Put Some Ooh La La! in your Christmas! Christmas In July { Big Impact With One Idea}

I’m joining the Christmas in July party over at Cowgirl Up! today (hosted by Debbie at Confessions of a Plate Addict) and I’d like to share what I did last Christmas for my French Country theme.

I certainly got the mileage out of this one great idea to adding a French touch to my Christmas décor.

Here was my inspiration: A store-bought embroidered mini pillow ornament from European Antique Market.

   And, here’s my homemade version:

Well, my version of homemade.  I have a good friend who does embroidery and sewing work so I asked her to make lots of these fabric ornaments using the French phrases “Joyeux Noel”, “Bonheur”, and “Meilleurs Vceux”.  Basically meaning, Merry Christmas, Happiness to you, and Season’s Greetings loosely translated.

I used them on everything to tie in the Country French décor. 

Their size was about 3 1/2 X 4.

I hung them from lots of different Christmas decorations around my home.

I also had enough made to give to each guest that attended the Christmas Open House.

I displayed them in a large antique French basket on the stairwell in the foyer.

They were a really big hit with everyone.

I even hung them from lamps.

They became familiar in the decorations and rooms, and lots of people commented on them.

They were tucked in bows, greenery, and trees. 

These simple homespun ornaments made my French  Country Christmas very memorable.  They were fun and relaxed…not stuffy.  They make great hostess gifts, too.

A little fabric from Jo-Ann’s, some batting and jute cord, and a friend who has an embroidery machine. Easy peasy!

You know you could do these using fabric paint or a transfer!

And, below is what I used for the dining table to keep the French theme.

Glittered Eiffel Tower ornaments I found at Z Gallerie with little tags made by me using rubber stamps.

Joyeux Noel bags found on Etsy with Godiva chocolate ballotins inside.  I already had the numbered white porcelain napkin rings.

O.K., now I’m getting in the Christmas spirit and it’s still 90 degrees outside.

Isn’t Christmas in July fun?

Merry early Christmas,

Kim

Partying at:

Cowgirl Up! Christmas in July

Merry Christmas

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas with family and friends.

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols played.
And, wild and sweet
the words repeat of

Peace on Earth

Good Will to Men!

See you in 2012,

Kim

What a Wonderful Time of the Year!

Lovely photo sentiments for the Christmas season!

I love paperwhites!

 

Fabby clay tags from Jami at Freckled Laundry
.

One of my vintage French champagne buckets!

Merry Christmas,

Kim

Linking up to:
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Dreaming of a French Country Christmas

The decorating is done, the presents are wrapped, and most of the holiday baking is complete.  Finally time to relax and reflect on a joyous season.

I was perusing some lovely Country French Christmas décor photos and wanted to share some of my favorites with you. These are the kinds of decorating scenes that  want to make me grab a cup of hot cocoa and while away the time looking at fabulous décor inspiration.  There’s not a lot of words needed here.

Photos from Google, Veranda, Campagne Decoration

Love this mantle…so classic French.

Notice the real candles in the chandelier!

The warm patina of rich wood.

What wonderful street décor! Cherubs!

Love this photo and had to include it. A holiday celebration in Provence with traditional clothing. J’adore the sheep!

If you haven’t already, please visit my friend Cat’s blog at Sunday Brocantes.  She is a lovely blogger and Etsy shop owner who is a Pacific Northwest gal living in Normandy, France with her family.  She has charming Christmas décor and it’s fun to see her inspiring home ideas. Below is one of her photos from a recent post.

Photo by Sunday Brocantes

Joyeux Noel Mes Amies,

Kim

Linking up with:

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

French Inspiration Thursday at French Cupboard

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage
Open House Party at No Minimalist Here

Christmas Home Tour

I shared several posts last week during At The Picket Fence’s Christmas Blogger Block Party about my Christmas décor.  Today, I’m joining A Room by Room Christmas Tour at Cottage and Vine.  My home was featured on the annual Christmas Parade of Homes Tour in my hometown last Sunday. We had a great turnout with many visitors to La Belle Epoque.

 

This year I’ve featured a French Country theme throughout the house. Beginning in the foyer, a large early 1900s terra cotta cherub statue from the garden greets guests as they enter.  Fresh poinsettias add a pop of color. Instead of yards of garland (that I used to do), I have now opted for classic swags of Della Robbia fruit. The Parisian mirror over the sideboard is flanked by tall trumpet vases filled to the brim with glass ornaments and I have sprinkled my custom made fabric French Country pillow ornaments embroidered with holiday French sayings on a variety of things. I gave these away to the first 100 guests during the Parade of Homes and everyone loved them!

Contemporary lighted branch trees in mercury glass vases add a bit of urban chic to the vignette.  The Joyeux Noel sign was done by a wonderful artist, Paula Small, who I discovered on Etsy. Please visit her at Castle and Cottage Signs.

I have three slim trees, the tallest of which graces the sunken music room. I prefer using slim trees because of their versatility and ease in use when decorating.  They can be moved and changed up so easily depending on the look I’m going for.

The trumeau hangs on the other side of the music room.

The master bedroom mantle.

There is a bright red and green tree in the family room with an Eiffel Tower topper.  A large garland fruit swag graces the traditional mantle of the see-thru fireplace.  A French tian is filled with large pinecones and French jelly jars have votives set atop cranberries.  Looking through the gallery,  a wreath surrounds a tall zinc pitcher sitting on a French biot, or olive jar.

I discovered these great feather trees for the dining room and also used them in the butler’s pantry.  I kept the table top simple with European grain sack runners and fresh flowers with boxwood.

Little Joyeux Noel treat bags are filled with mini Godiva chocolate ballotins and I even had my 17 year old daughter stud some oranges with fresh cloves while we were watching a UK basketball game one night!

And, finally, I’ll leave you with a few more Christmasy pics from around the house.

More signs by Castle and Cottage.

A vintage pewter vase and French pottery dish, tart tins, and enamel number.

If you would like to read more about my additional Christmas décor or specific details just click on any of the December posts in my sidebar archives.

Merry Christmas,

Kim

Linking to:

A Room by Room Christmas Tour at Cottage and Vine

Newbie Party at Debbie Doo's Blogging and Blabbing
Open House Party at No Minimalist Here
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage