I can’t believe its all over!  The holidays I mean!  

I did not go "all out" this year with Christmas decorations. Instead I just focused on the living and dining room.

Hey, even though I scaled back quite a bit this year because the whole family, including me, went to Colorado for the week that encompassed Christmas, I still put some effort into the decor of the house.

The "star" piece on the mantel this year was just a simple arrangement of white and dark pink poinsettias with light pink roses and some burgundy accents.

Big sigh … Now, it must all come down!  

I used a few poinsettia flowers that had glitter on them just to give the arrangement a conservative amount of sparkle - not too gaudy, I think!

Such a shame because its so romantic and pretty, and lends such a soft and festive air – especially to the living and dining room.  This year I really played up the PINK, burgundy and white.

With my Victorian-style ornaments that I have collected over the years, it was an aesthetic treat for me. I really enjoyed seeing it all every day.

But now it’s time to carefully pack it away.  (Secretly, I wish I could do like my Aunt Betty used to, and cover the tree with a sheet and stick it behind a decorative screen in a corner of the living room.  Unfortunately, there isn’t room here.) Hopefully, I’ll stick to my resolution to wrap and file it so its easier to find next year.  Ha!  We’ll see …

                              Sleep peacefully Christmas decorations!  See you again after Thanksgiving!

Mother collected 12 doll head ornaments designed by Marie Osmond. They continue to go on the tree in the house every Christmas …

The “White House” Christmas ornaments go perfectly with with a romantic-themed tree. This one of the first wedding in the White House is my favorite.

Another of my favorite ornaments …

At my house, Santa drives a fancy car!

And the ladies are always dressed to the nines!

If you are like me and don’t want to use the pre-made flimsy garland and cheesy banners in your Valentine’s Day decorations, try this  Romance Renaissance Quick Trick …

Take a pack of Rick Rack you might have around the house or in your sewing basket already … this strand is great because it already had sparkles on it. I got it from a JoAnn Fabric and Craft store ...

These cards were not only pretty, they were pretty sturdy as well — and inexpensive!

Sit them on top of the rick rack. These cards were perfect for a banner because they were all alike and opened at the bottom. This made it possible to SIT them on the rick rack without having to glue or staple them. Now, they can be re-used.

I  bought one pack of six to decorate with, and one to send out.

My Hallmark store offered me free stickers to go on the back of every envelope in the packet of Valentine's that I purchased. Make sure you get yours too ... and remember to ask about their loyalty program - earn points for goodies!

I just tied them up between the sconces over my fireplace ...

However -- if you hang them from a fireplace mantle like I did, feel of the cards occasionally to make sure they are not getting too hot. You want a "HOT" Valentine's Day, but you don't want to burn down the house! NEVER leave a burning fireplace or candles unattended ..!