christmas mccabe style

AJ and I opened our mail the other day and we had an adorable Christmas card with Elliot and Ethan staring at us... they are the sons of two friends from my church growing up. Christine and Ryan were high school sweethearts and married while still in college. I still remember how stylish their wedding was... it was in Ryan's backyard (the gardens are stunning) and the bridesmaids wore bright happy colors and the dresses really could be worn again... none of this 27 Dresses business.

Since we aren't here to talk about beautiful weddings I'll let Christine tell you in her own words what Christmas looks like at their house, but first, here she is with those adorable boys I was telling you about:

For me, Christmas is about Jesus Christ, family coming together, traditions, and joy and peace. (I couldn't agree more, Christine.)

This is on the inside of my front door; I think this was a gift from my sister several years ago and I just like the chunky-ness of it.

I like to collect ornaments from places we've been or are special to us. The lobster trap I actually picked up at a yard sale that was on the Uxbridge town common a couple of years ago. But Ogunquit is a special place for us - where Ryan and I got engaged and have spent many summer days at the beach there.

The silver star is one of 5 that I nabbed at Restoration Hardware's after-Christmas sale -- the only time I can afford to buy from that store!

And the Adirondack chair was from our 1st vacation with Elliot two summers ago in the White Mountains of NH.

The next is our nativity scene which is displayed on the buffet in our dining room. Elliot, our 3 year old, is the one who meticulously arranged the set-up of the Christmas story figures. 

The baskets on the wall contain some holly clipped by my mother-in-law from Devon Alvaro's yard, along with some other greens I gathered from my yard. I love the variegated leaves!

This mini-tree is on our buffet and the little pouch ornaments were made by Ryan's Aunt Martha and have our names and dates on them.

And the final picture is a rustic frame I received as a gift - a little more "country" than is my style, but okay for me at Christmas time.

Thank you, Christine, for showing off your house! I'm so glad you emailed me. :) I love that you have a reason for your ornaments and I'm in love with the Restoration Hardware one...