the lull before the christmas storm

by Sharon Santoni

preparing a christmas table in grey

I’m sure I’m not the only one to feel that these last few days before Christmas are the lull before the storm.     In a few days time all the children will be home and the house will be filled to the brim with music, laughter, good food, champagne, wrapping paper and happy dogs.

preparing a christmas table in grey

I’m loving the build up, the preparations, the baking, choosing gifts, making beds, filling the fridge.  The house will feel like it used to before we were empty nesters, because we are at that stage where nobody has got married yet, so they still come home.

preparing a christmas table in grey

And in this final week, with the house decorated, it’s nice to see a few friends too, for quiet pre-christmas dinners.  I don’t want to feel like we are having rehearsal dinners for Christmas, and I like to keep the colours softer and more muted.

preparing a christmas table in grey

I saw these anemones at my local florist, I love anemones in the winter, especially these white buds with black hearts.  I popped them in an antique Wedgewood vase, with some foliage from the garden and a few silver baubles to look more festive.   A grey linen cloth, and old grey on cream plates, and the table is set.  Simple but pretty.

I hope you’re enjoying the lead up to Christmas and looking forward to a fine dose of festive mayhem in your homes too.

preparing a christmas table in grey

Enregistrer

28 comments

sue December 16, 2016 - 6:02 pm

How beautiful! Lost for words and that is really unusual.

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Linda Mahkovec December 16, 2016 - 6:05 pm

Lovely. I feel the lull, the calm, the quiet moments (before the happy storm!).

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Donna December 16, 2016 - 6:06 pm

Such a beautiful table setting and floral display…
Merry Christmas…

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Our French Oasis December 16, 2016 - 6:15 pm

Those anemones are absolutely stunning. Lots of super happy excited children here as school finished today and their eldest sister arrives home in a couple of days, then we shall be a very happy festive full house!

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Caroline Longstaffe December 16, 2016 - 6:17 pm

Just beautiful, the very essence of France! Enjoy the mayhem, it’s really the best bit and have a lovely Christmas

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Regina December 16, 2016 - 6:19 pm

Dear Sharon, thank you for keeping me entertained during 2016 with your beautiful ideas and being there to uplift our spirits with the beauty of France. I wish you and yours everything of the best for 2017 and look forward to your stories. A blessed Christmas is sent your way. Fond regards – Regina

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Ri December 16, 2016 - 6:40 pm

Anemones: Love ever steadfast

A beautiful flower and the meaning is perfect for Christmas.

A quiet and lovely table…. have a lovely evening.

Merry Christmas.

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Eleanor Miller (jan) December 16, 2016 - 6:41 pm

Stunning Sharon,everything I adore.
Happy Christmas to you and your family.

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Colleen Taylor December 16, 2016 - 7:05 pm

Serenely beautiful Sharon. My Wish for you is to sit back and enjoy all the fruits of your labor, your children, your husband, your home and gardens and most of all, enjoy yourself. Thank you for always giving me such joy in my day with your lovely blog. Merry Christmas! joyeux Noël

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Marsha Scott December 16, 2016 - 7:39 pm

Sharon, I love this little vignette, those crystal knife rests & the china are beautiful. White flowers are my absolute favorite anytime of the year. We’re headed to the Texas hill country & then on to Vail, our traditional Christmas holidays. Sending love to you & your family, including the animals.

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Sheila in SF December 16, 2016 - 7:53 pm

Enjoyed your blog this past year and meeting you on your book tour in Sonoma. Happy Holidays with your family and look forward to another great year of your French ideas and lifestyle.

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Marie December 16, 2016 - 8:16 pm

Beautiful!
But the monogram on the napkins is “M”. Your names are “S” “. But mine is Marie.
Hmmm.

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Carol December 16, 2016 - 9:49 pm

Thank you for all the beautiful pictures that you have posted all year. Loving all the Christmas posts.

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Mary December 16, 2016 - 10:17 pm

Lovely! Where did you get the gorgeous monogrammed napkins?

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Debra December 17, 2016 - 1:07 am

I love the beautiful elegant, yet simplistic style. So refreshing. The plates are so pretty. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas.

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Dottie Monta December 17, 2016 - 2:12 am

My all-time favorite color combination!
Quietly beautiful, elegant, perfect for the calm focus now, before the colorful exuberance.
Thank you, Sharon, for inspiration since you came into my screen life!
Merry Christmas! Joyeux Noel!

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Pat December 17, 2016 - 4:43 am

Lovely Sharon! I hope you have a magical Christmas with your family. Pat @ Bringing French Country Home

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Patricia Gilbert December 17, 2016 - 11:56 am

So tranquil and elegant! Anemones are so hard to find at the florist where I live, so I’m living vicariously through you. I gave a plug for your new boxes on my blog yesterday. I hope they will be a huge success for you.

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Nancy December 17, 2016 - 6:08 pm

Your pictures are sublime! I love the china…what pattern is it?? It should live at my house…..
Beautiful…
Merry Christmas!

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Deborah Wright-Posey March 23, 2017 - 9:34 pm

Do you mind sharing the name of your china please. Mine is Italian Countryside and I’ve never seen any that I love as much until now. It is lovely.

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Vicky from Aens December 18, 2016 - 12:57 am

Just beautiful! Enjoy the chaos of having your children and their friends in and out of the house during Christmas and the New Year. Too soon our children become adults, find their “significant others” and begin their own families. Then “our” holidays begin to change.
My best to you and yours during this most special of holidays.
Vicky

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marie ballon December 18, 2016 - 9:56 am

Thans for the great idea of anemones together with silver. I’ll imitate You if You don’t mind.Have a happy Christmas Time and celebrate in Style all your brilliant achievements. Love. Marie from B.

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Ros short December 18, 2016 - 10:42 pm

A very merry Festive Season Sharon, loving those special Xmas ornaments too Thankfully you can find them here & I love to give them as a special treat to close buddies .Looking forward to your new year blog ! Best Ros

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Sue M. December 20, 2016 - 5:06 am

It’s all so gorgeous. Love those plates!

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Susan December 21, 2016 - 4:02 am

Beautiful!

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Kathleen A Curley December 23, 2016 - 11:36 pm

I adore the quiet colors and calm before the storm!
Thank you.

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Sulistiyo December 24, 2016 - 12:37 am

Merry Christmas…

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Daftar Poker88 January 16, 2017 - 1:48 am

Merry Christmas girls i hope your happy

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