Christmas on the Table

As my kickoff to the 2011 Holiday Blog Posts, I'm linking up with Layla for her "Tabletop Party."

There are lots of ways to interpret that,

but I chose to feature the two tabletops that we eat off of.
First up is the one we gather around the most-the kitchen island. I try to keep this area simple because we are usually spread around it and I need room for the ketchup and ranch dressing!

I took an off-white urn that hubby bought me at an auction for about $7, filled it with red ornaments (with some bags in the bottom for filler), stuck in my favorite light green eucalyptus and some sparkly berries. Then I tied a big red bow on it just for kicks.

Then I leaned this big ole paper mache ornament on it. I don't even remember where I found this, but it was one of those things that I loved the minute I saw it and I had no idea where I would put it.

I forgot to mention that I put it all on a tray. To make it easy to move if I need more room for ketchup and ranch dressing.

Next table top is my dining room table.

Honestly this room doesn't get much action

because I am too lazy to carry everything the extra 10 steps.

I started with a polka dot table runner, added a silver tray and gathered up a large reindeer and silver trees.

I added some greenery and different tones of silver ornaments.

I hung these "peace," "joy," and "noel" ornaments from the chandelier.

Islands in the Stream

Well, I have reached week #9 in my quest for organizing my blog:

This week is "I" week and to be quite honest, I am getting a little over this plan of mine. Decorating ADHD has struck again. I have so many things going on that I am dying to share, but I MUST press on and follow through with my original plan. Otherwise, I'll end up chasing my tail and never getting anything accomplished.

I alluded to the subject of this week's post on my "fear" blog. I made you wait until now to see more (and better pictures). The second (and last) post for "I" week is my island.

I have coveted islands forever, really. So, I was beyond thrilled when we walked into this house and there she sat. AN ISLAND! When we moved in, I continued to be happy with her...
for about 2 weeks.

My husband says I am easy to please, just hard to keep pleased. Don't be mad at him, I can't tell you how right he is!

This is the kitchen the day we closed on the house (see the Sherwin Williams bags on the island?)

I wanted a little more counter space and room for at least 4 people to sit comfortably. I came up with a basic design and spoke with a local kitchen designer to help me make it happen.

I requested big, chunky legs, a larger countertop and a beadboard wrap. I wanted to make the island look more like a piece of furniture. The kitchen guy did a beautiful job, here it is right after he left.

Not only have I always wanted an island, but I've always wanted a RED island, so about 10 minutes after he left, I broke out Martha's Hollyhock red and got to it.

Hubby caught me in the act

I put on three coats of red and then brushed some glaze in the cracks and crevices to help them pop out. I followed up with 3 coats of polyurethane.
The kitchen guy thought I was crazy when I told him I wanted to paint it red, but even he was impressed with the results.

Here are some pictures of her in all her red glory:

The best part is I am going on 3 months with the new, improved island and I still love it! Whoo hoo a breakthrough!!

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