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it's all about the hospitable home

January 1, 2016 By Shirley

Happy 2016 and a Review of My 2015 Favorites

Happy 2016!! I hope you all had a most wonderful New Year’s Eve

welcoming in the New Year.

I have no resolutions this year.

Why?

Maybe it is because my goal for this year is to enjoy each day, each moment

one day at a time, one moment at a time.

The “Que Sera, Sera” attitude . . . to be happy that I woke up and saw the sun

and ended the day with a goodnight kiss.

For today, I will reflect back on my favorite projects of 2015.

Because this project was for my “sweetie”, it was my favorite.

Graylyn’s Room Makeover

Graylyn's Room - Housepitality Designs

Truly a labor of love project.

In 2015, my goal was to add more shades of blue to the house.

Added many blue accents to the great room,

especially the combination of blue and white.

As seen in the Fall Mantel post.

Great Room - Housepitality Designs

More blue and white added to the kitchen and dining room.

I added these antique French enamelware canisters to the kitchen

that I purchased from my friend Mary Alice.

French Enamelware Canisters - Housepitality Designs

Pops of blue here and there in the dining room.

In the hutch, I replaced the china for the ironstone collection that I acquired these past couple of years.

Dining Room/Ironstone - Housepitality Designs

Dining Room Hutch/Ironstone - Housepitality Designs

Did you notice the magazines in the bowl on the hutch?

That was another highlight for me in 2015!!!

Our home was in French Country Style magazine…..it certainly was a thrill for me!

French Country Style Magazine - Housepitality Designs

The cover is not my home, but the home of our dear friends

who live on St. Simons Island, Georgia in a gorgeous French Country home.

Talk about two old friends squealing over the phone when she got the cover.

2015 was a year of antiquing and estate sales.

This was the view at one of the estate sales . . . pretty incredible, right?

Estate Sale, Youngsville, NC - Housepitality Designs

My hubby had the van, so I loaded up my convertible.

Where there’s a will, there is a way!!

Estate saleing - Housepitality Designs

I found one of my favorite ironstone pieces, for a great, great deal

at another estate sale this year.

This wonderful ironstone foot bath.

Antique Ironstone footbath - Housepitality Designs

It is proudly displayed on my French antique buffet.

I created a few tablescapes this past year.

The summer tablescape of lemons and daisies is probably my favorite.

Summer tablescape of Lemons and Daisies - Housepitality Designs

I also coordinated the tablescape with the sunroom of citrus and blues.

 

Sunroom dressed for Summer - Housepitality Designs

Another one of my favorite makeovers in 2015 is the Guest Room Makeover.

Guest Room Makeover 2015 - Housepitality Designs

Guest Room Hutch - Housepitality Designs

Since the makeover reveal, I have made a few changes,

like changing out the blanket chest for this vintage chippy bench.

Antique bench - Housepitality Designs

One of my very favorite decorating things to do is to create

a vignette. I must create a new one at least once a week.

I especially loved how the vintage fall vignette turned out this year.

Gathering many different vintage items and adding great textures and colors

made this truly one of my favorites.

Vintage Fall Vignette - Housepitality Designs

Another one of my favorites was my Winter Vignette of Soft glows for the coffee table.

Using lighted pine trees in ironstone footed tureens, luminara candles,

and my treasured partridges.

Winter vignette of ironstone and lighted trees - Housepitality Designs

Oh, and then there are the vignettes in the Country Christmas Sunroom.

Sunroom for Christmas 2015 - Housepitality Designs

I know I mentioned that I have no resolutions or very specific projects in mind

for this year. My “Que Sera Sera” attitude.

However, I do have a couple of definite things that are on my list.

One of them is to really make an effort to de-clutter and organize.

Paying much attention to a book that I have been reading,

“The Life Changing Magic of Tiding Up” . . . but I do have a resident “tidy upper”

and organizer.

Storage Solutiions - Housepitalty Designs

His garage organization has always been my number one visited post . . . go figure!

And plan to spend more time with family and friends which include my fun fellow bloggers.

To coordinate more get togethers, like this Bloggers Brunch.

Bloggers Luncheon

So here’s to another great year filled with lots of activities, projects, travel

and being with precious family and friends near and far.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

IMG_6893

 I also want to thank my wonderful readers for your support.

I so appreciate your friendship!!!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Blue and White, Christmas vignette, dining room hutch, Great Room, guest room, Guest Room Makeover, ironstone, Little Girl's Room, mantel, sunroom, vignette 43 Comments

Previous Post: « Snowmen and Little Girls’ Post Christmas Luncheon
Next Post: Winterizing the Foyer, A Winter Vignette »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anne @ DesignDreams says

    January 1, 2016 at 7:45 am

    I can see why these were your faves! 2015 was such a fun year, can’t wait to see what 2016 brings!!

    xox

    Reply
    • Shirley@Housepitality designs says

      January 1, 2016 at 11:06 am

      Thanks so much Anne…..I look forward to your most fabulous projects in 2016. You just may have inspired me to take a woodworking class!!! Happy New Year!

      Reply
  2. Patty says

    January 1, 2016 at 8:25 am

    Happy New Year Shirley! Love your home.

    Reply
    • Shirley@Housepitality designs says

      January 1, 2016 at 11:07 am

      Happy New Year Patty!!!…

      Reply
  3. Tom Stankus says

    January 1, 2016 at 8:41 am

    All my life was a paper
    Once plain pure and white
    Till you moved with your pen
    Changing moods now and then
    Till the balance was right
    Then you added some music
    Every note was in place
    And you DECORATED my life where dreams are a part
    By painting your love all over my heart

    Stoled this from Kenny Rogers song….Happy New Year
    So proud of all the effort you put into your blog
    Love your new bit moji…….You Hubby

    Reply
    • Shirley@Housepitality designs says

      January 1, 2016 at 11:00 am

      I cried when you wrote this in my Christmas card and crying still….thanks sweetie…you are the “wind beneath my wings”….

      Reply
      • Shirley says

        January 1, 2016 at 1:37 pm

        And my favorite song about us is “Through the Years” … another Kenny Rogers song! xoxoxo’s

        Reply
  4. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    January 1, 2016 at 9:09 am

    Happy New Year, Shirley! You were a busy blogger in 2015 and I look forward to reading along in 2016… blessings!
    xo Heidi

    Reply
    • Shirley@Housepitality designs says

      January 1, 2016 at 11:07 am

      Happy New Year Heidi…I hope that I get to see you in 2016!!!

      Reply
  5. Nancy says

    January 1, 2016 at 9:22 am

    I love the daisy and lemons tablescape too. Yellow is such a happy color! My son-in-law had a huge crop of lemons on his small tree this year. The lemons were as large as oranges. I so wished there was a way to preserve their beauty forever. I enjoyed looking back at your 2015. I look forward to following you in 2016 too.

    Reply
    • Shirley@Housepitality designs says

      January 1, 2016 at 11:10 am

      Nancy, Happy New Year…and thanks so much for your support throughout the years!

      Reply
  6. Pinky at designs by pinky says

    January 1, 2016 at 9:29 am

    How SWEET that Tom left such a dear comment!!! My hubby has never even looked at my blog, I don’t think. And I do believe that the reason his garage post is your number 1 is because EVERY woman wishes SOOOOO much that their garages looked like yours! I have enjoyed, no loved, every post from you and hope so much we get to see each other more in 2016! THAT is one of my wishes for the new year. Keep doing what you’re doing, Shirley. It is always beautiful. XO

    Reply
    • Shirley@Housepitality designs says

      January 1, 2016 at 11:11 am

      Happy New Year Pinky….looking forward to seeing you in 2016 in some antiquing adventures!

      Reply
      • Pinky at designs by pinky says

        January 1, 2016 at 12:26 pm

        Me too!!!! I hope to get you hERE to see my house too!!!

        Reply
  7. Donna Marie B.G. says

    January 1, 2016 at 9:31 am

    Love your beautiful home, Shirley! Happy and healthy new year!

    Reply
    • Shirley@Housepitality designs says

      January 1, 2016 at 11:12 am

      Thanks and Happy New Year Donna Marie!!!

      Reply
  8. Betsy@coastal-colors says

    January 1, 2016 at 9:31 am

    Happy New Year, Shirley! What a wonderful way to begin your new year with a “Que Sera Sera” attitude! You were very busy in 2015, Your projects and post were fabulous! I love your Sweetie’s room; I know she’s proud of it! You have added blue and white beautifully to your home. The French enamel pieces and your ironstone collections are wonderful and lovely additions to your beautiful home! Sending many blessing for the new year your way!

    Reply
    • Shirley@Housepitality designs says

      January 1, 2016 at 11:13 am

      Happy New Year friend. I wish you and your family a most joyous 2016. Always thinking about your dad and wishing him good health in 2016…and not to mention that you are the most wonderful daughter and gift to your dad.

      Reply
      • Betsy@coastal-colors says

        January 1, 2016 at 11:19 am

        Thank you, sweet friend! So happy to ring in another New Year with Dad! Thank you for your kind and thoughtful comment! Blessings!

        Reply
  9. Denise says

    January 1, 2016 at 9:44 am

    Your blog is my favorite, I never visit it without getting some kind of inspiration from you. I just wanted to let you know that. You are one lucky lady with your husband and your granddaughter…I think you know that! Here’s to another year, yes, let’s all enjoy each day and be grateful for our blessings~

    Reply
    • Shirley@Housepitality designs says

      January 1, 2016 at 11:14 am

      I am so flattered Denise!…thanks so very much for your support….May you and your family have a most happy and healthy New Year!

      Reply
  10. Dawn says

    January 1, 2016 at 10:03 am

    What the garage organization is number one? That blows my mind, lol. I love your house and the first photo of the bedroom is one of my favorites. I so love the linens in that space.

    Reply
    • Shirley@Housepitality designs says

      January 1, 2016 at 11:16 am

      Happy New Year Dawn!….May you and your family have a most healthy, happy and successful New Year…and thanks for all of your help on my blog…helping this not so techy person!!!

      Reply
  11. Cindy says

    January 1, 2016 at 10:48 am

    Happy New Year, Shirley! I had lots of fun getting to know you through your blog:) You have such a beautiful home, and I was soooo happy for you when you were featured in French Country Home! I look forward to spending many more years on your blog, and wish you and your family the best for 2016!

    Reply
    • Shirley@Housepitality designs says

      January 1, 2016 at 11:23 am

      Cindy….I want to wish you and your family a most Happy and Healthy New Year!…I admire your love and sacrifices that you have made this year for your beloved Grandmother, Audrey. You get the best granddaughter award…and my sweetie gets the award for her age group! 🙂

      Reply
  12. Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says

    January 1, 2016 at 11:17 am

    Happy New Year my friend. I always love seeing your beautiful home. I feel blessed to have had the pleasure to visit your lovely home when we were out in NC. It is more gorgeous in person. My wish for you is many fun filled moments in your beautiful home and lots of wonderful unexpected blessings in the new year. Thank you Shirley for sharing your sweet and loving heart with me through friendship.
    Kris

    Reply
    • Shirley@Housepitality designs says

      January 1, 2016 at 11:26 am

      Happy New Year Kris and Terry and to you wonderful family….My wish for you is for a most happy, healthy and most prosperous New Year!…Hope to see you in 2016 and thank you for your beautiful friendship!!!

      Reply
  13. pam richardson says

    January 1, 2016 at 11:45 am

    Shirley, I loved revisiting your beautiful posts. I look forward to your blog in my inbox! I am so thankful for your friendship and look forward to all your creativity and inspiration in 2016! Blessings, my friend!

    Reply
  14. Penny @ The Comforts of Home says

    January 1, 2016 at 2:38 pm

    It was fun looking back at your 2015! I don’t make resolutions either, but I do pick a word each year and this year my word is HAPPY. Looks like we have the same idea! Happy 2016!

    Reply
  15. Kim says

    January 1, 2016 at 3:16 pm

    You had a busy year and I’m looking forward to more! Happy New Year!!!

    Reply
  16. Mary Ferguson says

    January 1, 2016 at 3:30 pm

    Love all your favorites – all of your post a terrific.

    You mentioned that the Rose Bowl was on your bucket list. I was lucky to be able to go about 12 years ago when I was a Meeting Planner. That was when Kodiak was the sponsor of the Rose Bowl. I was invited by the Renaissance Hotel. I went to the Queens Luncheon and all the living Queens were in attendance – beautiful women. Then we had VIP , parking, & seats at the parade where it turns to go down Colorado Blvd. Five rows up from the street. After the parade we went back down the hill where all Kodiak VIP were invited to a Tail Gate party in a big tent. Wonderful food and drinks, plus we had tickets to the Rose Bowl football game. This was one terrific day and I will remember it always.

    So when you go please get VIP seats, you will love it. Hopefully, you can go in a few years. Your Sweetie would love it. The flowers are unbelievable. The day after the parade you can go and see all the floats in the warehouse, which it great.

    Enjoy your day.
    Mary

    Reply
  17. Cindy says

    January 1, 2016 at 3:33 pm

    Just Lovely ! Love your decor and your New Years attitude!! I agree! It will be what it will be!!!!

    Reply
  18. Donnamae says

    January 1, 2016 at 5:47 pm

    I love your que sera sera attitude. Making the most of every day is at the top of my list! That, and appreciating what we already have…realizing just how blessed we are! Just wanted you to know I so enjoy reading your blog! Happy New
    Year! 😉

    Reply
  19. linda ramsey says

    January 1, 2016 at 8:55 pm

    Happy New Year Shirley, I look forward to reading your 2016 blogs. You know what else I’m looking forward to right? Getting into my new home and getting all my goodies out of my 9, yes 9 storage units. Oh yea, maybe a visit from you and Tommy if you make it to Texas. Many blessing, Linda

    Reply
  20. Nancy Brantley says

    January 1, 2016 at 9:56 pm

    What a great year in review. I loved everything you posted, Shirley. Your home is just beautiful and we can’t forget that beautiful outside also…..My wish is to meet you this year. We live close to each other it is just finding time. My wish for you and your family is a Healthy, Happy, and Prosperous 2016.

    Reply
  21. Ilona says

    January 1, 2016 at 10:06 pm

    Absolutely beautiful rooms, lovely projects and stunning photography. It is always a treat to read your posts. Best of all to you and your family in 2016!

    Reply
  22. Karena says

    January 2, 2016 at 9:45 am

    Dear Shirley, Happy New Year and All the Best in 2016! I am adopting your attitude this year as well and cherishing every single day. I love seeing your recap and still think that your guest room is the best makeover ever!! Of course everything you create turns out beautifully!!

    xoxo
    Karena
    New Years Thoughts!

    Reply
  23. christy @ 11 Magnolia Lane says

    January 2, 2016 at 12:20 pm

    What a wonderful 2015 it was, Shirley, and good for you to not have a single resolution other than to just be in the moment. Thanks for including me in one of your favorite moments (trust me, it was one of mine, too). Looking forward to seeing lots of you in the new year, my friend! XO, Christy

    Reply
  24. Doreen@househoneys says

    January 3, 2016 at 6:23 pm

    I’m soooooo behind Shirley, but I finally got a decent internet connection and am trying to catch up (we are finally settled in Naples). I love this post, but I love your hubby’s comment even more! What a sweetie he is,

    The garage post is my personal favorite. That’s truly magazine worthy…but wait. Every post you do is!

    Reply
  25. LorB says

    January 4, 2016 at 1:24 pm

    Happy New Year, Shirlie… I certainly enjoyed every bit of your blog… Keep it coming…

    Reply
  26. Loi Thai Tone on Tone says

    January 4, 2016 at 2:49 pm

    Happy, Happy!! That footbath 🙂 A big highlight of 2015 was meeting you, Shirley! Hope we can see each other again. Thanks for all the inspiration. xoxo

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      January 5, 2016 at 10:40 pm

      It was a highlight for me too Loi!!! Happy New Year!!!

      Reply
  27. Mary says

    January 7, 2016 at 6:47 am

    Happy New Year Shirley, I love your look back and round up for 2015! I have a hard time picking a favorite post but I have to say your guest room is one of my favorite rooms in your home with the tranquil blue walls, tole trays and wonderful hutch!

    Reply

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About Me

Hi I’m Shirley and I am here to share my love of classic interiors, french country style, my passion for flowers and making our home, The Hickory Cottage, a warm and hospitable home for family and friends.

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