Monday, December 6, 2010

Victoria Christmas Party

Hello everyone,
    We had such a windy day here on the Island today that the bridge to the mainland had to be shut down for the day even to cars. There is still no snow in sight so it is rather dull and grey here- some snow would brighten things up a lot.
  Anyway, after being away for a week I need to get busy and finish up my Christmas decorating so I can get some baking done.
 Today, I was adding a few little touches around the house but mainly our kitchen. So, even though many of you have seen our kitchen before I am sharing some new touches with you today.

The hand made crochet tablecloth is one I bought in an antique shop near Kennebunkport. Also, the chairs have new fabric on the seats- I guess I should have taken a close-up shot.



I added some greenery  and candles to the table.

I also added some lace curtains to the bottom of the windows for the winter. I can open them on sunny days. We haven't seen a lot of sun here lately though.

I put some Christmas plates up.

I was able to add some new red and white transferware to my collection at a very good price. It is lucky we don't live close to so many antique shops- it is so tempting!

Time for a cup of tea and some Victoria Christmas inspiration. I love pouring over my old issues with a cup of tea especially on a stormy day.




And yes that corner cabinet is also full of dishes! 
I am decorating with little touches this year.


I love this little donkey-he reminds me that a humble little donkey carried Mary safely on her way!
I love these toile boxes- the bigger ones have my Christmas magazines in them.








I cut some of my holly and pine for the cone and added a vintage Christmas card.
This shot was taken a few months ago as I realized I didn't show my cupboards.


A closer look at my red and white transferware dishes.

Well, I know I am late to join the parties but I always hope it is better late then never!

So, I am joining Kathy for her Victoria Christmas Party at A Delightsome Life and also Cielo for her show off your kitchen party at the House in the Roses.

I know there will be lots to enjoy at both of these parties so I am looking forward to visiting.

Thank you for visiting me,

Carolyn

44 comments:

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hi Carolyn,
I guess I'm the first to comment this time. I always enjoy a tour of your pretty kitchen and your red toile. Love your boxes! Looks like you enjoyed a nice little trip! I love the carollers!

Chrismas blessings,
Sandi

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Carolyn,

Hope you stay warm with such mean winds blowing over the island! Your windows look pretty, even though the lace will do very little for insulation or warmth but it sure warms the heart!
The red transferware, combined with the white lace is so pretty. You only need minimal touches of green, the way you did it. For me that is plenty too, don't like to overkill. Minimalism wins.

Lots of love,

Mariette's Back to Basics

Terri said...

Oh My! All of your home photos are so beautiful and your house looks very festive!
I adore your transferware cupboard! Truly!
I am showing some of those very dishes off tomorrow at my Tea Cup Tuesday party ( I host it with Martha of Maratha's Favorites...she is wonderful!).
Thank you so much for sharing your gorgeous home with us.
Hugs,
Terri

Susan said...

Beautiful one and all, Carolyn. Love the Christmas tree transferware and the little donkey? Adorable. Susan

Donna (Timeless Settings) said...

Carolyn,
Your kitchen is so beautiful, I love all your Christmas decor!

Donna

Ricki Treleaven said...

Wow. I love your dining room. The crocheted tablecloth is stunning. I looooooooooove the chaise in the window. I could stay all day in there and read, enjoy tea, etc.

The red transferware always looks pretty, and especially at Christmas.

Richard Cottrell said...

I just started a new blog about my historic home. Please drop by and see it, and pass it on if you like it. Richard myoldhistorichouse.blogspot.com

Wildflowerhouse said...

So beautiful. Like a dream of days gone by.

The Charm of Home said...

Just beautiful Carolyn! Love your kitchen. It all looks lovely.
Sherry

Lizabeth said...

Boy I just love to stare at your pictures. Your decorating is much different than mine, but I do enjoy admiring yours. I love the red transferware dishes...looks perfect with all your whites! By the way, we have the snow you are looking for! Boy do we have it! Holiday wishes from Traverse City, Michigan! Liz

Angela said...

It is all very pretty and inviting. I envision cozy mornings and toasty afternoons in your beautiful home. I hope you are enjoying it this Christmas and always. Isn't it serene to have such beautiful touches around you?

Linda said...

Very lovely Carolyn. Love the tree transferware. You are lucky. Red and white is hard to find here in Ont.

Sarah said...

So glad you joined the party with this post. It's always a treat to see rooms of your beautiful home. All the details for the holidays are the icing on the cake! Absolutely love the toile boxes. Did you make these?
~ Sarah

foreverdecorating said...

Loved this post! Beautiful. Terry

Lady Katherine said...

Love each and every thing! Simply lovely! Love the dishes, lace! Just love it!

~Sues Treasures on the Porch~ said...

Simply Beautiful!

Chari at Happy To Design said...

HI Carolyn...

My friend, your kitchen is beautiful all dressed up in Christmas! Of course, that fabulous red transferware couldn't be anymore perfect for the season! I always love looking through all of your lovely pieces...such a treat! I love the beautiful Christmas greenery that you added to your table...very pretty, my friend! Ohhh...and the little corner with your beautiful red toile boxes and Christmas tree...simply divine! Visiting your home is like visiting a fairy tale, Carolyn...sooo very dreamy!!!

Warmest Christmas Wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design

Bella's Rose Cottage said...

Hi Carolyn, Your kitchen is pure charm, lovely in every detail! Sorry about the nasty weather, when the snow comes your chaise is the PERECT place to have tea and enjoy the flakes!
Bella

lilybets said...

Hi,your kitchen is very nice,especially dishes and christmas decoration...i love the atmosfere you create,it's magic.Lilybets.
http://nelboscodililybets.blogspot.com/

Ann said...

Love your Christmas plates, they look so lovely:)

I had a great time looking at your lovely Christmas decorations...

Rowan said...

What a beautiful room, I love your transfer ware Christmas plate and all the touches of greenery. It could have come straight from the pages of Vistoria. Such a good idea to keep your old magazines in those pretty boxes - that's something I may do myself.

Beverly said...

Carolyn, everything looks so pretty. I have a hard time passing up red transferware, too.

Thank you for sharing your trip. That is a place on our wish list to visit.

I've missed you on Pink Saturday. Come back and play with us. Our theme this week is favorite holiday movies.

Raffaella said...

I love your Christmas decorations and I adore your chaise longue...

ღ M@ddy ღ said...

Oggi quel che mi ha colpita maggiormente, è la tua cucina...
...semplicemente favolosa !!!

Maddy

PASSIONEDECO FRANCESCA said...

I know, I've told you so many times but:
I LOVE your home Carolyn.I DO LOVE IT!
Fra

Hélène Flont , french illustrator said...

the small plate with the pattern of Christmas tree is so cute!!!

✿◕ ‿ ◕✿

My Cottage Diary said...

It all looks so lovely. The Christmas plate is beautiful. And such nice other touches, too. Glad they take precautions when it's windy, etc. Have been over Bic Mac which connects Upper & Lower Michigan, and wouldn't want to be out on any long bridge in nasty weather. Keep cozy. Bess

Cindy said...

Carolyn, You never disappoint! Your kitchen is probably more Victorian than any I have ever seen. I love it! It is so perfect, I want mine to look like that one day. I love your lace curtains and your new chair pads, such lovely touches.
Thanks for a look at allof it.
Hugs, Cindy

Betty said...

I love Everything, but that tablecloth is just beautiful.

Willow

Kim said...

Hi Carolyn,
Everything is lovely. You give me inspiration looking a all of your wonderful pictures. Our home was built in 1895 and has gone through extensive renovation. It is not finished yet but I am always collecting ideas. I love your kitchen. I have decided that I will paint my kitchen cupboards white. I need to brighten it up. Have a wonderful Christmas.

Kim
http://kim-lettersfromtheshore.blogspot.com

nanniepannie said...

I always love your tours, the kitchen is lovely. I love the simple touches.

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Hi Carolyn,

Your kitchen it's beautiful, so nice and cosy, I love the crochet tablecloth and your window lace, your red toile and more. Thank you for sharing your festive home.
Merry Christmas! XO
FABBY

Heather's Blog-o-rama said...

Hi Carolyn...oh goodness...I was really delighted to see all the red, wh ite and lace...I kept staring at the shelves with the beuatiful heart-shaped lace edgings and the red/white transferware dishes.. Very nice!! I think the curtains on the lower half of the windows is great...you can allow the sun in and still have a bit of privacy too!! Thanks for sharing the photos with us. Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)

One Shabby Old House said...

What a beautiful kitchen. It looks so warm and inviting and I can almost smell those Christmas cookies. I just helped a friend set her table for the Christmas tour in Eufaula and she had the same transfer dishes only her pattern had a green tree in the middle. They were Johnson Brothers and I really have grown fond of the the thought of having some Christmas china. Just what I need....one more dish. lol. I especially loved the window shots and the view that holds your little cottage. Everything is so pretty here as always. Enjoy your Christmas season.
It is cold here in Florida too. Wishing for some warmer weather.

Heaven's Walk said...

Carolyn - I'm glad you 'blew' home safe and sound! lol! Your home is so stunningly beautiful! So very warm and welcoming! My fav thing was your sweet little donkey. What a beautifully inspirational treasure.... :)

xoxo laurie

Elizabeth said...

I love all of your "little touches"! Everything is just beautiful. Thank you for showing us the little donkey. It is a good reminder of the season:)

CIELO said...

Your house is so beautiful dear Carolyn... I so enjoyed looking at each and every pic. Love love the feeling of quiet peacefulness that each of them bestow....

Hugs

Cielo

Anonymous said...

Hi carolyn,
A beautiful post as always, very pretty items great eye for detail. I did not know you had 2 blogs just checked out the other one it's a beauty too!
Have a great week
Rosemary...

Pansy Cottage Girl said...

Everything is so pretty. Thank you for sharing. Hugs to you,

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

This makes me want to put on a soft white dress, a feminine hat and a pair of lace crocheted gloves and have tea with you!
Gorgeous decorating, soft and sweet and dreamy.
What a treat!
Yvonne

The Tablescaper said...

Hi Carolyn:

Your home is so warm and inviting. I love how you tweak everything to add the festive touch. Looking out your kitchen window looks idyllic.

- The Tablescaper

Linda Stubbs said...

I just found you.......enjoyed my stay.........you have a nack...........for loveliness. The plates were my favorite. Very nice.......blessings and may CHRISTmas be very special to you and yours.

I will be back.........again.
Linda
Prairie Flower Farm
Having a drawing, if you would like to come.

Sherry said...

Your kitchen is beautiful, I love the transferware. I guess I should say that I love everything you shared and you have inspired me as I plan for the work we will be doing on our kitchen dining area after Christmas. The little donkey is the sweetest.

Pandy said...

Hi Carolyn I just love your blog and all your beatiful things. I was wondering what is inbetween your two china cbainets it looks like a shutter can you tell me whats in between? keep going i just love it. your friend Pandy from missouri