Good morning friends!  While I made my coffee on this ‘still dark’ morning it was cozy inside with Christmas lights  and candles flickering in every room–such a magical time of year.  I thought I’d share some of my cozy Christmas-y places with you this morning.

We’ve decided to definitely forgo the real tree this year.  Our 2019 Christmas tree is this 4′ tree set atop our vintage drum table.  (This drum table originally belonged to my grandfather’s sister, then to my mother, then we recently inherited it.  I love it and treasure it!)  I added some of my favorite ornaments to the tree on Sunday; it is festive  and feels ‘just fine’ to me.

I’ve shown you our dining room before, but in the morning it is extra inviting.  The dining room set is from my parents.  I couldn’t bear to have it sold, so I asked for it when they wanted to get rid of it.  When I was young it was in its natural wood state.  This set is only slightly older than I am, and has been in my possession since my daughter was a preschooler.

In the kitchen we have this tiny tree all lit up with lights around the bay window.  We actually leave the lights around the bay window up all year.

And outside the window above the kitchen sink is this little tree all aglow on the back deck.

My sister-in-law brought this cranberry salsa to Thanksgiving dinner.  It was really good and fresh tasting.  I wanted to share it with you.  I’m hoping to make it for our Christmas dinner this year.

Cranberry Salsa

1 lb. cranberries (or 2-12oz. bags of fresh), fresh or frozen (thawed)

1/2 c. or 1 c. sugar (the recipe calls for 1, but my sil used 1/2)

2 t. grated orange zest

3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, and diced

3 oranges, peeled, and diced

2-4 Serrano chiles, stemmed and diced, with seeds, optional

1 bunch cilantro, chopped

1 bunch scallions, white and light green parts, chopped

Chop up the cranberries, if desired.  Mix together all ingredients.  Enjoy!

Not much new going on with dolly ensembles right now.  I still have something for Gracie in the works, but am not sure it will get completed this year.  We’ll see…, but most likely not. 😦  Poor Gracie!

Have a beautiful Wednesday! ❤  Just realized–this is the last Wednesday before Christmas!!!