FYI

My NEW blog address is
bj-sweetnothings.blogspot.com

and I have a link to where you can receive
SWEET NOTHINGS posts in your EMAIL ACCOUNT.

Please go to the NEW BLOG.
thanks, bj

Sunday, December 13, 2009

TOUR OF CHRISTMAS HOMES......

FATHER CHRISTMAS....
***********************************************
*************************************
OOO, come in....come in...
I was HOPING you'd stop by on your way to see
all the other wonderful CHRISTMAS HOME TOURS...
**
...I am so happy you stopped by to take a small tour of my humble little cottage..
dressed up in simple but fun CHRISTMAS DRESS...
I am linking with SUSAN for MET MONDAY because it seems, overnight,
my normally sedate cottage turned into a
WINTER WONDERLAND OF CHRISTMAS...and....I LOVE IT !!
***
This little thrifted Christmas Angel wreath hangs in my entry,
TO BLESS YOU and to wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS !
Stop here at my little CHRISTMAS buffet...
cheese, crackers...
sugared peanuts..
an onion dip and chips....
HAVE all you want and then...I'll show you around the house...
***

Some shots of my CHRISTMAS living room...
and Beautiful Daughter and her two Perfect daughters.
The fun of this photo....they all three spent the night with me
and we had the best time....
and, here, for morning brunch, we had
the BEST
WHITE CHOCOLATE AND APRICOT BREAD, toasted
and crisp, lean bacon and DUNKIN DONUT coffee...
all together, here in the chairs in front of the fireplace....
need I say that all this made my heart sing !!
***
"O, Little Town of Bethlehem........
**
I made several mosaics as I have so many photos I want
THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD
to see...
I know sometimes, we get carried away with our pictures and some of you
may get sick and tired of seeing all these...
I will try to do better....promise....when it's not CHRISTMAS TIME !!
***

I really didn't decorate my bedroom this year.
I have my adored red and white quilt there
and my fairy lights on the headboard...
'twas enough for me this year....
**

I lay a simple CHRISTMAS wreath on the bed in our guest room...
just to say MERRY CHRISTMAS to our sweet company....
**
A few more decorations in my CHRISTMAS dining room.....
***

I just can't seem to stop taking photos of my ICE KING SANTA CLAUSE...
I think he's soooo pretty..'errrr, HANDSOME !
**
A new RED tablecloth from my sister friend, MARTHA...
Many thanks...I LOVE IT !
**
My little KITCHEN CHRISTMAS TREE....


HOWDY, MA'AM...take a look at my DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS KITCHEN CHRISTMAS TREE...
**Aren't the little handmade, hand painted, wooden TEXAS ornaments just fabulous !!
My life-long friend, ALICE, made these for me several years ago...
I feel so blessed to have such wonderful friends and I LUV to
decorate with their generous gifts!!
These are just PERFECT for a TEXAS CHRISTMAS TREE....
***
Thanks again and again, Al....you KNOW I love these !!
*NOTE....Alice is going to have neck surgery soon and I would
ask that you all pray that she will do great and recover very swiftly...
My thanks to you for doing that....
**
WELL...that about wraps up the tour of our
CHRISTMAS COTTAGE...
**
SOOOO, have a seat and have a biscuit and apricot jam..
and a big ole mug of DUNKIN DONUT coffee....:)
** A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL....
I LOVE YOU !

bj

THANKS to THE NESTER for hosting this fabulous
HOME CHRISTMAS TOUR
***********************************

THE STOCKINGS ARE HUNG BY THE CHIMNEY WITH CARE.....

but with 18 stockings, that's a whole 'nuther posting.....:O)
***
**
CANDY MAKING NIGHT.....

WILLIAM-SONOMA
peppermint bark.....$ 26.50 per lb..
mine (top photo) $3.00 per 2-3 lbs...
(I know I didn't have the chocolate in mine...I didn't think about it!!)
**
WILLIAM-SONOMA GLASS CANDY DISH...$34.95
MY glass candy dish.....$3.50 from thrifting...
I just need to figure out how to do glass monogramming ...:O)
*********
***

76 comments:

Sue @ Not the Good Scissors! said...

Bj, everything is so pretty and so festive. It sounds like everyone had a grand time at your home. How fun to have the grandkids to share a morning breakfast with their grandma.
Hugs, Sue

Sue said...

That was so much fun. I love seeing the homes of my bloggy friends. It is so nice to take home tours in my sweats with no makeup! Everthing looks wonderful...no surprise at that!

Sue

Anonymous said...

Oh my Sweet BJ,
What a wonderful warm welcome to your beautiful home! your decorations look just perfect! and i adore the little heart,house cushion in the guest room,it really is the cutest.
Beautiful family and beautiful food!
Love and christmas wishes to you all!
Love Kristina XxX

Tootsie said...

oh girl...it is all just wonderful! you have done a fabulous job this year again!
thanks for the snack...it hit the spot!

Connie said...

Lovely and beautiful, but ya got me with the red/white/blue Texas boots and hat, sugar!!! Squeeeeeal, how cute is that, you Texas gal?!?!
xoxo,
Connie
;-)

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Your home tour has been wonderful.
Everything looks so lovely and festive. I love it all.
You have a beautiful family!

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

It's all so pretty and red, being my favorite color, really ties it all up nicely.

I'm one of those suckers who bought the Williams Sonoma peppermint bark. Where were you when I needed you???!!

Lucy said...

Thanks for inviting us in for the tour!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Your home is so warm and welcoming any time of the year, but at Christmas it really surrounds you with love.

xo
Penny

Unknown said...

BJ,
I just love everything. You have added so many special touches that make everything so warm and cozy. Any child would feel special having breakfast at your house. Thanks for sharing.
Sandy

Justine said...

Ooh BJ, I could never get tired of looking at pictures of your house! I mean, cottage. I love it! Everything about it screams comfort and home to me. And that white Santa is beautiful!!!!

Justine :o )

Jackie said...

BJ everything is just perfect. Loved the Christmas tour of your home.

God bless.

Miss Mustard Seed said...

Everything looks so lovely, as usual. It looks like you're creating a rich environment to share with your family.

Jeanette said...

I loved the visit! What a wonderful place to spend a holiday season. Merry Christmas.

♥Mimi♥ said...

I never, ever tire of your photos so you just load up your blog and shoot them out into cyberspace every day.

Yes, I will include her in my prayers.

Bet your peppermint bark is MUCH better than store bought any day☺

Rattlebridge Farm said...

What fun, BJ. I feel like I've had a visit with a dear friend. I love the mosaics, but the candy making is wonderful.
XX00

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

I love all of it, BJ! What a beautiful, fun and festive post!

Simple Home said...

What a sweet cottage. I'm sure you gals had a great time making candy. I love peppermint bark, we make it every year. Those biscuits and apricot jelly look great too!
Blessings,
Marcia

Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey said...

Oh honey everything looks so pretty and good ! LOL !
I haven't done a cotton pickin thing except put up one little lousy tree. Took me all of ten minutes to decorate it , LOL . I am so late I might as well forget it.Do I sound like scrooge ? LOL .

Phyllis @Around the House said...

Hi bj, loved the blog, wow the kids are amazing, love the wreath idea to lay on the spare room bed and I don't like the chocolate on my bark anyway lol and I would love the biscuit and jam, I will be right over...I tried to put the home for the holidays blog parade on my side bar and I tell you I don't know what I am doin wrong but I just can't make it work, can you help....not as smart as you blogger, phyllis.....

Anonymous said...

Hi Dear BJness! Oh, what a wonderful post! I wish I could have come to the sleepover! I'm sure you all had such fun. Love the candy makers you have there. Everything is so lovely. I just love seeing your sweet pretty home. You make it feel so cozy and friendly and you have great stuff! Love all of your pretty Christmasy things.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

I love when my kids spend the night too....Your home looks beautiful and that white Santa is gorgeous!

Peg said...

BJ, your home looks beautiful and the peppermint bark looks just as good as the WS... probably better. Those bakers seem to be having loads of fun too. I know you're having happy holidays!

Debra Howard said...

Very cute post. I enjoyed it so much.
Debbie

Alice said...

bj, your house looks beautiful this year. it shows how much you love this time of year.
thank you for requesting prayer for me and my neck surgery. i'm in God's hands and not worrying about a thing. it's awesome that He's in charge of it all.
love you, al

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

You've certainly captured the essence of Christmas here...so much love and so much Christmas spirit...thanks for sharing...

Anonymous said...

Oh BJ...t's all so inviting and cozy! Merry Christmas and I hope you don't mind that I grabbed a piece of peppermint bark on the way out xxoo

Unknown said...

Loved it! What a fab house/decorations you have! I MUST have those Texas ornaments! (I'm from Houston!)
Thanks so much for sharing!

Unknown said...

Hi BJ :) thank you so much for the Christmas home tour! Your home is lovely! I especially love your little kitchen tree, what a neat idea.... My kitchen has NO Christmas decor whats so ever! I'm going to arrange that today... I'm going to go to Hobby Lobby and see what I can come up with!

If you go to Michael's Craft Store they have a glass etching kit... You just apply your cut out decal... and paint on the glass etching and voilia! (For your candy dish)
Also thanks for the tip on the snow on my blog.. No, it doesn't slow down my computer but thanks for letting me know it might potentially slow down someone elses... I did read some negative things about snow on blogs, so I I think I will remove it pronto... I always have a lot of photos and I don't want people to have to wait too long to open a page... Thanks BJ. Your the best!
Merry Merry!
~Really Rainey~

storyteller said...

Thanks for the delightful tour of your lovely home decorated for Christmas. Everything looks so festive and fun ... the treats look delicious! I'd love a biscuit with some apricot jam with my coffee this morning ;-)
Hugs and blessings,
My Mosaic Monday

Karen Valentine said...

Hi BJ! Your home looks so beautiful. It shows me there is a lot of love and warmth that resides there. Thank you so much for sharing and thank you for your sweet comment on my blog. You are too kind! Have a wonderful week and a very Merry Christmas!

Karen
My Desert Cottage

Salmagundi said...

Your home just exudes family and joy! What fun you all must have. Take care, Sally

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

B.J I enjoyed that tour sooooo much!! How ever do you know how to do all those cool things with your photos...I am impressed!! Anyone would feel welcome in your lovely home,I know I would!!! X0XOXOXO Sea

Heather said...

You have a lovely home. Merry Christmas!

Stacey said...

BJ, your home is so beautiful! I love the ice king Santa too.

I'm going to try the peppermint bark this year. Today I'm making sugar cookies. :)

Jessica said...

Your home is BEAUTIFUL! Thanks for sharing!

Merry Christmas!

Marianne said...

My brain stopped when I read white chocolate and apricot bread. I may that sounds like a delicious combination. Do you have a recipe for that!
Oh and btw your home looks lovely too. :-)

Unknown said...

Your home looks lovely, bj! Sounds like everyone had a wonderful time and all the goodies you made sound delicious!

Cheers!
Tina

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hello sweet lady...

Ohhh...sure wished you could have heard all the ooohing and aaahing that I was doing as I toured your fabulous Christmas home, my friend!!! Ohhh my...you have decorated everything so beautifully...I would just love to come for a visit!!! Girl, I have fallen for your fabulous ice king Santa!!! Ohhh...he's purdy!!! Wherever did you find him? Well my friend, some of my favorite photos were of your beautiful daughter and granddaughters! Oh yes...I can just imagine that your heart was full!!! I'm really missing my three daughters and grands right now! What a blessing to have yours come for an overnight visit and to help make Christmas goodies!!! By the way...those have got to be the prettiest biscuits that I've ever seen and I'm just imagining them with some of that apricot jam!!! Mmmmm!!!

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful and warm home with us, my friend!!! It's lovely!!! Also...thank you so much for coming by and taking a peek at my Woodlands Christmas! Your sweet notes always..always make me smile!!!

Warmest wishes and Christmas Blessings to you and your family, BJ!!!

Chari @Happy To Design

Betty said...

Thanks for the holiday tour, everything looks festive and pretty and yummy! Just get you some glass etching creme and a stencil and it is simple.
Hope all is well for you.

Angie Holden said...

Oh so very pretty! Thanks for sharing! Love that cranberry ball!

Jeanne said...

I shouldn't have come to visit before dinner haha. Everything looks wonderful from the decor and treats to the warm welcoming living room. Beautiful!

eileeninmd said...

Everythings looks wonderful and very festive. The biscuits and jam look delicious and the peppermint bark is my favorite. YUM!

Ralph said...

There cannot be too many Christmas rubies, can there?? I love the snacks, a great onion dip is the price of admission, bot not too expensive...

I love that Lone Star tree. Everything, including the ornaments, are the large Texas size we all expect!

Kathleen Grace said...

Pass the peppermint bark BJ, I think I'll kick my feet up and stay right here in your cozy, cheery, beautiful home:>) Everything looks lovely, especially that beautiful daughter and her girls. How fun to have a sleepover with your dear family!

Ashli said...

How beautiful is your house! I love peppermint bark too, and I need to make some! Want to post your recipe?

Marites said...

Oh wow...your house is so pretty, fun and festive! I love all the items for the Christmas, I couldn't pick my fave:) It is such as beautiful thing to spend this time of year with family and loved ones too surrounded by pretty things!

Kammy said...

Mmmmmmm I want some of that peppermint bark....after the cheese and crackers, LOL ! I love the pictures of your daughter and girls - so sweet ! You have a lovely family and 18 stockings - oh my !
Hugs ~ Kammy

Mary said...

Well now I'm really in the Christmas spirit! Your decor is wonderful, BJ, and I loved seeing all your grandkids making candy! Thanks so much for sharing at MM, and have a blessed Christmas!!!
xoxo,
Mary

Sarah said...

BJ, what a festive beautiful home. It is so warm and inviting. How wonderful to have your daughter and granddaughters for a sleep over. The candy, one of my favorites, looks delicious. I used to make peppermint bark every Christmas and give it to friends. I need to pull this recipe back out. Thanks for sharing. ~ sarah

Foley said...

All your decorations put my house to shame!! I love your Ice King Santa Claus too!!!
Great photos and mosaics...

Anonymous said...

What a FESTIVE home you've created!
Hugs and blessings,

Unknown said...

Can I come to your house for the holidays? Please?

Everything is so very lovely. I hope my house "grows up" to look like yours someday...

Merry Christmas! : )

susan said...

BJ-What a great tour! Your new tablecloth looks beautiful! I know you treasure your ornaments from Alice. Tell her I will keep her in my prayers. Thanks for linking to "Deck the Halls"! ps--I bought Hobby Lobby vases and had them etched in monograms for about $6 at "Things Remembered" which I know is a chain. I gave them as hostess gifts during "the wedding"--looked just like the Pottery Barn version :)

SmilingSally said...

BJ, it looks like everything is ready for Christmas at your place with family already visiting. Enjoy the celebration of His birth.

EJ said...

Wow, lots of them.

Please check out For the love of Family

Hootin Anni said...

Of course you'd know I LOVE the TEXAS tree!!! LOL

It's all so pretty.

My R T is posted...it's all about Pecan Toffee Bark today. Come over and I'll share a piece with you...

HOMEMADE TOFFEE

Kim, USA said...

What can I say but WOW!!! You got your house decorated well, the food is sumptuous, everything is just WOW!! Thanks for sharing!

My Ruby Tuesday

sanjeet said...

it really is the cutest.
Beautiful family and beautiful food!

Work from home India

trish said...

Your home is so beautifully decorated! And to have your sweet family spend the night would be the best. :o)
Your candies look delicious! :o) And so much prettier than those high priced ones you find on line. :o) Not to mention the beauty of memories that will last a life time!
Thank you for dropping by my blog. Please come any time! I would love to have you. :o)
Sincerely ~ Tricia Anne

The Fajdich Times said...

Your home is beautiful. Your munchies and morning brunch looks like a lot of fun! Looks like you all had a very good time. Your Peppermint Bark looks just as good as William-Sonoma's. I would love to have your recipe:)

Beverly said...

BJ, you have created perfection. Your home is beautifully decorated, and it is filled with love.

❀~Myrna~❀ said...

Hi, I love your pics ,your home is very beautifully decorated for Christmas .
Merry christmas !
~Myrna

Coralie Cederna Johnson said...

What a lovely home, BJ! I love all your decorations and your kitchen looks so beautiful with white cupboards! Love all the pictures...thanks so much for sharing!
Hugs, Coralie

Deb said...

Your home looks beautiful. I especially love the kitchen tree and your red and white quilt. Thanks for stopping by my place today. It's always nice to meet a fellow Texan in Blogland.

Unknown said...

BJ ~ I cannot pick anyone but love the pics of dau & kid-lings photo, so sweet. Warm welcoming decor, just beautiful.

Merry Christmas ~
TTFN ~Marydon
**NEW BLOG**
blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com

Darlene said...

Hi BJ,

I LOVE each and every thing about your beautiful holiday home. It is all decked out and definitely ready for Christmas. I bet you had so much fun with your daughter and the girls. I also LOVE all of your mosaics. I don't know how to make them but I love seeing them on people's blogs.

Hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas.♥

Shelby said...

Ohhhh....this was so homey and your commentary reminded me of my mom from your decoration descriptions to the way you spoke of your daughter and grandaughters! I also love your TX tree. I'm a Texan too!

I hope you have a wonderfully, merry Christmas!

thatgirlblogs said...

your cozy house is the place I wanna be... just wrap me in one of those throws and turn out the lights!

thanks for visiting me on my SITS day xoxo

thatgirlblogs said...

your cozy house is the place I wanna be... just wrap me in one of those throws and turn out the lights!

thanks for visiting me on my SITS day xoxo

Sue said...

BJ, What a great tour of your home- from the kitchen to the bedroom. I love that Ice King Santa - he is a handsome old elf! How fun to have had a girl's night out w/your daughter and the grands. It must be special to be a grandmother and enjoy things with such delight.
Merry, Merry! Sue

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

Now that's a lot of stockings! Candy manking sounds like fun! I've never made candy before, I'll have to give it a try. Your home looks just so pretty and ready for Christmas! Thank you for beautiful tour!

Manuela

Marice said...

great photos BJ! you have such a beautiful family plus a wonderful decors! :) great job!
u may view mine here

Laryssa Herbert said...

Your home looks so cozy and warm!

Thanks for showing us around. You are welcome to see my home anytime. Merry Christmas!

Ruth said...

Your home looks so very beautiful!!

Ruth

Anonymous said...

Your home is gorgeous! Have a blessed Christmas! I am stopping in from Nester's place. To see my tour click on the 'Christmas 2009' tag on the left sidebar of my blog.