Every other year we dress up in Christmas red and green, or maybe evening navy blue, and head downtown to see the Nutcracker ballet. In earlier years, our whole family attended. But now the two teenage boys have lost that lovin’ feeling for it, so my daughter and I make it a girls night out.
One of my favorite parts of the ballet has nothing to do with dancing. It happens first thing when the curtains sashay open and the Christmas Eve party in the Stahlbaum’s home bursts into view. The set reveals a fancy but cozy party atmosphere complete with a tallest-from-the-forest Christmas tree. I’ve seen the Nutcracker in cities across the United States, and every ballet company interprets the E.T.A. Hoffmann story a bit differently. But no matter how diverse the set and costumes, every production displays an opening holiday scene that lights up the stage.
That’s one reason I adore participating in Nester’s Christmas Tour of Homes. We all celebrate the same grand event, the Story of all stories. But each of our “production sets” – or homes – interprets the celebration differently. I love seeing how you decorate your own home for Christmas. Not only is it lovely to peek at your inspiring scenes, but in doing so I get a peek inside your heart, too.
So, this is me opening my front door wide and saying, “Welcome! Won’t you stay awhile?”
{Like my repeat the sounding joy print on the left? Find it here.}
If you are playing along with Nester’s Christmas Tour of Homes, will you let me know in a comment? That way I can see your dazzling house prettiness, too. And whether you’re participating in the Christmas tour or not, don’t be shy about visiting Nester’s place for hundreds of inspiring Christmas scenes.
Georgie says thank you for visiting {she’s smiling on the inside}.
Last year was my first to link-up. You can see it here:
Merry Christmas, friends!
I want to come to your house for Christmas! And the only thing lovelier than all this would be you. 🙂
love it all- the handmade touches are great! the dog of course is my favorite!!! so cute!
Your Christmas home is beautiful!
Your dog looks so cute! And your home is lovely.
Our family has very similar stockings, which I love, your entire house is warm and inviting, looks like a great place to enjoy this Christmas season!
YOur home looks very warm and inviting! Happy holidays!
Your home looks so festive and cheerful. I love all the red and also the homemade things!
Merry Christmas
You’re home is so warm and inviting with all the wonderful Christmas red. And I looooove the Nutcracker. I still dream of being a ballerina. 😉 I’m playing along with The Nester too, if you care to stop by! http://www.delightingintoday.com/2012/12/deck-the-qu-halls-with-boughs-of-holly/
Poor Georgie – haha! 🙂 Your home is beautiful! I’m stopping by from the Nester, and I love that your Christmas tree is in your dining room. How unique – but it makes sense as you spend so much time in there. Lovely to meet you – Merry Christmas!
Thank you for visiting, Carrie! Our living room is teeny tiny, so the dining room is really the only place our tree will fit. But I do love it there because you’re right: we do spend a lot of time in there!
Merry Christmas to you and yours, Carrie.
I love the Christmas home tours. I am mostly home bound, so can’t go on “walking” home tours anymore. Thank you so much for doing it! I get a lot of Christmas joy from it.
Could you tell me where you got your candles on your piano? My husband collects nativities and he would love them.
Thanks!
Merry Christmas!!
Becky, they’re from DaySpring, and right now it’s 50% off! You can find them here: http://www.dayspring.com/hurricane_candle_holder_set_includes_six_sleeves/ {And just for today, you can get it at an extra 40% off with the code 40FAVE. }
Thanks so much for stopping by, Becky. I get my own little bit of Christmas joy from meeting lovely folks like you.
How wonderful!!! I love the decor on the piano and the HM wreathes! Very fun, and Georgie definitely is smiling!!
Beautiful! And loved your analogy about the Nutcracker. 🙂
So pretty and cozy! Merry Christmas, lovely lady. xo
I’m stopping by from the Nester’s 2012 Christmas Tour of Homes today. Your home is so comfortable and festive. I just want to grab a cup of hot chocolate and sit in front of the fireplace.
Merry Christmas!