Howdy, Mike! Nice pics of your plants! I'm not sure why the leaf-margin has more of those bumps....? On my CC, however, there are a variety of leaf-shapes, some young and some mature...maybe that's it? In the first pic, I see what I think is an Easter Cactus to the far left (in original soil). In the third and fourth pics, I see those interesting leaf segments and a very pale colored bud. When that one blooms, please post a pic so we can examine the plant better! The color and the angle of the flower attachment should tell us more. Josh

Tks for the kind words about my Houdi. Also, Tks for the all the props--what a good way to start the new year--it can be a challenge keeping up with all of you and what's posted on a daily bases. Oldalgebra - the 3 Wise Men are from HSN. From what I gather, they have them every now and then in limited supply and the set was around $100., They were available late last summer/early fall. It seems of late I've been adding a "quality" Santa yrly - this yr, my friend sent me the big Napoleon "Bee' Santa above the little lamp I put together. Oh, I got the cherubs last yr, and I did leave them out because I enjoyed them. Karen - Yes I did the small tree w/gold leaves myself, believe me, it looked better, but the cats kept trying to take it down...they love the bling! Those gold ivy leaves were another after Xmas purchase bought cheaply en masse yrs back. Finally I said enough was enough--it is what it is! Yes. Tigger is big, he's bigger than his daddy, even the "runt" Gizmo turned into a big kitty. Selena the dog has a cat gene--she likes them, and even makes friends with strays if they're receptive. She's also friends with the birds, squirrels and a possum. They are big! I would have preferred to use them on the flr, and by the tree, but not this yr, the cats are still too young. Luvs - I'm surprised the crystal drop tree was left alone. My late mom would pick up those chandelier crystal whenever she found them cheaply. Like my Santa collection--which my mom started, you add one or two yrly and after a few yrs you have something. pdg777 - I found if you get enough of like things such as decorative picks, sprays,etc--it becomes easier to create a look...or at least punt! lynnencfan - the kids/snowman and vignettes in the display cases are from QVC/Valerie Parr Hill. Their quality is superb and they weren't too $$ either. Another gift/acquisition this yr. nana2010 - Anytown USA,LOL Tks forhgtv - yes the cats will keep me busy and will "help" when I take things down...in their special very own cat way, meaning, check boxes/totes before sealing! oakleyok - RE; Pointer pic, maybe in the will ;-)I agree, Mercury glass does go so well with Christmas decorating. Mine are from Wisteria. I didn't do it this yr, I put a string of battery operated lights inside and they glow. It creates another nighttime look. slinkey - There's a Where's Waldo in pic 14 down, Ms K is down near the flr behind the cabinet leg next to the blu & wht jar. jeannespines - LOL,I'm glad you see elegant--I see chairs w/cat patina, and pieces mended/glued, scratches...aka gentle decay! I work with what I have and try to it make it work - Tks for the compliments. phonegirl - Thk you. Kind words do help ease the pain. excessfroufrou - Normally the deerhead/wreath is where the mirror/crystal tree is, as the mirror hides the heavy screws needed to hold the deerhead on the wall. I found I could do the same above the sofa, the big pic that's normally there will hide the screws and nails used. I had those display cases for 3 yrs before I could figure out what to do w/them--they're big! Adding the marble beneath actually helped the look. I can't wait to do something w/the epergne next yr - the cats think it's their new feeding bowls--they keep checking it out to see if I've put anything in there for them. The friend who gave to me suggested Fancy Feast! My look isn't for everyone, but it sure makes it fun to share with people who get it.

Thank you everyone. You all have given me many good ideas and inspiration photos. I have now just added some bronze colored balls in the green bowl and tucked in some greenery with pine cones. I realize I'm mixing Christmas with autumn and I think I could do better utilizing many of your ideas but this is my first year in the house and I'm feeling my way and figuring out what works from my old stash. I just want the house attractive for my husband's company party we're hosting but I hate to rush out and buy all new things at once. I've already bought lots for my outside decor. I think that with your help I have it where I'm happy, but now as I see things on trips and next year I'll know what look I'm working toward and what colors work in this room. So much of the bronze is formal and this is in my keeping room/hearth room that is part of the kitchen. I want to keep in relaxed and fun. This year is a learning experience for sure and thank you all so much for your help in getting the mantel under control and for making me lose the snow :-) Mimi

Your trees are lovely, with or without the packages under them....I'm glad I'm not the only one to look at the whole picture...I love those lace curtains in the background, Patti...And I dream of having a fireplace... We put our tree up last week, big artifical thing, and it's crooked...No matter what we do, it leans forward and at this point, my DH said, that's the way it's going to stay....It really looks good from the front! As far as wrapping, all the gifts are sitting right here in the dining room, unwrapped, waiting for me to get with it....I'm hoping to find enough gift bags to fit everything in and save on the wrapping....It just wouldn't be right if I didn't wait until the last minute..... Happy Holidays, everyone!