CHALET CHRISTMAS 2018

Well it’s finally done… It took four days (3 longer than usual) with much huffing and puffing but, the Chalet is finally all turned out for Christmas and I couldn’t be happier. We always decorate Thanksgiving weekend. As I type this I’m listening the Nutcracker my absolute favorite holiday music. I love all Tchaikovsky!

The outside is the boys domain - the trees in the window boxes are a very special touch.

IMG_2261.jpg

My decor changed a bit this year and this is unusual for me - I am a history, if it ain’t broke don’t change kinda gal… I used the same decorations in the same places year after year. And let me also share I have been front and center for Christmas decorating since childhood; the first time I fully decorated the family tree I was 11. Ok so 1. I have repeated the same stuff for years 2. after restyling a lot of the Livingroom - along with the new couch and coffee table - same old same old was not going to cut it this year. I started looking around on IG and was so Inspired! Inspired to use less to change the placement or maybe not use absolutely everything in my arsenal.

Let me share what I did!

IMG_2268.jpg

I added simple green ornaments to the bowl I already had out. and viola I love it!

IMG_2292.jpg

I have four of these felt ice skates, in addition to being on the balcony door the rest are placed around the chalet - repeating a theme really brings it to life!

IMG_2293.jpg

How delightful is this vintage light up Santa and Sleigh - We found this last year on our trip to the Black Rose Antiques Center.

IMG_2257.jpg

Here is my custom Merry Christmas Art, I shared with everyone last week. It’s simple and adds a touch of the holiday without an overpowering dose of Red and Green. I love art in the kitchen.

IMG_2277.jpg

This collection of Nutcrackers on the side board was based on an image belonging to Emily A. Clark. I’ve never placed the collection here nor, have I placed one of my wreaths in this window before but, I was so inspired after seeing Emily’s front hall table. I found additional inspiration from Jesseca Sali, Michael Warm Jr., Ann, Eddie Ross and my friend Nicole…. just to name a few!

IMG_2280.jpg

My sister and I each have one of these cute trees - our mother bought them in the early 1990’s. For years this one was in our bedroom and twice we’ve used it as our only tree. I love the size and the burlap wrapped base. I love this Nutcracker my son painted for me last year. How sweet is this gingerbread ribbon I bought last year at Michaels!

IMG_2271.jpg
IMG_2270.jpg

The decor on the porch console table has been added to and taken away from - but, I think this is how it will stay through the New Year. I am so happy with the placement of the Advent Calendar. My son is able to easily access and everyone can enjoy it.

IMG_2281.jpg

Having just restyled the top of the television cabinet I added just a few festive touches - a vintage glass bowl filled with vintage ornaments that were my parents and few bits from my childhood - the Santa mug was my parents and very old. There are several bunches of the mixed faux greenery around the chalet.

IMG_2303.jpg

Even the mantel changed a bit this year. Yes, the train is a staple along with the Railroad lanterns but, it was pared down - less pieces, less greenery and I am so glad I made these changes.

IMG_2297.jpg

I feel like I need a drum-roll!

Here she is! Completely decked out… we have 3 bins of only ornaments for this little 6ft Decorator tree! In addition I add special Christmas cards, gift tags and paper-chains! In my opinion you can never have too much on a Christmas tree. This year we moved the Chinese table and relocated the tree to this corner. It was a lot of crazy work… I’m sure you saw my trials in my stories … how long it took and the string of bulbs that went out.. and yes, there was some cussing involved - so will she be in this corner next year??? who knows???

IMG_2301.jpg

I’m so pleased with how the Chalet looks, feels and smells….. you know I am lighting my Thyme Frasier Fir Candle often!

please follow along....PNG

I hope you enjoyed the tour of the Chalet.

Til next time!

Gold Heart Meryl 2.png

Enticing Art

Recently when I was at a friends discussing art placement for a new gallery wall; she asked if I liked a piece of art (yes I do) she has owned for years - my reply “Art is Personal” and while this statement is true; please don’t think you aren’t able gift art. With the holidays fast approaching I’m sharing a few of my favorite Artist friends and resources - find the links in highlighted text.

Abstract Mixed Media Collages

Abstract Mixed Media Collages

Finding the right image of Alison Ford’s work to share with you took some time. I love so much of it and I’m not alone - she’s been featured on Design Sponge.

Verrot Motorcycle Advertisement

Verrot Motorcycle Advertisement

This motorcycle advertisement is just one example of the pieces we bought for our son’s nursery from AllPosters.com eight years ago. All the art chosen was centered on transportation was not the least bit infantile. After I redesigned his room this past summer - a few of the pieces have made their way around to other rooms of the Chalet. Children’s art need not be babyish.

Floral Arrangement with Kumquats

Floral Arrangement with Kumquats

I love this piece by Erisha of A Thing Created it hangs in my diningroom. I’ve also purchased several pieces as gifts - shown below. Her work is enchanting!

French Fields Forever Rose Bouquet in a Cut Glass Bowl Vespa Girl

Morning Light

Morning Light

Ekaterina Ermilkina shares colors in the most arresting way - it really grabs your eye. I’m so very lucky to call this lovely talented lady a dear friend! Morning Light is a favorite - It was a gift from her and I adore it.

Jenny Komenda introduced an amazing option when she started Jenny’s Print Shop. Its fully digital - all the original high resolution images start at just $15.00 - after your order is complete a link is emailed to you - allowing you to control the outcome of the size - it’s truly custom.

31 Rue - Chanel Paris Street Scene

31 Rue - Chanel Paris Street Scene

Leigh Viner is multi-talented working in several mediums: Acrylics, Illustrations, Mixed Media and Photography. If you’ve been a Chaletmomma reader for a while or know me personally you have viewed several pieces of Leigh’s amazing work in the Chalet. I am a HUGE fan!

York Cathedral Church

York Cathedral Church

Milras is an Etsy site. While many of the images are of Hollywood personalities there are some delightful vintage prints as well - like the above bookplate illustration by John Britton: Cathedral Antiquities of England Vol. 1. 1814-1835. The main facade of York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in northern Europe.

Birch Forest No. 7

Birch Forest No. 7

I would be remiss if I didn’t include 20x200 this incredible site has been offering affordable art directly from the artists who create it since 2007. I read about them years ago in the original Domino Magazine gift guide. We own a few pieces purchased through 20x200. Lisa Congdon’s Birch Forest No. 7 and Milling Machine Shelves by Joseph O. Holmes

please follow along....PNG

This holiday season surprise someone with a expression of beauty.

Til next time.

Gold Heart Meryl 2.png

Chaletmomma turns 1!

I can’t believe Chaletmomma is a year old! I’ve had so much fun this past year!

In the fall of 2016 I started with an idea - I love: to chat; my home; design and styling. I knew I wanted to share my voice hahaha! I quickly had Gmail, Facebook, Twitter and IG set up, had purchased my domain and was set up as a LLC. I had a business model. I know bloggers who unfortunately didn’t own their name across all social media platforms - I was thrilled when it all fell into place.

wm chalet.png

The next step was my logo - I drew it and designed it the old fashioned way with pen and paper. Everyone in my personal life knows I often added a little drawing of the chalet on communications and above our address. Not only did I know how I wanted my logo to look but, in my minds eye I had the website layout as well. I had done my research.

ChaletMomma_GoldLogo.jpg

To design the website and bring my vision to life I was blessed to find Kelly Christine and her firm Kiki&Co. I can’t recommend Kelly enough!

nat lewis art wm.jpg

You will recognize this painting from the image carousel on the top of my homepage. It was painted by a successful Water-colorist Nat Lewis a neighbor and friend of a previous owner. We are so lucky to have it on our wall. Not many people are fortunate enough to live in a chalet!

Chalet LivingRoom wm.jpg

Still one of my all time favorite images of the Chalet Livingroom from 2017 and one of the first I shared on both IG and here on the website last year.

Favorite: preferred before all others of the same kind.

I thought about the pieces I wrote over the last year and what my favorites might be - I adore them all, but there are some that stand out - lets revisit a few. click the title under each image for the linked post.

I could go on and on highlighting posts. I love sharing our visits to Museums. The Met Cloisters: Friday Fun! Metropolitan Museum of Art: Metropolitan Museum of Art Part 1 and Part 2. As well as the recent visit to Shelburne Museum: A Little Trip Part 1 and Part 2. A sweet friend told me she could hear me speaking when she reads Chaletmomma and truly there is no more endearing compliment I could ever hear!

please follow along....PNG

Thank you to all my dear friends and loved ones. Thank you to my fellow bloggers and design friends for allowing me to list their sites in my sidebar. Thank you to my advertisers!

Thank you ALL for being a part of the Chaletmomma Family!

Til next time!

xoxo

Gold Heart Meryl 2.png