This evening, I was grocery shopping.  It was raining and cold.  I had just loaded the
groceries into my car, when I received a call from a friend who knew I was nearby.
She said she was baking Christmas cookies, and made a fresh pot of coffee, and thought maybe I would want to stop in and say "hi". What a fun and unexpected invitation, on such a dreary day. 

I walked into her kitchen, and was greeted by the wonderful aroma of freshly baked
cookies.  You may remember that I shared with you, a few years ago, her
gift of decorating for Christmas.  Today, I was reminded again of her ability to create such a beautiful, warm and "homey" atmosphere.
 

Simple, colorful, and always with touches of nature.  This is the window sill in her
kitchen. 

The centerpiece on her dining table, was a wooden piece filled with colorful ornaments.
What an attractive way to dress up a table!

On her island was a creative vignette made up of greens and berries in a white pitcher, along
with touches of burlap on a black wicker tray.  The ornaments were gifts from a previous
Christmas.

On her kitchen counter was a white ironstone platter, with fruits and pinecones.  I liked the
look of it, although I must admit, I never would have thought to put the two together. 
What a creative approach to decorating.

The vintage looking napkins and the coordinating mugs with steaming hot coffee, offered
therapy on a discouraging day.  If you want to brighten someone's day,
call them and invite them over for a cup of coffee, spontaneously.  It will bless their day,
I promise. 

And, if you want to bless it even more, call them when you just pulled out a sheet of
cookies from the oven.  It is bound to lift spirits, even if your friend has been
running in and out of the rain for a few hours, and looks like she did...invite her in
anyway.

Oh, and by the way, I found the Christmas tree display so attractively done, I asked her if I
could use it as my banner picture. She so graciously gave me that privilege.

Since blogging presents opportunities to step into other's homes and lives, I knew
you would appreciate seeing my friend's decorating gifts and talents.

Thank you for stopping by this evening.