Friday, December 1, 2017

A French Country Christmas Dining Room

"What do you mean you aren't going to put up a Christmas tree?"
That's what my friends said when I told them I was not going to have a tree this year. 
I planned on just decorating our small living and dining room space
in a simple French Country feel. 


I wasn't sure I'd stick to it but, since I'm trying to simplify my life, I wanted to attempt it. 
I could always put a tree up later if I really missed it. 
Besides, I had some nice vintage decorations that I thought would be just as festive.

This white bird has always perched on top of our Christmas tree 
so I wanted to give it a special spot, here atop my antique mirror.


Here's a wide shot of the old farmhouse mantel trimmed out for the holidays.


The silver bells, tied with a red ribbon bow, are Ron's. His mother gave him one each year 
at Christmas, engraved with the date. Now, they're a special feature of our holiday decor.


A simple natural centerpiece on the dining table grounds this small room 
with a bit of bling and candlelight. The vintage silver tray sits on an old grain sack. 


Bringing the outdoors in with this metal patio lantern and some greenery
is a nod to a French Country feel. 


I found two of these gorgeous wire urns at a yard sale last summer. 
I switched out the red geraniums for a collection of teddy bears in each one. 
Ron points out that OU's football team is in first place!


Adding a few bottle brush trees in front of this antique medicine cabinet is a simple vintage touch.


I thought I was almost finished decorating when I remembered the vintage sled 
I found at an estate sale last summer that was somewhere in the attic. 
Once I found it, I propped it against the farmhouse mantel and tied a small wreath on it. 


Isn't it a beauty?


This paper house looks welcoming at night, casting a warm glow on a stack of ironstone plates. 


With all these charming holiday decorations, I'm really not missing a Christmas tree this year.
Do you have a tree(s) this year?

I hope you come back next week to see my French Country Christmas living room/foyer.
Will there be a tree in that room? We'll see.

Happy December!

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45 comments:

  1. Nicely done, I love all of your vintage pieces. I have three of trees this year. :-) Two are table top about 3' tall and the other is an antique iron rose bush that I have decorated with lights and will hang some crystals from it too. It is in the hall flat up against the wall.

    I look forward to seeing more of your lovely decorating.

    FlowerLady

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    1. Thanks so much Lorraine! Your antique iron rose bush sounds beautiful. I hope you have a wonderful week heading into the holidays. Hugs, Pat

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  2. As a child, I loved the decorating of a tree and I know that my own children think that it is a special part of preparing for Christmas, but what you have done is beautiful, very Christmassy and as you say, you can change your mind at any stage!

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    1. Thank you Catherine! Yes, the tree was very special when I was growing up too. I'm glad that your children will have that memory. I'm so glad you like what I've done. Hugs, Pat

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  3. This is simply lovely, each and every detail. I smiled with the bells -- I have those too. Are yours music boxes? They're filled with memories. Beautiful touches everywhere! Joy!

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    1. Thanks Jeanie! I appreciate your kind words. I think one of Ron's bells is a music box but most are just bells. I think the red ribbons really show them off. Hope you have a wonderful week. Hugs, Pat

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  4. Very festive, and you are right that a tree can come later if you decide you miss it.

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    1. Thanks Carole! I appreciate you stopping by. So far, I'm not missing a tree but it's still early! Hugs, Pat

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  5. It looks a lot like Christmas to me,and yes i have a tree up. Whether anyone will be here to see it or not i love a tree.When my mom died i had to buy a little tree for my dad cause he didn't care, and i put it up for him every year. It wasn't long until he expected it. lol!

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    1. Hi Marlene! You're right. If you love a tree, it doesn't matter if anyone else sees it. Your story about your Dad was so touching. I'm sure he loves it and your thoughtfulness. Hugs, Pat

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  6. The bells are lovely and your table centerpiece is wonderful. Yes, we have 3 trees and each have ornaments collected over 20 years. They are lovely and all year I long for the day I can put them up. For me it is about the trees and not the other stuff in every corner of each room. You may consider putting up a small tree with lights only - I've seen people do this and it is a nice accent.

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    1. Thanks so much Ann! I appreciate your sweet words. Your trees sound lovely and very special. I like your idea of a small table-type tree with lights only. Maybe next year? Have a wonderful week and do enjoy the season. Hugs, Pat

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  7. Hey Sister, I love the new look for Christmas. The bells were such a thoughtful gift for Ron from his Mother. The living room is very cozy. We will have our tree in the dining room. I also have a small one white snowy one upstairs in the living room. It is tradition that I just don't want to part with. I want a radio flyer sled for Christmas. An old one would be just perfect. You don't see them around here in the shops or yard sales. Remember when we never saw the tree when we were young and we thought Santa brought it and all the presents?

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    1. Hi Jan! I'm so glad you like the new look. It was time for a change and so far I'm not wishing I had a tree. Yours is always beautiful and traditions are important. I have so many special memories of our Christmases at home. I hope Santa brings you a sled! Hugs, Pat

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  8. Love that sled! And always love a little lit cottage. I totally get not having a tree. I get closer to that every year. I think your pretty decorations more than make up for it. Glad to see you having fun with it! So nice that you came by!

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    1. Thanks Jacqueline! I have really enjoyed reading everyone's comments about the tree. I say whatever makes you happy is what you should do. Hope you are enjoying the season in NM. Hugs, Pat

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  9. I would love to not put up a tree but my grandkids and daughter are living with me. They would all freak out if I didn't. All of your Christmas decor is beautiful. Thanks for sharing at Snickerdoodle.

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    1. Thanks Sharon! I hope you all enjoy the tree; I'm sure they love it. Hugs, Pat

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  10. I cme to the conclusion a couple years ago (right after buying a very expensive LED tree-ugh) that the house is just too small to try and fit one in. Last year I only had festival touches and they weren't enough so I did purchase a small table top tree that is better. Still with all that's going on in this world, my festive spirit is somewhat lacking. Well that and the fact that the perennials are still blooming in the garden! I don't know how people in warmer climes do it.

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    1. Isn't that always the case? I'm thinking about a table-topper too, maybe next year. My violas are all blooming too! Crazy. I'm wishing you some festive spirit my friend. Hugs, Pat

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  11. Looks great! We have a small, narrow tree we still use (thrifted). We gave away quite a few ornaments to our adult children. I do more winter decor, for a few months, and some Christmas. I have some French and Scandinavian country winter items I love to put out. We have a sled like that, with a red bow, that we put on our front porch. Nice vintage touch! Nancy

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    1. Thank you Nancy! Ohhh, I bet your French and Scandy items are gorgeous! Perfect for winter. Hugs, Pat

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  12. Those are the perfect touches of Christmas. I am glad you remembered the sleigh too. It's beautiful.

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    1. Thanks Christine! I thought about putting the sled on the front porch but was afraid it might get stolen. I like it inside better anyway. Hugs, Pat

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  13. NICE!!! The silver bells are such a special and beautiful touch!!! Glad you remembered the sled, too, because it really adds a lot to the overall look. A tree is not necessary to bring Christmas cheer to one’s home AT ALL. Well done!

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    1. Thanks for visiting Alycia! I appreciate your sweet comments. You get it! Hugs, Pat

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  14. Love all of your beautiful French Country inspired vignettes....I love how you incorporated the things that you use every day and embellished them with the beautiful pretties of Christmas. I was only going to do a tabletop tree this year as our home is on the market; however, after putting up one tree...it morphed into 5! Have a very Merry Week!

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    1. Thanks so much Shirley! Sounds like trees are contagious. Enjoy them all! Hugs, Pat

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  15. You've proved in a beautiful way that a Christmas tree isn't required to bring about the Christmas feel. Your decor is beautiful and I wish you a Merry Christmas.

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    1. What a nice comment Sandra! Thank you! And Merry Christmas! Hugs, Pat

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  16. Everything looks beautiful Pat!

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    1. Thanks Pamela! (Are you doing your link party again?) I miss it. Enjoy the holidays, Pat

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  17. Pat, it looks beautiful. In contrast to you, this is the first year we have two trees! The one in our bedroom really stole my heart. Your decorations are so lovely, and that sled! Oh, I love that. Beautiful.

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    1. Thanks Lidy!I do think a tree in the bedroom would be romantic. I'm content with no tree this year but there's always next year. And to think I almost forgot the sled in the attic. Makes me wonder what other treasures are hiding in there. Enjoy the holidays, Pat

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  18. So very pretty! Thank you for sharing! You are one of the fan favorites at the Sunday Showcase from the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Here is the link to this week's Showcase: http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/sunday-showcase-make-pretty-monday-8-28/ Happy Holiday Season! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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    1. Thank you soooo much Kathryn! I'm thrilled to be a fan favorite. Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs, Pat

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  19. So beautiful, festive and inviting. Thanks for sharing your lovely home. I love the centerpiece of the dinner table.
    Happy Christmas.
    Fabby

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    1. Thank you very much Fabby! I love that centerpiece too, its simplicity and natural touches. Merry Christmas wishes to you. Hugs, Pat

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  20. Hello Pat! Merry Christmas! I love your Christmas touches. Your shabby fireplace is gorgeous too. I love so many of your treasures! I recently shared my music room tour which you might enjoy.
    So funny about the sled because somehow I forgot about the vintage sled we found at a yard sale this summer and I just remembered to get it out yesterday!
    Amber
    https://followtheyellowbrickhome.com/sing-now-christmas-holiday-music-room-tour/

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    1. Thanks so much Amber (and sorry to be late in responding to your nice comments). Glad you remembered your sled. Nothing says Christmas like wintry sleds, even though we don't have any snow yet here. Looking forward to reading about your music room. Hugs, Pat

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  21. I love it! I don't think a tree is necessary at all. I've been trying to simplify my Christmas decorating as well, at the 'gasps' of my family.

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    1. Thanks Amy. Yep it can be tricky with family but I do like the simple look. I wish you a Merry Christmas! Hugs, Pat

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  22. I love the sled! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm--pinned!

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    1. Thanks so much! I love the sled too, so glad I remembered it. Have a wonderful weekend and a Merry Christmas. Hugs, Pat

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  23. Pat it all looks so Pretty. Thank you for sharing. I just love this time of year. My Mother and Grandma and Grandpa always made it special for Me and my sisters and brothers. As I grew up I helped my Mother decorate inside and outside. I remember climbing up on the roof and putting a Big Star on top of it. And we always got to open one gift on Christmas Eve. We had the Best Christmas Day with lots of good food. I keep all those memories in my heart. And I tell my Grandkids lots of stories to keep for there kids. Have a Wonderful Holiday and a Happy New Year. Susie

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