Christmas Season 2021

The pace for Christmas season 2021 is set to slow in order to savor the season, embrace the true meaning of it all, and cherish the memories old and new that rush my mind and heart.

Christmas season 2021 Pretty At The Holidays highlights a collection of gorgeous images featuring scenes of the season guaranteed to inspire and impress.

Flocked-Christmas-tree-John-Loecke-Jason-Oliver-Nixon-photo-Hector-Manuel-Sanchez-styling-Kendra-Surface-Southern-Living

John Loecke & Jason Oliver Nixon – Photo Hector Manuel Sanchez
Styling by Kendra Surface – Southern Living Magazine

“Freshly cut Christmas trees smelling of stars and snow and pine resin—
inhale deeply and fill your soul with wintry night.”
—John J. Geddes

living-room-holidays-fire-interiors-Mark-Fox (1)

House & Garden – Photo by Mark Fox

“The rooms were very still while the pages were softly turned and the winter sunshine crept in to touch the bright heads and serious
faces with a Christmas greeting.”
—Louisa May Alcott

Christmas-big-bulb-lights-around-ankles

“Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it
by giving the light of love to those who need it most.”
—Ruth Carter Stapleton

cardinal-on-feeder-red-holidays

Flickr

“We count down the days, just to experience it nearly
exactly as we always have.
It is so comfortable, familiar and perfectly nostalgic
that, frankly, we have no desire to improve upon it at all.”
— Joanna Gaines

sparkler-copper-Christmas

Kitchen Ghosts

“Christmas magic is silent.
You don’t hear it—you feel it.
You know it. You believe it.”
— Kevin Alan Milne

purple-christmas-decor

House Beautiful – Photo by Gordon Beall

“Some Christmas tree ornaments do more than glitter and glow, they represent a gift of love given a long time ago.”
—Tom Baker

pantone-color-of-the-year-2022-very-peri

“Christmas is a piece of one’s home that one carries in one’s heart.”
— Freya Stark

purple-walls-garland-framed-art

Victoria Magazine

“As long as we know in our hearts
what Christmas ought to be, Christmas is.”
– Eric Sevareid

winter-white-holiday-decorated-bedroom

Victoria Magazine

“Bless us Lord, this Christmas, with quietness of mind; Teach us to be patient and always to be kind.”
— Helen Steiner Rice

House & Garden

“Let us keep Christmas beautiful without a thought of greed.”
—Ann Garnett Schultz

Whimsical-Christmas-Kitchen-In-Pastels

Summer Adams

“Christmas is like candy; it slowly melts in your mouth sweetening every taste bud, making you wish it could last forever.”
— Richelle E. Goodrich

Retro Christmas Tree Cake

Retro Christmas Tree Cake

“May your hearth be warm, your holidays grand, and your heart
held gently in the good Lord’s hand.”
— Unknown

Carolyne Roehm candle fireplace mantle

Carolyne Roehm

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold,
everything is softer and more beautiful.”
— Norman Vincent Peale

blue-Christmas-night

Festive anticipation is super setting in as Christmas week draws closer, and I fa la la la love it!

Flights carrying loved ones begin to arrive, Dave the Builder is patiently awaiting a pan of Fantasy Fudge brimming with chopped walnuts, and as much as I would love a visiting elf to grant me the pleasure of wrapping all the gifts for me, that’s one Christmas miracle I’m pretty sure is not going to happen.

Christmas season 2021

Holiday happenings, tasks, and undertakings can bring immense joy, however, the holiday hustle an bustle can be quite overwhelming at times.

Balance is a key component of design and decorating, life, and essential at this the most wonderful time of the year.

I’ve adopted a slow the pace, win the race attitude towards Christmas season 2021, seeing the beauty and the meaning of the season through a different lens.

Years of holiday decorating, open houses, and professional retail antiques and design business services brought joy, but I noticed by the second week of December I lost all interest in the holidays.  Can you say oversaturation?

For this reason, I keep my holiday social media postings light as well as my blogging in order to experience the joy rather than looking up and it being all over.

Remember this, my dear friends; the Christmas season is short at best. Treat yourself while treating others to the joy, the beauty, the goodies, and the glory of this beautiful season.

Merry Christmas, dear ones.

Darleen-signature-custom

 

Thanksgiving Sides and Holiday Sweets

Gobble and gather together times entice family and friends to come together to share a delicious dinner featuring Thanksgiving sides and holiday sweets.

love-family-friends

Today’s post features traditional foundation Thanksgiving sides and holiday sweets recipes I’ve collected from fellow bloggers and assorted social media postings.

Traditional recipes are well represented, but with improved upon ingredients and presentations certain to be requested additions to the holiday menu.

Thanksgiving-sides-Holiday-Sweets

Sides:

Melting Sweet Potatoes with Maple-Pecan Sauce

melting-sweet-potatoes

Asiago Bruschetta Roasted Asparagus

Asiago-Bruschetta-Roasted-Asparagus

Autumn Harvest Rice

autumn-harvest-rice-for-fall

Green Bean and Mushroom Skillet

Green Bean and Mushroom Skillet

Smashed Baby Red Potatoes

Smashed Baby Red Potatoes

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

Starches plus tryptophan results in a full, satisfied and sleepy husband, son, brother, and nephews, and that means guilt free Black Friday shopping, keyboard style, for Mama Places In The Home, nieces, and yours truly.

savory-sweet-potato-casserole

Thyme and Wild Mushroom Stuffing

Frame-Wild-Mushroom-Thyme-Stuffing

Pull-Apart Stuffing Ring

pull-apart-stuffing-ring

Sweets:

Pumpkin White Chocolate Mousse Pie

pumpkin-mousse-white-chocolate-pie

Pecan Praline Pumpkin Torte

Pecan-Praline-Pumpkin-Torte

Fresh Apple Nut Cake

apple-pecan-walnut-cake

Coconut-Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

coconut-pumpkin-chiffon-pie-Hector-M-Sanchez-SL

Gluten-free Pear-Walnut Cake with Vanilla & Cardamom

gluten-free-pear-walnut-cake-recipe

Dutch Apple Pie

Dutch-apple-pie-recipe

Pumpkin Trifles

pumpkin trifles

No-Bake Espresso Chocolate Pudding Pie

No-Bake-Espresso-Pudding-Pie

Holiday side dishes blessings and bon appétit!

love signature

Red, White And Blue Accents

Red, white and blue accents inspired by stellar color choices, engaging stripes, and timeless patterns star in this showcase featuring the bold and bright patriotic inspired palette- the original grand pop of color.

Cheng Toile from Dynasty Collection

Cheng Toile from Thibaut Dynasty Collection

red white and blue color palette

Miles-Redd-David-Kaihoi-blue-white-powder-room-photo-Ryan Kurtz

Architectural Digest -Photo by Ryan Kurtz

What better way to create a remarkable space than with unique interior design and decorating giving center stage to red, white and blue accents.

blue-white-decor-accents-Hillary-W-Taylor-Interiors-Brunschwig-Fils-Le-Lac

Hillary W. Taylor Interiors – Brunschwig & Fils

Red, white and blue paint colors in deep, rich, vibrant, and dramatic tones and shades promote a full-on color blast, burst, and boom of visual fireworks.

red-white-blue-color-palette-inspiration

There’s nothing kiddie about the look created in these kids’ rooms.

red-whtie-blue-bedroom-Wendy-Valliere-Interiors-New-England-Home-Magazine-Photography-by-Michael-Partenio

New England Home Magazine – Photography by Michael Partenio

Exceptionally impressive best describes this antique bed with upholstered headboard and grandly ornate swan footboard.

red-bamboo-twin-bed

Mallory Mathison Design

Pattern at play.

tomato-red-kitchen-cabinets

New England Home Magazine – Photography by Michael Partenio

Bold and beautiful describes the dramatic impact achieved in the 1842 Vermont farmhouse kitchen of Wendy Valliere of Wendy Valliere Interiors.

Red, white and blue beautiful.

red velvet pancakesRed Velvet Pancakes from Eclectic Recipes

Enticing the eye is mixture accomplished by Eclectic Recipes and this red, white and blue stack of red velvet pancakes topped with coconut syrup and fresh blueberries.

Click on the link below the photo for the recipe.

19th Century French Iron Pastry Table

19th Century French Iron Pastry Table- 1stDibs

red-white-blue-place-setting

Red, white and blue accents bring chic to both the nautical or coastal tablescape.

blue and white draperyTraditional Home

red-white-blue-fabric

navy-royal-blue-paint-colors

Royal complements navy blue, simply white enhances china white.

china-white-benjamin-moore

Benjamin Moore

red-white-blue-bedroom

Elle Decor

red-white-blue-accents

dining-room-and-library-with-glass-cabinets

 Cameron Ruppert Interiors

Befitting a palette choice with a patriotic theme pop of color, red, white and blue accents lend bold drama and traditional form to a space.

Darleen-signature-love

Independence Day Into Night Party Plan Objective

The Places In The Home Independence Day into night party plan objective is all about a cozy at home celebration.

American-flags-on-fence

Slow and easy is the theme accentuated by pops of patio and patriotic color, farm to table delights, and staying cool while celebrating Independence Day.

fresh-vegetables-home-grown-farmers-American-flag

Let me share with you what my it’s not rocket science Independence Day into night party plan objective is all about.

Teenager Suzie Slattery Dancing with Boyfriend Ted Sten

Art.com

Well of course music and perhaps a twirl around the patio will be involved.

This photo tells illustrates a belief of mine which is fashions and music may change, but gathering together to enjoy summer patio fun is a timeless tradition that never will.

While we’re on the subject of blast from the past fun…

Let’s put on our dancing shoes and boogie down to the cornerstone of the any party playlist.

Macramé is making a comeback, and this macramé swing chair is a comfortable and fashionable flashback to the swingin’ late 60s into the mid 70s and pure patio party fun.

independence-day-into-night-party-plan-objective

ZENSTYLE Beige Hanging Cotton Rope Macramé Hammock Chair Swing

thom-filicia-fire-pit

House Beautiful

Setting a cozy party scene is not a complicated process.

party-seating

Comfortable seating is a necessity, and options range from modern to vintage chairs, settees, swings, rockers, and sit-upons (remember, Girl Scouts?).

Just add a red, white, and/or blue decorative pillow to keep with the holiday festivities, a refreshing beverage, and good company and you’ve got yourself a stylish rest and relaxation haven for unwinding on the 4th of July.

red-white-blue-outdoor-throw-pillows

More super cute outdoor throw pillows in colors and patterns 4th of July adjacent afford an all summer long vibe.

Houndstooth Throw - Design Imports

Houndstooth Throw – Design Imports

Throw blankets, for example, in party palette colors, patterns, and textures serve their intended purpose, but also make a handsome tablecloth.

mainstays plaid red white and blue throw blanket

Mainstays Super Soft Plush Throw Blanket, 50″ x 60″, Red Plaid

red-white-blue-summer-throw

Isadora Floral Quilted Throw Blue – Levtex Home

Yes, I’m well aware this next party idea is an oldie but a goodie suggestion, and with good reason.

hanging-votive-filled-with-flameless-candles

One Kings Lane

Distinctive candle holders and battery-operated votive candles continue to be the ideal choice of party lighting.

hanging-candle-holder

For the sake of flicker to flame safety, select outdoor LED battery -operated votive or pillar candles, pop in a hanging candle holder or ten, and prepare to be entranced by the affordable, simple, and positively elegant look created.

Another reason I love to use and suggest battery-operated candles is the convenience involved.

Turn the candle(s) on and forget about it until time to call it a night.

fresh-berries-at-farmers-market (1)

Our star-spangled celebration menu takes a celebratory cue from the best part of the summertime bounty- fresh from the farmers market fruits and vegetables.

berry-splash-family-friendly-SL-photo-Beth-Dreiling-Hontzas

Southern Living – Photo by Beth Dreiling Hontzas

This Berry Splash recipe from Southern Living is summer celebration delicious and family friendly.

picked-fresh-peaches

Peaches for eating, peaches for drinking.

summer-fruit-daiquiri-photo-Scott-Little

Summer Fruit Daiquiri Recipe

A star-spangled theme is instantly recognizable as the traditional theme of 4th of July celebrations.

flying-the-flag

In keeping with tradition, the American flag meets and greets neighbors and friends.

red-whtie-blue-banners-porch-FOLK-Facebook

FOLK

Decorating with items such as fabric and serveware in a broader range of holiday patterns and colors gives you a more than one use option.

red-melamine-dinner-plates

Red Beaded Melamine Dinner Plate

Royal Norfolk Blue Floral Dinner PlateRoyal Norfolk Blue Floral Dinner Plate

Patterns, activities, colors and celebrations generally associated with the summer months give great inspiration.

red-white-blue-pattern-fabrics

Pick a favorite as your 4th of July party ideas theme foundation and go 4th from there.

Dottie Clear Acrylic 17 oz. Drink Glass

Acrylic 17 oz. Drink Glass

Preparing a charcuterie board paired with party accessories with red, white, and blue fruits, meats, and cheeses is a taste of America winner.

cherry-tomatoes (1)

Cherry tomatoes, blueberries, red grapes, deli meats, white cheeses and nuts- you get the idea.

Totally Bamboo State Shaped Bamboo Cutting Board

red-white-blue-states-paper-napkin

Serving in style.

Butler Selena Blue & White Rattan Bar Cart

Butler Selena Blue & White Rattan Bar Cart

Fabric closeouts are a great source for affordable and stylish patterns to use as tablecloths, table runners, napkins, basket and serving dish liners.

red-white-blue-novelty-print-fabric

For those who like to get your money’s worth out of accents and party accessories, the white palm leaf tassel napkin ring from Hobby Lobby fits well with most summer occasions.

ribbon-tassel

Tassel napkin ring not your thing?

Go with a decorative braided rope ribbon in your choice of color.

summer-blue-hydrangeas

Premium Floral Collection Harper & Violet Hydrangea 15oz 2-Wick Candle, Ivory

Blooming blue hydrangeas from the yard of a very generous and giving neighbor star in the centerpiece arrangement along with small American flags.

popcorn-chocolate-blue-hydrangea

Ramekins filled with popcorn and garnished with Nestle Crunch bars (red, white, and blue wrapper inspired) is about as easy as it gets.

Simple.

Affordable.

Appropriate.

Keeping it super summer simple, baby!

Desserts & Recipes

cupcakes-with-sparklers

Williams-Sonoma

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you about a dessert I made for Father’s Day that was a crowd pleaser.

banana-pudding-fluff-ingredients

Two go-to fluff salads, Watergate and Orange Pineapple, fall off the summer salad season rotation because by the time Thanksgiving into Christmas holidays roll past I’ve pretty much had my fill of these two.

Banana pudding or a delicious improved variation of it is summer dessert perfect.

banana-pudding-fluff

Banana Pudding Fluff

Ingredients

1  3.4 ounce package instant vanilla pudding

1½ cups milk

1  8 ounce container whipped topping

3  bananas, peeled and sliced

1-2 cups mini marshmallows

20 vanilla wafers, crushed

1  teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Whisk pudding mix, milk, and ground cinnamon in a large bowl.  Let mixture stand a couple of minutes in order to firm up.

Fold in whipped topping.

Add mini marshmallows, crushed vanilla wafers, and sliced bananas.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

ice-cream-cupcakes-Mike-Garten

Ice Cream Cupcakes Recipe

lemon-icebox-pie-ice-cream

Lemon Icebox Pie Ice Cream 

Ingredients

3 to 4 lemons

2 cups half-and-half

1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

3/4 cup coarsely crushed graham crackers

Directions

Grate zest from lemons to equal 1 Tbsp. Cut lemons in half; squeeze juice from lemons into a measuring cup to equal 1/2 cup.

Whisk together half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice. Pour mixture into freezer container of a 1 1/2-qt. electric ice-cream maker, and freeze according to manufacturer’s instructions. (Instructions and times may vary.)

Stir in graham cracker crumbs and lemon zest; transfer to an airtight container.  Freeze 2 hours before serving.

-Southern Living via My Recipes

lemon-salad-plates

Royal Norfolk Lemon-Printed Stoneware Salad Plates

I knew I would find the right opportunity to order the Royal Norfolk Lemon-Printed Stoneware salad plates, and the lemon icebox pie ice cream waffle cone sandwiches is it.

Serving this summer approved dessert on these melamine lemon salad plates (first cousin to the appetizer/dessert plate) is keeping with the theme of fresh ways to make a presentation.

After all, we do eat with our eyes first.

America Buffalo Check Table Runner

An easy Independence Day into night party plan objective works in concert with summer fun, delicious dishes, and stylish accessories that won’t break the bank.

Outdoor living spaces furnished to the hilt in summer style with creature comforts in mind deliver just that- summer style.

That’s how we snap, crackle and pop a 4th of July party in the USA at Places In The Home.

Darleen-signature-love

Festive Photos of the Christmas Season

Festive photos of the Christmas season reminds and reinforces the notion it’s magically beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Christmas at Forde Abbey

Christmas at Forde Abbey

“…freshly cut Christmas trees smelling of stars and snow and pine resin – inhale deeply and fill your soul with wintry night…”

– John Geddes

Victorian-Christmas-tree-Photography-Kimberly-Finkel-Davis

Victoria Magazine

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”

– Norman Vincent Peale

House-Garden-pusey-house-stairs-Simon-Upton

House & Garden

“Christmas isn’t a parade or concert but a piece of home you keep in your heart wherever you go.”

– Donna VanLiere

man-Christmas-tree

Pinterest

“At Christmas, all roads lead home.”

– Marjorie Holmes

Holiday-decorated-entryway

Bless’er House as featured by Better Homes & Gardens

“Christmas… is not an external event at all, but a piece of one’s home that one carries in one’s heart.”

– Freya Stark

snow covered fur trees

“Kindness is like snow- It beautifies everything it covers.”

– Kahlil Gibran

Martha-Stewart-Christmas-tree

Martha Stewart

“The Christmas tree is a symbol of love, not money.  There’s a kind of glory to them when they’re all lit up that exceeds anything all the money in the world could buy.”

– Andy Rooney

regency-house-photo-Paul-Massey

House & Garden – Photo by Paul Massey

“Every gift which is given, even though it be small, is in reality great, if it is given with affection.”

– Pindar

Market Street – Corning, NY

“Christmas is like candy; it slowly melts in your mouth sweetening every taste bud, making you wish it could last forever.”

– Richelle E. Goodrich

farmhouse-bedroom-Jason-Donnelly

Better Homes & Gardens – Photo by Jason Donnelly

“The rooms were very still while the pages were softly turned and the winter sunshine crept in to touch the bright heads and serious faces with a Christmas greeting.”

– Louisa May Alcott

church-South-Tirol-Italy

South Tirol, Italy

“Thank you, Dear Creator, for Life.  Thank you for Dreams.  Thank you for Ideas and Thoughts and Feelings.  Most of all, thank you for choosing me to grow – just for today – and to know the Wonder of Your World and its many Possibilities.”

― Janie Jasin

Jennifer-Chapman-Christmas-tree-photo-by-Marcy-Black-Simpson

Victoria Magazine – Photography Marcy Black Simpson
Styling by Melissa Sturdivant Smith

“Some Christmas tree ornaments do more than glitter and glow, they represent a gift of love given a long time ago.”

― Tom Baker

Darleen-signature-custom

Christmas Songs and Sights

Christmas songs and sights rule the festive fun around Places In The Home this time of year.

Why certain things come to mind when we hear Christmas songs is anyone’s guess, but I believe traditions old and new, coupled with cherished memories near and dear to heart and mind, work together to awaken the spirit of the season that beautifully dwells within all of us.

As I was listening to classic Christmas songs late Saturday night, an imagined slideshow broke out in my thoughts- some obvious, some silly, but all telling.

So here you go, my wonderful friends, a Christmas songs and sights ’tis the season pictorial.

dashing through the snow

Flickr

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring tingle tingling too
Come on, it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you
Outside the snow is falling and friends are calling “yoo hoo!”
Come on, it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you

snow covered Smoky Mountains2

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

I met a man who lives in Tennessee, and he was headin’ for
Pennsylvania and some homemade pumpkin pie
From Pennsylvania, folks are travelin’ down to Dixie’s sunny shore

Santa on beachFrom Atlantic to Pacific

– I know it means from the Atlantic to Pacific Ocean(s), but the line always brings to mind thoughts of the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, better known to some of us as A&P

A&P Coffee

Gee, the traffic is terrific

Christmas traffic

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air there’s a feeling of Christmas

Christmas-shopping-image

Chasing Daisies

Children laughing, people passing
Meeting smile after smile
And on every street corner you hear
Silver bells (silver bells) silver bells (silver bells)

Christmastime in the City

Flickr

It’s Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling (ring-a-ling)
Hear them ring (hear them ring)
Soon it will be Christmas day

Santa and friends

Santa and Friends

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight
Walking in a winter wonderland

blue jay in snow

Gone away is the bluebird
Here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song, as we go along
Walking in a winter wonderland

candy-canes-on-Christmas-tree

Bethnal Green’s Town Hall Hotel

Frosted window panes
Candles gleaming inside
Painted candy canes on the tree
Santa’s on his way
He’s filled his sleigh with things
Things for you and for me
It’s that time of year
When the world falls in love
Every song you hear seems to say
Merry Christmas
May your New Year dreams come true

Silent-Night

And this song of mine
In three-quarter time
Wishes you and yours
The same thing too

heading home in the snowstorm

Fine Art America

the snow’s comin’ down
(Christmas) I’m watchin’ it fall
(Christmas) lots of people around
(Christmas) baby, please come home

montana-christmas-home-living-room

Elle Decor – Photo by Douglas Friedman

Oh, the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we’ve no place to go
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

mistletoe

Skonahem

Have a holly, jolly Christmas
It’s the best time of the year
I don’t know if there’ll be snow
But have a cup of cheer
Have a holly, jolly Christmas
And when you walk down the street
Say hello to friends you know
And everyone you meet
Oh, ho the mistletoe
Hung where you can see
Somebody waits for you
Kiss her once for me
Have a holly, jolly Christmas
And in case you didn’t hear
Oh by golly have a holly jolly Christmas
This year

candle-in-a-window

In The Fields

For we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute
Candles in the window
Carols at the spinet

Christmas-tree-on-pianoYes, we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute
Hasn’t snowed a single flurry, but Santa dear we’re in a hurry

retro Christmas partyThere’ll be parties for hosting
Marshmallows for toasting

Carol-Brady

And caroling out in the snow

sears-1969-christmas-wish-book-cover

There’ll be scary ghost stories
And tales of the glories of
Christmases long, long ago

twas the night before christmas

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse

Christmas-stockings

Country Living Magazine

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there.

holidays-at-home-blog

Christmas eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I’ll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams

Christmas songs

tis=the=season-in-red

 

 

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