1st. December - time for a little decorating.

Nothing fancy, one or two  candles slipped in here & there

amongst  some of your favourite things and add a few pine cones

Candles are always my favourite ways to decorate.

Candles and a little touch of the forest.

Now for some country style ways to decorate, 

taken from this French magazine I sometimes treat myself to.

I'm sure it will give you a few ideas with a different twist .

A window and steps leading to the entrance, decorated with

just a few branches of pine, with pine cones and a splash of colour from some apples.

For those who find it daunting to make their own wreath, 

this is an easy way to make the front door welcoming

Use some of the  branches from the bottom of the tree, some twigs covered in lichen,

 tie it with some thick red cord and attach a  few pine cones.

 If you live in the country these are all easy to find.

Bring a little of the outside into your home

 to spruce up a shelf or window ledge.

This is my country style decoration for my window ledge during the week-end .

A wreath using a straw base and then  covered with pieces of pine

 from your Christmas tree, small stems wired to the inside 

and the the larger stems on the outer edge.

I love this angel made from red stems of wood 

and bits of spruce pine.

A basket of cones and presents  wrapped in brown paper 

tied with simple cord with a sprig of dried berries.

This candle is wrapped in bark from a silver birch  tree.

On my next walk, I'll be looking for fallen branches to peel off some bark.

Some pretty ways to wrap those special homemade gifts for friends.

I hope I've given you a few ideas from France for you to try.

à bientôt

Barbara Lilian