Thanks, OA .... I don't know how many yrs now I've had that vine tree ... somewhere in the 10 yr vicinity at least. Anyway, I first saw a 'vine tree' @ a great Fall craft show in a nearby town that I go to every year. Some gal had a half dozen or so on display ... & I think her price was about $100 ... way too much for me to spend @that time. So, anyway, I dreamed of making a vine tree from our woods on a tomato cage or something, but it never happened. Then on a day trip with a couple of my best friends, we walked into a specialty gift shop & low & behold, here stood this vine tree ... for sale!! The owner said they used it in their displays but it was so big to store so they were just keeping their smaller one (probably about a 2') ...anyway, that vine tree went home with me & I've been decorating it for Fall, Christmas & Valentine's ever since. I love it & it's still going strong & I got it @a bargain price I thought was reasonable. ;-) ~~Jeanne S p.s. I think Jane & Party have both made their own!

I never *want* to be done decorating my home because I enjoy the process. My homes look 'finished' within a short time of moving in, however I have always continued to change things. I *almost* don't like when I like something so much I don't want to change it! Right now there are 2 things in my house I like that much - one is the color on the walls on the main floor with semi-open plan altho I think I'll soon tweak that color just a bit as it needs painting. I am concerned tho that I won't like the new color as well. The other thing I love is the gallery wall on my stairway which has about a dozen original oil paintings. I occasionally contemplate changing that but I know it would be difficult to do something I like as much. I've recently been editing my home and giving away a lot of tschotskes and things I don't love but that makes space for more things and I'll eventually reassess and have some fun shopping.

I am loving everything I am seeing!! Love all the blue and silver being used. I had the urge to put up 2 trees this year....one full out decorated with big fat ribbon and one with our family ornaments but I was LAZY and just did one. Just a mish/mash of ornaments but oh, well I love seeing the lights. Besides my DS's tree with his ornaments - he did it and I have the hardest time not fussing with it!! I will get some pics up soon. These cats are hilarious!! Cattknap - I understand where you are coming from!! Everything is just so damned "political" now. I always say "Merry Christmas." I also resent the marketing that goes on around the holidays. If I were crafty I wouldn't buy one thing from department stores!! Well, except Toys R Us!! But, for the first time in a few years I am feeling the Spirit of Christmas!! We lost my father, and he had been very sick before. It is weird how traditions change after losing one of your parents but new traditions will be made!! I am smiling this year!! So, please keep sharing your beautiful decorations. SMiles:)

Everything looks perfect! Very elegant. The only thing I would do different is change out the arrangement over the fireplace. Yeah, that needs to go! PM me and I'll send you my address :) I'm thinking it would look fab on MY mantle! Your husband sounds like mine, only mine is usually right. He hangs around too many designers on a daily bases. He's developed a lot better eye than I have :o