I was looking through my photo files this weekend and found pictures of my 2007 Christmas dining room from the English Tudor we lived in Portland, Oregon. It’s always a pleasure to look back and see how holiday style and decorating change over the years.
The dining room in that house was generous in scale. It easily accommodated a baby grand piano (in fact, we had two pianos in the house) along with substantial furniture and entertaining space. Today my dining room seats four, so I’m grateful for those wider rooms I used to have, even if my current home is cozier.
We hosted many holiday parties and family gatherings in that house. One year we had over 100 guests at our final holiday party there — it was a wonderful place for entertaining friends and neighbors.
One of the baby grands was a player piano, so it would play on its own. Turning on Christmas music from the piano filled the house with a warm, festive atmosphere.
I miss the beautiful woodwork, painted wainscoting, leaded glass doors, and combed plaster walls — so much authentic architectural detail that gave the house character.
I also miss my glass chandelier. I still have the toile shades and hope to use them somewhere in the new home soon.
Even though I miss aspects of my old houses, I love many things about my current home. With time it will feel like home too, and I look forward to making new memories there.
TIP: This wreath is made from broken and imperfect ornaments, glued and wired onto a form. It’s a creative way to use less-than-perfect or spare ornaments and gives them new life.
Thanks for taking a walk down memory lane with me back to 2007.
I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving holiday weekend. We spent time with family and relaxed, and now I’m excited to resume holiday decorating and begin the Christmas season.