Christmas 2012 has been quite the whirlwind with many projects and events to remember…
In fact, Christmas started for me way back in the summer with a decorating story for Chatelaine! Then it was a tree and set for a photography partnership with Alana McLure and decorating the homes of clients for the holidays. Of course we can’t forget the Whitby Station Gallery Holiday House Tour and The Marilyn Denis Show coming to film Christmas at our house too! There was a gift wrapping spot on Rogers TV, gingerbread houses on Canada AM (twice!) and more DIY Christmas ideas on The Marilyn Denis Show. During it all, there were five trees and countless Christmas decor items at Penney & Co complete with fake snow on the windows, garlands and wreaths galore!
But beyond all the hoopla, Christmas for Sara and me is all about family and traditions: decorating our tree, displaying the family nativity set, baking some shortbread cookies (Sara makes the best!), church on Christmas eve and dinner with family on both sides. This Christmas marks the end of an era with a new baby on the way to our family in February. 2013 will see our little twosome grow by one and us taking on new roles as parents. The decorating will undoubtedly take a back seat for a while, but we’re both eager to create a warm and inviting home full of traditions for our little one. The journey continues!
This boxing day is the two year anniversary of michaelpenneystyle.com and I appreciate each click and each comment. Your support and sense of community keep me going. Merry, Merry Christmas to you and yours and I thank you all for following along.
Here’s a peek inside our home at Christmas this year – hope you enjoy and once again, Merry Christmas!
The guest room with cozy wool blankets and Sara’s dollhouse and wreaths for that festive feeling
Sara’s grandma’s nativity set and an inexpensive garland and ribbons decorate the hall.
Teal bows are a nice twist on classic red and green
A dresser from Maine loaded up with favourite books, blooms and our stereo
Berries in bottles are loose and festive
Our tree decorated with vintage and new ornaments alike
The mantle covered with fresh boughs and poinsettia on the painted coffee table
Another living room view with the piano
A view of the dining table through to the Christmas tree
Vintage ornaments, pinecones and an antique patter decorate the table
A second tree in the den with a bold gold garland to boot!
Oranges, cedar and amaryllis in the kitchen
A fiestaware bowl and McCoy bowl both picked up this summer filled with citrus
Congratulations Michael & Sara! What happy news! Best of wishes to you & your wee one on the way. May 2013 be the best year ever!
Congratulations! All the best in 2013
House looks lovely!! Congrats on the new addition for 2013!!
It is all very cozy and beautiful.
It’s all gorgeous Michael! Merry Christmas to you and your family! Thank you for all your wonderful decorating ideas and pictures and for bringing some style to Whitby! I love your blogs too!! See you in 2013!
Merry Christmas and congratulations on the impending arrival. Thanks for all the decorating inspiration and ideas!
Congratulations!
I’ve been following for a while and love your style and decorating ideas.
I’m so happy that your family will soon be +1!
Wishing you and Sara all the very best!
This will definitely mean a new decorating project! Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Happy Holidays!
Michael, your home is truly beautiful and inviting, especially at Christmas time. Congratulations to you and Sara on the good news!! Wishing you all the best for 2013
Congratulations to you both. I’m sure you will be thoughtful, warm and fun-loving parents. Your beautiful home truly reflects that!
Congratulations Michael and Sara …the best is yet to come with your little arrival in February.Happy New Year!
Congratulations ! Best wishes for 2013 and the new parents to be. I envision one amazing nursery !
How wonderful! My very best wishes Michael and Sara for a new year full of love and self growth. A new Baby is a celebration of the best of both of you. Enjoy this period of nesting, and rest, as you prepare for the baby.
May 2013 be your best year yet!
Warmly,
Alexandra
Thank you Alexandra and everyone for your very warm wishes! Here’s to 2013 and an exciting new chapter!
Michael & Sara
Congratulations on the news of your little one joining you both soon & all the best for 2013.
Barbara