January 12, 2010
I’m taking all of our Christmas decorations down this weekend and thought, if you’re not too sick of the holidays yet, you might like to see some of them before they are consigned to the deepest, darkest recesses of my basement for another year.
Have a wonderful, meaningful, peaceful, and constructive New Year!
~Mary
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Lovely!!!
=^..^=
Comment by WhippyCurlyTails — January 12, 2010 @ 6:45 pm
Oh how lovely, sweet as sugar and happy as candy….thank you for sharing your home with us, Miss Mary! SO inspiring. Now, we are all wondering what you’ll be doing for SPRING decor?!!
Comment by Deb Kennedy — January 12, 2010 @ 8:08 pm
Love all your great trees! They look fun!
Hugs, Lisa
Comment by Lisa — January 12, 2010 @ 8:13 pm
Nice pics!
Comment by Sandy Jacobson — January 12, 2010 @ 9:26 pm
Thanks for the peek! I actually have the very same HOPE glittery banner. But I have not put it away yet it is still hanging in my craft room over one of my desk areas.
Comment by Brenda Towsley — January 12, 2010 @ 9:38 pm
Everything is beautiful…thanks for sharing your very Merry decorations!
Comment by Sherri — January 12, 2010 @ 9:38 pm
Thanks for sharing that..all is very cute! Loved the fireplace and mantle…have a great year! come say hi ~
Comment by Julie Harward — January 12, 2010 @ 10:01 pm
Are you kidding? I could never tire of Christmas. It is the greatest joy. Thank you for sharing.
Comment by Eugenia — January 12, 2010 @ 10:39 pm
oh to visit the deepest darkest places of your basement i’m certain would be blissful!
Comment by paige — January 13, 2010 @ 8:24 am
how many trees did you decorate this year? loved your decorations.
Comment by linda — January 13, 2010 @ 12:28 pm
This was such a good idea!!!!
Comment by JoJo — January 13, 2010 @ 12:31 pm
So fun! I love the whimsy of it all. The mantle is very fun. I love the wreathe.
Comment by Christina — January 13, 2010 @ 12:31 pm
Thank you sooo much for sharing your Christmas decorations with us! They are really lovely. I too would like to see what you’ve got going on for Valentines?, St. Pat’s ?, Easter? decorations that are coming “up” from the basement or wherever. lol
Comment by Barbara — January 13, 2010 @ 12:32 pm
Love the children’s tree, those are gifts from the heart : )
Comment by Blue — January 13, 2010 @ 12:38 pm
Nice of you to share you decorations with us. Great ways of displaying them. Have a very blessed New Year….Clarice
Comment by clarice sykes — January 13, 2010 @ 1:33 pm
IT IS SO MARY ENGELBREIT! Love that you shared your wonderful house with us! I always love seeing how others decorate. I’m one of those that drive by an interesting house and wonder what it looks like inside. Always wish they would invite me in and you have. Thanks
Comment by Diana — January 13, 2010 @ 2:37 pm
Dear Mary I have a 20″ cloth doll that looks like True Friend wind up doll. Where do you list the dolls you made? Thank you! Gloria
Comment by Gloria La Mantia — January 13, 2010 @ 7:11 pm
Mary,
Your decorations are lovely! We wouldn’t expect anything less! We would like to extend an invitation to you to attend our next Funky Junk Sisters Vintage Flea Market. We’ll take you on a tour of our favorite junkin spots!
Linda & Dixie
The Funky Junk Sisters
Comment by The Funky Junk Sisters — January 13, 2010 @ 7:28 pm
MARY…LIKE IT-LOVE IT- GOTTA HAVE MORE OF IT..ANY NEWS ON THE MAGAZINE? IT’S COLDY IN MN…
Comment by Luann Freitag — January 13, 2010 @ 9:08 pm
Thank you for the tour! So creative, warm and loving
Paula
Comment by Paula Graves — January 13, 2010 @ 11:01 pm
Loved seeing your decorations. My whole kitchen (even checked tile on the walls) is “Mary E” and next year my trees and all Christmas will be “Mary E”. I’m sewing your ornaments from kits, buying, collecting, and loving every minute of having a “Mary Christmas” in 2010.
Comment by Jeannie Dicks — January 14, 2010 @ 12:34 pm
Love the green feather tree. Where did you get it?
Swirly Designs
Comment by Paul — January 14, 2010 @ 6:58 pm
Oh, yay! I am so glad that you thought to take some pictures for us before you put it all away!!!
I love all of your trees! You can see the ornaments really well on them, too. I like that.
Your colors are lovely, too. And I love all of the hanging, swooping garlands (like the Hope Love one, etc.) and the fun, delightful feeling that all of the photos convey. Thank you for sharing!
Happy New Year!
Comment by maryann — January 15, 2010 @ 12:03 am
Beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing. Lynn
Comment by Lynn — January 15, 2010 @ 3:07 pm
What lovely decorations you have. I had to keep mine put away this year because of my 2 year old. Next year is going to be good!
Comment by Stefani — January 15, 2010 @ 3:49 pm
Aloha for sharing your wonderful decorations with all of us. Have a wonderful productive year…and keep sharing with all the world ;o)
Comment by Patti — January 15, 2010 @ 6:06 pm
Hello, thanks for sharing!
And please know that your magazine is missed!
Is there an update with good news?! Thank you!
Comment by Linda — January 15, 2010 @ 6:58 pm
You made me laugh since I rarely get around to taking down my decorations before the end of January! Love the multitude of trees – I’ve been known to have at least one in every room myself. My kitchen is totally ME and I love everything you do because my home is filled with color, color, color and you are probably in every room, even more so at Christmas time!
Blessings on you, awesome and inspiring woman that you are! Thanks for sharing!
Comment by Lizz Tucker — January 15, 2010 @ 8:09 pm
Your home looks so festive and happy with those decorations. Thanks for letting us peek in.
Comment by Ann — January 15, 2010 @ 9:21 pm
I’m sure you feel the same way that many of us do in that we put our heart and soul into our decorating….especially at Christmas time. Your fireplace and mantel are so beautiful. I miss your magazine terribly.
Comment by Mary — January 15, 2010 @ 10:54 pm
Thanks for sharing your Christmas decor with us. I still have some older ME magazines Christmas issues. I can’t bear to part with them. I’ve got to take our tree down this weekend as well. I have a big artifical tree and a small one with fiber optic lights. Latter one is a cinch to take down as no ornaments. Just a garland and topper. Happy New Year!!!
Comment by Becky L — January 15, 2010 @ 11:11 pm
So Very Mary! Made me feel like I was really there and was Just as I expected! Happy New Year, Mary!
Comment by Nancy — January 15, 2010 @ 11:12 pm
Thanks for sharing your deorations…any angels, santas, nativitie or snowmen that no longr fit your decorating scheme will gladly be accepted for mine. Happy new year
Comment by sue — January 15, 2010 @ 11:27 pm
Thank you for sharing, Mary. You have always been my favorite illustrator. Thanks for inspiring me!
Comment by Lindsay — January 15, 2010 @ 11:31 pm
So very nice to have a touch of Mary today. What a way she has with putting collections together. Uniquely Mary. Thank you for sharing.
Comment by Jill — January 16, 2010 @ 12:42 am
I miss your Home Companion Magazine so much. So glad you shared your Christmas decor with us.
Keep up the good work! Inspiration is what drives the creative soul. So thank you!
Kate
Comment by Kate Dolan — January 16, 2010 @ 1:21 am
I love the silvery village the best, a perfect vision of an Alpen Fairyland. So much fun and energy throughout your home!
Comment by Judy Draganjac — January 16, 2010 @ 6:30 am
Thank you for sharing your home. I always love to see what other people do for Christmas. I like the idea of sharing your other holiday decor with us to, if it’s not too much to ask.
Comment by Merry — January 16, 2010 @ 6:36 am
Just wonderful Thank you for showing and inspiring us
Comment by Barbie — January 16, 2010 @ 7:29 am
Happy New Year,Mary! It was delightful to see your charming & whimsical Christmas decorations ! Thanks for sharing ! I am a “Christmas nut” & admit that I have OCCDD(obsessive compulsive Christmas decorating disorder)! Your Christmas books & art are always included in my decor & I always start the new year with one of your daily calenders & weekly planners.Thanks for the joy that you bring to my life !
Comment by Amanda Earnhardt — January 16, 2010 @ 7:50 am
Thanks so much for sharing your pics with everyone. Everything looks beautiful!! Have a peacefull and happy new year!
Comment by Joyous — January 16, 2010 @ 7:56 am
Great decorations–I especially like the felt animals on the 3rd tree.
Yes, any news on the magazine?!
Thanks for sharing!
Comment by Nancy — January 16, 2010 @ 8:24 am
I would love to become part of your decorations. So very cute. I am taking mine down today. My dad passed away on Christmas Eve so I just wanted to enjoy the decorations for a little while longer. Look forward to a new year with lots of possibilities.
Comment by cheryl — January 16, 2010 @ 8:31 am
Hi Mary, Thank you so much for sharing our beautiful collections! That sculptule on the mantle is amazing! Meeting you in Atlanta was the highlight of my holiday! I have been a fan of yours for years and have all of the magazines saved up. You are the true inspiration to artists everywhere!
Comment by kelly rightsell — January 16, 2010 @ 8:38 am
MARY BELATED CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR. LOVE YOUR STYLE, YOU’RE ONE IN A MILLON. THANK YOU FOR YOUR GIFTS!!!
Comment by Bridget — January 16, 2010 @ 9:03 am
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful trees and decorations with us.. Never ever sick of Christmas.. ever. It’s in my heart.
Comment by marlis — January 16, 2010 @ 9:03 am
Thanks for the wonderful tour. I’m especially drawn to the beautiful white fireplace with the picket fence. I love putting up the decorations but dread taking them down. Certainly there are some fairies who might be willing to tackle that duty.
Comment by Suzanne - the Farmer's Wife — January 16, 2010 @ 9:07 am
I miss the magazine. I sure wish I could attend the trip to see you.
Comment by Patti Sweede — January 16, 2010 @ 9:34 am
Mary,
I’ve been an admirer of your artwork for such a long time, and I’m delighted to find your blog. Your decorations are delightful – thanks so much for sharing them!
Wishing you a wonderful 2010!!
Comment by Judy Hartman — January 16, 2010 @ 9:48 am
It is so nice to see someone else who leaves Christmas up through the season. Soem, a few, of us remember that Christmas lasts from Christmas day until Epiphany or “old Christmas”.
People decorate today for the Advent season-not Christmas. We use royal blue the color of the Advent season and Santa during Advent.
The religious decor is not put out at our home until Christmas eve and left out until old Christmas.
Comment by jane cederholm — January 16, 2010 @ 10:44 am
Thanks so much for sharing. I loved every picture – each is filled with so many creative ideas. I have several of your books and soooo miss your magazine — hope it will return.
Comment by Rosemary — January 16, 2010 @ 11:13 am
Thanks for sharing. I loved every picture — each one is filled with so many creative ideas. I have several of your books and soooo miss your magazine — I hope it will return.
Comment by Rosemary — January 16, 2010 @ 11:14 am
Thanks for sharing your Christmas pictures. It was like revisiting your magazine. I have every single copy of that magazine and will never part with one. I have a room in my house everyone refers to as the Mary Engelbreit room. I painted the floors and walls a cream color with black and white checkerboard going around the rug with cherries scattered. I found an old oak wood desk for my craft area and put an old bureau top with glass panels and shelves with lots of ME type doodads on them. You have been such an inspiration. Really enjoyed your Christmas pictures. Have a great creative new year.
Comment by Norma Westmoreland — January 16, 2010 @ 11:27 am
Oh, thank you, Mary! I got some inspiration for next year’s decorating. I especially love the way you lit the snow from underneath and used lanterns in the fireplace. I just hope I can remember these ideas come December!
Comment by Seleen — January 16, 2010 @ 11:31 am
Thanks for sharing with us Mary. I kinda looks like our two shops (SummerStrawberries.com)here in the U.K. I still miss your magazine….hurray back.
Comment by Tony Worrall — January 16, 2010 @ 11:40 am
Thank you for sharing your beautiful decorations. I especially love the white fireplace! I don’t have the heart to take mine down yet- maybe next weekend. Happy New Year!
Comment by Laura — January 16, 2010 @ 12:00 pm
Thanks for the inspiration and delight! I hate putting away the beauty of this season. I am bookmarking these photos to cherish during the blahs of winter. I am in awe of all of your decorations but I especially love that wreath!!
Happy New Year!
Comment by pam — January 16, 2010 @ 12:33 pm
You have been an inspiration to me for many, many years! I LOVE your decorations- thank you so much for sharing them with your fans:) I would LOVE to see your Valentines decorations – one of my favorite holidays! Happy New Year!
Comment by Jeannette — January 16, 2010 @ 12:58 pm
Thank you for sharing your creative vision with us once again! Being able to see your imaginative Christmas dreams appear was truly a treat! I hope this becomes a regular blog feature!
Comment by Laurie Luper — January 16, 2010 @ 1:01 pm
Love your white flamingos and St. Nicholas
Comment by Patty Wiseman — January 16, 2010 @ 2:27 pm
Felicity.
thank you for the peek.
Kathy
Comment by Kathy Bankson — January 16, 2010 @ 2:48 pm
Thanks for sharing your look for this year:)
Comment by sheryl — January 16, 2010 @ 2:52 pm
Who could ever be tired of Christmas-?! Everything is so delightful! Thanks and Cheers!
Comment by JerseyGirl — January 16, 2010 @ 4:18 pm
Soooooooo beautiful. I decided last year to decorate a small pink tree and it was so much fun. Where do you get those straight armed trees that show ornaments off so well? I’ve hand trouble finding them. I change my Christmas tree ornaments for handmade Valentine ones near January’s end. This keeps my spirits up in the “grey days” of winter. Any hope for Home Companion 2010??? Love your work.
Comment by Jan — January 16, 2010 @ 6:49 pm
Thank you so much for sharing. I just knew this is what it wold be like, WONDERFUL! As others have said, MAGAZINE….we all miss it very much.
Comment by Maggie — January 16, 2010 @ 6:54 pm
Hi Mary, I am doing the same thing this weekend and miss the tree most of all. Please take a look at my websight and you can see why.
thank you for all the inspiration over the years. I miss you magazine.
Barbara
Comment by Barbara Clark — January 16, 2010 @ 9:35 pm
I so love your decor! I did 8 trees this year (2 of them 9′) and lots of other touches, and I love it all. Mine are still up, and may be for a bit yet. They always stay up until after the Feast of the Epiphany, but this year I have a new grand-daughter who got a rocky start and is finally coming home tomorrow–my priorities were not with un-decorating the house! Thanks for sharing!
Comment by Gaynell Tooley-Dye — January 16, 2010 @ 10:49 pm
Dear friends,i would like to know addresses in New York City for Mary Engelbreit things,my son is there only for this week,working in Manhatan.i would like he brings to me Home companion magazine,reading glasses and so many thungs,can you tell to me where to find,please
I live in Spain and here is almost impossible to find nothing.
Hugs
Isabel
Comment by ISABEL — January 16, 2010 @ 11:21 pm
I was so surprised to see a familiar statute sitting among your all white Christmas decor on your fireplace mantel – the cherub looking down as she is opening a “supposed love letter”! I am 58 and I believe my grandfather gave this piece to my grandmother when they were first dating! My mother, who is now 83, has the “cherub” and I believe it is made out of some form of plaster. I am hoping someday I will be able to add it to my home as you have! I was wondering if your piece had any unique history or family meaning to you – she is so sweet! I was excited as I did not know if any others existed! Please respond if you have time – I know you are busy! Wishing you a beautiful Spring!.
Comment by karen — January 16, 2010 @ 11:48 pm
Thank you for sharing your Christmas decorating with us. I remember when I first got one of your Home Companion magazines years ago, it had pictures from one of your newly decorated homes and that’s when I fell in love with your things. I hope you continue to share your home with us as I too decorate for ALL the holidays and I am always looking for new ideas.
Miss your magazine!!!!
Comment by Janice — January 17, 2010 @ 1:38 am
GOOD IDEA…sharing your whimsical Christmas with us. Can’t wait till next year!
Comment by shelley LaDue — January 17, 2010 @ 1:47 am
Christmas must be so fun at your home! Thanks for sharing a touch of ME with the rest of the world.
Comment by Dawn — January 17, 2010 @ 12:07 pm
My Christmas decorations look so mundane next to yours! Your talent is unsurpassed!
Comment by deb yorgensen — January 17, 2010 @ 12:13 pm
Might like to see them, are you kidding ?? I savored every moment looking at your pictures. I want to copy everything. Thanks, Mary!
Comment by deby hill — January 17, 2010 @ 12:41 pm
so nice to be invited into your home. what fun you create with your Christmas decor. thanks for the peek!
Comment by bonnie — January 17, 2010 @ 3:27 pm
wow, wow, wow, love the Christmas decor as well as the house. Thank you for a peek inside your real life abode. It’s perfect.
Comment by Mary E. Deihl — January 17, 2010 @ 4:49 pm
Beautiful!! So imaginative and whimsical!! I adore all the white busts on the mantle. I wish I had a larger home so that I could dedicate a room to Christmas decor all year long. Thank you for opening up your home to us!! Please keep the ideas coming!! As a fellow artist,you have been my inspiration for a lot of projects.
Comment by Denise Shepherd — January 17, 2010 @ 9:25 pm
Oh my, what treasures! A fantasy forest of trees where you CAN see the artistic spirit through them all. All the best for 2010♥
Comment by Susy Kysely Thompson — January 18, 2010 @ 12:19 am
Really enjoyed seeing your decorations. I always loved your decorations for Valentine’s day in your magazines and reviewed them for inspiration before every Valentine’s day (other holidays too). Please post your Valentine’s Day decorations too… I found some vintage Valentine’s postcards last week and can’t wait to display them at home. Happy New Year from a long-time follower! God bless you dear!
Comment by Kimberly Taghon — January 18, 2010 @ 9:16 am
Thank you for the look inside your house. Confining the Christmas decorations to boxes for the year is hard but then I am so excited when I unbox them in November. Two of the last things I put away (and first things I get out) are a ceramic tree and santa with a snowman musical figurine created by you. Thank you for all your inspiration in my life and I do REALLY miss the magazine. (I was a charter subscriber and have them all.)
Comment by Janet Jelinek — January 18, 2010 @ 10:54 am
Thank you! This brightened my dreary Monday afternoon at work! Keep up all of your hard work for those of us who miss your magazine this is the next best thing. Thank you love!
Comment by Laura Elkins — January 18, 2010 @ 12:36 pm
Ahhh…these pictures gave me that warm to the soul feeling of inspiration and contentment! Thank you for sharing! Like so many others, I miss your magazine terribly…..
Comment by Martha Jean — January 18, 2010 @ 2:26 pm
Mary,
Thanks so much for sharing your home again to everyone. Out of all the wonderful decorations you had displayed, there was one that I absolutely loved! The picture shows your fireplace mantel and right away my eye was drawn to what looks like a “casting” of you and Mikayla? If it is, what a LOVELY timeless treasure to have! It brought a tear to my eye and made me smile for the wonderful memory you’ll have of that moment. I didn’t even know that such a thing could be done! You are SO clever and I thank you for always being an inspiration to me. Take good care. xo
Comment by Audrey Aims — January 18, 2010 @ 4:33 pm
I loved every bit. And so happy to see I am not the only one taking Christmas decorations down this weekend. Thank you for sharing!
Comment by Amber McNabb — January 18, 2010 @ 10:48 pm
I have to be honest, I ripped mine down December 28th! Good for you for hanging in there for so long!
Comment by Jen R sanctuary art — January 19, 2010 @ 3:59 am
I love how you have several different themes going but all happy and cheery. It inspires me – you have no idea how much I miss your magazine!! I have all the past ME mags saved and they are scattered about the house for inspiration. Thanks for making a fabulous magazine (yea- I know you didn’t do it alone but pass on the sentiments :>P)
Kim Pennell
Comment by Kimberly Pennell — January 19, 2010 @ 8:06 am
I keep your “Let’s put the fun back in dysfunctional” card in a frame on
my kitchen table. I used it recently to comment on how Dickens puts fun into the dysfunctional antics of various characters in his “Pickwick Papers.”
I love its whimsical with a hint of censure spirit.
Your work is wonderful.
Mike
Comment by Mike J Quinn — January 19, 2010 @ 8:13 am
Lovely! It looks like our house!
Comment by Patricia Godfrey — January 19, 2010 @ 12:54 pm
Your decorations are so fun ~ thanks for sharing. However, after viewing them, it makes me miss Home Companion magazine even more!
Comment by Debbie Hauserman — January 21, 2010 @ 8:07 am
Every year I pull out all my Mary books and mags and create the Christmas that comes through looking at them all. It really is so much fun even my daughter’s boyfriend and friends want to get in on it.
Comment by cathe — January 21, 2010 @ 1:19 pm
I just absolutely loved seeing your Christmas decorations!! You have a beautiful home. My husband and I just moved from St. Louis to Utah and I love to brag that I’m from St. Louis where you live!! (I’m assuming you are still there) Anyway, I especially love the candy canes in the green vase on your mantle. I feel like I’m your biggest fan!!! Everyone who knows me knows how I love you. Thank you soooo much for sharing!! Have a wonderful and prosperous New Year!
Comment by Christina — January 21, 2010 @ 6:04 pm
Gorgeous!!!!
)
Comment by Kathy — January 22, 2010 @ 9:48 pm
Now there’s an idea how about some spring decor books! Have you been to Nell Hills in Atchison, KS? Bet you’d love it!! Now there’s an outlet for your inspirations and artwork. Love the Atichison location much better than the KC. Don’t get me wrong Atchison is just more me.
Comment by Peggy — January 22, 2010 @ 10:30 pm
Mary your decoration are lovely just like you.
Comment by Loralie — January 25, 2010 @ 6:11 pm
Mary, you always have the sweetest of decorations. I especially love the mushrooms under the tree. So cute – so YOU!
happy new year,
becky
california
Comment by Sweet Cottage Dreams — January 26, 2010 @ 11:51 am
I had to smile looking at your decorations for Christmas-so beautiful-and then thinking how many of my Christmas decorations are ME designs and are truly my treasures! I am a Santa “collector” and yours are my favorites. Thank you for sharing!
Comment by Patti — January 27, 2010 @ 8:54 pm
Your home is beautiful! I love the picket fence in front of the fireplace! I am actually going to take down my tree and put up decorations tomorrow the 4th of Feb!!! I have been so busy and am just now able to do it. My kids walk in and laugh every time they see the tree is still up!
Comment by Michele — February 4, 2010 @ 4:32 am
Mary,
Loved the pictures! A vivid reminder of what we all loved about your wonderful magazine. Still hope it will return some day. Thanks for continuing to share your creative spirit and inspiration with all of us.
Best wishes,
Margaret
Comment by Margaret Antczak — February 4, 2010 @ 11:03 pm
Thanks for sharing your beautiful holiday decorations….You are truly inspiring. Sorry, but I do miss the magazine. Give me back Anne Estelle doll & I will be so happy….with all her best outfits….I am just a little girl at heart….but I guess that’s the point, right??
Gratefully, Nancy Lee from America’s hometown—Plymouth, MA….
Comment by Nancy Lee Stowasser — February 15, 2010 @ 5:57 pm