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Thursday, December 2, 2010

Christmas ~ In the French Inspired Home

I learned about Jeanne d'Arc Living from Secret Garden Cottage ....one of my favorite blogs that features distinctive French Country Cottage style.  Loving the look that Jo has created, I ordered the Christmas edition....hoping to pick up a couple holiday decor ideas that I can mix in some sea inspired touches with.  



So I read the issue cover to cover and really studied the beautiful pages.  And selected a few looks that I chose to re-create in my home. 


The first look I chose....




So I changed the look up a bit...keeping with the same theme - but mixed in some of my very favorite things.  I started with a basic wooden tray...



Then a beautiful pedestal bowl.....






......Added in some moss and a few paperwhites....


Mixed in two keepsake pieces from my favorite Etsy Shops...


I love this piece from My Shabby Chateau...
Such a pretty tag from Her Whimsical Musings

.....Along with my most favorite candle by Diptyque and a plain pillar one that I adorned with some hemp twine and a crystal ornament...


These are wonderful, fragrant candles.


So far so good - the four major pieces are in place...




Then threw in some moss balls, starfish, seashells, pine cones, crystal pieces and juniper stems....





Some of my favorite little details....

I love this little pink sea urchin with the pearl on top
The little blue bird and mini sand dollar are my favorite little touches...

I love broken sand dollars...this one is quite large.
I found it on Captiva Island.
And here you have it....








Happy Holidays....



Linking up to:


Southern Hospitality's Christmas Vignette....
Hooked on Houses Hooked on the Holidays


And here is a peek at my little mantle I'm working on...it still has a ways to go.  I decorate in stages...by the time I call it a wrap - Christmas is over.  For me, the process is the fun part which is why I take my time!







21 comments:

Real Mountain Values said...

I love the whole thing; so natural. I also like the idea of the tray because you could move it around for holiday decorating.

Is that an old typeset holder hanging on the wall? Or what type of shelf is it. I love your collection of shells displayed in it.

LouLou said...

It looks beautiful. I love you interpretation of the inspiration photo.

NanaDiana said...

Oh- It looks SOOO great! Can't believe all you have accomplished. I really like the shadow box with all the shells on your wall. Is that an old letter press holder? Very cool indeed!

You did a great job on your interpretation of her look...and I am wondering why your magazine cover looks so different than mine-maybe mine isn't the "special edition". Anyway, LOVELY, LOVELY- and I adore your stockings! Hugs-Diana

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Love how your tray turned out. Great elements and it has such a nice calm feeling. Your mantel looks cute, can't wait for more photos.

Kaybe said...

Girl - you got skills! I think you have evolved into you own unique coastal style. What a gorgeous arrangement on the tray. I can't wait to see your tree.

Take good care,

Karen

Karyn said...

Your Vignette is gorgeous! I'm saving it to my idea file. I love all the little details and the texture. Soo pretty. Your mantel shelf is looking great too.

Drawn to The Sea said...

So gentle... a beautiful little vignette to rest my eyes on for awhile this morning. In my opinion, the broken sand dollar is indeed the crowning touch.

Peaceful day,
Julia~

rjerdee said...

I agree that the process is the fun part...so true! I'm started my tabletop tree a week ago post-Thanksgiving...each day I add a few things, play Christmas music and sit in the light of the tree each evening...sweet way to end the day!

Donna said...

Wow, Debbie, this is just amazing! Your display is truly magazine worthy! The tray and urn you used are perfect, and all of the other elements pull everything together! Thanks so much for featuring my Eiffel Tower ornament! Cindy's tag looks awesome too. Love, love, love it all. I also really love your shadow box that I can get a glimpse of, so have some terrific ideas here. And your mantle looks great, too! I need to get that magazine:)

Maya @ Completely Coastal said...

The little urchin with the pearl is precious -what a nice touch! And I'm loving your Wisteria stockings (still)..., when I checked back then, they already didn't have them anymore!!

Little Black Scrap Cat said...

Wonderful vignette with the tray and urn. LOVE the typeset drawer, too. I have one too, but I wish for another now and then with bigger openings...

Your mantle is great. The stockings, bottles and shells look fab up there. Yes, it's all about the process!! The hardest part for me it taking it all back down....

Tootie said...

I love your ideas! I would never have thought of those on my own.

Passionate for White said...

Wow....You did a beautiful job!

Cindy Adkins said...

Hi Debbie,
This is magnificent!!! I just love it all!! And I feel like Donna and my stuff was meant to be together in your gorgeous home! That was icing on the cake...
I love this masterful vignette!! It is spectacular. And thank you so much for including my tag...I love to see the burlap with the pine cones...It gives it such a natural look that is so chic.
I hope you'll come over and see my big giveaway!!! I just got it posted and if you want to tell anyone about it, they don't have to be bloggers to enter.

XO

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I love that you arranged everything in a tray...very chic! And your shelf is looking beautiful! I still haven't tried to make anything with shells! I have so many projects I want to do! And I'm having FUN! ♥

By The Seashore said...

Love your arrangement Debbie! And your shelf looks fabulous. Those are the cutest stockings!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Good morning! I stopped back by to say hello and tell you I decorated my kitchen some and thought you might like it! Hugs! ♥

Anonymous said...

Wow Debbie... you really nailed it!! Your tray vignette is just gorgeous! I have to say you did a much better job than I of recreating a Jeanne d'Arc scene for Christmas... really beautiful!
I waited too long to plant my paper white bulbs, so all I have are little shoots sticking up right now... lol!
Have a wonderful weekend my friend!
xoxo,
Jo :)

Blooming Rose Musings said...

I love it! Debbie, it's beautiful and you have done a remarkable and fabulous job with all your decorations. I haven't even started decorating yet...for shame. I've been so busy and I keep telling myself I still have lots of time(the jokes on me!). I am also using a tray this year but very differently. However, now that I've seen your gorgeous arrangement I may have to make a few changes. Really, your place looks wonderful and very Christmassy.

Michelle@ A Full Cottage said...

Thanks so much for stopping by and for your nice comment.

I love your arragngement with the paperwhites and your Jean Van Arc Christmas as well they are just beautiful!

Have a very Happy Holiday!

:) Michelle

Anonymous said...

Have to ask, where did you get your stockings for Christmas? I looked and looked this year and couldn't find anything that I loved for a beachy Christmas stocking.