Thursday 22 December 2011

Christmas wishes from an old farmhouse in England

(Update: this was our home until November 2012) With Christmas now just a few days away the preparations here have reached fever pitch! Having put the finishing touches on the decorations and stacked baskets with fragrant logs for the fire we are almost ready to welcome friends and family to join us in the celebrations. I adore this last minute flurry of activity and will be, as you read this, busy filling tiny white crackers with Italian truffles and arranging white roses and herbs from the garden into mercury vases for the table. With the ancient oak beams hung with snowflakes, this year our old farmhouse is decked in ice and snow! Here are a few photographs from our home (please excuse my awful photography and the length of this post!!!): 
Image: The Paper Mulberry - 
A small live blue spruce from Homebase on a dresser in the kitchen the oversized mat and shiny silver baubles are part of a 75 piece set from Tesco!  
Image: The Paper Mulberry - the kitchen
Image: The Paper Mulberry - the kitchen
The white ceramic pot that we have planted the Christmas tree in is from Cape Henley and the white ceramic flower tea light holders are from Bliss & Bloom
Image: The Paper Mulberry - the kitchen
tiny glass cloches filled with silver parcels
Image: The Paper Mulberry - the kitchen fireplace The silver plated charger plates 
Image: The Paper Mulberry - the kitchen mantelpiece swag 
A faux pine needle swag with mat and shiny baubles part of the 75 piece set from Tesco!
Image: The Paper Mulberry - the kitchen fireplace swag
Image: The Paper Mulberry - the kitchen
Image: The Paper Mulberry - the kitchen - Aga mantel shelf decorated for Christmas!
Image: The Paper Mulberry - the kitchen - Aga mantel shelf with a combination of faux pine needle foliage, berries and fresh pine cones
Image: The Paper Mulberry - the kitchen - Aga mantel shelf with mouth blown, recycled glass goblets
Image: The Paper Mulberry - the kitchen dresser
Icy faux pine branch garland with fresh pine cones 
Image: The Paper Mulberry - the kitchen dresser
Icy faux pine branch garland with fresh pine cones & the china is Asiatic Pheasants by Burleigh

Image: The Paper Mulberry - the sitting room
Image: The Paper Mulberry - the sitting room with the faux tree stands in a log basket, the tablecloth is burlap and the tree covered in faux snow and glass icicles! 
Image: The Paper Mulberry - the sitting room tree
the artificial snow is from Snowbusiness the special effects company who provided the snow scenes for the Harry Potter films! They now sell a range of artificial snow for domestic use, I used their spray snow topped with display snow coarse and finished with the amazing snow sparkle that glistens like the real thing!  
Image: The Paper Mulberry - the sitting room fireplace 
the swag is faux pine and covered in artificial snow and icicles
Image: The Paper Mulberry - the sitting room fireplace swag
the lantern is a vintage find, the icicles I have been collected for a few years now
Image: The Paper Mulberry - the sitting room 
I have placed an old lantern in a niche in the living room with a carved wax candle 
Image: The Paper Mulberry - the home
I have place a large wreath of faux pine and beaded fruit covered in simulated ice on the oak banister at the top of the first staircase
Image: The Paper Mulberry - the home
Image: The Paper Mulberry - the entrance hall
the console table is decked with a gilded leaf garland from Decorative Country Living and coach lantern from Culinary Concepts
Image: The Paper Mulberry - the entrance hall console table

So until the new year...

Warmest of Christmas Wishes from this old farmhouse in England 
- Glenda xxx


 

70 comments:

Unknown said...

Congratulations
Your old farm is very welcoming and full of Christmas spirit
I wish you a Merry Christmas
Mari

KiwiStyle said...

Your house is looking just charming. Merry Xmas. Jane :)

The Paper Mulberry - Glenda Steel said...

So kind of you thank you so much and a very Happy Christmas! Glenda xxx

Unknown said...

Buongiorno Glenda Happy Christmas greetings to you. your home looks perfect Ive savoured every inch its so prettyI love the icicles and the pewter plates especially Im sure you going to have a wonderful and cozy time in you nest Thankyou for all your lovely things thru the year and look forawrd to more in 2012 Its been lovely getting to know you and sse glimpses of England too Big hugs Love Fay xxx

manon 21 said...

Joyeux Noël Glenda dans cet univers de rêves.

Amicalement,

Manon

Anonymous said...

I love it!!! You're such a wonderful designer...I'm so inspired by your designs....this would be something I would incorporate into my own home...I decorate cabinstyle and yours fits right in...THANK YOU...I pinned these pics to my pinterest collection and you got the credit...Mel's Designs..'n Harmony

Sanne said...

Dear Glenda,

your house is sooooo beautiful with all those pretty christmasdecoration...love it !!!!

Best wishes,
Sanne

The Cloth Shed said...

Pewter, old oak beams and that amazing staircase...fab.
What a gorgeous old house you have Glenda, especially now with its "snow" covered tree and swags.
Hope you have a very, Merry Christmas.....
Julie x

Divina Chita Brasil said...

Very beautiful your house!! I wish you a merry Christmas!!

Mayflower said...

What a beautiful Christmasdecorations in your farmehouse dear Glenda.
I love the swag in the sittingroom, it's seems almost frozen with the icicles.

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Warm wishes, Mea

Greet Lefèvre said...

Glenda,
Your decoration is amazing! Oh I can feel the warmth of it!! I am jalous of your family and friends who will be the lucky ones to celebrate Christmas with you!!
I just love seeing pictures of your charming beautiful house! Thank you so much for sharing these Glenda!
I want to thank you for your friendship these passed months and I am so glad I met you through blogging! You are very dear to me Glenda!
I wish you a warm Christmas and my best wishes for a Happy, Healthy and Succesful New Year!
Hugs and kisses,
Greet

Sunflowers With Smiles said...

Glenda:

Your farmhouse is adorable along with all of your decor....I love the niche in the sitting room with the lantern....I also love the glass icicles and the tree adorned with snow.

Happy Holidays to you and your family!

The enchanted home said...

Glenda, you did such a spectacular job! It all looks so magical and full of elegant holiday spirit...wishing you the happiest of holidays! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Beautiful House said...

Your home is beautiful, gorgeous pictures. Merry Christmas.x

helen tilston said...

Hello Glenda

Your home is inviting and welcoming. I love the staircase and your hallway is very special too. Can I come and stay? Are you serving roast goose?

Thank you for your friendship, support and comments and wishing you a spectacular new year

Jennifer @ Town and Country Living said...

Your home is stunning! Love all the features and textures. You have a great eye for design. I'm going to have to look at these photos more than just once. So beautiful!

ANNE said...

What a beautiful and charming home you have. Have a very merry Christmas!!

Priscilla said...

Perfection!

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Your icy decoration is warm and delightful!! I love seeing your own beautiful home. I have enjoyed visiting your blog very much over the year. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas celebration. Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

Kathy said...

Your farmhouse is just beautiful Glenda, thank you for all the inspirational posts this last few months (since I discovered your blog :-).) Wishing you a very merry Christmas across the pond, reminds me of home. Kathy.

Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid Sass said...

Absolutely stunning! Your home is gorgeous.Thank you for sharing, and have Merry Christmas.
Teresa
xoxo

Mona Thompson Providence Ltd. said...

Glenda, I am dying over your home. Every square inch is so beautiful and authentic. What a dream you are living. Your Christmas decorations are so beautiful too. I love the hurricanes mixed with the pine above the pot rack in the kitchen. I love it all. Have a very Merry Christmas! XO, Mona

The Paper Mulberry - Glenda Steel said...

I don't know how to thank you for such generous and kind messages!!!!!!! Warmest wishes for a very Merry Christmas - Glenda xxxx

Foxanddahlia said...

Happy Christmas Glenda, thank you for all your wonderful inspiration this year.

XX

Susan T said...

I knew it would be beautiful. I love what you have done with the snow. Your home looks like Christmas from a fairytale. I hope this is one of the happiest Christmas's yet Glenda, you are such a sweet lady and deserve joy in abundance. Love and hugs from here. xxx

Anonymous said...

Hi Glenda,
Your home is just stunning!! I would love to live in an old farmhouse. You have decorated it just beautifully!!
I hope you have a wonderful and joyous Christmas!
Sincerely,
Melinda

Fresh Vanilla For C said...

Hi Glenda~ Your home is so fabulous!!!! I love the old beams etc. The way you have decorated it is simple and elegant. Truly gorgeous.
Have a wonderful holiday!!
xo~Cheryl

Sarah James Larsson said...

I agree with everyone else, you have a beautiful and inspiring home and I also wich you well for Christmas and the New Year.
Thank you for creating some brilliant content on your blog for us all to enjoy. You are such a talented lady.
All the best,
Sarah in Sweden

DomCurieuse said...

Merry Christmas to you Glenda !
Dom

Mariana said...

Beatiful home! Merry Christmas, dear Glenda!
Mariana

Carole Poirot said...

Your farmhouse looks beautiful and I love the combination of white and silver.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a very happy new year. Bisous xo

Jade said...

Soooooooo beautiful, what a wonderful place!!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU!!!!!

with love, Jade

Ivy Clad said...

Glenda, I love seeing pictures of your gorgeous home. It is so picturesque-- the stuff that my old world dreams are made of! Your Christmas decorations are so pretty, & thank you for the great decoration sources!

The merriest of Christmases to you!!

Keri

Wendy Paula said...

Your home looks so beautiful Glenda:)
Wishing you and your family a beautiful Christmas and happy healthy new year!
Wendy xo

Velvet and Linen said...

Oh how lovely Glenda!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home decorated so perfectly for the holidays.
Wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2012.

xo xo
Brooke

summersoul said...

Glenda,

Your home is simply......beautiful! I can't even choose what I like the best because it is all wonderful. I wish you and your family a joyful holiday season.

xo
MC

Cynthia Banks@aloveofthepast said...

As always, I love it all. Your house is absolutely enchanting...a dream home from this American who is a tried and true Anglophile. The entire house is so lovely. The lighting is perfect, the beams, the walls...it is also so warm and welcoming...thanks so much for sharing. Cynthia, from A Love of the Past.

My Galveston Cottage said...

So warm and inviting! It feels like home!!
Wishing a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Tricia Rose Rough Linen said...

Oh Glenda, how stylish this is, but with a light touch! Merry Christmas (you make it so!)

Maison de lin said...

Hello,

This looks sooo cosy and inviting, wonderfull...

Merry Christmas
Jérôme

Room Seventeen said...

Happy Christmas Glenda!

Robynne's Nest said...

Your home looks gorgeous Glenda...only you could make Tesco baubles look so glamorous!! Have a lovely Christmas. Robx

Connie said...

LOVE your home! It has such charm, especially decorated for Christmas!
Merry Christmas!

Donna, The Decorated House said...

Oh, Glenda this was such a treat!
Your home decorated for Christmas is beautiful and full of magical delight. Merry Christmas!

Bravehearted Beauty {formerly LLH Designs} said...

Beautiful and magical, Glenda. Thanks so much for sharing your charming farmhouse with us.

love and Christmas joy to you,
Linsey

Just White said...

Glenda,

Have a great amazing Christmas!!
Thanks to you I am still posting. You gave me the courage with your award!
Thank you.
Your house looks so nice! Thank you so much for sharing!
I wish you the very best! Eliana

MODERN COUNTRY said...

Your home look absolutely stunning Glenda !!! Thank you so much for this year, I am so glad to have found you and your Inspiring place. There`s not a post without a smile, feeling excited. You are wonderful.

I wish you and your family the very best, a warm and sunny christmas celebration. Enjoy the laughter and the hugs. A great toast as well ;)

Much love from me, Aina

Bravehearted Beauty {formerly LLH Designs} said...

Just had to pop back over and tell you that your comment on my post was so dear. Thank you for sharing a piece of your heart. It looks like you and I march to the same drummer much of the time. How good to take a deep breath and embrace all that is good about imperfection! Maybe all that we deem "imperfect" is really perfect afterall! ;)

Much love,
Linsey

Atelier de Campagne said...

Hi Glenda, just wonderful your home, just the right touch of decoration. love your farmhouse and your kitchen.
Wishing you and your loved ones a warm Christmas.
Johan, Trinidad and Martin

AweSomeLiving By Rosita de Jongh said...

jij ook een hele fijne dagen ...lieve groet rosita

Evy said...

Merry christmas to you, I hope that this day is of the happiest for you and your family!
Joyeux Noël!!!

Beautiful day

My Beautiful World said...

Your home is just stunning, hope you had a wonderful Christmas day. So nice to meet you just found your beautiful blog and so happy I did. I have enjoyed looking around and I'm now following you, if you find a spare minute hope you visit me sometime and follow back so nice to meet new friends. Sending you special wishes for the Christmas holidays and New Year I’m looking forward to keeping in touch in 2012.

Always Wendy

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas Glenda, seems like you made your farmhouse quite festive this year ;-)

Scribbler said...

I just adore your blog. I saw a couple of these images on Pinterest, and tracked you down. I will be a regular.

Happy Christmas.

Craftberry Bush said...

There is nothing in your home that I would change....perfection! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas....xo
Lucy

matind'hiver said...

Je vous souhaite de très JOYEUSES FETES de fin d'année !
La magie s'installe pour notre plus grand plaisir, les yeux se régalent.
A bientôt *

Millie said...

Everything looks fabulous Glenda, you've created a truly magical Christmas for your family to revel in! Hope your celebrations were glorious.
Millie x
P.S. Congrats on being one of the desire to inspire girls fave blogs of 2011, very well deserved!

Dawne Boynton Polis said...

Oh, I'm sure that Christmas was just so lovely here in your beautiful home!! Now wishing you the very best of New Years! [And can't wait to see this home in a magazine or book this year!!!]
dawne

The Paper Mulberry - Glenda Steel said...

Oh thank you so much and warmest wishes for a fabulous 2012! Also thank you so much for letting me know Millie, I really can't believe it! Glenda xxx

Anonymous said...

I adore your kitchen! I am in the middle of a remodel and am just inspired by everything in your post. Thank you for a the Beautiful images.

Have a very Happy New Year!
xoxo, Lissy

Mary Ann Pickett said...

Really stunning!!!
Happy new year.

Åpent^hus said...

stopping by to wish you all the best for the New Year

best wishes
from
Open^house blog, Norway

flowers on my table said...

Glenda, a Happy New Year to you! I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas holed up in that gorgeous house of yours, so beautifully dressed for the festive season.Thankyou for taking the time to let us have a little peek into your Christmas home.

I have loved visiting you this past year and look forward to the year ahead, with love, Linda x

Anonymous said...

What a stunning home! Hope you had a lovely holiday and happy 2012 x kat

Shabby soul said...

Your kitchen is beautiful. I'd like to have a spèece like this, and I'll have it on my mind when I'll have my own home.
I Wish you a peaceful new year!
Silvia

No21 said...

Inspirational home! which follows your inspiring blog Thank you No21x

Anonymous said...

absolutely BEAUTIFUL! It must be amazing to live in a home with so much history and character. I love how your decorations are so simple and natural but make such a lovely statement.

I'm definatly going to borrow the icicles hanging from the mantle garland next year in my home. :)

Best wishes in the new year!
Sarah

CÉLINE CHOLLET said...

Hello Glenda, and Happy new year !
I really love your interior, authentic and simple...
have e nice day !
Céline, watercolorist.

Seawashed said...

Your farmhouse is what many of us dream about. I love every single nook and cranny. Reminds me of a home you would find in the English countryside. Thank you for sharing it with us. So lovely.

letrecivette said...

Happy new year dear Glenda!Your blog is always the best!
Monica