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December 4, 2015 By Shirley

The Christmas Tree at Sunset

I finally decorated the tree that day

and placed the packages and baskets around the tree.

It was getting late.

The sun was setting.

I grabbed my camera to take a few “first” pictures of the tree this year.

2015 Great Room Christmas Tree with Antique French Gathering Basket - Housepitality Designs

This tree took me 2 days to decorate

from setting up to placing the baskets and packages around the tree.

Ironstone and evergreens - Housepitality Designs

I think there is approximately 1,000 ornaments on the tree and . . .

I have not purchased any this year.

Basket of Christmas packages and horns - Housepitality Designs

I have a very large collection of ornaments,

not to mention decorations collected over many, many, many years!

I have given away and donated many and have a box ready to give away.

2015 Great Room Tree - Housepitality Designs

The sun was setting quickly and the glows of the tree casting shadows

pretty shadows.

2015 Great Room Tree - Housepitality Designs

For many years, I would hit the garden centers and specialty shops

after Christmas getting great deals on Christmas decorations

such as these branches on the top of the tree and the reindeer in flight.

So affordable when you get 50 to 75 and even 90% off.

2015 Great Room Tree Topper - Housepitality Designs

I took this photo in complete darkness from the other side of the room.

2015 Great Room Tree - Housepitality Designs

The foyer taken just before the sun went down.

Christmas 2015/Foyer - Housepitality Designs

And a look into the Great Room from the foyer.

2015 Great Room Christmas Tree - Housepitality Designs

After days of rain and gloomy skies

and a very partly cloudy day yesterday,

I cannot wait to finally start taking some photos for my Christmas Home Tour.

I will be joining the lovely ladies from 11 Magnolia Lane

where there is a home featured every day from Dec. 2nd to the 20th

I will be there on December 7th.

NEW-holiday-open-house-button-2015

And also look for me that day at From My Porch Front to Yours

where there will be lots of great Christmas Inspiration.

MerryLilChristmasbloghopwithnamesresized-1

I will be finishing up my decorating today.

Have you finished your decorating?

Have a wonderful day and weekend!

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Antique French Gathering Basket, Christmas Mantel, Christmas Tree, mantel 31 Comments

Previous Post: « Country Christmas in the Sunroom
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kim says

    December 4, 2015 at 8:10 am

    So beautiful. Wow, you do have a lot of ornaments. I have given away boxes of them and have more to take. Cutting way way back. Can’t wait to see more next week.

    Reply
  2. Amy Kaminski says

    December 4, 2015 at 8:17 am

    Now that is my kind of tree!!! Themed trees are beautiful on their own but a tree that is representative of ornaments you have collected over many years really tells it’s own story. I love it and can’t wait to see the rest of your beautiful home dressed for the holiday!

    Reply
  3. Dawn says

    December 4, 2015 at 8:37 am

    How pretty Shirley, I want you to come decorate my tree 🙂 My youngest that was in the accident has a weekend pass to come home so we will be getting the tree and decorating it slowly this weekend. I would love to look through all your ornaments, that would be a fun time poking around all those beauties.

    Reply
  4. Anne @ DesignDreams says

    December 4, 2015 at 8:39 am

    Omigosh – so so pretty!! I love how full your trees are and that shot toward the door is gorgeous!! Have a happy Friday!!

    Reply
  5. Southern DayDreams from Celestina Marie Design says

    December 4, 2015 at 8:40 am

    Beautiful tree Shirley and your photos are stunning. I love your displays and your ornaments collected through the years make it extra special. Looking forward to more of your lovely home for the holidays. xo

    Reply
  6. Rosie M. says

    December 4, 2015 at 9:25 am

    Oh, Shirley, your tree is absolutely breathtaking! Be assured the final effect is worth every minute you put into the decorating. Everyone who sees your efforts will immediately be touched by the Christmas spirit! Happy Holidays!
    Rosie @ The Magic Hutch

    Reply
  7. Cindy says

    December 4, 2015 at 9:44 am

    Beautiful photos, I love trees lit when the sun is setting. I remember when my nine footer took me a week. Thought I’d miss it but now I can focus more on other decorating ideas for Christmas around our new home

    Cindy

    Reply
  8. Donnamae says

    December 4, 2015 at 9:47 am

    Beautiful tree! Yes you do have quite an ornament collection! Everything looks so festive…I’m a little behind in my decorating, but it’s just that kind of year for us! Enjoy your weekend! 😉

    Reply
  9. Penny @ The Comforts of Home says

    December 4, 2015 at 9:49 am

    Your tree is beautiful! I love that flying reindeer!

    Reply
  10. Pinky at designs by pinky says

    December 4, 2015 at 9:50 am

    I might have 1000 ornaments on my tree too:) And this year I had to do all the way around so MAY get a few more;) I know, we are a little nuts, huh? But I LOVE IT!!!!! Your tree is magnificent, stunning. What a fabulous welcome to your amazing home!!!! Love all the packages in the baskets!!! I only have 3 (faux) gifts wrapped!!! So much to do at this time of year!

    Reply
  11. Shelia says

    December 4, 2015 at 9:55 am

    The most gorgeous Christmas tree ever! How pretty, Shirley!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  12. Denise says

    December 4, 2015 at 10:09 am

    Love the American Flag Heart! We need to show our support, and also continue our traditions especially now in these troubled times. Mwah! Thank you! Gorgeous~

    Reply
  13. Betty Brown says

    December 4, 2015 at 12:43 pm

    Amazing.

    Reply
  14. Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says

    December 4, 2015 at 1:08 pm

    You’ve been a busy little elf! The tree is gorgeous – I can’t believe you have more than 1,000 ornaments! I bow down to your Christmas tree decorating skills

    Reply
  15. Pat@back porch musings says

    December 4, 2015 at 1:12 pm

    The tree is gorgeous Shirley. I am debating about getting out the Christopher Radko ornaments. I have no idea where they are!! Jim is really good at retrieving treasure.:-) We’ll see.:-)

    Reply
  16. Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says

    December 4, 2015 at 1:55 pm

    Oh My Shirley your tree is just gorgeous. Wow over 1,000 ornaments. That is awesome. Just sooo pretty.
    Kris

    Reply
  17. Karena says

    December 4, 2015 at 2:05 pm

    Shirley the trees and lights are always so magical in the evening!!Beautiful!

    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena
    Books for the Holidays!

    Reply
  18. Nancy says

    December 4, 2015 at 3:05 pm

    Wonderful tree and decorations.
    Smiles

    Reply
  19. Nancy Brantley says

    December 4, 2015 at 3:25 pm

    Your tree is GORGEOUS……I have more to decorate outside and I will be decorated.

    Reply
  20. Mary Kriese says

    December 4, 2015 at 5:30 pm

    Absolutely beautiful tree. Thought you’d like a little history , on one of the ornaments we both have. My son-in-law is a fireman, we reside in NY State. The December after 911, many ornaments were given to his company. There were several, including the large puffy heart, with the American Flag motif. Fortunately for us, we did not lose him, but he was on the “pile” for many days. So, when you place that ornament on your tree again, I hope you remember all of the responders in a special way.

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      December 4, 2015 at 6:18 pm

      Thanks Mary….yes I will….I have all of the ornaments that were made that year. I believe that there were 3 of them. The Brave Heart, the red/white/blue ribbon and the twin towers…they are very special and I thank your son for his service…

      Reply
  21. Linda says

    December 4, 2015 at 8:34 pm

    I can see why it took you 2 days to decorate, but I’m guessing that opening the boxes and bringing out the ornaments is like saying hello to old friends. Each one likely has a memory.

    Reply
  22. pam richardson says

    December 5, 2015 at 7:51 am

    Shirley, what a gorgeous tree!! I spied some Radko ornaments that I have! We do share many common likes. I did not put up my large tree this year, but a slim one instead in my family room! It is entirely decorated with my Radkos, with the exception of a 3 or 4 ornaments that are a mainstay! Anticipating how beautiful your home tour will be on Monday! Blessings, Pam

    Reply
  23. Joann says

    December 5, 2015 at 7:58 am

    What a beautiful tree, Shirley! Even though it takes time, it is so heartwarming to hang each ornament and remember the story behind it or the special person who gave it to you. It’s part of what Christmas is all about!

    Reply
  24. Jenna says

    December 5, 2015 at 8:27 am

    Wow Shirley, it is stunning! LOVE the reindeer on top and the baskets of beautifully wrapped gifts~ that is such a cute idea! My husband and grands always decorate our tree, and then I have to wait until they’re not around and “rearrange” things a little 🙂 It is wonderful how you spend time remembering how special every ornament is~

    Reply
  25. Quratt ul ain says

    December 5, 2015 at 10:02 am

    Wow great what the beautiful golden Christmas trees at sunset

    Reply
  26. LorB says

    December 6, 2015 at 12:52 pm

    Gorgeous tree, You just have such a great knack for decorating everything… Happy Holiday’s…

    Reply
  27. Cindy says

    December 6, 2015 at 2:24 pm

    BEAUTIFUL! Well I can understand why it took 2 days…is it a 10 or 12 footer? It looks so gorgeous in your home, Shirley:)I always wanted a tall tree, but as much time as I spend on my 7 foot tree, it might take me a week! LOL!

    Reply
  28. Mary says

    December 7, 2015 at 7:11 am

    Swoon Shirley! Your tree is a thing of beauty and I love seeing it during the day, at night or at dusk!

    Reply
  29. Linda says

    December 9, 2015 at 11:13 am

    Like you I have many ornaments. I actually put some away this year. I love your tree; the flag heart really caught my eye. Not done decorating yet. Merry Christmas Shirley, Linda

    Reply
  30. Vanessa says

    December 9, 2015 at 11:32 pm

    Shirley that tree is absolutely stunning. Your home is so warm and welcoming…just like you! 🙂

    Reply

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