Thursday 29 November 2007

Fewer words, more pictures

Finally one room at least is sorted! The dining room, with new white dresser (which needs another coat yet so please ignore the streaky paint) is pretty much done. It's lovely to have some of my nice things out at last and No.25 is beginning to feel like our home not someone else's.
So, here are the before and after shots.



This is the winter look, lots of red, white, cream and twinkly glass. The plan is to put my floral china, green and yellowey pieces out in the spring along with some beautiful flowery curtains I have too. The conservatory is still a mess as you can see but soon will be full of twinkly fairy lights and the Christmas table of my dreams (she says confidently!)

I'm really enjoying my new cushions although plainly I'm the only one as they end up on the floor as soon as we sit down - life as the only female in the house I suppose. Bless Barney though, he came in from school and said, "Wow mummy, the new dresser looks very fine." Not quite sure where he picked up the Victorian compliment from but it was so sweet.


This is the pile of festive inspiration I'm working my way through.

House Beautiful has been my favourite this year (I don't buy it usually though so lucky me), this picture makes me feel very festive. I love the paper on the top two presents and bought some really similar a few years ago but I've got no idea where it comes from - similar at Ikea apparently but our nearest is Birmingham! Can't go to Ikea just for wrapping paper can you - it'd be madness! Would it?


Country Living triumphed as ever and I have a daft plan in my head that I can make some crackers just like these (in what spare second I don't know - perhaps during the sitting down parts of the Christingle service?!)


Perhaps I could squeeze in making some marzipan fruits too - who am I kidding? If I keep my fingers crossed I can maybe stretch to sausage rolls - with a fair wind!

15 comments:

Faye 'Country Chic' said...

Hi Steph,
Your house is looking fantastic, great cushions! Your not the only one on the 'if only I had time I could make' I have a huge list of great things to make but all I seem to be doing is packing orders, the study is the only room in our house that is tidy and organised... other wise I'd go a little mad. Well I best get on, Ive been planning to post a blog for the last two weeks but never have enough time.
Take care,
xFaye

Anonymous said...

The dresser looks fab with your lovely china on it. Isn't it great making a house a home with all our bits and bobs.
There's lots of lovely things I want to make for Christmas but somehow I don't seem to have much spare time...pardon....read frwer blogs...what a thought!!

No one is you ...& that's your power said...

Hello Steph , congratulations on moving into your new home it sounds fab and looks great too. It looks like you have been very busy and I love your dresser it looks so so pretty. I have nott posted on my blog for a while , I get a little bit muddled up with where I store my pics !. So wanted to drop in and say hi
x Dominique

jessica daisy said...

Hi Steph, your dresser is looking gorgeous, I'm so impressed that you have got round to painting it so soon!
I love those cushions, very pretty, your really talented, it's time you got yourself a sewing machine!
I sent your parcel off yesterday with a couple of christmasy extras, which I'm sure that you can make good use of. I sent it recorded delivery, because of my distrust of royal mail, so let me know when it gets to you.
Jessx

Doubtful Muse said...

I covet those cushions! Beautiful!

Lucy Bloom said...

Your dresser looks lovely with all your bits and pieces on it. That's the best part, isn't it, putting all the finishing touches. Looking forward to seeing more!
Lucy

annie's abode said...

Your dresser looks so lovely (and fine) - it is such a big job to paint a piece of furniture like this. Your cushions are gorgeous - you seem to be getting organised very quickly.

Are you like me with Christmas makes - I say to myself I can do that but am totally unrealistic about time constraints. Although other people always seem to achieve more than I do!

I am no going to go out and buy House Beautiful - I don't ususally but it either. I loved the crackers in CL but I AM NOT MAKING THEM (or am I) I will see yours and will want to.

Look forward to your future projects in your new home.

Anniex

By the way, congrats on the cake stand - just in time for christmas cake!

Rowan said...

You are doing very well getting your new home sorted out, it takes a lot of time and hard work, the dining room looks lovely. You have the same pile of magazines as me - English Home and Country Homes and Interiors are my favourites. Haven't got House Beautiful though so must take a look at it.

Vintage to Victorian said...

Hi Steph

It looks fabulous. You must be so thrilled. Congratulations on all your hard work. What a difference the painting of the dresser makes - and I'm sure, if you put your mind to it, you'll manage crackers for everyone. I like your idea of when you think you might get them done!!!!

Sue x

Anonymous said...

Hi Steph,

Your dresser looks great and I love your cushions.

Those crackers are so pretty too ~ I wish I had the time to make some.

Do drop by and take a peek at my new blog ~ you will find the link in my profile.

Marie x

Alchamillamolly said...

Oh Wow I was dying to see pics of the house - what a lovely room already lovely and light. I love the chair I can see in your conservatory. I bet you are glad you painted your dresser its fab - love it - I am inspired my lovely dining table goes this weekend as we have sold it to the neighbours! The next house has a big kitchen so I want an oak or pine litchne table and the one I have now is dark wood - so it might as well go - excpet I thought we would have gone by now. So in its place is going the small old Ercol one I had inthe garden room ...........happy housemaking - so glad you are in and settled for xmas for the boys. I believe you are going to the St Nics fair this weekend I would have arranged to meet you both for a quick breather and coffee but I am not good comapny at the moment too miserable to talk to!

Tina said...

I have to say I just love your blog! I came across it by accident via another blog. Your home looks lovely and cozy!

Tina

Rosie said...

I love your pretty white dresser full of wonderful things. I have a pink plate like yours plus some little coffee cups.

We always go to Nottingham Ikea from Stoke just along the A50 then A38 - near Eastwood and Kimberley. It saves us from the horrors of the M6 North to Warrington or south to Wednesbury.

I must treat myself to a nice glossy magazine to get myself in the mood for Christmas, by the time I get round to it the January ones will be on sale:)

Country Cottage Chic said...

It's looking lovely - the dresser is very "fine" indeed! I also have those mags & love the pictures too.

Carol said...

Your dresser does look good. I bet you are enjoying setting everything out!
Have a lovely day,
carol x