There are small touches of Christmas appearing in our home….simple Christmas vignettes.
Simple and easy is going to be my theme this year……..I want to slow down and soak it all in, savoring each moment.
I’m adding small touches here and there….petite French Country vignettes….and along with six other French Country bloggers, we are showing you how we are decorating our homes for the holidays.
Be sure and click on their links at the end of the post to visit their beautiful homes.
With the loss of my sister this year, our holidays have taken on a quiet tone, reflecting the stillness that’s in our hearts.
She adored the holidays and always went over the top with decorating for each one.
This time of year is flooded with precious, bittersweet memories that are still so fresh. My heart is heavy with missing her, but also, because of that loss, a renewed awareness of what’s precious.
I’ve decided to savor this holiday season, soaking in the sights and scents, cherishing laughter and conversation with friends and family, intentionally being in each and every moment.
On that note, I don’t want to spend days and days decorating, I want to enjoy what makes this time of year so magical.
So in keeping with my theme of simple and easy, I headed to the attic and brought out a small tree made from grapevines that I’ve had for almost 25 years.
I wrapped it in white lights and then took my stash of dried hydrangeas and poked them in among the vines, as well as some fresh clippings from our yard.
I sat it on top of an old garden urn and then placed it on the chest in the foyer.
I placed a few of my sheep figures, a collection of Our Lady of Grace statues, and an old Neapolitan creche doll of St. Joseph at it’s base. The rest of the vignette consists of candles, moss, and neutral colored Christmas ornaments.
Boxwood wreaths, which I display all year long, were hung on the French chair as well as on the mirror with soft blue velvet ribbons.
My gorgeous old church angel stands as sentinel in the foyer all year….all she needed was a flickering candle and an old sign that my mother gave me long ago…….”Angels Watch Over Me”.
Small touches……white lights, soft throws, boxwood, a sparkly ornament, and a few special pieces, is all the foyer needed.
Look who showed up wanting her picture taken?!? My little monkey, RubyLou.
She has brought so much delight into our lives, with such a cute, animated personality.
She is pure joy and love…..and she loves having her picture taken!
I’ve told her how much you enjoy seeing her!
Thanks for taking the time to see our simple Christmas vignette in the foyer!
I will be putting up a tree next week even though I know it’s early for some, but Thanksgiving and Christmas have always mingled together in our home…….both are the season of gratitude and blessings.
Cheers,
Cindy
You also might like Chinoiserie Christmas Tree Box
Please be sure to visit all the wonderful posts in this series by clicking on the links below:
So so sorry about your sweet sister!!! Praying for your family during these holiday’s. Love and admire your posts!!
Blessings!!!
Cindy, your Hydrangea Christmas tree is beautiful & elegant!! I’m so sorry for your loss & pray that God will comfort you with his peace and love. I wish you & your readers a very Merry Christmas!!!
A very unique, elegant, and creative idea of using Hydrangeas as a Christmas tree. I love it! Also, a very impressive foyer.
Cindy, I’m so sorry your sister has passed away. My brother died 12 years ago and it was a very difficult time. I still miss him every day but it doesn’t hurt as much. Be good to yourself.
Your decorations are lovely, and are so serene and peaceful. Can’t wait to see more.
Thank you co much, Helen!
So, so, lovely. The softness of the colors, the sentiments you express, and of course, RubyLou. Just perfect.
Your foyer is absolutely gorgeous! I am new here, so I want to say that I am so sorry to hear of your loss of your sister. May her Christmas spirit fill your heart-
Thank you so much Lisa!
Cindy…I love your stunning hydrangea tree and the soft gentle colors you use to express your French Christmas
season. Ruby Lou is so photogenic!
Hi Cindy! I know that this is an old post but honestly, the hydragena tree was one of your best ideas ever!!
Blessings on this season of your life.
That tree is stunning. What a great idea. Your nativity collection is darling too. I am so very sorry to read that you lost your sister. I lost my brother right before Thanksgiving 5 years ago and that first holiday season was very difficult. Saying a prayer for comfort for you.
Cindy your entry is breathtaking! I am obsessed with your grapevine and hydrangea tree. Beautiful! I recently lost my sister as well so I know just what you’re saying. I’m sorry…..
Thank you. I’m so sorry for your loss as well.
Cindy,
I just wanted you to know that your home is my very favorite of all that I have seen so far this Christmas season. I truly love it! Thank you for sharing even though this is a difficult time for you.
I have a grapevine tree like yours and many times I have had to rescue it as my husband is always trying to get rid of it. Maybe if I make it look beautiful like yours, he will think differently.
Wishing you Peace and Joy,
Kim
So sorry for your loss, Cindy. Your beautiful foyer reflects the stillness and grace you seek during the season. Bless you today and always. ~~ Susie from The Chelsea Proejct
This is the most beautiful display of Christmas and inspires me to decorate accordingly. Such graceful elegance to behold at the entryway. I am new to your blog and am in awe of your Simple Christmas Vignette! Just Beautiful!
Thank you, Eli! And Welcome!
I can relate to your loss-I too loss my Sister 5 years ago and every Christmas when I decorate our home it brings back so many memories as we both love to decorate and be creative . Thankful I have the memories! Your home looks beautiful.
Thank you, Margie!
I’m sorry to hear about your sister’s passing. Another friend of mine lost her sister recently, too. It’s nice that you are choosing to remember her with how you are decorating. She would want you to, as you had mentioned, in sure.
Thanks, Barbara!
i’m so sorry to hear about your loss! life can be so hard sometimes but it does help us to appreciate the here& now. I’ve lost both of my parents and my husband has lost a brother and his mother and it specially makes me sad for our kids. Blessings on your Thanksgiving. xo- maryjo.
Your Christmas entryway is stunning and my favorite color scheme, too. It’s been three and a half years since we lost my little sister, at age 44, to pancreatic cancer, and I still miss her so much. As she was my only sibling, it has been very lonely without her. My Daddy passed away only two weeks ago of complications from his third stroke. It’s hard to be festive right now, but I know my loved ones loved the spirit and meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Rebecca, I’m so sorry for your loss! How hard this holiday must be for you. It’s definitely hard to be in the Christmas spirit when there’s such an empty hole in our hearts. Hugs and blessings to you dear friend.
Cindy, your home is beautiful decked out for the holidays. That hydrangea tree is so neat – I have never seen one like it. Very sorry to hear about your loss.
Thank you, Angelina!
So LOVELY!! That includes RubyLou!! One year in April that I lost my Mother. Still very painful. Christmas is difficult for me. But I imagine her spending Christmas with the real Christ Child. How lucky she is!
Thank you, Mary. I’m so sorry for your loss…..20 years later, I still miss my sweet mother…especially during the holidays. Many blessings to you this holiday season.
My heart goes out to you on the loss of your sister. I too lost my sister and know the bitter sweet feeling. My sister loved Christmas as well and we continued to celebrate to honor her and the birth of our Savior whom she loved so dearly. May God minister to you this Christmas and may you feel your sister with you at this difficult time. Love your home and everthing you do. I am such a fan. Nora
Nora, thank you so much for your kind words, they mean so much to me. We will definitely be celebrating my sister’s life during this first holiday season without her. Hugs and blessings to you!
Cindy, you always do everything with a level of exquisiteness and this is no exception. Beautiful! I too am trying to take an easier approach to the holiday season by decorating now and then letting it all be. Sometimes less can bring more richness to your life. I’ve actually learned that by going to a capsule wardrobe this last year.
Again, I’m so sorry for the loss of your sister.
Nancy
Thank you for your sweet words, Nancy. My heart’s not into the crazy, chaotic, over the top decorating this year….it’s exhausting to even think about it. I’m going to add some small touches here and there, put up a tree, and call it done!
Absolutely beautiful, shared with lots of my friends and daughter!
Thank you so much, Cath!
I love your Mother Marys and your big church angel. They bring so much loving energy to a space. Staying in the moment is something we all should aspire to. Thank you for sharing your lovely home.
Thank you, Diane!
Cindy, I’m sad to read about the loss of your sister.This is a beautiful post, filled with heartfelt sentiments. I lost my mom on Thanksgiving Day 2013. Your comment about the stillness in your hearts resonates with me, even after four years. I always admire your style. The grapevine tree with the hydrangeas is stunning. Yes, savor the time with family and friends. That is what is important.
Thank you, Sarah. I lost my mother 20 years ago, and I miss her as much today as I did then. Hugs and blessings to you!
Stunning as usual
Thank you, Beverly!
~Cindy~
Your foyer looks very pretty and peaceful. This will be year two without my dear sister tho time is passing by it is still unreal at times, but knowing our loving Lord knows the perfect time to call us home, so I find comfort in knowing he is total control.
She would tell me enjoy life!! I think having so much fun together, now have turned into wonderful memories !!
Hugs
Paula
p.s. your pup sure is a model , hehe 🙂
Thank you, dear friend! Happy Thanksgiving!
Cindy, I am so very sorry for ther loss of your dear sister. I know the holidays are especially difficult after the loss of our loved ones. Your foyer looks just beautiful, I LOVE that church angel!!! I don’t remember seeing it before. The grapevine tree is fabulous! I used to have one too, now I wish I hadn’t gotten rid of it:) Thanks for shaing this beauty with all of us. I will be thinking of you all through the holidays. I started my decorating last weekend, taking my time but will be able to enjoy it now. I always used to wait til the day after Thanksgiving but then felt so stressed to get it all done. Wishing you peace this season.
Thank you so much, Pinky!
Cindy, your simple vignette is actually quite beautiful and doesn’t appear simple at all! The entire foyer looks stunning!! I wish you a very peaceful season. It sounds like you have the right perspective and I’m so sad for your loss. I hope you will find this meaningful time comforting, spent with your wonderful family!
Thank you, Lory! I’m looking forward to a quiet, relaxed holiday season. Happy Holidays, dear friend!
Cindy,
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your sister. My heart aches for you as I’m sure that loss is felt even more keenly around the holidays. I love that you’re embracing the meaning of the season and keeping it simple. Sometimes we get carried away with decor and forget that it’s really about family, blessings, peace and love.
And your hydrangea “tree” is just gorgeous! Only you could throw together “simple” and have it be so beautiful and elegant. And I’m in love with the urn it’s in, too:)
So happy to be touring with you again my friend…..
Thinking of you in your time of loss and wishing Happy Holidays to you and yours….
Sheila
xo
Thank you, Sheila! Your sweet words mean so much to me. I’ve enjoyed this French Country tour with you, and I loved visiting your beautiful home this morning!
Love the foyer. Glad to hear you are taking it slower this season. I, too, lost my sweet mom last year. She loved Christmas more than anyone I know and decorated very early each year. She wanted just one more Christmas, but unfortunately did not make it. She was my best friend and at 97 still decorated.
Thank you, Linda! I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. My heart aches for you. I lost my precious mother 20 years ago, and the “missing her” never goes away. Prayers and blessings to you dear friend.
I can so identify with loss at the holidays and having a sweet 4 footed companion to ease the hurt. Nothing replaces those we love but a sweet dog like Ruby Lou is surely also bringing enjoyment and love. How she cocks her head is SOOO CUTE! Our sweet King Charles Cavalier, Lady Catherine (Catie) has been that to us as well. Your Christmas touches are so beautiful and unique. Just lovely.
Thank you, Toni! There’s nothing better than a sweet fur angel to heal our broken hearts!
Courtney you know I like every thing you do.. I am hoping you are loving your new position at Romantic Homes.. It seems like it was a match made in heaven to me!! Hope you and your family have a special Holiday season!!
How very lovely your decorations are and what a special tribute to your sister. I hope it helps to know I’m keeping you in my prayers during this difficult time. I also want to thank you for posting your precious thoughts, particulary “intentionally being in each and every moment”. You have helped me today with sharing that at this time.
Thank you for your sweet words, Nancy, they mean so much to me! Happy Holidays!
Cindy, your decorations are beautiful and so unique, I have thought a lot about you since your sister was diagnosed and passed. I lost my sister in October and it still is so raw and unbelievable. My only remaining sister is seriously sick with cancer and on a second round of chemo. Please keep your spirits up and enjoy the holidays, as I’m trying to do for my family. Hugs to you.
Oh, dear Sue, I am so sorry for your loss, and the illness of your remaining sister. I’m keeping you in my prayers, dear friend!
I’ve been to your blog several times in the last few years and I’m afraid I may have neglected to leave a comment. I love your beautiful home, RubyLou, and your pretty Xmas decorations! Thank you for sharing with us! You inspire me!
Aw, thank you so much, Katherine!! Wishing you wonderful holidays!
Quelle belle décoration vous avez réussi encore une fois Cindy dans votre entrée.
J’adore cette mise en scène avec votre touchante collection de statues de la vierge Marie et cet ange qui protège votre foyer…
Et Ruby Lou me fait fondre de tendresse. Quel ravissant toutou.
Merci encore pour ce partage et vos paroles sont tellement pleines de bons sens : se recentrer sur les choses essentielles, partager des moments précieux avec ses amis et sa famille, Etre dans l’instant, savourer cette période des fêtes et ne pas oublier les êtres chers trop tôt partis.
Merci beaucoup pour vos gentilles paroles. Ils signifient tellement pour moi. Beaucoup, beaucoup de bénédictions à ce Noël!
The most beautiful display of treasures I have ever seen! May God warm your heart and give you peace this Christmas! Will look on your site to add to my religious collection
Thank you, Rosanne!
I’m so sorry about your sister. Please accept my condolences. I think your decor must be a fitting tribute to her love of the holidays and hope that that RubyLou helps keeps your spirits up. She could have her own site! One of those photos of her is your Christmas card, right?
Thank you so much, Teddee! RubyLou has turned into a little camera ham….I actually have one better for the Christmas cards!
Cindy,
Loosing a loved one is hard and yes, it truly opens our eyes to what is important. My heart goes out to you and I’m so happy you are decorating, even if it’s less than your usual, because our loved ones would want us to do what we love. And your foyer is so beautiful, I always admire what you do. Many blessings a you you.
Thank you, Alicia! Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!
Cindy, I know well your feelings with the recent loss of your sister. We recently loss my husband’s sister. After learning of her illness, she only made it 54 days. Yes, keep those precious memories close to your heart; they can never be replaced. We too, treasure each day and know how precious each life is.
Your home decorated for the holidays is simply stunning!! And then there is that adorable Ruby Lou. Quite the cutie!!
Christmas Blessings to you and yours.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Wrenda. Loss of a loved one certainly brings home how precious time is with our loved ones. And I know so many are experiencing this kind of loss. Merry Christmas!
So beautiful and full of simple grace Cindy! Holidays can be especially hard but, speaking from experience, please know that over time you will remember the fun memories and smile. I’m sure Ruby Lou helps provide comfort. I’ve often wondered if our pets are angels in disguise? Hugs, Pat
Oh Pat, I do believe in little fur angels!
Gorgeous gorgeous! Love your French touches-so pretty!!
Thanks, Courtney! I’ve been drooling over your gorgeous home all morning!
The hydrangea tree is amazing! I sincerely hope you have a blessed Christmas!
Thanks, Julie! Christmas blessings to you and yours!
Hi Cindy – I love your beautiful foyer and all your soft Christmas touches are perfect!!
Take care!!
Celia
Thanks so much, Celia!
Cindy, I am so sorry to hear about your sister. I too lost a sister this year and she LOVED Christmas so much. Bless you and your family. Your Christmas décor is beautiful
Thank you, Penny! Hugs to you on the loss of your sister. Wishing you a joyful Christmas!
I know just how you feel about cherishing this season more intentionally. My father died this past January at age 92, still ranching up till 3 weeks before his death, doing what he loved and cherished. Our Christmas decor this year is having a little simpler look too, using natural elements to reflect my ranch roots….mixed with a little bling.
LOVE your Christmas decor and your entire home, always.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Connie. It certainly reminds us of cherishing precious moments. Blessings to you dear friend!
Your home is like a museum but with a warmth that comes through because its home! MY heart feels happy when i see your dog,he’s perfect.:) I to lost someone last year and I’m doing more simple and less decorating.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Betty, and I’m sending prayers your way!
Beautiful, Simple Grace!!! Praying for your loss on earth. Miss RubyLou is the cutest!
Thanks, Nancy! Miss RubyLou definitely brings joy to our lives. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!
I love the sign your mother gave you regarding Angels keep watch over you. That is so very true as the Bible states that when we are born we are given an Angel to protect us. It’s for sure mine has had a hard job so when I meet this marvelous creature in Heaven I will be very thankful. I think Miss Ruby Lou is a little puppy angel. She is adorable and I love the pictures of her tucking her head to the side as if she’s saying, is this right mama? Happy decorating!
Thank you, Alice! That sign was one of the last gifts she gave me before she passed away, and I believe she is watching over me. RubyLou is a precocious little monkey, and she’s very animated….if only I could know what she’s thinking!
DO you have sheep for sale?
Theresa, we have several available in the shop: https://www.etsy.com/listing/566422851/big-german-style-sheep-with-stick-legs?ref=shop_home_active_6
Cindy: Your home is stunningly beautiful. It has such a lovely soft elegance, which I am sure is the character of its’ decorator. The grapevine tree is simply gorgeous.
When our dear loved ones leave us, it truly does give us a clear understanding of how precious our days are. Wishing you a beautiful holiday season, full of moments you will treasure always.
Thank you, Sandra! Every year, Christmas arrives with me exhausted from trying to get everything done, and I always tell myself that I’m missing the joy of the season, and vow to not do it again. This year, with the loss of my sister still so fresh, my heart is reaching for the simple joys of the holidays. Blessings to you dear friend!
Cindy, I know it is so hard to celebrate the holidays when you have recently lost a loved one. I lost my dad last November. This year I am much more excited about decorating. This vignette is just beautiful. I love that grapevine tree. Take care and enjoy your family.
Thank you, Kim! Holidays are definitely difficult this year, but I’m also more aware of the important things. Can’t wait to see your beautiful home decorated!
Your home and style are so elegant and traditional and just make me go…sigh…! Have a wonderful week Cindy! xoxo
Thanks, dear friend! Heading over to visit your gorgeous home!
You have decorated your foyer with such beauty and grace. Again, I am so very sorry for the enormous loss of your sister, your friend. You have graced your foyer with the the joyful true meaning of Christmas.
Thanks, Shirley! This year will be filled with simple decorating…..at least that’s my plan!
RubyLou is precious!! Your hydrangea tree caught my eye…soft, easy, & elegant–my kind of decorating! Your Christmas decor is lovely.