christmas party invites – your opinion please

by Sharon Santoni
Most years we have a christmas party here; a brunch or cocktails, a moment to enjoy the house dressed up for christmas and fill it to bursting with friends and family.
This year, although guests have been told the date, I’m a little late sending out my invites.  I like to do these by hand, it is no big deal.  If I keep to a simple design and use water colours and a metallic pen, I can  produce the twenty or so that I need in just a couple of hours in front of the fire .  You can see them taking shape in the collage shots below.
I want a fun image that can slip into an envelope, with space to write the invite behind.  They may have a ribbon on the top, not sure yet.  Working around a christmas tree idea, I have come up with three designs, but can’t decide which to choose.
Can you help me please?!
First up, the classic christmas tree, with pink and silver polka dot lights and
standing in a pink bucket ….
second choice, the pink and silver tree, with pink and silver baubles and a … pink and silver bucket …
and lastly the third option in grey and gold …
Opinions are divided in this house,
 I have a favourite but I’m not sharing ….
 I’d love to know which one, if any, you would choose
Merci beaucoup![blank]

PS.  Late this evening before I turn off the computer for the night … THANK YOU!!
You are quite amazing!

I still won’t say which tree I prefer, but I would like to put the records straight about my drinking habits!  The little glass does not contain some mysterious French liqueur …. it is simply the glass I was using for washing out my paintbrush

[blank]

119 comments

Curator December 3, 2012 - 12:05 pm

Why not use them all!

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Dash December 3, 2012 - 12:08 pm

You could use them all but I think the grey and gold is the most striking.
X

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ParisGrrl December 3, 2012 - 12:10 pm

I'd love to receive any of them, but my fav is the first one with the pink bucket.

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eb1 wedding invitations December 3, 2012 - 12:17 pm

my favourite is the pink one….very stylish and fun. It has slightly newer turn on the traditional look to the other two. would be great for a chic cocktail party!

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Amelia December 3, 2012 - 12:27 pm

Love all three invitations but my favorite is the first one, polka dots in the pink bucket.

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Lady of the Woods December 3, 2012 - 12:31 pm

Oh I haven't been here in weeks and you changed your banner pic to a Winter Wonderland that is YOUR home! I ADORE IT!!! And the snow….how sweet and enchanting. I love the falling snow and tried it on my blog but in south Florida it doesn't make sense. I must keep to what IS and go with that. I long for the White Blanket of snow and cool..just for a short time.
Well, just wanted to say also I have those same pink embossed goblets I use for both my tea and wine, and I love them. And a silver tray with moss and mercury ornaments too 😀 Moss I bought last year for Xmas, loved it around the house, then planted the moss in its own Moss Patch, kept it protected all year with Yellow and Pink Chinese umbrellas lol and this year I have live moss growing. 😀 As for the trees, I adored the first of course! what's not to love, then the second, but when I saw the third, I went "ohhhwww", so that's my choice. 😀 I understand Gray is a popular color in France? But it just took my breath for the moment. Keep us posted of your Christmas tidings, I'd love to see/hear them. blessings, lady

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Alison @ BaysideVintage December 3, 2012 - 12:37 pm

The first!

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intrigue designs December 3, 2012 - 12:42 pm

I agree, the first! a bit whimsy and classical at the same time!

Cheers,
Judy

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Fleaing France December 3, 2012 - 12:57 pm

The are all stunning, but the first is absolutely perfect!

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Barbara Lilian December 3, 2012 - 1:03 pm

Love them all. But as your hall table has such a classy decorated tray, I'd go for the Gold & Grey. have fun 😉

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Delaine December 3, 2012 - 1:04 pm

Hmm…decisions, decisions…I actually love them all, but I've narrowed it down between the first and last one. Gosh, this is hard! Okay… I'm going with the first one because it makes me happy when I look at it and it just looks French to me! Seeing it with the ribbon,I think it would look darling as a Christmas tree ornament after the guest receives it to put on their tree…just a thought! Thank you so much for sharing your Christmas experiences with us!

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Barbara Lilian December 3, 2012 - 1:06 pm

Love the snow scene on your banner. I was just in the middle of trying to put falling snow on my blog , but can't get it to work! ;(

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LC December 3, 2012 - 1:20 pm

They're all lovely, but the first one is my favourite!

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Anonymous December 3, 2012 - 1:21 pm

Have to say that my mum and I both prefer the silver tree with gold stars…festive and a little out of the ordinary! Cheers from Marseille!

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silvia c December 3, 2012 - 1:27 pm

I love the first one!!Have a ggod party.
Silvia

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silvia c December 3, 2012 - 1:28 pm

oops…good

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Lizzie December 3, 2012 - 1:43 pm

Oh, pink all the way!

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MomVee December 3, 2012 - 1:57 pm

If I have to pick one, the first. But why not use all three? You could even tell people to bring their invitations along and make a game out of it–your tree determines your seating, or a party favor?

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MEG MITCHELL December 3, 2012 - 2:09 pm

The first one….

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Debbie Dabbs December 3, 2012 - 2:16 pm

All beautiful….but I too love the first!

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marla December 3, 2012 - 2:18 pm

Love the pink bucket tree – so whimsical!

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High Heeled Life December 3, 2012 - 2:19 pm

It is a difficult choice – if I had to pick the first one, would be my choice… But honestly they are all BRILLIANT! You have a wonderful talent. I love that a) you are one of the few that still send invites (my friends think I'm nuts – but I send them too!) and b) that you personalize it by doing them yourself. I say use all three!!! Can't wait to see what you decide, which ever you choose your friends and family are very blessed to have you…xo C. (HHL)

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Anonymous December 3, 2012 - 3:00 pm

I love the first one. I must say they are all beautiful and the choice difficult.

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andiamo! December 3, 2012 - 3:01 pm

I would be thrilled to receive any of them but I am leaning towards the gray! Thank you for the big smile this morning when I saw your snowy home.

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Sue December 3, 2012 - 3:04 pm

I just love that everyone has such different opinions. That's what makes the world go round. I prefer the gold and silver one. I really like the simplicity of a touch of formality mixed with rustic.

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La Brocanteuse December 3, 2012 - 3:19 pm

I would use all three…as you hand them out, you will know who is more "pink" or silwer..or gold…love them all!Colette x

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Sarah December 3, 2012 - 3:19 pm

I like the first one, but I'd add some metallic pen to it, gold preferably.

The gold on the silver one looks green on the photo which is a bit confusing.

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julie - eab designs December 3, 2012 - 3:22 pm

The first one – whimsical and charming!

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Passionedeco...perchè le case hanno un'anima December 3, 2012 - 3:25 pm

I'm in love with the first one!
Fra

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Shannon December 3, 2012 - 3:34 pm

I can see why this is hard! They are all beautiful… and different. I lean towards the first one. It's just a beautiful, classic Christmas tree. I like it! 🙂

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Anonymous December 3, 2012 - 3:37 pm

I too, vote for the first one. It is whimsical,fun and stylish. Although I think all three would also work out well. But then you have to decide who would get #1, #2 or #3. I love the winter scene of your home and the falling snow. Thank you for sharing your wonderful ideas, photos. They keep me inspired and calm at this busy time of year. Janet

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Anonymous December 3, 2012 - 3:55 pm

I say send everything. Different one for each one.Hi Sharon I'm a fan of your blog from New Jersey USA.

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Sophia December 3, 2012 - 4:09 pm

I think all three designs are gorgeous! However, I am particularly drawn to the first one – will make a lovely invitation that all your guests will want to keep!

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I Dream Of December 3, 2012 - 4:20 pm

Hi Sharon, I LOVE that you make your own invitations. They are so sweet. I'd have a tough time choosing, too. All three are lovely. I think the first one is my favorite, it has so much personality. Let us know which one you pick!XO

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Anonymous December 3, 2012 - 4:24 pm

Love the new banner & your home looks so inviting with all this snow…I like the 1st tree although the 2nd one is also nice – maybe you add some gold dots. I think its the dots on the 1st tree that I'm drawn to if you are mixing cards. For sure your guests will be saving these cards if not framing something hand drawn in this computer era.

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DREAMS ON 34th STREET ~ French Bread & Family December 3, 2012 - 4:27 pm

Sharon! I love the first image!
It's "Paris"(the pink bucket) meets "Seuss" (the bendy tree top). It's very chic and fun! Hmmmm…that's you!
~Lynne
w/L.

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cindy December 3, 2012 - 4:30 pm

First, your banner is so beautiful! Second, the first one with the pink bucket and lights. Third, what a special invitation!

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ArabesqueStitch December 3, 2012 - 4:38 pm

I am going to choose the first design but it is not an easy decision! They are all charming and fun and perfect for a cheery holiday get-together! Beautiful work Sharon!

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hop December 3, 2012 - 4:41 pm

The first instinct was the right one. It is wonderful.

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Christel von Country Charme December 3, 2012 - 4:47 pm

Your winter banner tells a wonderful fairytale! Or ist it a location for a romantic Christmas picture with perhaps Keira Knightly?- The pink invitation seems very light-hearted and French to me. But I would really take the one, which matches your Christmas decoration best… if there is one.

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GLENDA CHILDERS December 3, 2012 - 5:01 pm

love, love the first one.

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Kristie Franklin December 3, 2012 - 5:19 pm

I'm all for the first one, it's so pretty and festive! They all look fantastic, Sharon. I'd love to be a guest just to receive one of your invites as a keepsake. 🙂

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vicki archer December 3, 2012 - 5:23 pm

It looks like the first one… 🙂 That would be my choice… but I also think the gold is elegant… xv

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Yvonne December 3, 2012 - 5:24 pm

All beautiful! If I have to choose, I'd pick in the order that you showed them. First choice #1 Runner up #2 with #3 close behind. Wish I were one of the special guests getting one of these beautiful Christmas invites. Have a lovely time.

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lissyparkerltd December 3, 2012 - 5:32 pm

The first one is just perfect! Have a great party.
xo, Lissy parker

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Jo December 3, 2012 - 5:36 pm

Number 1, The Classic Tree. Now, let's party! Jo @ Let's Face the Music

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Wild Oak Designs December 3, 2012 - 6:15 pm

I love them all. But, my heart went pitter patter over the last one in grey with gold. Of course, that is close to my color scheme this year. They are all wonderful….
Nancy
https://wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com

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marinaki December 3, 2012 - 6:23 pm

I like them all but i prefer the second tree.Lovely colours and the silver baubles are charming.

This is the first comment i leave on your blog but i've been reading for a while.
I always enjoy your posts and i appreciate you.

Have a nice evening!
Kisses from Italy,Verona.

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Tanagra December 3, 2012 - 7:32 pm

Je préfère le troisième!

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Sandra December 3, 2012 - 7:53 pm

Love the first one!!
Greetings from Sunny South Africa

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Kiki Dunigan December 3, 2012 - 8:31 pm

I love the Gray and Gold! Also, your blog design is beautiful, I adore the falling snow. I wish I could find a seminar or workshop that teaches these things. You are very talented!

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Vicki December 3, 2012 - 8:44 pm

I like them all; however, because I'm a fan of pink at Christmas for the right setting, I love your first depiction. The third is very chic in another way, because not everybody shares a love of pink. But, my, aren't you the talented one, Sharon!!! If I was invited, I'd keep the invitation and hang it as an ornament on my tree.

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Vicki December 3, 2012 - 8:48 pm

I reckon your favorite might be a pink tree; is your glass of something deliciously-pink to drink a hint?!! "Inviting" presentation, that…

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Vicki December 3, 2012 - 8:53 pm

I just can't get over the gorgeous new header; your home looks like something in a holiday magazine, dressed in snow, with glowy warm light shining from within…it's its own holiday greeting card and I love seeing it every single time I pull up your site. Thank you so much for sharing it; it does something to lift my heart. I want to walk right in! I want to be able to go to a place like your home for Christmas! The quintessential holiday house, welcoming, beckoning…come inside, good cheer, warm fire, good food, lively conversation, comfortable, happy; oh wow, so beautiful!

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Martin & the Magpie December 3, 2012 - 9:05 pm

they are all lovely but the first is my favourite….also love your falling snow…so pretty!!x

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Anonymous December 3, 2012 - 9:06 pm

I like tree #2.

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Marsha December 3, 2012 - 9:09 pm

The third tree gets my vote. They are all pretty but that's the one that speaks to me!!

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МаринаОсень December 3, 2012 - 9:13 pm

All 3 are just awesome! what a beautiful idea and your hand-work: adorable!

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МаринаОсень December 3, 2012 - 9:18 pm

And i do love nbr 3 just a bit more then others!

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seashoreknits December 3, 2012 - 9:25 pm

These are all simply beautiful, but no. 3 is very striking. 🙂

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Kim December 3, 2012 - 9:32 pm

I like the grey and gold one.

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Tara December 3, 2012 - 10:00 pm

All three are truly lovely but personally I like the first one the best. Please share with us your favorite.

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Anonymous December 3, 2012 - 10:01 pm

Hi Oh I just adore them all!
I like the gray and gold
and I am betting you like the pink and silver
you cant't go wrong with whatever one you pick.
Have a great party!
Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season.
Darlene North

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Sandy December 3, 2012 - 10:07 pm

I noticed you all ready have 64 opinions
but I'll give mine anyway.. Grey, love it!
Good luck
Happy Holidays
Sandy

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jodie December 3, 2012 - 10:11 pm

grey and gold!

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Mary December 3, 2012 - 10:45 pm

No. 1 is my fave! I, too, wondered what you were drinking in the goblet, and, then, stupid me I realized it was the water you used to clean your watercolor brush!
Your winter scene is gorgeous; is that snow from this year?

Mary in Oregon

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Anonymous December 3, 2012 - 11:24 pm

No#3 the Grey & Gold with the Pink one is a close #2nd…

Cheryl
Toronto,Canada

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MelO December 3, 2012 - 11:32 pm

I like the middle one – silver!! I love the snow effect, but since it has been implemented, scrolling up and down has become difficult!!?

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Stacey Snacks December 3, 2012 - 11:35 pm

They are all lovely, I would just be happy to receive an invite. 🙂
Love the snowy photo! Do you have snow already? It was 63F today, unseasonably warm for NYC……….next week a blizzard I am sure. xo

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Janette - The2Seasons December 3, 2012 - 11:47 pm

Tree number deux.

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CasaKoivu December 3, 2012 - 11:54 pm

At first, your blog is so beautiful -my favourite! Makes me dream.
My favourite of the invitations is the first one with polka dots!
Have a good work and greetings!

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White Weathered Hutch, December 4, 2012 - 1:12 am

OMG!!! They are all amazing… Use them all.

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Nantucket Daffodil December 4, 2012 - 1:34 am

I vote for an assorted pack! I love them all! They remind me of vintage department store holiday logos from the 50's…macy's, harrods, neiman marcus…just lovely!

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Sandi December 4, 2012 - 1:58 am

I love the first one. Reminds me Lulu.

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Cathi December 4, 2012 - 2:08 am

Love them all but my fave is the one you have hanging by the ribbon! xxoo

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Anonymous December 4, 2012 - 2:42 am

I think you should use all three and write: Joyeux, Joyeux ( one under each tree) Noel (under last). Then I think you should mass produce them so we can buy one!
Joyeux Noel! Rie'

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koralee December 4, 2012 - 3:53 am

So darling…I love the little pink trees…you are very talented! Greeting from Canada. xo

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The Blue Farmhouse December 4, 2012 - 5:32 am

They're all beautiful…but I choose the first one with the droopy limb w/star attached.

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Vicki December 4, 2012 - 5:38 am

Oh, gosh, do I feel silly to think the goblet of something pink was a delicious drink and part of the presentation, and this is now my fourth comment to the post which is a bit obsessive. I'm going to believe that it's not paintwash but instead some sort of strawberry fizz for the festivities!

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Melanie December 4, 2012 - 6:24 am

Love them! My favorite is the first one- the beautiful green tree.

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Annette T. December 4, 2012 - 6:46 am

OH it's definintely #1, hard to decide as they are all beauitful. You are a lady after my own heart painting your invites. I've been busy painting gift tags to gift to people! Have a great party.

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Kathysue December 4, 2012 - 6:54 am

#1 so simple and pretty1

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Jeni Maus December 4, 2012 - 7:08 am

I love the first one….simply, beautiful 🙂

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Michellenidayinteriors December 4, 2012 - 7:09 am

LOVE the pink on pink!!

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Erin December 4, 2012 - 7:16 am

I am a new reader, totally enchanted with your blog and lifestyle. I find the pink too precious but adore the gold and grey tones together. Thanks for all your blogging! As a mom I have especially appreciated and enjoyed your posts on family life. 🙂

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Vickie December 4, 2012 - 7:17 am

I love them all, but #3 is my favorite!

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M-Anne December 4, 2012 - 7:17 am

Grey and gold for me! Il me semble faire peut-être davantage esprit de Noël?!

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Melissa Hebbard December 4, 2012 - 7:26 am

Love the photo of the house in snow. The falling snow is just too cute too.
I think you are wonderful to hand paint your invitations. You could, of course, send out different ones to each person and make each one suit the taste of the receiver! Personally, I love the pink one with those cute raised white bauble garlands on it. Send out a mixed bunch is my choice.
Happy holiday season and Merry Christmas.

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Anonymous December 4, 2012 - 7:31 am

The last one….it looked to me like a greyed blue and blue is my favorite colour…love grey/blue. It truly stands alone and goes with your new header…

Love your home and the winter scene is mesmerizing!

Sylvia Faye

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Anonymous December 4, 2012 - 7:42 am

Definately the last one for me…. very classic looking, suits the tone of your decorations so far.. although they're all very cute!

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Lauren December 4, 2012 - 7:43 am

They are all beautiful, but my favorite is the first one in the pink bucket!

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Anonymous December 4, 2012 - 7:48 am

me too, polka dot first one
cute idea to make ornament

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Debbie December 4, 2012 - 8:08 am

I like the first one the best. I love the photo of your house with all the snow.

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Tammy December 4, 2012 - 8:26 am

I like them all, but my fav is the grey and gold!

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Countrylovers December 4, 2012 - 11:25 am

Liebe Sharon,

ich mag alle drei Entwürfe, wenn ich mich aber für einen entscheiden müßte würde ich Entwurf 1 wählen. Die Zartheit der Farben hat wohl den Ausschlag gegeben. Ich finde es sehr schön, dass es Menschen gibt, die sich noch Gedanken machen, ihre Briefe noch per Hand schreiben und allem eine persönliche Note verleihen. Auch ich schreibe noch per Hand persönliche Weihnachtsgrüße, am Schreibtisch, mit einer Tasse Tee bei Kerzenlicht und mit Füllfederhalter. Das hat doch einfach Stil!
Übrigens, dein verschneites Haus sieht traumhaft aus!

Liebe Grüße von der Babsi

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Magnolia Verandah December 4, 2012 - 11:26 am

Love the first one the best – but to be honest I would be so amazed if I was one of the guests who received an original hand painted invitation.

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countrydesignhome December 4, 2012 - 12:32 pm

My eye was immediately drawn to the second one because it is so pretty and whimsical. Can't believe you hand-paint your invitations! I hope there is a relatively short guest list : )

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Liz Ryan and Kari Kim December 4, 2012 - 12:58 pm

Grey and Gold! Classic and beautiful!

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Anonymous December 4, 2012 - 1:12 pm

I echo the sentiments of all the previous "comments"~ but I keep going back to the evergreen tree in the rosey-red bucket! The "bucket" color reminds me of St. Nick's cheeks! And there is nothing like evergreen tree as the canvas to display a variety of decor!
Enjoy

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Linda Stansbury December 4, 2012 - 2:16 pm

I like the first one. The classic Christmas tree. Very sweet…

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HARRISON TENNIS December 4, 2012 - 2:23 pm

I will be looking forward to my invitation. I really think the first one with the pink container is lovely.

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Jennifer December 4, 2012 - 2:46 pm

They are all so lovely–what a talent you have! But, if I had to choose one it would #1 the classic Christmas tree

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Noelle December 4, 2012 - 2:53 pm

Good Morning, Sharon. I very much enjoyed the progression of your work from softly retro to a bolder pallette. Favoring the pink/silver version because it presents a soft presence with dimension. Have a beautiful day and thanks for including your online "friends". Joyeux Noel
Noelle Steele

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Amy December 4, 2012 - 3:31 pm

Pink and silver with baubles. Definitely, the baubles!

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Colleen Taylor December 4, 2012 - 4:33 pm

The FIRST one, love them all, very nicely done!

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e December 4, 2012 - 4:40 pm

PINK. It is tres chic!

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cheri December 4, 2012 - 4:58 pm

My favorite is the classic one and I'm really enjoying your falling snow on the screen. Love your art work too!

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BRASWELL December 4, 2012 - 5:47 pm

I love the gold & grey one!#3 but as others have said you could use them all! Wouldn't it be fun to hear your guest say, "I got this one, which one did you get"? You have an amazing talent. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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Penny Wise December 4, 2012 - 5:55 pm

They are all delightful!- Love the idea of using all three- or whichever one ties in with your party color palette and decor for the event! Joyeux noel!

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Jo-De Davis December 4, 2012 - 7:49 pm

I vote for number one! It's cheery and sparkly. Joyeux Noel!!!!!

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Covenant Lights by Dorothy December 4, 2012 - 8:06 pm

I love the first one. Makes me smile.
I also love your new picture with the snow, but miss the horses. I have 2 horses the very same color and love to see yours in your front yard! We don't have snow yet here in Minnesota USA, so my 5 sheep are still grazing in our yard. So fun to step out the door and have them greet us!

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Rachel December 4, 2012 - 9:49 pm

Grey and gold, but I also like the first one. Why not use all three like someone else said!

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KAM December 4, 2012 - 11:04 pm

I love them all. Would choose as the first choice the gold and green to go withi your decorations,

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Anonymous December 5, 2012 - 1:57 am

I think sending all three is a great idea but if I have to pick one I would pick the first one. Love them all!

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Bonnie Schulte December 5, 2012 - 4:51 am

lOVE, love the first classic tree. What a treat to receive a hand painted invite.

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Cynthia S. December 5, 2012 - 8:37 am

Hi Sharon,
As a watercolor artist myself, I love that you are painting your invitations! So special – I am sure the recipients will be keeping them forever. I vote for #1 – the classic in the pink bucket mostly because it spoke to me and as Pablo Picasso said, "paintings should always evoke an emotion." Good job!

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pink*cherub*moon December 5, 2012 - 10:03 pm

I like the first one, in the pink bucket. I love the wayh the top curls over – sweet! Hugs, Leena
PS Love your new cover shot with the falling snow!

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Jenny Garcia December 20, 2012 - 10:40 am

i agree! All of them are simply wonderful. You just need to write your christmas invitation wording and you're good to go. Very cute and creative. Happy Holidays!

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Vicente June 13, 2013 - 6:35 pm

This way the little ones can have their own decorated table as well and it cost you nothing but the leftovers of the wrapping paper!
skyline decor

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