Monday, November 17, 2014

Christmas Open House Part 1

It's been a busy couple of weeks around here. Putting the finishing touches on the outside decor, fluffing and tweaking decor inside the list goes on and on. I'll begin by saying this is one of the hardest Open House's I've ever prepared for. 
 Just a short year ago
I was dealing with different matters all together. Dealing with a micro burst that occurred upstairs, loosing two windows, and a few other issues. Needless to say the event was full of surprises. I'm struggling with the fact Mr. P isn't here cheering me on, eating cookies as they come right out of the oven, taking bite after bite of the peanut butter fudge and smiling his little boy grin while doing so. Miss Scooter sticks close by and that is such a comfort. Amazing how comforting our animals can be to us.
 To welcome our guests I've used the plaid throws and a mix of pillows. The last couple of days the winds have been howling. So far the pillows have stayed put, I've had to pick up a couple of ornaments that flew onto the ground, no harm no foul.



 The basket on the bike was filled with greenery with the addition of silver and red Christmas bulbs.

 On Sunday I took the mule out and headed to the East fence row to cut fresh greens for the planters, the fresh scent is incredible. The warmth of the sun and slight breeze only added to the beautiful day, bringing back fond memories of going out to find the perfect live tree for our home. I love the way they turned out. Monday I cut berries from the Flowering Crabapple tree for an additional mix of texture and color. The overfull planters catch your eye and make a statement as you pull up and walk through the arbor.

I thought the area to the right of the bench needed a bit of height. With the urn on the stand and more fresh greens it draws your eye over to the warmth of the arrangement.




Yes, that's little 'ole me in the reflection of the silver bulb.


Thanks for popping in for Part 1 of the Open House Event. Inside shots are coming around the corner. I hope you'll pop back for those, I'm excited to share with you the direction I took with the decor this year.

You may want to follow along on  Facebook for daily pictures, see my Pinterest decorating board, as well as Twitter and Instagram. If you're not a follower I would love for you to follow along, feel free to join in on the discussion and view daily shots of the shop and "bits" and pieces around our home and Miss Scooter and some of her antics.
Fondly ~ Lynne ~

22 comments:

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Lynne, it all looks gorgeous. I wish I could be there for the open house. laurie

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Laurie I wish you could be here too! It would be so much fun to have bloggers show up. I hope things are well your way. fondly ~lynne~

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Every thing is so pretty and festive! Looking forward to seeing the inside also.

Dreaming of Vintage said...

Decorated beautifully!

Salmagundi said...

No one ties a bow better than you!!! Sally

Stacey said...

It looks like you are ready. I hope it's lots of fun. :)

Alycia Nichols said...

You took the mule out? As in you RODE the mule??? Really? Wow! That's not something I hear everyday!!! :-)

It is looking SHARP there for Christmas, girlfriend! You are really on it!!! I know it has a whole different feel to it this year with Mr. P gone from earth, and please know my heart goes out to you.

If I can muster the strength to travel in a car for a long distance, I'm going to make my way there to finally see your shop and meet you this year!!!

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Oh Lynne, everything looks so very pretty and can hardly wait to see the rest. You have done a terrific job. So glad that you are back into the swing of things. Take care of yourself.
Hugs,
Mary

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Thank you so much Glenda. fondly ~lynne~

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Thank you Kelly. fondly ~lynne~

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Sally you are too sweet. Hope things are well your way. fondly ~lynne~

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Stacey, putting the finishing touches on things today, treats and such. It's alot of work but always fun. fondly ~lynne~

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Alycia, you are the funniest thing, you always make me laugh. I would love for you to make the drive over what a great and wonderful surprise that would be. I think we're only 45 minutes from each other.. map quest darling head our way. fondly ~lynne~

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Mary, thank you so much. I'm keeping busy and that helps. Hope things are well your way. fondly ~lynne~

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Oh how I wish I was closer and could come see YOU and your beautiful shop! It is beautifuk the way you have decorated to greet your guests. I know this year will be a hard one with Mr. P. gone but I am hoping you will be surrounded with others in your family. XO

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Hi Pinky, I wish you could come too! It would be so much fun to see fellow bloggers. I'm doing ok with the comfort of the dogs. Hope all is well your way. fondly ~lynne~

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

Just so very beautiful...good luck on the Open House!!!...Can't wait to see the interiors!

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Lynne..It just dawned on me that perhaps your home is above your store? If that is true..how wonderful that would be. Perfect!
I know this is your first Christmas without your husband..I remember such a time well, as I have lived through it. I worked out of my home so I didn't (thankfully have to "go to work" I was at home all the time. It was..difficult but better than coming home to a home without him. The store is looking so welcoming..just gorgeous, Lynne!
Big hugs to you...
Mona

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Thanks so much Shirley, I appreciate your well wishes. fondly ~lynne~

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Hi Mona, yes our home is above the shop, It's worked out well over the last 16 years. The shop has been very busy which keeps my mind busy. I hope you're doing ok, I know the road taken with all the twists and turns. fondly ~lynne~

Pat said...

Lynne,
Dear friend, this outdoor decor is so~o~o lovely!!!
It would be hard to not stop and tarry along the way. . .
Fondly,
Pat