A Haven for Vee

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

One Box

First of all, thank you for your thoughtful comments on the last post. I learned some things! You know how much I enjoy the opportunity to cogitate a spell.


I was so pleased that my daughter Laurel put up a Charlie Brown Christmas tree. Some years, she thinks it is just too much. The difference between Laurel and me is that she is not a homebody and I am.  

Her cats were very impressed with the tree and I am sure that there will be a lot of batting of ornaments in the days to come. All ornaments are cat-proof.

Isn't it amazing that she can store all of her Christmas things in one box? One box! I shall not mention how many boxes of stuff I have and I won't  ask you either. ッ



↑A photo shared on Instagram. Though I try not to use duplicate photos, I wanted to share the interesting program I was watching: A Victorian Christmas aka  A Proper English Christmas. (Thanks, Cathie!) I watched it on Amazon Prime. The lengths those Victorians went 
to celebrate Christmas. Anytime the lady of the house, in her long skirts and dainty boots, is stomping about in horse manure proves her devotion.




Have you tried the Peppermint Tootsie Roll Pops? Very refreshing.




It is fun to style the only "mantel" I have. This is what it looks like this year.




Tweaking, tweaking, always tweaking. No, I did NOT eat all the Peppermint Tootsie Roll Pops. They've been moved to the kitchen table.




I am very thankful to my neighbors who are sharing lots of lights... It sure is pretty around here in the evenings, especially at the blue hour.





Okay, I am certain that even I have overdosed on this tree; however,  I would like to share my secrets what I do. 

1.This is the second year that I have used Brenda's suggestion for creating cohesiveness for the tree. She uses red, but one can use any color ornament that reflects 
light—silver, green, blue–I used gold. These are placed inside the tree and really don't show up all that much except that they reflect the light. If you check the link, you'll see that my rememberer is not remembering so clearly. For whatever reason they are used, I really like the method.

Moving right along...2.I read a suggestion from the White House Christmas decorators who suggested using a short hanger for ornaments instead of longer ones. It has the effect of putting the focus entirely on the ornament instead of introducing a distraction. 

3. Burlap is still my favorite garland for the light it allows through. It used to be more of a pain because strips of burlap would have to be cut. These days, I just pick up burlap ribbon with my Hobby Lobby coupons making it pretty economical. It also tames down a fussy tree like this to one that better suits the rustic environment. I like elegant rusticity. 

4. I love the old-fashioned tinsel, but have zero patience for it, especially the new flyaway variety. So all my adult life I have used crystal icicles. The first sets came from Silvestri and were quite pricey for me in those early years. I bought more just recently and they were more reasonably priced...cheap even. This selection has two lengths, which surprised me at first, but works out quite well in practice.


 


Is there anything that you are doing differently with your tree this year? Have you ever done a Charlie Brown tree? I am thinking that I could give it a whirl next time. That whole one box thing is appealing.



45 comments:

  1. My workaround for receiving comments to my inbox.

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  2. I/we never change...we usually invested in a real tree and then a couple of years ago, we got to Walmart early the day after Christmas and voila, they had beautiful fake trees on sale for like 90% off. So, now we have a beautiful 7 foot tree that looks real. Hubby recently invested in led netting, so that goes on first (white and colored) and then ornaments of all sorts goes on. I have never used garland, prb. because I don't know how, LOL.

    Thank you for making me smile and oh how I envy Laurel for only having one box, try 20 boxes here, lol.

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  3. OH my! What a treat for me this morning to visit with you, love all the tips for decorating a tree, using shorter hangers is a great idea! Placing the silver icicles is a must around here, which is my job! Mr P can't figure out why they always fly off the tree when he walks by, I tell him its all that magnetism he has!~smile~
    The photo of your view of the neighbors is picture perfect! as is your tree!Your tree is so beautiful!
    Enjoyed your last post, congratulations to all on the birth announcement! Watch out boys, there will be a new sheriff in town!
    Think of you so often, and pray for you every day!
    Love,
    Sue
    p.s. we indeed have a Charlie Brown tree, a gift to Mr p from Susan

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  4. I didn't put my icicles on the tree this year, and I didn't put my red wooden bead garlands either. So that's different for me. That said, your tree is gorgeous! Really beautiful! Laurel's tree is so cute, and I'm sure her kitty will love it!

    My Emma got a real tree this year. In the last few years she just used her little 18 inch tree from her girlhood, but this year a real tree with color lights! The kids are so thrilled!

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    1. Yes, some things we begin doing for the children.😊

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  5. Your tree is so pretty. I miss having a tree but don't have the room in this apartment. Nor, the patience to decorate... or a place to store anything. So, I have some small trees set out... a set of 5 glass trees, 2 tall 'candle' trees, a molded tree with light on it. that will have to do. You have a wonderful week. Hugs, dear Vee.

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  6. L'heure bleue - oh how I love that time of day. See you have some snow which makes it an even prettier way to end the day.
    Your tree and decor for the holidays.......just all very lovely Vee.
    I like the idea of burlap ribbon too - and I only ever do white lights. Our now aging (like us) faux tree is up in the usual place, in the screened gazebo outside the kitchen windows, and today when it gets a bit warmer I'll be out there decorating. I've now cut the boxes down to about five, still too many when it comes time to drag them from the attic. This year I'm not putting everything out, just enough for the tree and a few vignettes about the house.

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    1. Actually, it rained for two days and the snow is gone.

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  7. Your tree is beautiful . . . so festive and pretty and I love the burlap garland! You have learned a thing or two about decorating a lovely Christmas tree! Different on our tree this year: plaid ribbon garland instead of red wooden beads . . . and none of Kati's ornaments. (insert small sniffle)

    I will have to look for the peppermint Tootsie Pops! I think my grands will love them!

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  8. Your tree is beautiful Vee! I put a small tree in my bedroom this year that I am calling my Charlie Brown tree. Red and gold ornaments only.

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  9. Your tree is beautiful and I also like your daughter's Charlie Brown tree. We weren't going to put up a tree, but I found a 32" fiber optic tree and put that up. We're really enjoying it at our house.

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  10. Beautiful tree, Vee. We have a very traditional real tree, and we try to find one with open branches so the light and ornaments show through. Still don't have one up, but coming this weekend. I try to decorate from inside to outside for depth, too. Your view at the blue hour is very pretty. Yay for Laurel!

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  11. I love your tree! I love everything my eye could see! Including the 'Give Thanks' on your 'mantel' doors. And that sign - the letters hanging on the wall next to the 'mantel.' I can't read it - try as I did!
    I am going to look for the peppermint Tootsie Roll Pops! I know I would really like them.
    I do have a Charlie Brown tree - tiny tree with one tiny ornament on it. I put it in the utility room this year.
    We go back home tomorrow and I will put a few finishing touches to the bedroom and call it all done! This year I have kept my eye on what I will be taking down as soon as Christmas is over and what I can leave up to keep the house looking cheerful through the winter.
    Your 'Blue Hour!' I know that's a beautiful time. Love seeing the view from your windows. Winter Solstice is not far away. It is also Deanie's birthday!

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    1. It says D R E A M and was made by the incomparable Sandy Babb. I love it!

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  12. Your tree is gorgeous Vee! I had forgotten about the icicles - they look really nice. I must look for them. All of my ornaments fit into one large "bin" with a red lid. I have been weeding out the things I don't use anymore and sending them off to the Thrift Store. Love Laurel's Charlie Brown tree - very practical. This year my indoors decor has a touch of birch throughout - even some birch ribbon on the tree. Love using birch in my outdoors urns as well. Blue Hour is my favourite too!

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  13. Your tree is beautiful.
    We don't even have a tree this year, just a tiny little one!
    If I had a tree it would have the old fashion tinsel on it.

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  14. Hi Vee,
    I loved reading your post this morning! I have more boxes of decorations than I care to admit and the boxes are much too large for me to pack up from the basement anymore. I need to reorganize them and get rid of some of the ones I no longer use. I love to watch Netflix or Amazon Prime while I paint so I'll be checking A Victorian Christmas out today. Hopefully it will inspire me to finish my Christmas painting that needs to be done this week. Your home looks so cozy and festive. I always paint blue hour scenes!!!
    Hugs,
    Cathie

    http://www.catherineholmanfolkart.blogspot.com/

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  15. Love your tree and all your suggestions! Not sure I trust that 'one box' girl, but I think I've raised two girls like that . . . not sure how since I won't tell you how many boxes I have.

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  16. Your home looks so lovely and cozy, Vee! Your tree is gorgeous. The burlap ribbon with the red is so pretty with the light shining through. The blue hour out the window is my favorite! I'm wondering if Laurel will graduate to more than one box as the years pass? Happy tweaking, my friend!

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    1. No, if she hasn’t graduated to more by now... Thank you for stopping by, Martha Ellen!

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  17. We aren't putting up a tree this year we will be at our sons home for Christmas, tho I will decorate. I love Charlie Brown trees.

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  18. I still can’t get over that Laurel only has ONE box! I can’t even tell you how many I have, Vee, and I am a tweaked, too. Your tree really is impressive and beautiful. I like how you’ve arranged all the ornaments. I didn’t put up a big tree this year, but have three small trees. Those lollipops sound yummy! Happy tweaking!

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  19. Well, I don't think I need to tell tell you what I'm doing different to my tree this year but I sure do love what you are doing. Those glass icicles are gorgeous! All of your decorations are so lovely! And your header mosaic is as well!

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  20. Oh, and that's crazy that she has only ONE box! Maybe I need to take lessons from her. :)

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  21. Your tree shines. So pretty. I love those tips. I have not decorated the tree yet. It is in it's stand but no lights or ornaments yet. I'll have to try some of the tips you posted. I have had a Charlie Brown tree a few times in my life. Once before I was married and a couple since we were married. Yikes...all of Christmas in one bin? The first year we were married I could claim that. Living on a road that has no street lights it is always a joy to see Christmas lights on homes around us...always at a distance. Hope the rest of your week goes well!

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  22. Your tree is so beautiful! And your home so cozy and full of good feeling! I have a friend (who loves decorating and all things domestic) who has a daughter who refused to have any ornaments that had to be saved in boxes. She only decorated with ribbon bows which she threw out with the tree at the end. I forget what she did about lights. It seemed so surprising to me, but to each her own...

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    1. How interesting! My niece decorated her Charlie Brown tree with items from her jewelry box. She had no boxes, which was important in her tiny loft NYC apartment.

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  23. Your home looks so beautiful all decked out for Christmas. I read with interest all of your tips and will be taking notes for next year's tree. Heck, I am just about ready to take everything off the tree and start all over! :~)

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  24. Your daughter's tree is precious. I love seeing your Christmas decor....so beautiful. I especially love the glimpse out your window at the lights. Sending love and prayers to you and may the Lord bless you and yours this Christmas.

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  25. One box! That is a first for me....I so love our Christmas collection we have stored over the years...now so vintage...a true treasure! Your tree is just beautiful this year Vee. I often think of our little New England Village in Winter and how comforting the candle lights in our windows were...it was so Victorian looking...enjoy the moments!

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  26. There is so much to comment on in this post that I am going to have to come back another day and mention all that I love about it. The photos are so gorgeous!

    I don't even know how many boxes I have, but last year I decorated with only vintage ornaments from my childhood home, and think I will do the same again this year. At present the tree only has lights on it ...

    And I still need to get back to your "Secret of Christmas" post. Still pondering that one!

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  27. Such a cute Charlie Brown tree! I have had one in my life time. I am also impressed with your tree as it is beautiful. I did add ribbon to mine this year instead of garland and I love it!

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  28. Your tree looks beautiful but a Charlie Brown tree has charm as well.
    Thanks you for your visit....we have both been blogging a long time!
    Christmas blessings,
    Carolyn

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  29. Your home looks so festive and lovely! One can really tell all the hours you spent making it look so pretty, Vee.

    We have two trees- our super tall slender white and gold sparkling beauty, and my "homnespun" tree that my girls years ago dubbed "Charlie Brown" tree. It's bigger than his, but that's what they call it! We keep it in the loft. It is only filled with special, handmade, colorful almost all natural elements of wood, clay, material, etc.

    I really need to take pics and do a home tour. I have been busy with the tea I just did - and Tuesday is my annual cookie swap party. After that I will. Ironic I decorated so early this year and never did a home tour - Bad blogger am I!

    Blessed Advent to you, sweet friend. Stay happy and peaceful in your soul this holiday.
    Hugs. ♥

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  30. I am so behind and you have been posting and sharing lots of information here about tree decorating. Great information that I need to remember! Your home looks lovely. Your tree is glistening and full of beauty. I'm now convinced that I need more shiny, gold ornaments.

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  31. Though I continue to whittle I'm far from one box. That does sound very freeing. Maybe some day. Probably not though as I am also a homebody who enjoys nesting. Your tree looks really beautiful. Enjoyed reading all of your tips. The one from the White House decorators is one I have not heard before, but it seems like a good one.
    The view out your kitchen window is lovely. Would certainly make doing the dishes a more pleasurable activity.

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  32. Peppermint Tootsie Pops sound fun! I love the idea of Charlie Brown Christmas tree!

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  33. I love your tree, Vee, and all the decorations. And I'll look of the A Victorian Christmas program, thanks for the recommendation, I always like to know more about the way people used to live and celebrate.
    Amalia
    xo

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  34. Hi Vee,

    I love these pictures of your tree -- it's a beaut!! I love a bright, sparkling tree, and this one certainly is. Your tree lights look bigger than mine; maybe that's what I need to have a brighter tree. The gold ribbon looks lovely wrapped around your tree, and so do your ornaments. We used to always put the silver icicles on our tree when I was growing up. I'd like to have some of the crystal ones like you've used. I was glad to read that they're not as pricey as I thought. :)

    I think your kitchen window pic looks like a Christmas card; believe it or not they're calling for snow here in N.C. on Saturday. A white Christmas would certainly be pretty.

    Warm Christmas wishes to you, Vee, and I enjoyed your post!

    Blessings,

    Denise at Forest Manor

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  35. Dear Vee, Merry Christmas to you dear lady. Your tree is lovely and I love anything burlap. Girl, I do not miss the fly away tinsel! LOL! I hope you are doing well. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  36. Your tree looks beautiful, Vee, and I'm happy to learn about peppermint Tootsie pops :) Merry Christmas, Vee ♥

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  37. I think I'm ready for the simple Christmas like your daughter. You didn't ask but I have 9 large bins, 4 boxes of plush and 8 containers with over 1,000 Hallmark ornaments. I only use half now plus I have about 200 miniature ornaments. I have to start to let go of these precious treasures. I have not tried the peppermint tootsie roll. Your decorations are absolutely gorgeous. Stunning!!! I have some of those icicles but haven't used them in awhile. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

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  38. Back with a few more specific comments ... that photo of the window at the blue hour is so heartwarming. It truly could grace the front of a Christmas card!

    I followed your tip about the gold balls and I do like the way it looks. I prefer white lights, but we did not have enough so we mixed in a strand of colored and it really doesn't look too bad. We'll buy more white ones on clearance now that Christmas is over, and we'll also be getting a different tree. This one was prelit and has got to the stage where only a few of the lights still work.

    The glass icicles! I use those too and I also have an iridescent plastic set that looks quite nice. I use those on my window garland and the glass ones on the tree. Funny story about glass icicles: years ago I bought a set of nice ones and divided it up to keep some and give some to family members. We were all going caroling at a nursing home and I planned to give the icicles, wrapped in tissue paper, to the girls afterward. Unexpectedly, an older lady from church asked us for a ride to the nursing home to help with the caroling. I forgot about the icicles and she sat on them. Those icicles turned out to be different lengths like yours ... quite by accident!

    And yes, I need to see if I can find some of those peppermint tootsie roll pops. What a great idea!

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