On Saturday December third I had 300 guests trudge through my home.  It was for a good cause: The Association of American University Women’s annual Christmas home tour which raises funds for women’s educational scholarships.

The weather was glorious.  Chilly but sunny, the perfect day for a Christmas tour.

In decorating this year, I used lots of red grosgrain ribbon, fresh cut manzanita, toyon, and dusty old pine cones that have been in my basement since before we moved in.

Reindeer moss in the base of the topiary pots.  It is the most gorgeous green and when placed next to red, its instant Christmas.  Pine cones around the center piece add a natural, offhanded element.

Pine cones in a sweet little antique China tea cup on a vintage cherub sconce.

My 27 year old son Christian decorated the tree with ornaments his dad and I collected since before he was born.  Each one is a little reminder of holidays past.

An Eiffel tour hidden behind silver beaded garlands and fir branches.

A little iron, hand painted Santa sits in the morning sun atop our Christmas pop up books.

Above and below are the master bedroom, decorated simply with blue china pieces and Christmas themed greenery.

Manzanita on a vintage sconce in the master bedroom.

The dressing table in the master bedroom.

Santa Teddy, the guest room resident.

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