Thursday, December 9, 2010

QUILTS ALL AROUND THE HOUSE

I am mostly done with the Christmas decor.  Isn't this such a wonderful time of year?  Christmas decorating can be so messy.  Especially here.  I have a special son,  JoJo.  He is 26 now but he functions on a 2 or 3 year old level.  He is a delight.  Imagine seeing the world through a child's eyes all the time.  He LOVES Christmas. And he loves his family and parties.  He lives by the motto,  "If you decorate, they will come."  Therefore, he is always setting up for some party, waiting for everyone to come!  Usually he sneaks the Christmas decorations up to his room several times a month.  I have often come home in July to find the tree up in the front yard.  So it's great to get the decorations out and actually put them up right at the right time!   Here's a few pictures of what we've been doing.

In the entryway, I have a table full of candy jars.  All Christmas candy of course.  
 See those Cinnamon Santas.  That jar was full a few days ago.  Humm.  I really do like 
Cinnamon Santas.

 Of course there is always a garland on the stairs.

You have seen this spot before.  I hang various quilts from the rod iron hanger above my sofa.  Usually I have "Peppermint Twist" or "Carousel" up there, but I switched it out for "Christmas Village." 
Notice the beautiful nativity on the table.  It is carved out of olive wood.  My daughter, Talia, sent it from Israel.  She has been there doing a semester abroad at the Jerusalem Center.  I can't wait to see her--she gets home next week.  YEAH!!

I like to use quilts as table toppers.  They are so pretty.  I believe that quilts should be used.  If they get worn out, we'll make more!  I've had this reindeer candle holder for years.  It is still one of my favorite decorations, and has even managed to survive the JoJo.
 In the family room you will find lots of quilty influence. There's a quilt on the coffee table--I made it years ago with some friends at my quilt group.  It's not my pattern, and I'm not sure of the designer or name.  Maybe someone will remember.
There's always a stack of quilts to wrap up in when you're hanging out in this room. 
The stockings are from a pattern I had in American Patchwork and Quilting.  (Dec. 2008)  I still need to make some more for when everyone comes home.  There they are on the cover, so it will be easy for you to find them in your collection of magazines!
That's all for now.  I am going to finish the snowflakes today and get them up.  I need a tall person to help me hang them  (Son-Schuyler)  so I have to wait until after school.  (I don't know what I will do when all these kids are gone, which isn't far off .  I definitely won't be as productive!)

13 comments:

free indeed said...

WHat a lovely tour; thank you! It is delightful to see how you've encorporated the quilts all over the place...I really need to make myself some...they make such a nice statement and so easily done too. I am beginning to dread the 'hard' to do stuff now that I am aging...

Holly said...

I love seeing how other people decorate! Its just not my strenth sadly. Thanks to those that share pictures I can see what others do and come up with something similar for my house. I covet your fireplace! lol
Have a Merry Christmas!

Sherri said...

Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful Christmas quilts and decor! I know I still have that AP &Q somewhere...I'll definitely be looking for your project!

bevkimmel said...

Thanks, I really enjoyed this.And I love your appliqued quilts. I am looking forward to doing one of your patterns soon!

Mama Pea said...

Just beautiful! Jealous! Will you come decorate my house? :-)

Jacqueline said...

I adore that you embrace your son and his uniqueness. Working in 'the field' as a behaviorist for families with Autistic and 'intelectually delayed' (yep, thats the new buzz-word) family members. It is so refreshing to encounter the love, unconditional, that you share with your JoJo. Thank you for sharing. <3 (I didnt forget - I love the decor too!)

Mary said...

Beautiful. My goal next year will to be to get those seasonal mini quilts all made so I can use them at Christmastime. Gotta have a goal, right? Your house looks very 'Martha' with a little extra Quilty influence...

Debbie said...

Thank you for showing us your wonderful decorated home. I cannot wait to see the snowflakes up. I love that JoJo loves Christmas so much that he wants to decorate all year long..me too. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Jen said...

I've seen a lot of decorations in BlogLand, and yours blows me away! Totally gorgeous, classy, and beautiful! I love the idea of Christmas Candy. Reminds me of the Candy Tables they do at weddings and parties. So pretty! No wonder JoJo wants the decorations out all year round! Merry Christmas!

Susan said...

Your home looks lovely! So festive!

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

Beautiful display of your quilting and those candy jars look yummy!

Stacy Lindblom said...

Your house is just lovely. I love the candy jar idea too!

Shan said...

Your house is wonderful - your creativity is amazing! The table topper (or tree skirt when I cut out the middle) is called Starry Pines. When I saw your picture, I remembered how much I loved your scrappy version. Thanks for sharing!