Saturday, December 1, 2012

On a Cold and Snowy Day

Ha!

It was 82 here in Texas today.
It's December 1st.
For a girl from Wisconsin and Minnesota this is still hard to believe.  But, I'll take it! 


So instead of working on my inside, which I really should do as I host my Book Club on Thursday and I haven't done my house or read the book, but 82 degrees made me work outside.

I just used white, greenery, and pine cones in my decor and I plan to leave it up till it dries up and blows away or Easter.  Whichever comes first:-)

I'll just go in a circle and show you the details.
First up is the view:-)
The main reason we added this room.  We love to sit out here and listen to the fountain.


Here is my dollar store craft.  This is incredible on several levels.  First of all, I rarely shop the dollar store and I really rarely craft.  That gene skipped a generation as both of my daughters love to craft as do both of their grandmas.
Me, not so much.

I bought a few of these large snowflakes with the intent to use them on the mantel, but I didn't care for that so I just used them for table decor.  A little epsom salt on the candle and done.


I tried a few different looks on the mantel, but I like this one the best.  Plain pine wreath, pine garland, pine cones and snowballs and snowflakes.


My epsom salt snowballs, and dollar store snowflakes.





On the hearth are 3 little birch logs we brought back from our cabin.  We don't have much birch on our property so I really had to hunt for these.  I really like using the logs so we will look a little harder this summer.




More of my snowballs.  And a few little pieces of birch leftover and made into risers for my votives.
I tell you, for me, this is a lot of craftiness:-)





I just clipped some boxwood to put around my pillar candle.



On the counter I filled my tool box with clippings and pine cones and snowflakes.





Our little table got the left over decor and a few candles.



It's magical at night.









And I think with that I"m done.  I love that I spent very little money.  Just a few dollars at the dollar store, and I have decorated until Spring!

Next up, the playhouse needs a good scrubbing and then I'd better head indoors!




Merry Christmas!

I'm joining Kim at Savvy Southern Style for the Homespun Christmas Party.
And Richella for Grace at Home.
Joining Pamela at From My Front Porch to Yours.

26 comments:

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

Sue, I love your Holiday/Winter touches outside! We laughed at all of the people out buying trees today, wearing t-shirts and shorts...lol! It really doesn't feel like the holidays at all in Dallas! The clouds this morning were as good as it gets! But, your decor surely gets me in the mood! Beautiful!

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

You have one of the prettiest patio's I've ever seen! I can see why you like to spend alot of time out there! Your Christmas mantel looks gorgeous!
I just moved to Texas this summer. I'm wondering if I'll ever get to wear a sweater this winter!

Heather@http://southernabbey.com said...

Your decorations are really pretty. It looks like you should have a roaring fire and hot chocolate and blankets to wrap yourself in...but I guess not! Your patio does give a feeling of Christmas, not 82 degrees! When I move to Austin next year, I think I am going to miss the cooler weather during the holidays...but I guess it's worth it for decent weather the rest of the year!

Anonymous said...

What can I say after I say gorgeous! This is amazing, Sue!

Lori said...

Well that is one way to have a snowball fight in Texas. I would spend every minute out there that I could.

The Martys said...

It looks fantastic!!!! Love everything you did out there. I am going to the dollar store and getting those candles for my side walk. I may have to get some of those snowflakes too. Good job Sis!!

nannykim said...

I love this outdoor area and I like the simplicity and beauty of the greens,whites, browns! Nice.

Jenny said...

This is so pretty! What a beautiful space, and I love that you put lights on the play house - too sweet!

Bonnie@Creative Decorating said...

Just gorgeous and that view...just awesome!

Sandy said...

Can I come sit in your little
outdoor spot in the evenings?
Really, I would die for that
back yard.. simply beautiful
and although your decorations
for the holidays are very nice
you don't need to do anything
to rustic it up..
Simply Beautiful,, or did I
all ready say that.
Happy Holidays
Sandy

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

What a nice outdoor setting you have! I'm a Michigan girl so I know what you mean about adjusting to that kind of weather change! Your mantel looks great and of course your outdoor fireplace is awesome! Love the epsom salt balls and candles you create. What a neat idea! The little playhouse couldn't be cuter! Love the tool box with greens. Odly enough I just created a version with jars and paperwhite narcissus that will be showing their blooms in the weeks to come. I used some greens to camouflage the jars but it reminds me a like what you did!

jessica said...

So So cute! LOVE your little craft! :)

TLEB said...

Your house always looks beautiful - I love the epsom salt snowballs!

Unknown said...

Absolutely gorgeous. Hot here in Georgia, too. Wish I had that patio...

Kim said...

Wow Sue! What a stunning back yard you have there. I love that you have such an amazing view with that gorgeous lake. Lucky lady! Such a sweet little house too. Thanks for sharing all of your loveliness!
xoxo,
Kim

Simply Domestic said...

Beautiful backyard! I love the snowballs. I live in Texas, too. Very warm here!

Jen S. said...

Howdy!
I LOVE what you did! Very creative and so beautiful, inviting, and cozy!

PS--that playhouse is the cutest playhouse EVER! I ♥ it!!

Debbie said...

I would love to have an area like that at my place. Of course, I have no wonderful view or fountain to listen to, but I would love it nonetheless.

I love birch logs. We don't have any around here. Mom brought some back with her from a visit to her home in Massachusetts decades ago to use here, but they don't last forever.

WendyBee said...

Who is not crafty? Because you certainly are! Your creations are wonderful! Like -- "Winter Wonderland" Wonderful! I love what you've done. Especially the birch logs and using segments as risers for the candlescape. And the epsom salt snow adds just the right touch. I should think you would miss the look and the hushed sound of snow, but not the shoveling, and the cold toes, and runny nose. I hope you have a lovely holiday season!

Eclectically Vintage said...

Stunning - love all of your natural greenery scattered about. I'm sure Santa would love sipping an umbrella drink while lounging poolside!
Kelly

Lori @ Dining Delight said...

You did such a good job incorporating "snow" into your 82 degree weather! Gorgeous patio area and the view of the pond is breathtaking. Thanks for stopping by Dining Delight and touring my home.

DD

Ron said...

One word: Gorgeous! xo

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

This is just beautiful, Sue! This is such a beautiful space, decorated or not. Love all of the fresh greenery with the white. It just pops, and I would just have to leave those lights up year around.

Richella Parham said...

Oh, Sue. It's just dreamy! Your outdoor space is one of the prettiest I've ever seen, and you've done a wonderful job decorating it for the season. Love it!

Candi said...

Again I am in love with your outdoor space! I have a board on pinterest titled "Things I will own one day" and I pinned your outdoor space. Of course not because I will own your house one day, lol, but because one day I want a gorgeous outdoor space like yours. Love it.

Kathy Olson said...

I just love your outdoor room! The fireplace and furnishings are gorgeous, too!
Have a Merry Christmas!