Well, I’m betting you are all set and decorated for the holidays! But at Parterre I love to put up the tree, hang the garlands, dress the mantels and create the front door tableau just days before the 25th… and then I leave them up to enjoy for at least a Fortnight when all is quiet and the craziness of holiday festivities has abated.
But this year’s decorating was on a very tight schedule. A thunderous nor’easter descended upon us, closing the Newport bridge at times and we, therefore, only had 2 days (not 3) to put up everything. So these images were taken just before the blog publish time of 6:30am. Talk about cutting it close!
Since our home is sited far back from the street, I like the idea of beckoning lights that greet you as you drive up the long, curving driveway… a welcome scene and evermore at the holidays. This was the first night to hang the Christmas balls “chandelier” from the front door lantern, created by home stylist, Jenna Kinghorn. In addition to the front door scene, my friend also designed the Christmas tree, salon mantel and other favorite spots around the house. A clever update in Parterre 2023, don’t you think?
The swoop of the evergreens, red amaryllis, gold leaves and Christmas balls on the salon mantel took its cue from the singular design of the Christmas tree.
Following on the success of last year’s rather unorthodox tree, this year we added red ornaments to the gold “swirl” which played up the wider dimensions of this tree; a swath of ornaments, in all sizes and shapes, sweeping down in an undulating curve from the tip top of the tree. The sun room’s alcove in the ceiling provides additional drama to a tall tree. Just as a reference point I thought you’d enjoy a look at last years tree that inspired 2023’s.
The entry hall settee, dressed up for Christmas with its silk pillows wrapped in red ribbons to look like gifts.
The red beech branches hung with a multitude of small red balls in the entry hall’s old porcelain vase catch your eye as you’re coming or going.
This cranberry red taffeta cloth has become a Christmas tradition~ and this year I decided to add a big bow as the centerpiece (playing off the gift-giving spirit of this holiday). I call it my “bow-tied table” (here’s a link for the how-to).
The mother of all amaryllis, centerpiece of the library that will warm our cozy spot through Christmas and into the New Year (I never cease to admire the scale and positioning of the bulbs).
Wishing you a holiday season full of love and touched with wonder.
Warm, inviting, elegant, and stunningly beautiful holiday decorations! Thank you so much for sharing them with us. Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
Just stunning! Thank you for the moment and inspiration.
Beautiful, stunning, gorgeous, uplifting!!!! The white amaryllis breathtaking!
Thank you for sharing your lovely holiday decorations Bettie! Have a lovely, blessed
Christmas.
Mary in Wyoming
Just lovely!!! Eileen from Colorado.
The white amaryllis defy gravity! What a stunning way to say Merry Christmas and herald the new year! The little blush of pink is noted; would love to know the variety!
Santa will definitely be stopping at your house! In fact, it all looks so beautiful he may not want to leave. Merry Christmas to all!
What a refreshing delight you always present. Each piece of decor demonstrates a thoughtful gift that you present to your family, home and then to us. Thank you ever so much. Karen from Colorado.
Merry Christmas, Bettie! Thank you for the inspiration.
Absolutely gorgeous! Love the outside and the bow-tied table. How clever!
Stunning, Bettie! What a joy to come home to.
Merry Christmas, dear friend.
So gorgeous, so flawless, Bettie!
And those white Amaryllis….wow.
Merry, Merry Christmas!
GRACIOUS LADY, XMAS ’23
ONCE AGAIN, YOUR ‘DNA’ FOR SHARING, FEEDS BOTH – THE MIND & SOUL.
MAY YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAVE A BLESSED AND JOYFUL HOLIDAY!
YOU ARE TRULY … A GIFT FOR ALL SEASONS.
TOM
Divine, Miss Bettie!
Indeed a Merry Christmas!
Xxo. April
Breathtaking . Merry Christmas
Well, Mrs Pardee…this is one for the “BOOKS!!” A painting in every direction…all of it…marvelous!!! Now, I see…I have to “tweak” a few more places… The VERY BEST TO YOU & YOURS!!! franki
Enchanting from the first sparkles to the last! It will be a delight to read this over and over.
Joyeux Noel. The entry light in the lanterns * Most inspiring * .The tiny red and the large red
creation so cheerful. All your ideas Warms up the season.
Be still my heart, once again. You
never cease to amaze and awe, gracious lady. The bow-tied table;
a tour-de-force. Despite the extravagant swath, it all spells such
elegant simplicity and reserve…. A
most blessed Christmastide to you,
dear Bettee.
The mantel is the prettiest thing I have ever seen. I mean, gobsmacked. Trees are a close second. Brava Bettie! And thank you for sharing with us.
Gorgeous
Every detail is pretty! HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Dear Bettie, Your Banners and Bows are so beautiful, and every one of your decorations are so special filled with the Christmas Spirit.
In His grip, Bonny