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Thursday, December 8, 2011

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE

















Welcome


 I love to welcome guests to my home at Christmas with a fragrant balsam fir wreath and red velvet bow. I love traditional decorations with a touch of whimsy. Today I will share with you my foyer, study, mantle and of course The French Hutch. 






Foyer





















Visions of Sugarplums

The 2004 Neiman Marcus catalog was magical. It had a picture on the cover of Nutcracker figures. I thought it was one of the prettiest sets of traditional Nutcracker ballet I had ever seen, in a slightly different way. I just fell in love with the whimsical figures and couldn't put the catalog down. While visiting with my sister we exchanged catalogs and discussed gifts for our family. I'm sure she knew I really liked this set and would never purchase it for myself. My birthday just happens to come in early December so guess what I received that year? Yes, my Visions of Sugarplums set, Krinkles by Patience Brewster was my birthday gift from my sweet sister. I  enjoy unpacking it every year and making a Nutcracker scene in the study where we have our Christmas tree. Thank you Iris. 





















Oh Christmas Tree




















Smokers and Nutcrackers
Family Room Mantle














The French Hutch

I collect fruit ornaments to decorate the garland I hang on The French Hutch. Bears I've collected from my travels sit atop the copper containers on top of the hutch. Two satin bows are the finishing touch. On the shelves I display choirs, vintage collectibles and special cards and books. Of course you will find sweet treats for the Christmas season.









































92 comments:

  1. WOW!! Your decorations are over the top!! Very Beautiful.

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  2. Emily my dear, it's all truly wonderful!
    The Nutcracker vignette is my favourite display but the tree is simply stunning!
    Maggie

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  3. Everything looks amazing! So gorgeous!

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  4. Your Christmas decor is so pretty. My mouth dropped when I saw your tree. Oh how beautiful, as well as your bannister, hutch and mantel. Oh, am I allowed to comment on a non-Christmas item? I love your rooster painting/print above your mantel! Visiting from 2805 Christmas tree party.

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  5. Emily, this is all so beautiful! I especially love the Nutcracker decorations as I always see the ballet at this time of the year. Your house is a Christmas fantasy and I hope you have a big Christmas party to celebrate and share it all with your family and friends. Enjoy!
    xx Sunday

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  6. It's Magical! You've done a beautiful job!

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  7. Oh, my, Emily....what a Christmas Fairyland you have created. Everything is just beautiful...breathtaking, really.
    I love the set your sis gave you..so sweet and festive. Your bannister is beautiful...and the tree is just magnificent. You do a lot of decorating at this special time of year and it is all so lovely.

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  8. your hutch is so festive and beautiful! thanks so much for visiting Hampton Hostess today-I'm your newest follower!

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  9. Your tree is a showpiece, Emily. Everything is gorgeous. Happy holidays to you and yours, xo

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  10. Wow! Every space is just gorgeous! I did look at every picture...a real feast for the eyes. Thank you so much for sharing your great photos with us. It was hard to tell when the professional catalog photos ended and your started. My tip-top favorite item (s) are the whimsical Nutcracker characters. I saw your post over at the tree party at 2805.

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  11. Emily, your home is just spectacular!! There are so many pretty things to see!! It's like a magical Christmas wonderland!! I am going thru your photos again...there is so much inspiration here! Thanks for sharing! Happy Holidays!!!

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  12. Your house is a magical stunning view and a feast to my eyes! WOW!! I don't know where to begin, so I'll praise your gift from your sister, those pieces are just fabulous, I'm in love with them too! Cherrish them forever. Your tree is gorgeous, I love the top, I will copy cat you next year as I'd love to bring my pretty angel down! You took some awesome pictures too and your mantel with the nutcrackers and smokers is marvelous, I love both those German figures, I have them too but not together, another inspiration! Your bannister is gorgeous and your trade mark French Hutch is lovely.
    Thanks for sharing such wonderland faryland. Thank you for your sweet and generous visit too. Merry Christmas to you and yours. FABBY

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  13. Emily, I'm entranced by your gorgeous Christmas decorations. I keep going back and looking again and again. Your hutch is fabulous and I love that you added garland and the two big bows. Your mantel is wonderful, too, with the nutcrackers and smokers. Well done!
    Merry Christmas!

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  14. What a glorious post! Your tree and decorations are stunning and so festive!

    Thank you for linking to the Christmas Tree Party at 2805.
    I do hope you will take the time to check out the gracious sponsor of the $100 Pottery Barn giveaway by becoming a member of Hometalk or liking them on Facebook. Links are provided for each.

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  15. Absolutely gorgeous! The Nutcracker figures are exquisite as is everything else!
    HPS!
    ♥Jil

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  16. Thanks so much for the tour!

    I love the shots of your tree and the reflection of the lights, just gorgeous!

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  17. Gorgeous decorations and stunning Christmas tree!!!

    Dee

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  18. Everything looks so pretty. The tree is so beautiful. Pat

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  19. The sparkle and luster of your collection is totally magazine worthy! An absolutely fabulous and exquisite collection! a new follower, andrea@townandprairie

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  20. What a fabulous decor, EMily. So warm & filling the air with such Christmas spirit.
    Merry Christmas ~
    TTFN ~
    Hugs,
    Marydon

    GIVEAWAY ENDS 12/9

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  21. Emily, where in the world should I begin? FIrst of all, I love your foyer and banister. Your whimsical vignette with all the characters (Sugar Plum collection, I think you called it) is completely unreal and so, so festive. Your tree and, of course, the French hutch are fantastic, too!!! xoxoxoxo,
    Ricki Jill

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  22. Oh my gosh--this is all totally glorious! WOW!! I am speechless! Your home is magnificent and your holiday spirit is amazing!
    Happy Pink Saturday!!!
    XO
    Cindy

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  23. Hello Emily,
    What a delight your home is! There is so much to enjoy; so whimsical, and I know young and old would love it. Good job, and thanks so much for sharing it with us. Happy Pink Saturday weekend.

    Christmas blessings,
    Sandi

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  24. Emily! Oh, my goodness, I barely have words to say to tell you how all your decorating moves me! It's beautiful, it's whimsical, it's gorgeous! It's a WOW! Just stunning, Dear One!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  25. Beautiful! love your hutch! Thanks for sharing your wonderful home!

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  26. Very beautiful!


    Hearty Pink, come and see when you get a chance.

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  27. Your hutch is just gorgeous! Absolutely stunning.

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  28. Oh my, Emily, your Christmas decor is breathtaking. I can only image how long it took you to put it all up and out.

    I intended to take some pictures of pottery in Portugal for you, but never actually saw any except for hand painted tiles and other small souvenir type stuff - no great displays of pots...

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  29. Thank you for such a serene tour! Love the house. Love the music. Now I am relaxed!

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  30. Ah, mon cheri. Very beautiful! A merry, merry Christmas to you. God bless you! Fifi

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  31. Your home is wonderful .You do display is so nice. Happy PS
    Laura

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  32. How beautifully festive your house looks. Thanks also for sharing the catalogue, we don't get a chance to see copies of it here!

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  33. What exquisite beauty! Lavish and Elegant - the room with the Christmas tree is my favorite and your collection of bears. Happy Pink Saturday to you!

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  34. Emily, sorry I'm late arriving. I seem to be behind in life these days.
    Its such a treat to see your Christmas decorations about your beautiful home. The Nutcracker vignette is delightful. Patience Brewster's work is amazing. Your tree is glorious! I wish we had space for a large tree. And of course the French Hutch is full of eye candy. What a nice tradition to collect fruit ornaments for the garland.
    Happy Holidays, sweet friend! ~ Sarah

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  35. Oh my, there are so many lovely items to see! When I have my first cup of coffee in the morning, I am coming back for another visit to look at each photo again. I don't want to miss a thing ;o)

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  36. Emily~ Your Visions of Sugarplums set is DELIGHTFUL! I can see why you fell in love with its whimsy & detail! What a wonderful birthday gift! Your home is beautiful! Wishing you all the Joy of the Season~

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  37. Love the see *THE* Hutch all decorated. Love the foyer with the snowflakes. How lucky to have a sister like yours. The Nutcracker figures are amazing. Such fun. You tree is gorgeous. Your whole house is stunning ... and there's more to see!!! OH MY!!!!

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  38. Hi Emily, your tree is perfectly marvelous framed by those yummy puddling drapes. The French Hutch is definitely holding up the name of the blog quite well. It is glorious decked out for Christmas. Happy Christmas from Olive&Joe

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  39. Wow, you have a lot of beautiful decorations! It must take a while to put everything in place. Have a happy Christmas!

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  40. Is your home on a Christmas tour? If not, it should be! What fun I had staring at all the holiday beauty in your home. :)

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  41. I am in awe...the only words I can think of are stunning and thank you for sharing!

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  42. Hi lovely lady.
    Your home looks Gorgeous for the Christmas Holidays !!! I love the way you put it all together.. your French Hutch is so French!!
    I wish you could come do my home like yours.
    I would like to thank you so much for your sweet comments on my new Tablescape : Christmas in the park. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas.
    XXOO Diane

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  43. Wow, I am just in love and impressed with everything you have done. I cannot imagine the hours of work that went into all this. I am a new follower visiting from the Tablescaper. Vicky from Mess For Less

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  45. Ooo, I had a feast for my eyes looking through your pictures. Yours is a sophisticated home. I love it--especially the touches of blue!

    Did you make those giant red bows?

    Happy Blue Monday.

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  46. Emily, thank you for sharing your beautiful Christmas decor and your photography is gorgeous!
    Blessings

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  47. Thanks for this house-tour! So wonderful and nice Christmas-looks!
    Have a wonderful week,
    Markus

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  48. Oh My... I want to come for a visit! Simply beautiful! Merry Christmas!

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  49. Emily,
    Your home is just stunning! I am trying to figure out how to get my tree to look like yours next year. It is so gorgeous!!! I love your Nutcracker figures your sister got you and your hutch has never been prettier! Just beautiful..all of it! Thank you for joining me for Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  50. So pretty and festive, Emily! Love the photo of the tree reflected in your gorgeous trumeau mirror! Happy week!...hugs...Debbie

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  51. Happy Pink Saturday, dear Emily.

    Your home is exquisitely decorated. Every photo you shared is a magical view. Your Nutcracker Suite is perfection.

    Thank you for sharing. I have looked and relooked at each stunning image.

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  52. We also have a large collection of fruit and vegetable ornaments collected over the years Emily. Your decorations are beautiful and inspiring!

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  53. What a beautiful post, your staricase and mantle are just gorgeous. I love the Visions of Sugarplums figurines and the nutcrackers. Your house and photos are just gorgeous.

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  54. Your home looks so magical, Emily. It is gorgeous! I love the white churches and your decorated bannister. Actually, I love everything!...Christine

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  55. WOW!!! I loved everything!!! Especially the Nutcrackers, we too , do a Christmas Nutcracker theme...stopping in from Marty's Table Top Tuesday...xo HHL

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  56. awesome! your place is packed with Christmas decors. they all look really great together.

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  57. Your home is simply stunning - looks like it's right out of a magazine - I want to see it in real life! Love those tall white houses in your first few photos in the foyer. Were you ready for a party or is this just how you do it up. Beautiful!

    Enjoy the season my friend!

    Leann

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  58. What a lovely tour that was! I enjoyed every photo - and I've never seen anything quite like those wonderful Nutcracker figures that you've displayed so beautifully. Christmas has definitely arrived at your house - I wish you a wonderful Merry Christmas!

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  59. Oh, everything looks simply gorgeous! I hope you are having lots of friends and family over so they can admire this festive inviting Christmas decor! Thank you for sharing at TTF and I hope you are having a wonderful week!

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  60. I'll be right over!!! lol Your house is GORGEOUS!!!! Wow, and I love those curtains by the tree and how they drape--and your exquisite entry and staircase!!!!
    MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

    After all this work, don't you wish you could leave it up all year? It's amazing!!
    Love & hugs to you and your family,
    Cindy

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  61. Oh my goodness!!! Your home is AMAZING! How neat to be able to pull out that Patience Brewster set. what a keepsake. Your tree is gorgeous. I love, love, love how you decorate your hutch. It's all just amazing. Thanks for bringing this post to Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  62. I am in awe! First off, belated happy birthday! I am delighted that your sister made your dream come true. What a truly lovely and cherished gift. Love all your smokers! That is an amazing collection. Your home is so lovely. The fruit ornaments are perfect on your hutch.. Merry Christmas. May you and yours be blessed! xo marlis

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  63. Wow, what a festive home! The gift from your sister is just lovely, too,how sweet.

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  64. Fantastic post. Spectacular Christmas tree, banister, and photos of all your exquisite ornaments, plates, and dolls. Spectacular job. ~CJ

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  65. Hi Emily,
    Well, I am back again! lol I just put up a really special Christmas post tonight if you'd like to see it! xo Cindy

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  66. Your home is just a magical Christmas wonderland!


    Veronica
    Tassels Twigs and Tastebuds

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  67. Emily...I am blown away!!!!!!! Talk about a Christmas wonderland, you have done a spectacular job!!!!! I am in awe, of all the beauty. What a beautiful home to spend this magical holiday in! Enjoy.....

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  68. Hi Emily, It is so very nice to meet you through our friend Cindy and thank you for stopping by and your kind comment and new following. I am now a happy new follower here to your lovely blog too.
    WOW O WOW I love your open house for Christmas. Your home is gorgeous. Your decorating is over the moon fabulous. This really needs to be in a design magazine.
    Happy Birthday too and what a wonderful treasure from your sister. Love it.
    Thank you for sharing your gorgeous decor. I so enjoyed this open house and I just have to go back and browse again.
    Blessings to you for a Merry Christmas,
    Hugs, Celestina Marie

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  69. All your decorations are a feast for the eyes!

    SOMETHING RED

    Something cherry, something blue,
    Something scarlet just for you;
    Something blazing as the sun,
    Something red when day is done.


    © 2011 by Magical Mystical Teacher

    Desert reds here and here

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  70. I am trying to find words, but I can't! Words like "beautiful" and "gorgeous" just don't seem to fit the bill! Astounding, perhaps? Something to entertain the eye all around, bright colors, shimmering surfaces, whimsy, grandeur...it's all there! The Nutcracker decor is just the best!!! Woo hoo...you GO, girl!!!!!!!!! I know this has to be a lot of work for you, but it sure pays off with its incredible beauty and style!

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  71. Oh, what a gorgeous Christmas wonderland you've created in your home, Emily! There is just so much beauty, it's hard to take it all in. I think I shall have to take another look. By the way, sisters are quite special, aren't they? I should know; I have four of them. ;)

    Thanks for linking to Time Travel Thursday this week. I'm so glad you shared your lovely decorations with us.

    Blessings,
    Liz @ The Brambleberry Cottage
    http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

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  72. Your home is truly a work of art. So beautiful. We no longer decorate. Everything is boxed up and out in one of our outbuildings. We have collected nutcrackers and smokers for years and they are one thing I put up on the 3 mantle pieces in our 110 real old chopped up farmhouse. I used to decorate from end to end and looked forward to it all year, but have given my children most of the things. Oh, I do put out my Charlie Brown Christmas Tree with its one red ball. It is ok. I miss the years gone by, but i do not have the energy to do it anymore. I do love looking at pictures like yours because it does take me down Memory Lane of years gone by. Thanks for brightening my day.genie

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  73. I've come back to look at this post again! The lighting makes everything look magical! Happy holidays! ♥♥♥

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  74. Georgeous! I love it all! The Neimans table is beautiful. We enjoy seeing their window displays in the downtown store each year. Maybe you can find a video of it for you would love it. You have a tremendous talent for decorating. Thanks for sharing your lovely home. Merry Christmas and Happy Tablescaping. Pam

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  75. Wow is all I can say! Perfectly beautiful! I want to visit there:)
    Amanda

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  76. Your decor is stunning--it looks like a wonderland.

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  77. Oh my! You've certainly adorned your home in Christmas lovliness! What a treat.

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  78. Along with all your beautiful things, your talents just shine thru. Everything is sooo pretty and I can tell how much you appreciate your beautiful things.That makes it all even MORE beautiful. You really know how to put everything together in such a lovely way.
    Your sweet spirit helps to make your home a showplace but still so comfortable and welcoming.
    And, I have never seen a French hutch more festive than yours. :))
    hugs and Merry Christmas.
    xo bj

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  79. What a beautiful blog you have here and such Christmas magic. I'm new to your blog and have enjoyed looking around, I'm now following you so I can visit you often if you find a spare minute hope you visit me sometime and follow back if you like. I look forward to keeping in touch in 2012, Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family.

    Always Wendy

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  80. Love your Christmas tree! I am in awe of your beautiful Christmas decor - so enchanting!
    Hope you have a great weekend,
    Kathy

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  81. Hi Emily, Your Christmas decorations are beautiful! I love the tree loaded with ornaments and your gorgeous hutch decorations.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  82. THIS WAS FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Oh là là, c'est vraiment beau! Thank you dearest for visiting with me last night and I am captivated by the precision and beauty with which you have captured a FRENCH CHRISTMAS! MERCI! JOYEUX NOËL! Anita

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  83. Beautiful....just beautiful. Love the nutcracker collection..we just recently read the history behind them
    Merry Christmas

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  84. WOW! Your home truly
    IS magical at Christmastime.....
    I recently read the story behind
    Patience Brewster. If you get
    a quiet moment, sit down with
    a cup of coffee or tea and check
    it out:
    http://www.patiencebrewster.com/about_the_artist.htm
    Have a very Merry Christmas and
    thank you for visiting!

    xx Suzanne

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  85. Emily, I ADORE your dancing sugarplums!! They are so sweet! Your is very warm! The mantle with the nutcracker collection is beautiful!! I just love everything!! Thank you for sharing your home with us this Christmas!!
    Have a Merry Christmas!!
    xoxoxo
    Cheryl;-)

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  86. Emily...Wishing a very merry Christmas and the happiest of holiday seasons to you and yours!...hugs...Debbie

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  87. Happy New Year, Emily!!! I hope you have an awesome year ahead!!! filled with fun and JOY!!! xo Cindy

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  88. Your home is decorated so lovely. I love all the splashes of red that you have for the holiday. This truly should be in a magazine. You have such a talent. I have been wanting to decorate for the New Year, and you have inspired me to be creative. I want to thank you for your friendship, and I hope that the New Year brings you much joy.
    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

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  89. I like to see bloggers' most popular posts. I can see why this one is your winner! Just beautiful!

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