beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

and our farm kitchen is ready for the holiday

A sweet little bear by the artist, Jennifer Murphy
(in a product line for Seasons of Cannon Falls)...

and bottle brush trees tucked here & there.
to find out more about the charming artists & midwest treasures,
Jennifer & her mom, Pat-
check out their blogs:
andothersillythings.blogspot.com
murphybears.blogspot.com

In my kitchen, Ironstone is the anchor -- with little nods to red & green added.

The little parade of sweet cups on the top shelf was this year's promise.

Each holds a little secret - an ornament, bottle brush tree, mini wreath.

as much as our living room is about "serene" - white, silver & gold....

our kitchen is about "joy" - color, color, color.

Even Dave adds his own take on Christmas...

hanging a vintage lure or two.

One of my favorite books for sweet, simple, easy-to-do decorating with what you have is:

 Merry & Bright *301 Festive Ideas for Celebrating Christmas*

by Country Living magazine

I must also share my favorite holiday decorating books of ALL times:

Celebrating Home

Decorating for the Holidays and Seasons

by Seasons of Cannon Falls

**Watch for a special give-away of several copies of this book in 2012**

All for now, hope you are enjoying this count down week to Christmas!

Kari