Christmas decorating, open house party

Hello, I know I have been missing for several weeks...I have been busy getting ready for a Christmas open house party that I held yesterday afternoon for about 40 friends and neighbors.  That may not sound like so awfully many people to those of you who are used to entertaining, which I am not.  For me to get ready for this, cook and decorate the house, took nearly every waking moment for two solid weeks!

Here are some pictures of Merry Wind Farm decorated for Christmas.  I hope you enjoy.....

First, the side porch, which is the entrance that we use for company.  The door opens straight into the dining room.  There are three doors together right there, the left goes into the mudroom, the middle to the dining room, and the right door into the kitchen.  It's funny because when people come they don't know which door to knock on!!  The Merry Wind Farm sign was made by a local artist, and I made the Williamsburg type plaque with pineapple underneath.

The dining room, with the table nearly ready.

Also in the dining room, next to the back stairs, a collage my mother made out of tissue paper years ago.  I just love it!!

In the family room, my primitive tree, decorated mostly with ornaments made by me and all the ornaments that my son made when he was little.

Also in the family room, old stepback  cupboard with antique horse weathervane on top.  I made the Noah's ark set years ago from a pattern in a magazine that went out of business.

On to the living room...pewter in pie safe with old YULE blocks.  The pie safe was made for my ancestor for his daughter as a wedding present.

Living room, with old chandelier and Christmas tree.  

Christmas tree and antique c.1840 Scottish tall case clock.  I saw the stencil design in one of Judy Condon's books and just loved the subtlety of it.

Living room fireplace.  The photo on the mantel is my great, great grandparents.

On the mantel, a collection of antique angels.  The ones in the middle were purchased in occupied Germany after the war, my husband's father was in the air force.  

Stockings that I have made through the years going up the stairs.  See how I have progressed from the simple one on the left to the crazy quilt on the right!

And finally, a little bench made by a local artist, that echoes my sentiments exactly!  I just love it!!   I just noticed that one of my cats snuck in the picture at the bottom!   Merry Christmas to All!  Hugs, Melinda