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Decking The Halls: Fireside Memories

As Advent and Christmas season is among us, I thought I'd share my thoughts and joys via blog with different themes throughout the month. 

This is my absolute favorite time of the year, for a variety of reasons. 
1. The temperatures start to get amazing in Tucon. 30-40's at night. 60's during the day. Cool enough for tights, leggings, and sweaters. Warm enough to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine. 
2. I adore Christmas music, decorations, lights, garland, and everything glistening.
3. The food!  The drink! An excuse to spend every weekend baking something new. Sipping Christmas themed cocktails or delicious red wine. Gingerbread, peppermints, fudge.....ahhhh

So for post #1, I share my favorite: The fireplace. 

Ryan and I have lived in 4 houses, and 2 apartments - and this is our 1st with a fireplace! I have dreamt of decorating a mantle for years - so am very pleased we get that in this home. 

Our fireplace was converted into a double-sided fireplace, so we can either enjoy the fire in the kitchen or in the "reading room" (as I call it - it's a second living space). Last night Ryan returned home from his 3 week trip in Vegas, and we had our 1st fire. 

I was not so keen on a wood-burning fireplace, due to the smoke. But it took quite nicely last night. 

As we sat by the fire, cuddled up on the couch with our furry Golden Retriever -- my heart felt very full. I reflected on the precious years of sitting by the fire with family around at my Mom and Dad's lake cabin. And I envisioned the many fires we will enjoy at this home in the years to come. There is something about a fireplace that just says "home", in my opinion.

This is the fireplace from the "reading room".

And here is the fireplace from the kitchen - where I decorated it  for Christmas. The decoration theme in our house is "Christmas in the woods" -- lots of garland, trees, and antlers. 

(Yes, we need to get a stocking for Miles)

I am excited to enjoy this mantle for the next few weeks a it is lit up and dressed with garland.

What is your favorite piece in your house to decorate during the holidays? In our old house, it was the bannister of the staircase!




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Comments

Lisa's Yarns said…
Your fireplace is beautiful!! I am envious that you have one. Our house used to have one but it was taken out at some point when the house was renovated. We are the only house on the block that doesn't have one. And i prefer wood-burning ones as they are more authentic and I love the smell of wood burning stoves when you go outside! I know they are more of a pain to take care of but I love the authenticity of them! Your mantel is gorgeous, too! I would love to have one to decorate some day.

We don't do a ton of decorating here as our house isn't really conducive to a lot of decorations since it's small and we don't have a banister, but I love our tree! We are putting it up tonight!
December 5, 2016 at 6:35 AM
Marlys said…
Looks beautiful! I, too, love a wood-burning fireplace but not the work in cleaning it, so that is why we opted for a gas one. But when we walk outside and smell Jack's burning, I miss that so much. It is so much fun to have a mantle to decorate for Christmas, I agree! Sounds like you had the perfect Sunday night to sit before the fire and snuggle!
December 6, 2016 at 7:24 AM
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