Saturday, December 12, 2015

Hanging Holly On The Birdhouses!

Here on the Prairie, 
"Mr. Ed" and I have experienced the strangest weather imaginable!



Who would have guessed 
we'd be hanging holly on the birdhouses of our front porch in 60 degree weather???



This grapevine wreath has lasted f o r e v e r!
It has been moved from the front door~to the back deck~ to the front porch.

* * * * * * * Tutorial * * * * * * *
Using one bush of holly ,
I snipped the individual stems and tucked them neatly into the grapevine wreath.

Next,
I added three small pine and berry picks for dimension and texture.

Then,
I tucked in a bird on a plastic pick that had come in fresh flowers.


 Finally,
I inserted sugar cone pine cones for an added touch of nature.
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Hanging holly on the birdhouses continues 
from the top shelf to the bottom shelf of my shabby wrought iron etagere!

I simply added two springs of holly, ivy and berries to the second shelf.










I scattered a few pine cones about the shelf for added visual interest.






The following shelf needed a bit more interest,
so I added some miniature holly, ivy and berries to a miniature twig wreath.



Then, 
I surrounded the birdhouses and the wreath 
with some h u g e sugar cone pine cones.



The bottom shelf features a h u g e holly, ivy, berry and pine cone swag.



I keep this pair of rabbits on the front porch year round.
I adore their white contrast against the faux evergreen.


The view from the Entry Hall On Crooked Creektt.

"Mr. Ed" made the N O E L sign from scraps of privacy fencing and
painted wood letters from Hobby Lobby early in the Summer.


I attached some rustic sprigs of red berries with rusty Jingle Bells 
and one of my poofy green satin bows to the NOEL sign.










The view as you ascend the front steps
On Crooked Creektt's Front Porch.

"Mr. Ed" gathered the Osage Hedge Balls from our local Park.
I adore how they resemble Christmas ornaments within our son's first wagon.




Definitely n o t the White Christmas, I'm dreaming of,
but one really can't complain about having Spring~like weather
On Crooked Creektt for hanging holly on the birdhouses!!!


* * * FYI * * *
The birdhouses seen here in hues of blue, green and yellow were made by my Dad 
while he was recuperating from open heart surgery nearly 20 years ago.

My Dad left his earthly home, 
at the age of 92 1/2 years old, on February 10, 2015.

By placing his birdhouses, along with "Mr. Ed's" white Church birdhouse,
it is my hope that they will give me comfort on this first Christmas without him.
* * * * * * * * *


Until next time. . .


On Crooked Creektt will be joining




And. . .




And. . .


Richella @ Imparting Grace for Grace At Home!

And. . .



And. . .



And. . .







Each and every week,
seeds of inspiration bloom from these host and hostesses linky parties.
Be sure to visit and delight your family dwelling with brilliant interior design.

8 comments:

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Your porch looks so warm and welcoming. We've had some pretty incredible weather for the month of December this year. It sure hasn't helped the sales at the shop. I've been able to enjoy my front porch many days, would sure like a touch of that white stuff come Christmas, adds to the beauty of the time of year. fondly ~lynne~

podso said...

I did think immediately that was a church birdhouse! A lovely shelf with your special touches. Isn't it nice to have things around to remind us of our parents? I am about to go mow the grass--it's so warm it's growing again! I hear it will be a warm winter, but I think we need a freeze to get everything in order, including killing all the germs circulating. There are so many sick right now.

Have a nice weekend and enjoy the warm weather!

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

Your porch is beautiful. Love the woodland look with all the natural effects.

Marigene said...

I love the wreath, Pat...the hedge apples do look like Christmas ornaments.
I had the doors open until after tonight, strange weather...I thought I heard it was going to be a really cold, snowy winter...hope it holds off until after hubby gets done treatment.
Merry Christmas to you and Ed!

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Beautiful! And oh so festive! I love holly. We have had gorgeous December weather too. but a light snowfall this morning. Happy Christmastime!

Gina said...

What a beautiful sight on your front porch! It all looks very welcoming!

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

The first Christmas, birthday, whatever are the hardest. It does get a LITTLE easier each year but they are always in our hearts. I love the birdhouses and your touches of holly, berries etc. The osage balls are still alive!!?? Beautiful! Wishing you and Mr. Ed a merry and BLESSED Christmas!!

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Love the touch of holly! Crazy weather for sure. We have had lots of snow and really cold lately. We didn't get any snow to speak of last year so we need it. Just wish it would warm up! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann