Metamorphosis Monday with Between Naps on the Porch
I’m finally getting around to getting a little decorating done around here. I started with this wreath in the kitchen.
Kitchen Wreath
This wreath is decorated with an assortment of old pieces of silver flatware. The flatware is getting a little tarnish these days. There are also a couple of special ornaments on this wreath.
From our first Christmas being married in 1997.
If you look closely, you can see the names inscribed, Christi and Joe B.
Vieux Carre
This ornament above, we got on our honeymoon. We went to New Orleans, then to Jamaica and then back to New Orleans before coming home. All of that we flew first class for $39.00 because I had a gazillion frequent flyer miles from my job!
I also decorated my fireplace today. I don’t have a mantel so I have to improvise.
Pre Christmas decoration
I moved my painting from the fireplace and replaced it with a mirror. I then hung a wreath from the mirror with some garland, lights and ornaments.
Plug it in and voila!
A cozy Christmas fireplace!
Bring on the hot apple cider!
One more thing – I have a new Facebook page for A Southern Life. The fan box is on the left sidebar. Would love to have you join me there and add you to my friend list as well!
Today’s Lagniappe: Pumpkin Bread
This not only tastes wonderful, it smells wonderful as it is cooking!
* 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 3 cups granulated sugar
* 1 cup vegetable oil
* 3 eggs
* 1 can (16 ounces) pumpkin
* 1 cup coarsely chopped raisins, optional
* 1 cup chopped walnuts
Grease and flour a 10-inch fluted tube pan.
In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and soda, spices, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, oil, and eggs; stir until well blended. Stir pumpkin into the egg mixture. Gradually add sifted dry ingredients to the pumpkin and egg mixture, stirring well after each addition. Fold in walnuts and raisins if using. Spoon batter into prepared tube pan. Bake in a preheated 350° oven for about 1 hour and 15 to 20 minutes, or until a wooden pick or cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool on a rack for 10 minutes before removing from pan. Cool completely on rack before slicing.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
So pretty. I love the intrinquite cut gold ornaments.
Just an fyi most people are not getting the correct info in their reader-my updates are over 2 weeks old and I have made multiple other posts. I’ve been on with Google multiple times and they don’t have an answer and I am not getting everyones updates in my reader either.
Cheri
Christi I would love to link up on Facebook. I went over and entered Christi@A Southern Life but nothing came up. I just did A Southern Life but wasn’t sure it was you or not. I am listed under Cheri Childers Peoples if you send me an invite I will accept. I am also on Twitter (Its So Very Cheri)
cheri
Christi…love all your Christmas decorations. I kind of like the flatware a bit tarnished on the wreath…just perfect!
Your mantle/fireplace is breathtaking…truly stunning! What a wonderful spot to curl up with some hot chocolate and a good book. 
Susan
Christ, I love your kitchen wreath. Great theme, and I love how you made it very personal with a special ornament. You did a lovely job!
Your mantle looks very festive!
Yvonne
Absolutely gorgeous!
Great job Christi – makes your fireplace look *so* cozy… and the kitchen wreath is adorable – I have a little kitchen tree with miniature kitchen things (rolling pins, bundt pan, cookie cutters, etc.) I never thought of flatware – little baby spoons would be a perfect scale…..
Wow, you did a great job on the mantle. Very clever decorating.
D
Hi Christi!
I LOVE your mantel!
love, kelee
Oh that is so pretty–you would think there was a mantle!!! I love the idea of a kitchen wreath with spoons–great idea!
I really like how you decorated your fireplace. It’s pretty & festive and very creative
Kelly @ DesignTies
Love the way you decorated the mirror over the fireplace. You are just tooo cleaver, never thought about using old flatware on a wreath. Thanks for showing all this wonderful inspiration.
Sandy
How pretty your fireplace looks, so festive!
Looks so nice and cozy!