Bloom Christmas Show-n-Tell 2010!

I (Anne) went for a really simple mantle this year. I love poinsettias deconstructed so much, I don't think I'll ever leave one intact again!

The boys' delights: advent boxes, peppermint sticks, and mint m&ms

Our little front porch tree and the $4 after Christmas sale green sparkly wreath that tickles me to no end!

From Mirien, who says,

I started these stockings two years ago, just after my 6th child was born. I wanted matching stockings, but ran out of time to finish them before Christmas. Same story last year. I just finished them last week, and it makes me happy to walk by the mantle and see them all lined up. Not only because they are finally finished, but because it's a reminder to me that our family feels complete, too. Our last little girl surprised us, but what a wonderful blessing she has been.

How sweet is that?

From Tiffany of Simply Modern Mom, whose theme this year is a simple, elegant white Christmas:

See more of Tiffany's darling decor here.

These next photos from Rae tell a great story. Pictured below, 'A once barfus, hideously ugly 1970's hutch I grabbed for $80 turned into my favorite piece furniture in my home.'

Check out the after

and better yet, the new and improved hutch trimmed for the holidays:

Way to see the potential, Rae!

From Lindy, who decided she should decorate the room she spends much of her time in--the kitchen!

Merry and bright is right, Lindy! We love it!

From Lindsay, who used the place card holders she inherited from her grandma to display Christmas cards:

Lindsay also captured her younger boy as he tried to sneak a bite of a 2-year-old gingerbread man!

And her oldest as he gazed at his reflection in a sparkly ornament!

From Lacey, who made this to replace her weathered front door wreath. She says, I love it and find myself opening my front door several times a day to look at it. I just hope I don't become known around the neighborhood as "that weird lady who stares at her front door!"

Kirsten of 6th Street Design shares pictures of her little Russian tree. She says, I've decorated it with handmade Russian ornaments that I bought when I lived there. This tree is colorful and whimsical and it always reminds me of my time spent in St. Petersburg. Each ornament is a little Russian palace all different colors and shapes.

From Keri,

The Willow Tree nativity is probably my favorite. Sometimes, I sit by the glow of the Christmas tree light just staring at the pieces and thinking about the Christmas story. This is what makes Christmas feel warm and Christmasy to me. (Santa table runner made by her mother-in-law.)

"Elf on a Shelf," who takes note of the children's behavior...

Advent painted by Keri and treasured nativity scenes

This advent also made by Keri. So cute!

From Jayne Wells:

As always, charming and lovely.

From Karissa, who designed this darling peppermint candy striped tree skirt:

See Karissa's tree skirt tutorial here.

From Heather of the Coterie Blog:

a pom pom garland to add a vintage spunk to the tree, a snowflaked floor lamp

and a reminder of Heather's years spent in Hawaii. She says it brings warmth in these cold winter months. Don't we all wish we could be there right now?!

From Danielle,

Does it get any more charming than that happy display?

From Chris:

The tree on the right is the family's scripture tree. To read more about that fab idea, see here.

From Cat:

Love the added detail of the red wire shapes.

How much do you love the little shoes as ornaments?! So brilliant.

From Amy, a picture of her daughter, Rachel (2 1/2 yrs.): After putting on each ornament carefully, she would exclaim, "I did it!"

From Abbie:

Check out the how-to on those awesome trees here.

My (Em's) mother-in-law has perfected Cozy Christmas decor. Her home glows with warmth and magic. Pictured here: her fiberoptic Santa (a wonder for the grandchildren to behold) and celestial mantle. Lovely!

And if you were to walk in my (Em's) front door...

I love how my entry table came together this year. The stripes and polka dots give it a candy shop charm, I think.

I am deliriously happy about my "Have Joy" print from Sarah Jane Studios. I'd like to leave it out all year - isn't that such a nice life motto?

And finally - the sparkly snowflake collection that hangs above our bar. We spend a lot of time at the bar - eating and snacking and playing with play-doh. It's nice to have this spot infused with sparkle and cheer.

And that's the Christmas Show-n-Tell 2010! Thanks so much to everyone for participating! We hope all of your homes are feeling warm and cozy, merry and bright!

love, love,
em and anne