Friday eye candy: Christmas

Is it just me, or is there something amazingly overwhelming happy in the Christmas spirit?  We just came back from our son's School Christmas presentation and it was nothing short of watching angels singing Christmas carols.  As a designer I can appreciate the importance of the visual but when it comes to Christmas I think that what you listen to is as equal if not more important than what you look at.  Christmas kettles on the streets of New York city, 106.7 repertoire of Christmas songs all day long while watching the snow coming down, the sound of chestnuts roasting on the fire, all those experiences would not evoke the same sentiment within us if there were silence.  There is no music in this post but there are a bunch of beautiful images for those of you who are still in the process of decorating.  Enjoy!

Top five pictures by Larnie Nicolson

Michael Graydon Photography: Christmas through his lens

Remember this kitchen (first top) I posted last week?  It was photographed by Michael Graydon from Toronto, Canada.  I visited the website of this incredible photographer last week and found this home decorated for Christmas in a very elegant and restrained way.  The house has coziness in every room that it's very suitable for the season.  For those who like to keep the decor simple. Enjoy!

Everything in this room from the bookcases to the oushak rug and the pinecorn garland behind the TV make you want to come in, start watching movies and not leave. 

What can I say about the beam ceiling, I mean... It's just perfect.

This home, not content with having gorgeous beam ceilings in every room, seems to have a stunning fireplace in each.  I wonder if this room above is the casual dining room.  It would be great to come here the morning after Christmas and enjoy it with family and friends.  The fact that the kitchen is so closed makes the whole left over feast a lot easier.

Displaying flowers, paper white and amaryllis around the house is an excellent way to make a subtle reference to Christmas.  Especially in the guest room.

I adore this simple and wintery way to gift wrap.

all images from Michael Graydon.

Bringing Christmas Home in Small Doses

Well, well...look who is here already!  The most wonderful time of the year is knocking on our door to come in and literally shake us in our chairs.  My heart is beating with excitement at just listening the songs and smelling the so pleasant smell of pine cone everywhere I go.  I haven't yet started decorating the house, but this year we'll do small vignettes, just like last year.  I posted some images of my home from Christmas time last year.  Two or three tabletop Christmas trees and we'll be ready to really suck in the whole spirit of this time of the year.  Enjoy!

A dry orange Christmas wreath will make any home smell crispy clean. 

So cozy

Large ornaments laying around the house is a very unique and modern way of setting your home for Christmas.

Hanging a pretty set or ornaments of a mirror corner or a painting is simple but valid.

 

top image via NYSD rest from Living Etc.