Holiday Traditions

The Christmas season never fails to get me excited.

The opportunity to decorate an interior, even temporarily, is always a chance to create in a new way, to update a tradition.

And that can be a fun adventure for the individual who likes to keep it fresh and exciting from year to year.

But that isn't me.

The look I crave starts at the front door with a gorgeous wreath.

Next, I love a fresh cut tree loaded with ornaments and garlands. The colors are traditional and the look is old-fashioned.

I must have tartan, the more the merrier, and the wonderfully elegant pleated Stewart tartan ornaments from Ralph Lauren's home collection of 1988, with their black velvet loops, are still filling the bill, every December.  With more colored balls, ribbon garlands, and tons of white lights, in a room fragrant with blooming paper whites, clove-studded oranges and Agraria Bitter Orange potpourri, the mantel hung with tartan stockings and bedecked with lit candles and sumptuous beribboned greenery, I couldn't ask for a cozier, more luxurious interior for my favorite time of year!

Light the fire, draw the drapes, bring in the eggnog and snicker-doodles, and settle in for a Christmas Eve to remember.  Don't forget the tartan throws on the sofas around the room and on the easy chairs by the fire, for maximum comfort, and a drowsy end to an exciting day before Christmas.

Contemplating the glowing tree with stacks of presents arranged just so, their colorful wrapped contents waiting for the next morning's unwrapping, is just a magical moment to be cherished with my family.

The dining room decorated with more paper whites and garlands, plaid tablecloth, napkins and chargers, candles waiting to be lit for the Christmas meal the next day, and garlands adorning the landing and the stairs, lets everyone know that we are ready for the festivities.

I look forward to all of this every single year, and this one is no exception, with a new grandchild about to experience his first Christmas!

Such fun and so much to look forward to!! And lovely memories to be treasured in the years to come.

Herewith, some favorite looks of the season.