A Few of My Favorite Things!

 

I know I've shared this little lantern that hangs from my shepherd hook with you before but I wanted to show you how much snow we've gotten in the past few days...at least 6" with more to come tomorrow!



This is a picture of the snow covered berries on the little tree in the front of the house.
I'm surprised the birds haven't eat all of them!




 I'm busy INSIDE, decorating for Christmas!

 
I placed this tall, life-like golfing Santa in our den, which has lots of sports memorabilia scattered around.

The sun was shining on his face & golf bag, so I grabbed my camera to capture the fleeting moment.  
The sun has been scarce around here lately. 



I have a little tip to share with you, if you're making any of these floating candle arrangements that are so popular right now.



 I used distilled water, as I think it seems clearer than regular tap water.  Also be sure to rinse off your greens well before you put them in the water.  They can be dusty from the outdoors & that makes the water murky. 



A little splash of bleach in the water will help to keep the bacterial growth down & thus, it will stay nice longer. 

You still have to change the water weekly, but the whole arrangement stays fresh for quite a while.  

I found those pretty floating candles in the wedding department of Hobby Lobby. 



Another little treat I found are these darling holiday metal lids for small canning jars...from Walmart.



Aren't they festive?  This is the first year I've seen them & I'm going back for more today.  They fit the small, pint sized jars...I have not seen any for the larger quart size.



I'll be ready for next year, with some homemade gifts!





I bought this double tiered wrought iron basket (shown below) at Sam's Club, earlier this year.  
Usually I have fresh fruit in it, sitting on my kitchen counter.



 This Christmas, I'm using it to hold a dozen Pfaltzgraff mugs, for quick access.  It takes up very little counter space near the coffee bar, which is at a premium right now.



I have a few different decorations outside on the front porch this year, too, that I'd like to share with you.
 



A stack of heavily gilded gift boxes (which fit down inside each other, for easy storage) sit beside a *Santa Snowman* on my bench.



I did a machine embroidery snowman face design on the end of a king size pillowcase, stuffed it with 2 pillows, gave him a scarf & a Santa hat.  I think he needs a belt, too, don't you?



The entire entryway is decked with holly & pinecones, 



 with both fresh & artificial mixed together.

 

Those are Ms. C's ice skates, that don't fit her anymore.
I tucked some of my Dad's song sheets down inside, 
just for sentiment.  My Dad had the most beautiful voice &
sang solos at our church throughout his life.




Thanks, Mary, from "Home Is Where The Boat Is", for the idea to fill my galvanized watering can with greens.
Go HERE to see her beautiful display!



The light in the little black lantern, below, is a battery operated tea light.  Last year, it stayed on for MONTHS!  I think it was still glowing faintly well into January.  I bet it is the cold temperatures here in Ohio that helped it last so long.

I put a fresh battery in for this Christmas season & I just leave it turned on continuously, night & day.  
It is too cold to go out to turn it on & off each day!




 

You're welcome to stop by The Gazebo House for a cuppa something hot...coffee, tea, cocoa...whatever your perference.
We've left the light on for you!!  

Linking to Susan's "Metamorphasis Monday" at Between Naps on the Porch as well as The Tablescaper's "Season Sundays" party & Marty's "Inspire Me" meme at her lovely blog,  A Stroll Thru Life.   Be sure to visit these lovely ladies to see what everyone else is doing this holiday season!