"You can't really say what is
beautiful about a place, but the
image of the place will remain
vividly with you."
~Tadao Ando
Happy New Year!!! The tragedy of this wonderful thing called technology is that sometimes (or oftentimes) it breaks down. I have been without a computer for a few weeks now and I apologize for the long silence. I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year's. I certainly did!
I was pondering what I love about Christmas because I am always sad to see it end and I realized that some of my favourite moments are spent in a special room in my house and in the homes of my family. In the Victorian era the dining room was a social center and the formal dinner party was an event surrounded by ritual and elegance. Many newer homes today no longer have this room since for some reason it seems to be going out of style! Is it the old-fashioned tradition of formal dinner parties and elegant entertaining that is fading away or simply that our gatherings are moving from the dining room to other areas in our homes? I have always loved dining rooms. I have grown up in a family that respects and cherishes many British traditions carried back from before my Mother's family immigrated to Canada. My Nana's dining room has been the setting for many occasions throughout my life - birthdays, anniversaries, Easters, Thanksgivings, and many the lavish Christmas feast. In my Mother's home it is always exciting when the good china is brought out and the candles lit for a special dinner. I can't imagine my home without a dining room and I love the time that we spend there. Whether this room is laid out for guests or sitting in the late afternoon sun with the day's projects strewn on the table - our dining room is a reflection of our love for old and lovely things. Sometimes I like to think that my home has become a haven for old traditions and treasures and all of the fading but unforgotten things that make life sweet.
"I don't know what's in the box,
but I love it. Unopened gifts contain hope."
~Jarod Kintz
Christmas is so close and the excitement and anticipation is wonderful! I remember that Christmas growing up was a magical time in my home. Every year I try to recreate that feeling of wonder that I remember so well from my childhood. This year I embraced the Christmas magic by trying to make our presents as beautiful as possible. I love wrapping presents! Here are some pictures of the gifts I wrapped for my Mum (yes my Dad's are equally lovely minus the pink roses).
"What is Christmas? It is tenderness
for the past, courage for the present,
hope for the future. It is a fervent wish
that every cup may overflow with
blessings rich and eternal, and that
every path may lead to peace."
~Agnes M. Pahro
This time of year can go by so quickly because there is so much to do and think about. The first week of December is already almost over! This is why in my house we decorate early so that every ornament, bauble, and ribbon can be enjoyed to the utmost. Every year my Mother manages to create something new and extraordinarily beautiful from some small discovery we make in the array of Christmas decorations available everywhere. This year we found balls wound in pearls and then we used some of the fabulous french trims we have been collecting over the past few months and some gorgeous ribbonwork roses from Meadowstreet and Lambs and Ivy Designs to make the most beautiful ornaments I have ever seen! I actually had to give in and let my Mum have one of her Christmas presents early - a little ribbonwork brooch from Lambs and Ivy that was perfect for this project (See pics 6, 13,14 etc). Of course she was thrilled! (Thankyou Dana!) Decorating with my Mum is one of my favorite things about Christmas. Nobody can make a home as soft and beautiful as my Mum. I hope you are enjoying decorating for Christmas too!
I am sharing with:
What's It Wednesday
Pink Saturday
