I wasn’t sure I’d get my dining room decorated before Christmas this year, but I took some time Friday morning to finish it up and photograph it. Until then, the tree was up, but I was using the table and corners for incoming packages, storing bins of decor as I worked on other rooms, and wrapping presents. So, I tidied up the mess and finished decorating. We have our Christmas brunch in this room, so it’s nice to have it ready!
velvet curtains | curtain rod | rug | tablecloth | pillows | mural details
To add a seasonal touch up high, I put a faux pine garland mixed with an eucalyptus garland on top of the antique cabinet. To me, it’s an easy surface to decorate that doesn’t interfere with functionality and is well out of reach of the cats.
velvet curtains | curtain rod | rug | pillows | mural details | antique cabinet | bird ornaments | garland
I bent five faux pine branches and tucked them into the arms of the chandelier, and then added lengths of blue and green satin ribbon (from Hobby Lobby). I first added ribbons to the chandelier last year, and now I can’t imagine dressing a chandelier for Christmas without them. They remind me of a Maypole or something. It’s just festive and pretty.
velvet curtains | curtain rod | rug | tablecloth | artificial greens | centerpiece details
Here is the view from the kitchen, which I walk past multiple times each day. It always makes me smile when I catch a peek at the chandelier and the tree.
I added a length of satin ribbon over each portrait, just to give them a simple, festive touch for Christmas.
antique paintings | dressing a chandelier for Christmas
I loved the tree so much last year that I decided to repeat it this year. It’s a five-foot tree, so put it in an antique market basket stacked on top of an antique lidded basket. It makes the tree the perfect height. It’s decorated with brass birds, some pale blue German glass glittered ornaments I made ages ago, blue and green satin ribbons, and LED tree candles.
brass bird ornaments | LED tree candles
I also have string lights on the tree, but I just turned the candles on for the photos, so the lighting is a little more photo-friendly.
Earlier this year, I shared that I was considering painting over the mural or putting up wallpaper instead. After living with it for a year, now, I think I’m keeping it. It’s unique, and I like it even better with the antique portraits I added in the Spring. I might still make some adjustments to it, but I’m glad I was too busy working in the garden this summer to take a roller to the mural!
center piece | pine garland | juniper garland | eucalytpus garland | brass bells
Here’s the view of the dining room from the window, into the foyer.
…and a better look at how the branches are tucked into the chandelier. I bend them in a semi-circle, so they nestle around the curves of the arms.
When using live or artificial greenery on a light fixture, just make sure the sprigs and branches are away from the bulbs. Incandescent chandelier bulbs like these will melt the plastic. Ask me how I know!
I love the way the lights reflect off the old oil paint on the portraits.
I shared how I made the copper mold centerpiece HERE.
real wax LED candles | how to dry orange slices
I love these blue velvet curtains all year, but they look especially fitting for the holidays. If you’re looking for custom curtains that look luxurious but don’t cost a fortune, these are a great option. They are a fraction of what custom curtains (especially with lining and pleats) usually cost. I’m going to be ordering some for our guest room next year.
My portrait of a French boy also got a ribbon and a sprig of faux greenery.
This is the part of the mural I want to fix. The distant trees on the left got a little repetitive and odd-looking. Maybe I’ll get to that sometime next year. I’m sure it will take 15 minutes, and I’ll laugh at myself for waiting so long!
I still have a bit more to do before I declare I am ready for Christmas (wrapping, baking, a few final stocking-stuffers, etc.), but I’m in the final stretch…