Is the holiday decorating ever finished?

I have always fussed with the Christmas decorations taking days to put it all together. Garland on the banisters, twinkle lights, lots of ribbon and fresh greenery added into the artificial mix. Now here is a little secret {shhh, don't tell Richard} - this year the holiday decorating is just a test drive. I have had more than sugar plums dancing in my head when it comes to how I want Cardinal House to look for the holidays. This year I have played with the decorations we have, added a few new key pieces {like the nativity sets and angel}; but there are some classic things that I am looking for that will last for many years.

I like the Christmas decor to look somewhat vintage with a bit of sparkle. I stray away from the traditional red and green mix or anything trendy, instead looking for pieces that may pass as something my Grandmother might have owned. Cream, soft gold, patina finished - all with a bit of shimmer.
Having said that, we have a four-and-a-half-year-old Granddaughter who wants some whimsy. I managed to stray away from the Disney a'la Frozen ornaments {seriously I'm feeling a bit burned-out by the amount of Frozen gear}. Knit and felt squirrels, mice and deer {Target} and vintage cars with Christmas tree's were added to the usual mix on the tree in the media room.

This glossy VW ornament from Canadian Tire is perfect to hot glue a bottle brush tree to the top.

Felt mice and squirrels are from Target, adding a vintage charm to the tree. The stamped cotton garland is from Home Sense, but could easily be a DIY project to do with small children.

 

The tall skinny tree was our replacement tree while we lived in an apartment during renovations. The BIG tree is upstairs in our family room after being packed away for the past few years - it was overwhelming for our apartment space. I'd like the tree to be a bit fuller for the media room, but it's not an everyday used space so it works. A

Kya was more than happy to put the whimsical ornaments on the tree adding  candy canes - a few candy cane may have been consumed during the process. She made a long construction paper link garland for under the tree and set it all up with white bird houses and the tree carrying Beetle car.

Tree decorating may have involved me putting on most of the ornaments while Kya played. Can you blame her..........

This is the not-yet-completed play area. A perfect spot under the stairs to snuggle down on big cushions {that I need to find/make} with a book. I painted the chalkboard wall that changes with the creative mood, picture rails from IKEA hold Kya's books. The mirror ball and wall reading lamp are also from IKEA. On my list of additions are black 'stage' curtains to create a tent like feel when tucked inside or the option of performing from the space. Perfect for a little girl who loves to sing.
Grandpa scored the professional kid size drum set from a garage sale, it was a great deal in more ways than one. We discovered the very first time Kya sat down to play that she has a lot of rhythm.

The little mini table top tree is perfect for Kya's dresser. Simple wooden clip reindeer added to the branches are all it needs. All from Target - tree $3 - clips $4 = cute table topper. 

I don't even remember where or when I bought these little ladies, but they have enhanced the holiday greenery for many years. It always makes me happy to open the decoration boxes and pull back the tissue paper to see them. This year the vintage winter ladies adorn the glass bistro shelves in the kitchen.

What is your holiday decorating preference. Do you stay with the tried and true each year, or do you change it ?