Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire

Sadly, I haven't got an open fire ... just a faux woodburning stove, but it doesn't quite have the same ring to it, does it? Anyway, I've finally got round to decorating my home for Christmas so thought I'd share it with you, so do come on in!

I got the idea of using my ice skates as a door decoration from Fee, although hers is much more elaborate and stunning than mine. I love the idea though and think that these skates will make an appearance every year now.  And to think I wanted to sell them! I actually have 2 pairs ... bought from 2 old ladies at a car boot sale in the summer. They were dumped apologetically at the side of the stall, in a bin bag covered by old curtains.  "We nearly didn't bring them", they said, "because we didn't think anyone would want them, they're a bit rusty".  Two pairs of vintage leather, ice skates?  "Would £4 for both be ok, love?"

My lovely Dickensian picture which stands at the top of the stairs, facing the front door ....

and vintage vases, planted up with hyacinth bulbs and decorated with charity shop finds (a big bag of toadstools, which seem to be very popular this year. for 75p)

In the back room, my other pair of skates, toasting themselves by the ahem! woodburner.

Lovely little owl decoration (also very popular this year), found in a gigantic bag of vintage decorations bought in the summer for £1.  I think he's very old ... and very fragile too, amazing how he's survived and remained perfectly intact.

Little Hornsea deers, which seem to come into their own at this time of year ...

and their friend Thumper the rabbit! These Hornsea pieces used to be in the free boxes in the charity shops, or very cheaply priced, but I've noticed that they are getting quite pricey now.

Plump robin at home on the mantlepiece ...

A very old copy of Christmas Books by Charles Dickens ... how can a Kindle compare to this?

The tissue-thin pages ...

The smooth leather cover ... oh and the smell! How many people over the years have dusted off this beautiful book, and rediscovered it each Christmas?

And presents wrapped and waiting for The Big Day!

Hand made felt bauble which I treated myself to at the Country Living Fair ...

and Ruby's own bauble ... it even has her curly tail!

And the tree in the back room ... I bought a bigger sofa for the front room and too late realised that there wouldn't be room for the Christmas Tree! The tree has now moved to the back room and I bought a new bare branch tree which takes up less room for the front room.

It's very simple and unassuming, compared to the blowsiness of the Big Tree, but I love it! It twinkles very prettily, and I'd love two next year at either side of the front door.  Where I live, though, they'd have to be tied down and chained to the wall or they'd be flying round the garden!

And the last word has to go to Ruby ...

"D'ya like my Christmas jacket?"

Hope you all have a fabulous week, and looking forward to seeing all your Christmas preparations!

Love, Claire xxx