French Christmas

I received the newest issue of the Jeanne d' Arc Living Christmas Magazine and thought I'd start my first series of Christmas Decorating with this issue.  I am loving all that I see each time with this magazine, which to me is more like a book.

This special edition features Christmas at French homes and as their sub-title says "in the french inspired home".  If you haven't had the opportunity to at least look at this book, I'd highly recommend getting your hands on at least one issue.  I know it's pricey and more than most will pay for a magazine, but so worth it.

Take a look:

Of course with the French home or any home for that matter, you have to start out with the Christmas tree.  Whether real or not, large or just a small table top, it's just not Christmas unless you have some type of tree.

I featured this picture a while back as my blog header:

I love old ice skates and the feel they give to your home.  They remind me of my childhood.  While we never had our lakes freeze over so that I could go ice skating, there was always a man made ice skating rink that I remember going to.

So simple and pretty:

A candle just makes things seem alright or at least I think so.  I could stare at a candle for hours and just dream away.

A simple olive branch means so much:



Since there aren't olive branches in my area, I like to use rosemary or bay leaves.

The cross:

I have crosses in several places of my home and I especially love rosaries.  While I may not be a Catholic, that still doesn't stop me from wearing rosaries.  I just love to wear them and they remind me of my faith each day.

Baby Jesus:

I love using the manger scenes in my home.  It does remind us of what Christmas is really all about, don't you think.

The Virgin Mary:

Such a statement is made with no words.  I have a wonderful Virgin Mary garden statue and she stands proudly in my garden.

And last but not least, Angels:

Don't we all need to be surrounded with Angels, especially with all the crazy things that go on in our world.  I'm sure there are times I put my angels to work extra duty for me.  Thank you Angels. 

I hope these French Inspired ideas inspires you to add a few touches such as these to your home this season.  All images used are from the Jeanne d' Arc Living magazine and if you are interested in purchasing this magazine, please email and I'll be happy to share my source with you. 

Joyeux Noël