Christmas 2015 at Thistle Hill Ranch

It's no secret I love decorating, and decorating for the holidays is one of my favorite things. Every year, I try to mix it up a little, it may be different colors, or putting decorations normally for the living room, this year in the kitchen. It makes it all feel new...at least to me! Ha!

With so many of my normal decorations in storage it makes it even more challenging. But, I always like a challenge. I had a lot of fun gathering greenery from the ranch and using it all over in Christmas arrangements.

Our entrance is very narrow, and not really an "entryway". So, luckily I had this narrow sofa table, that worked in this tiny space. Decorating it is always fairly easy, because not too much can go here between the lamps. So, I keep it simple. This year, I used an old galvanized bucket I found here at the ranch. It was fun to use something from the ranch in the decor. I'm learning so much history about this area, and this ranch. I love using things that are a reminder of our past.

I also keep the coffee table fairly simple since it is used so much. A little greenery, gold berries, and a leather christmas storage book, which is perfect for storing remotes.

A scarf for the pheasant.

Our grapevine reindeer, a few velvet presents, greenery in the antler bowl on top of a cedar charger, make an simple centerpiece. We homeschool here, so it has to be simple, because this table is used so often.

Even the piano, got a bit of Christmas Cheer. Frosty's hat, and Christmas music open in the antique children's music book.

This is by our back door, in the kitchen. It stores any extras of decor I have...storage is very limited in the house. I added one of my favorite things, the chapel that lights up, and sings carols.

 

Our kitchen table ready for morning coffees and breakfast.

The wreath above the table has the Thistle Hill Mansion, where we were married, hanging in the middle. When we came to see the ranch before we bought it, the hillside was covered in purple thistles, we thought it was a sign...Thistle Hill Ranch was born! This ornament means a lot to both of us.

 

The little quail dressed for the holidays!

Our living room doesn't have the best lighting. It's so difficult to get good pictures. Therefore, I'm posting a few pictures of the tree, and Santa.

I couldn't find my large owl topper, so I improvised with this little guy, that I luckily had already.

The writing desk in the living room got a few touches of the holiday spirit too.

Our living room mantel. I made these stockings a few years ago, luckily they are still holding up, HA! I put up our garland, & strung some lights in it. I didn't have a gold ribbon, so I used an old tie, that my husband won't miss, and then built around it with pinecones, greenery from the ranch, ornaments, and pheasant feathers.

Even Duckingham Palace got a wreath.

The front porch is very narrow, but, it still has enough room for decorations. Mr. Duncan gave me his approval.

Mr. Duncan's house got a little Christmas greenery too!

I couldn't resist putting decorations on the swing and outdoor bird houses.

 

I hope you all are having fun decorating or enjoying your decorations for the Holidays! I'm ready to take a deep breath and enjoy it too.

While writing this post, I get a text to come outside. I find this...my husband riding Preston's horse Bailey. She's pregnant with a foal, that's due this Spring. She is such a sweet girl. He took her on a walk around the ranch. A perfect way to end this post. I hope your weather is as nice as Texas weather is today...ENJOY!

 

Have a Great Week, & Happy Decorating!

 

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