Tablescapes, Home Decor, Thrifting, Cooking

Monday, December 1, 2008

As the Rest of you are Decorating for Christmas....

I am still putting fall away! Too much to do before I drag out all those Christmas crates but it needs to be done soon. Surely you all realize Thanksgiving came late this year so we are kinda sorta short by a week. Oh stress...please stay away.
Pictured today is a project I did for an area hospital lobby. Of course they were on a limited budget so I put most of the $$$'s on the large arrangement that sits on the counter where people stop to ask questions from the volunteer.
The Christmas tree took a long time because of the height and ladder situation and the fact it was basically just me doing all this. I did have a hospital employee help to fluff the branches. It would have been fun to add more jazziness to it, but money was a factor, doggone it.
The amaryllis really were showy, bright and happy. We used several groupings around the large lobby.
Why did I join a book club that meets in December? It seemed like a good idea two months ago when new friends were talking about all the fun they have and they invited me to join in on the fun. I always want to read, but it's never at the top of my list, so thought this would be a good way to get going on the book titles I always hear everyone talking about.
We are reading House of Daughters and to tell you truth, it hasn't been my favorite book so it's not so fun to make myself sit down and read it.
At the meeting we are to bring two dozen cookies to exchange. I'm thinking about Barefoot Contessa's Iced Ginger Cookies that my friend Jeannine got me hooked on. They really aren't a Christmas cookie but they are sooooo very good. I could sprinkle a little red sugar on the icing, right? Some day I will get really good and be able to provide links....Suzanne, I'm trying.
Another thing we are doing with my new Book Club is bringing a wrapped book to exchange. It can be new or slightly read. Why didn't I figure out all this before the calendar changed over to December?
No doubt you are all busy with many projects too.

23 comments:

southerninspiration said...

Love to read about your projects......and yes, I am already missing that extra November week. My sweet David did help me get started on my Christmas decor, but I have way too much to do....I need a few elves! It may be simple this year, and that's ok with me....maybe we should make a pact. Yours will be beautiful no matter how simple you make them! You've got the magic finger touch!
happy day!
Suzanne

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

It is certainly crazy this time of year isn't it? I know I'm meeting myself coming. I love all the beautiful decor you've created. thanks for sharing..
hugs ~lynne~

Unknown said...

THAT's WHY it seems so rushed....we usually have a week after T-Day before December hits! YIKES...it's UPON US!!!!

The tree and arrangement are gorgeous. I got my tree up this weekend but now looking at everyone else's posts I need to bulk mine up and add some more stuff.

Laurie - Decorating Fanatic said...

Good Morning! Yes, I still have fall stuff mixed in with my Christmas Decor! It's getting harder to find storage for all the seasons! The tree looks very pretty but those arrangements are GORGEOUS! I so need one for my entry. It's looking a little ho-hum right about now. Can't wait to see what you do in your own home - no pressure, now! ;) and darn it that we do have a shorter time to fill the house with holiday cheer, at the rate I am going I will still be doing this on Christmas Eve. Be back soon. ~ Laurie

Cathy said...

Donna, the hospital decs are beautiful! The large arrangement is gorgeous!

The book club party sounds like fun.

Cathy

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Oh...your hospital decorations are beautiful! I couldn't turn around and decorate my house. Believe me, if I had already done all of that, my family would just have to go spend Christmas in the hospital lobby!lol...Debbie

Melissa Miller said...

You did a beautiful job! I especially love the red potted amaryllis. Lovely!

Meadowsweet Days said...

Great job! The tree is gorgeous. After all of the designing and decorating for others by the time you get around to your own home..... it's always that way!

My store is closed on Mondays, so I had a chance to catch up and do a little decorating at home!

Carol

Shelley said...

I loved what you did with that tree and flower arrangement - all lovely! I'm in the process of decorating our log cabin.

Essential Oil Premier University said...

Well, I'd say you did very well, with little money to work with. Sometimes, less is BEST.

Blessings,

Sher

Bo said...

Hi Donna...wow, no apology needed for these spectacular creations you made!!! Budget or no budget, you nailed it...;-) Bo

nikkicrumpet said...

It sure looks plenty Jazzy to me! I think it all is gorgeous...looks very elegant and not budget at all!

Tardevil said...

Came over to see your blog...thanks for stopping by mine today! Love all the floral arrangements. I'm still putting up fall decor too & dragging out boxes full of holiday decor. It takes me so long to decorate, I barely get it all done before Christmas...especially this year! Happy holidays!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

So much to do at home, and you're decorating a hospital! It all looks lovely. Bet you'll get a lot of good cookies at book club. Maybe that will make struggling through the book worth it! laurie

Rebecca said...

Hi Donna! Thank you visiting my blog! I love the hospital Christmas table decorations. Gorgeous! And I love your Thanksgiving table decorations too. I'm missing that extra November week too. I did all my decorating this past Saturday. Took me all day! And I've still got decorations in the floor in my dining room.

Chanda said...

Hi Donna, it is so very nice to meet you. Your work is exquisitenand thank you for the confidence to use silks. I love them tastefullyn done and you seem to have the market cornered on that. All of your all soooo beautiful.
Thanks for stopping and saying hello,
Shanda

Tina said...

I love your flower arrangements and your tree looks wonderful...so much work for one person. Up and down that ladder..ouch, but it is very nice! Visited some of your other posts very nice!

Salmagundi said...

The amaryllis arrangements are striking! I bet they cheer everyone up at the hospital. How great you volunteer! Sally

Terrie's Lil' Piece of Serenity said...

What a fantastic job!! Everything looks beautiful!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Donna! Such a beautiful arrangement and the tree looks festive too! I'm not big into reading books, mostly dec/craft mags but sounds like a good way to spend time!!lol Maybe you could get the current book on tape!?lol I love Barefoot Contessa and have a few of her cookbooks; I'll try this cookie recipe - sounds good. Well take time out to enjoy one of those cookies - Sincerely, Jeannette

Beaufort Belle said...

Donna, I LOVE the large arrangement. It is gorgeous as usual.

Don't worry, I haven't started decorating yet either. Fall decorations still have to be boxed. However, my tree is put up (not decorated) and my lighted trees and reindeer are up in the front of the house. Heading out shortly for storage tubs, some new decorations, and then tomorrow for more new colors of florals to change out for all my burgundy florals.

Can't wait to see your Christmas lovelies...I know they will be beautiful!

kari and kijsa said...

Beautiful tree...love the arrangement!

Have a blessed and wonderful day!

smiles, kari & kijsa

Miss Janice said...

You did a great job...I know what you mean, I'm totally behind this year...