







My sister’s better at decorating for Christmas than I am (and I’m totally okay with that), and this year, her house was dressed from top to bottom.
I tease her about the lengths she goes, but I love it. Her decorations this year were fabulous and classic and heavy on the red (love) – the Santas she picked up in Italy, the cute gingerbread dolls my mom used to have, the vintage gold and glass ornaments from my grandmother, my nephew’s train set circling the extremely fluffy tree, the bunches of poinsettias everywhere, the handmade decorations from the kids, the fun wrapping paper – she goes all out and everyone really appreciates it. Every part of the house had something festive and colorful, and was a gorgeous backdrop to a lovely Christmas.
Of course, there was tons of family time, too, and that’s what’s really important. But it’s also really nice to see some of these decorations that I grew up with again. I love how she manages to incorporate it all together, both new and old.
It was also really nice to stuff our faces during the multi-course Christmas dinner my sister does every year. Pretty decorations, family, and stuffing our faces – that’s our tradition in a nutshell.
But seriously, everything finally put me in the Christmas spirit, and it felt good to enjoy the day (and snap hundreds of photos. I’m not kidding, I filled up an entire SD card, and that takes some skill, people. Do you realize how big those cards are? And how hard it was not to make a palette out of every single photo?).
I’m slowly making my way through my blog reader, but in the mean time, how did your holiday go?











Our Christmas was great! We had friends here from DC (where we used to live) who have come every year since we moved to Houston. I love these people so much and spending time with them is the best!!! Also, they don’t expect big Christmassy stuff. I have a 4″ ceramic Christmas tree and when I put it on the mantle I declared the Christmas decorating was done! HA! But we do have the big dinner and all the trimmings. Yum! But mostly we got to spend the time with people we love. That’s the best! Right?
I love all these pictures! I can’t imagine how many fit on one SD card. A ton, or two tons? Probably!
Happy New Year, Brandi!
Sally Anderson recently posted Call It Finished or Call It Crazy
The photos are beautiful and so quintessentially Christmas and I love the palettes. Our Christmas was lovely and not hot for a change so we didn’t sweat it out over a roast lunch. Happy New Year!
Libby recently posted Walking to the Big Hole
There is so much festive gorgeousness in this post I don’t know where to begin! The decorations (your sister clearly has a good eye!), the photos, the palettes! The twinkling and sparkling and glittering! Wonderful stuff
ps. Your post from awhile back inspired me to put the Canon 50MM f/1.8 lens on my xmas wish list…and I got it! I adore it – having so much fun playing with the DOF. Thanks for the tip!
ejorpin recently posted A Creative Odyssey: Looking back, moving forward
Beautiful festive colors, Brandi! Loving each and every one of them.
I love to hear how your sister went all out with her Christmas decorations! Must be gorgeous… no wonder you’ve filled up you SD card
Stopping by to wish you a happy 2012, filled with joy, laughter, and wonderful memories!
Sweaty recently posted A Farewell to 2011
Your sister sounds really incredible and could write a book on holiday decorating! It must have been so nice to soak in all of the surroundings at her house over the holidays. Your pictures are incredible and could easily grace a card collection at Hallmark. I love the palettes…I think my favorites are the vintage Christmas ornament and the train under the tree. Thanks for sharing! Happy New Year, Brandi!
Cindy recently posted one last design for 2011
beautiful photos friend! i am so glad you had a lovely christmas. blessings on you this year!!!
Sounds as though you had a perfect Christmas and have an amazing sister in deed. Love your color palettes….I want to learn how to do that. Great photos..you captured so many special details of your Christmas day.
Hugs
Diana