Farmhouse Christmas Tour ~ 2013

Welcome!

We're so glad to have you come for a little visit to our Farmhouse this Christmas!

This is what you see as you walk in the front door, a narrow central staircase, typical of turn of the century farmhouses in our area. The kitty has a red bow for Christmas and he sits atop some volumes of The Everyday Library for Young People that belonged to my great-grandfather.

To the right of the stairs is our dining room, which might be my favorite room to decorate for Christmas. It lends itself well to simple, natural touches. 

Ron made this sideboard many years ago from a pattern featured in Country Living magazine. The pewter tea service is a bicentennial reproduction given to me by my aunt. 

Again this year, I have made a Della Robbia arrangement for my mantle, with combination of faux and real elements.

Some of you may remember Ron's tree.  Well, he recently got a new tree, replacing the ancient (not antique!) fake tree that was shedding more and more needles with every passing year. The decorations are still the same, dried yarrow from our herb garden and raffia garland.

Some of the pewter in the corner cupboard is new this year, bargains purchased with Christmas money last December. For now I am displaying it in the corner cupboard (also made from Country Living plans in the '80's), although I will probably return my great-grandmother's china tea set to this spot come spring.

To the left of the stairs is our living room. At one time it was a kitchen! We know this because Ron found the hole where the pitcher pump had been when remodeling this room. But now it is our living room, and the place where we unwind at the end of the day.

This is my cozy chair, my favorite evening spot. I love that it is nestled up to the Christmas tree this year. This is our family tree, bedecked with ornaments that we have collected through the years.

Joy? Yes, even in trying circumstances. "Joy to the world! The Lord has come!"

The five nearby grands have already scouted out their packages under the tree. That is, all of them except for Owen (7) who couldn't find his! (Gran hadn't wrapped it yet. She hopes that he's not too worried!)

The "fantel" has its usual theme, soft candlelight and berries, fresh greenery to be added closer to the big day. (The wood stove, although loved for its cozy heat, dries fresh greens out so quickly; we usually have them only for a few days.)

Here's another view of the living room.

I love these carolers given to me by my mom many years ago. We place them on top of the piano. It seems the right place for singers, don't you think?

I wonder if they're singing "Carol of the Bells" while Bekah plays for them? (Apparently, she didn't need the pedals. ~smile~)

I told you about our kitchen (almost) disaster, so I only have a few pictures from that room. But it is the heart of our home -- our hangout, our school room, our party room, our gathering place. Our tour wouldn't be complete unless we made a little stop there.

Thank you for coming along on the Farmhouse Christmas Tour! 

I pray that your celebrations are Christ-centered as you honor the first coming of our Lord and King! 

May you be ready for His second coming!

 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;

Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, 

upon them a light has shined.

Isaiah 9:2

Linking to The Nester's 2013 Christmas Tour of Homes...where "it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful!"  (Hooray!)