Saturday, December 14, 2013

Lilyfield Life's Christmas Style

I thought you might like to see our simple Christmas decorating. We have much loved pieces that we use each and every year and it's a joy to see them get unwrapped again. 



Living in the inner west of Sydney, we don't have a huge house, so putting up the Christmas tree means rearranging the house. I like it in this spot in the corner of the lounge room but I had to move two bits of furniture into the shed and move the sofa under the windows. Moving the furniture into the shed mean that I had to actually clean out the shed to make some room but that was long overdue and I paid my 18 year old nephew to come help me. I am loving how neat the shed is and how I can now lay my hands on my tools rather than frustrated search for half an hour before I do any job!



There was a stop work meeting the other morning for school so the kids and I spent the morning decorating the tree. It is so good to unwrap all the beautiful decorations we have collected and been given over the years. The kids kept saying ""I love this one" at each unwrapping. Our very good friend, Terrie Anne, used to live in France and she would send us each an ornament every year from the French Christmas markets and we just cherish them.




  
A lovely blog reader, Dee, sent us all a blue bauble with our names in glitter on them. So generous and thoughtful.

Pine cones collected from Callan park got some silver paint. The little picture was a gift from fellow furniture painter Michele of Knot Too Shabby in California. It's just gorgeous.



How beautiful is the tree with the lights twinkling.



We also have a beautiful nativity set that we added to over the years when the children were babies. Each year in the post Christmas sales we would go into Myer in the city and buy a piece. I just love it and think it is so special.


In our front hallway I have a little pine tree that I bought at Orange Grove Markets. I just wrapped the pot in a burlap bag I had lying around.



This year I only bought one new decoration - (besides the little tree)- a red berry garland for $19 from the $2 shop (go figure). I wanted something for the blue wall at our house entrance.  I hung the garland in a circle and then drew in white pastel around it. I did it last weekend for our street party and someone smudged it before I snapped a photo but hey that's ok. Easily fixed.



Here is the design I did last year on the wall (which is blue, not black. I think I'd used an Instagram filter on the photo). The one below was using chalk pen.


I also got the white birdcage out of the garden and luckily Sasha noticed spiders all through it before we started decorating it. We cleaned out 7 spiders and then placed some pine fronds from the pencil pines in our front garden and some white pillar candles. I lit it the other night in our bedroom and then watched it like a hawk so the whole thing didn't catch fire and burn down the house. That's the last thing I need after we are still replacing everything from the lightning strike a few weeks ago.



You know it's actually quite hard to take a photo of a candle lit in a dark room. Here it is with the lights on. Anyway I'm enjoying it unlit also. I need to work on my camera settings for that situation.


My dream for a front door wreath is to have a preserved boxwood wreath but I haven't found one and didn't get a chance to make one myself. We have a lot of buxus in the garden and next year I'll get organised. In the meantime I used our fake pine wreath and added some berry fronds I had and a red ticking bow.



Even Charlie didn't escape getting decorated for Christmas! He doesnt look too happy does he.



Phil, the kids and I wish you lots of joy and love at Christmas. Thank you for your support of Lilyfield Life. You all really bring a lot to my life and I am so appreciative. 


an old photo but wishing that you are all this happy also!

Now to just start my Christmas shopping - most of the presents I give I either make or shop local as I can't really cope with shopping malls and big conglomerates. 

How are you tracking?
Fiona xx







12 comments:

  1. everything looks great! i love that photo of you guys! :) and love the birdcage with the candle.

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    1. Thanks Cassie – although i haven’t been lighting it as I’m scared the pine will catch alight – looks nice though.. hope you are getting ready for Christmas. I can’t wait for our beach holidays xx

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  2. Everything looks lovely...the pine cones bought back memories. I lived right opposite Callan Park for many years when my son was small...we also used to collect the pine cones from there. Have a wonderful Christmas! Sharryne

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  3. Everything is so beautiful Fiona. You have great style. That photo you and your husband is beautiful- such a happy couple. Lots of love and thank you C.

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  4. Everything is so beautiful. Love your tree and the photo is fabulous. Hugs, Marty

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    1. Thanks so much Marty, have a wonderful Christmas
      Fiona x

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  5. Love your decorations and its fun decorating with the kids. I wish you a Merry Christmas and health and happiness for 2014.

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    1. hi Roberta, Merry Christmas to you too. I hope Perth cools down a bit for you!
      Fiona x

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  6. thank you for sharing your work and bits of everyday lillyfield life......always a joy to visit you.

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  7. Everything looks beautiful! I'm pleased to say that all my shopping is DONE! What a relief!

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    1. Marita – can you believe my shopping still isn’t quite done!!
      Have a wonderful Christmas my friend
      Fiona xx

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Thanks for taking the time to comment! Sorry if you have trouble commenting, you can always email me at lilyfieldlife@bigpond.com