T'was the afternoon before Christmas and all through the house . . .

For the last several hours, while everyone was enjoying an afternoon siesta, I put the final touches on our Christmas table.  This is when my office / library transforms back into our dining room once again. I arranged a vase of fresh cut flowers, all white,

and set the table.  This year I decided to celebrate the season with a little nod to the major design project that has kept me so busy for several months, She Sells Seashells.  It seems only fitting as my immersion also becomes my family's immersion, and everything gets put on the back burner until I reach my December 1st deadline to deliver illustrations to my manufacturer.  So, to honor that process and to savour the completion of yet another collection, I decided I would include a few mermaid decorations on our holiday table this year.

 

They are actually pretty simple, but all that I could manage with the marathon of activity leading up to this moment.  A marathon of shopping, wrapping, shipping, decorating, tree trimming, Christmas cards, baking, menu planning, cooking, cleaning, and all that on top of the day to day running of Character Constructions.  But, they look sweet alongside our Coquille china, and sitting here now at my desk on Christmas Eve, I feel a sense of peace and also of accomplishment knowing that everything is finally in place for our family Christmas.  

As I sat chronicling yet another Christmas Eve, the sun slowly set.  It's dark now, but here is the view from my desk just a short while ago.  I am off to the kitchen to prepare for tomorrow's Christmas dinner.  

Merry Christmas everyone! 

Comments

[jackie]

Catherine your table and home look so inviting and comfortable. I love what you did with your new theme this year. How fitting.
I hope your and your family have a wonderful Christmas and I look forward to MAYBE meeting you in person in 2011..........

[Nancy Gene Armstrong.]

Lovely-and fitting that the MERMAIDS are there with you sharing this celebration. Have a very Merry Christmas.
Such a lovely table and tree.

[Laura Haviland]

Oh Catherine,I enjoyed all your love and care used to create such a lovely Christmas feeling in your home.
Your dishes are so amazing,what a fabulous find "shell dishes"...so perfect.
I totally adore your holiday theme and your mermaid is stunning.
You have such a magical creative mind.
I hope your family made some great holiday treasured memories.
Best wishes,Hugs Laura. xoxx
P.S. Great photo's.

[Maria]

I can just feel the excitement of a Christmas and new beginning, alongside the completion of another wonderful creative stamp line! I can't wait to play. XOXO, Maria

[Julie Campbell]

Good morning, Catherine! So glad I found your blog this morning--so much that is beautiful and inspiring! LOVE your new mermaid stamps! I just couldn't seem to find where they're available to buy...would love to see more!

Wishing you a lovely Sunday & a wonderful New Year!

Julie

[Barbara]

Catherine, Your table looks fabulous and love the gorgeous mermaids you created! Hope you had time to de-stress and relax during the holiday. I am looking forward to playing with my new stamps (just as soon as a few commitments are completed, hopefully in the next day or so). Glad we got a chance to catch up!

[Mo]

Catherine - I just now got my first look at the mermaids. They're amazing! I live in Seattle with a view of the Puget Sound and always create an ocean-themed display in the summer. Your new stamps will be a big part of this year. Your table looked lovely. Happy New Year!