection. Your house is so festive! Thanks for the recipe. Can't wait to try it!

mumameee said...

Love the Christmas tree advent calender!! Your house looks gorgeous.

Betsy said...

adorable. your front porch is to die for.

Anonymous said...

What a fun and lovely house! LOVE the elves of your grandma's, LOVE the candy, LOVE everything! Merry Christmas -

Carol said...

I especially like your grandma's elves. Thanks for sharing with us.

Merry Christmas!

Jackie said...

Where do I start?? :) I have ALWAYS wanted a big front porch like you have...it has always seemed like the quintessential reflection of all things Southern, and the way you have it decorated is perfect. Your home is so welcoming, and your elves are darling; those kinds of pieces are my favorite because of all the history and memories associated with them.

I have so enjoyed getting a peek into your home, Michelle! Merry Christmas! :)

Momtothreebabies said...

I LOVE your elves!! Especially Cheery!! So cute! Your house is beautiful!
Merry Christmas!
Jaelle @ www.momtothreebabies.blogspot.com

mah-meeee said...

beautiful home!

Joy said...

Lovely!! Can't wait to try the candy!!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful home! Thanks for sharing.

Merry Christmas!

Heather said...

I love your vintage elf collection!

Christina Lee said...

how great!!! I love the little elf idea and how you move him around (why didn't I think of that?) Also we have a very similar advent tree- do you go cukoo crazy everyday too b/c the little ornament buggers REFUSE to stay on? If not, can your friend make me one?

Nise' said...

I have seen Elf On The Shelf hiding in a few homes. I copied your recipe for my husband, he wants to make the crock pot candy! Thank you for a lovely visit.

Musings of a Housewife said...

Loving the countdown calendar. So cute! Your front porch and the great room are to die for. I'd love to see the rest of the house!!

Melodie Norman Haas said...

Your tree looks great and I love the christmas tree calendar! Thanks for sharing :)

Unknown said...

Your decoration is beautiful! And i love the sweet elf idea. SUch a fun tradition!

Keetha Broyles said...

I LOVE all the windows in your great room - - - your tree looks lovely in front of them.

Thanks for inviting me in!!!

Merry Christmas

Anonymous said...

Ah, Michelle, thanks for the tour of your lovely, cozy home! I love the elves, but Cherry is a little bit Scary...Little dolls that move around the house at night just freak me out, sorry! :)


Re: the real or fake tree: My littlest kid came running in to me excitedly from school saying, "Mommy! They have REAL Christmas trees at Home Depot now!"

Anonymous said...

Your house looks amazing. I'm still trying to get through the list at BooMama's but I'm determined to do it before the New Year.

Happy Holidays!!

Belinda said...

Your house looks beautiful, and I love your Grandmother's elves...everyone would love to have a treasured collection from a dear Grandparent, especially one which evokes fond childhood memories. :-)