Deck the Halls, Tables, Doors. . . Part V

Today we come to the end of what I hope you agree, has been a week of singular beauty and creativity. I always thought being an interior designer was one of the most glamorous métiers in the world. Now I'm convinced it's true. Imagine living in these spaces. 

Kit Golson, of the truly stunning blog, Chic Provence, is the perfect fin to the series. Her aesthetic is eclectic, while capturing that unique je ne sais quoi of Provence. She understands the potent cocktail of its romance,  nonchalant elegance, warmth and comfort which is so rarely replicated by Americans who look for the "nothing out of place" sterility that does not in any way reflect l'art de vivre in France.

In her blog biography she talks about evoking the magic of Provence and elegant simplicity. Below she shows and tells us how she translates those ideas in her holiday decorating.

In her own words. . .

I hope your December is full of all good things so far: the spicy scents of holiday makings, the warm glow of the fire, fingerless cashmere gloves so you can use your iPhone, a cup of hot chocolate after a brisk turn in the shops. . . 

I was going about, minding my own business on Tuesday when the brilliantly funny and acerbic Tish Jett [Ed. note: I am blushing, seriously, I am.] made me an irresistible proposition: Please do a post about decorating my humble abode for Christmas. In three days time! I hesitated about 30 seconds, then jumped right onto her bandwagon! I could not turn down one of my favorite bloggers [Awww].

I'm no Picasso, but I relate extremely well to what he once famously announced: "If you already know exactly what you are going to do, what is the point in doing it?" Precisely. 

That's pretty much what happened here!

I gave it my best. As you can see at the end of the post, Nicky was not too terribly interested in all the Christmas activity. . . once he discovered that, non, I will not let the puppy tear the organdy table cover to shreds!

Bay leaves as inspiration.

Lavender cowhide over antique French linen for the dessert buffet -- tres chic, non?

The dining room ready for Christmas night dinner -- a little early this year, bien sûr!

We must leave room for the Thirteen Desserts of a Provençal Christmas Eve here

Vintage bee-catching jar (you put honey water in the bottom) stands in for a vase for the oh-so-casual Christmas flowers.

Ready for drinks under Chris's portrait of a tattoo-ist, and yes, those are pink peonies.

The mantel with a simple dressing of bay-leafed, lighted swag, my three musical angels, and little candles -- so simple!

A close up. . .

The wreath is exactly as it was 12 years ago when my dear friend Cristen gave it to me, the door changes colors frequently, bien sûr!

Sleeping off all the excitement of tearing up every little thing in sight -- sweet Nicky at five months old.