Holiday Decorating

I am linking up with Gussy as a part of her {Inspiration Workshop - Holiday Decorating} today.  I shared here some of the decorating I had done, including our 2 big Christmas trees.

What I love about this time of year though is that my decorating doesn't have to end with the standard tree. In fact I have collected so many things over the years that I have little bits of Christmas cheer sprinkled throughout the house!

Since 1996 when Dominic and I were married I have been collecting these Biedermann Ornaments. They are very delicate and beautiful and handmade and I have them all hanging on an ornament tree. I may have to find a larger tree though because I have run out of room! Suggestions?!

I read about making an ornament wreath online - one example can be found here. One of the sites specifically recommended that before you start stringing the ornaments that you hot glue the tops on. DO THIS!! It was a mess when I tried to skip that step with the first few. Also find the skinniest wire hanger you can - Dominic had to twist it together for me because I didn't have the strength!

One of my favorite "fun" decorations is our purple fiber optic tree. Although it doesn't "match" our red and gold theme on our other trees - it is beautiful just the same and sits in the corner by my work desk adding some sparkle to my day!

These homemade items I got at a craft fair a few years ago that my friend Leigh from our old church made. "O Holy Night" is my favorite Christmas hymn so the picture frame was a must-have. And I love having little signs/sayings to put out throughout this time reminding me that this is a season of JOY.

Years ago I watched a decorating episode on Martha and she talked about "layering" your tree. This starts with putting something in the center of the tree and working your way out. So I have some poinsettia flowers that I put in all the holes deep in my trees and work my way out from there!

I made a pair of these little trees to sit on either side of our mantle. Nothing fancy but so fun!

And finally just another look at one of our trees at night. I LOVE the look of the trees at night and will miss that most when it is time to take them down! :)

Do you have some decorations you want to share? Jump over to Gussy's site and join the fun!