Inspiration for living a luxuriously and balanced life

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

A Nutcracker Christmas ~ and ~ Christmas GIVE AWAY

We have been working hard at the HHL country home, getting ready for Christmas and the celebrations of the season. This year is the first Christmas in 5 years that I am looking forward to. With my love of ballet and memories of going to see the Nutcracker Ballet on my birthday... The Nutcracker theme was perfect for our home.

Trying to bring some tradition back into the celebration of Christmas, we choose to not add the Angel to the top of tree during Advent. Instead on Christmas eve we will set the Angel in place at the top of the tree and light it's candles.

A pretty ballerina dances about....

ballet slippers ...

Clara and her Nutcracker gift ...

Christmas horse....

The Mouse King


Our guests are greeted by a nature scene inspired from our property..

Little Dolce, checking out the gifts under the tree... woofing that some be for him...

This is a special Nativity that is dear to Mr. G's heart and we place out each year.

Notice the crèche is empty ... it will remain empty until midnight Christmas eve...
The reason for Christmas celebration!!!

Since the Christmas season is for giving ... What better time

 to host a GIVE AWAY!!

When I hosted a Girls Christmas Tea last month, this was one of the prizes a lucky guest won! 
When purchasing it, I decided that my Blog Friends should also have an opportunity to win a teacup and saucer set.. so of course an extra was purchased and set aside for this give away!


This is a ROYAL ALBERT teacup and saucer...

I love the details ... the gold rim edges, the flower bouquet that greets you as you bring the teacup to to your lips.

The detail on the saucer is magnificent!


The pattern is LADY CARLYLE....

The Give Away is open to ALL followers, 
Yes, no matter where you live!

All you need to qualify is be an existing Follower or new follower of this blog Falling Off A High Heeled Life (via Google friend connect) and leave a comment.

EXTRA Chances to win

~ If you are a BlogLand Pen Pal participant, leave a  separate comment saying you participate in BlogLand Pen Pal

~ Post about this giveaway or add it to your right side bar with a link back to this post , leave a  separate comment 

~ Become a subscriber to Falling Off A High Heeled Life posts via email (you'll find the email subscription box on the right side bar ... enter your email address and hit submit, leave a separate comment indicating  that you receive Falling Off A High Heeled Life posts via email.

Good Luck to Everyone! Give Away ends December 24th, 2011
  










Martha's Terri's Tea Time Tuesday




61 comments:

  1. I like your idea to save the angel tree topper until Christmas eve. We have a good sized collection of nutcrackers too, which reminds me to post of photo of them.

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a great giveaway! I remember how excited L was when she won the teacup!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beautiful tree and decorations !I am a follower , please enter me in your give away !

    ReplyDelete
  4. Dearest Celia,

    Will try to add this Giveaway to my sidebar today. What a lovely Christmas tree you got for all of you, even Dolce LOVES it. He's such a cute furbaby and so is Stella of course.
    Mr. G's nativity scene is very special, love the fabric clothes they did dress each figure in. That makes them almost real, quite a labor of love and true art!
    Your mouse king is so precious as are all the wooden figures.
    You sure will enjoy the Nutcracker ballet will be a very special one on your birthday. Have a happy time leading up to it and enjoy the actual day together.
    Love and hugs to all of you,

    Mariette

    ReplyDelete
  5. Well, I love your Nutcrackers! When my two sons were little, I began collecting Nutcracker ornaments for them, and this year I think will be when they get passed along, both boys being married men now. So gives me memories seeing your pictures. Thanks for sharing these.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your tree and ornaments are beautiful! Gorgeous teacup! I'm a new follower. I'm having a give-away, too, and I invite you to come visit and take a look!
    Cindy @ Art, Books, Tea

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wow! What a beautiful teacup and saucer. I love all things tea!

    I am, of course, already a follower.

    BTW, love your tree and decorations!

    collettaskitchensink[at]blogspot[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hello Celia,
    I LOVE that teacup and would love to win it! I love everything about it! It's gorgeous!! I am a follower of both your blogs.

    I have to say, I envy you being able to see the Nutcracker Ballet. I have always wanted to see it live but we don't get such performances here very often; hardly ever in fact! So you have a birthday coming up, do you? So do I.
    Your Nutcracker collection is very sweet. I have a few too but not nearly as nice as yours. Thanks for joining me for tea today and have a delightful week, my friend.

    Merry Christmas,
    Sandi

    ReplyDelete
  9. I posted a link on my blog. I love your Nutcracker tree. So Cute! I'd love to win the teacup.
    Cheers,
    R

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Celia,
    your Christmas decoration is gorgeous. Love the tree and the huge nutcracker in the background. Everything is really elegant decorated. And for shure I would love to win this pretty tea cup. I am a new follower of your Blog. Wish you a Merry Christmas.
    Best greetings, Johanna

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Celia
    I like your nutcracker theme, one can never see this ballet too many times.
    The teacup is pretty, and Royal Albert makes fine china. Well, I'm officially following your blog now - I tend to bookmark rather than follow.
    Judith

    ReplyDelete
  12. Your christmas decor is beautiful. It is gorgeous. I love the nutcrackers and the creche.

    It is so nice of you to host a giveaway. I love the cup and saucer that you selected . You are already listed on my blog roll so I follow your posts regularly.

    Thanks so much for the opportunity to enter your giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Very Traditional and charming. Very lovely tree. Pat

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi Celia, what a beautiful Nutcracker tree you have! It's just lovely!! Your story is very inspiring--what a strong woman you are despite such tragedy!
    Thanks so much for popping by my cozy kitchen and leaving a kind message! Hope you come back to visit soon, I sure will!
    Merry Christmas
    Leslie

    ReplyDelete
  15. Your Christmas tree is beautiful! I love your sweet ballerinas and the slippers and I think the garland is perfect for your theme. You certainly have a great Nutcracker collection too. My favorite is your Nativity set, the pieces are lovely. I did notice the creche is empty, the reason for Christmas.
    The Royal Albert teacup and saucer is lovely and makes a fabulous giveaway gift.

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

    ReplyDelete
  16. I have seen many various tree decorations, but this is the first for Nutcrackers. You have a lovely home filled with much beauty.

    ReplyDelete
  17. You're home looks stunning for the holidays! I love your tree! xo

    ReplyDelete
  18. Good evening precious one! I jut love how you put up your ballet slippers on the tree! I think I will do that! And your home is just lovely. Enter me in for the giveaway!!! I hope you are feeling well and are filled with the blessings of GOD now and always dearest! Anita

    ReplyDelete
  19. Beautiful tea cup. Please enter me to win! I am a follower. xoxo A

    ReplyDelete
  20. Your tree is so pretty and love your collection of Nut Cracker nut crakers! :) Love your tradition of putting the angel on the tree Christmas Eve and waiting to place baby Jesus in the Nativity!
    Thanks so for popping in to see me.
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

    ReplyDelete
  21. That Nativity is glorious! I just became a follower so please count me in for this delightful giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Your tree is gorgeous! Can you believe I've never seen the Nutcracker? I know, huh? Crazy. xo

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi sweet friend! Your tree is beautiful and I like your theme. Little Dolce looks adorable sitting there by those beautifully wrapped gifts. I just love the holidays.

    Big Christmas hugs,
    Kat

    ReplyDelete
  24. Your ornaments are wonderful, I especially love the ballerina. Your tree is gorgeous. I wish the best for you and yours. I just started following you through Blogging Sisters.

    ReplyDelete
  25. What a beautiful tree. I like that you decided to wait until after advent to put your angel on top.

    Also, thank you for hosting this marvelous giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I have also subscribed to your blog via email. I have heard that google friend connect will no longer allow us to subscribe through them. This is a good way to transfer your readers!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I have also scheduled a blog for this giveaway. It is scheduled to post at 5:00 AM EST tomorrow (12-13-11). I will also be posting the link on Facebook in the morning. It is an honor to promote your inspiring blog on my page!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Your tree is gorgeous! I love, love, love the ballet slippers. and Dolce is pretty cute too! (I know a cockatiel named Dolce, its a 'sweet' name... : -)

    ReplyDelete
  29. I love the pretty tree..
    Thanks so much for stopping by. Come again soon.:)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Well, let me first say how lovely your tree looks. I have ours up but it is not decorated yet!! Second, the tea cup is beautiful. My mom started me on a collection of tea cups and most of them are Royal Albert. Having all men around, I had forgotten all about them. You've inspired me to get them out for our annual kipper breakfast the day after Christmas. Thank you! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  31. Your tree is lovely and I adore the Nutcracker theme. Happy Tea Day!

    ReplyDelete
  32. What a sweet giveaway! Count me in!
    I love your tree...so beautiful! The star idea is special too.
    XOXO
    Isabelle

    ReplyDelete
  33. What a great theme, I'm going to the Nutcracker on the 23rd, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without it.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I love the Nutcracker theme! It's all so beautiful - I'm sure your guests loved every bit of it. When I was little, we did the same thing with our creche. The baby Jesus didn't go into the manger until Christmas morning. Enjoy the holiday season, my friend! :) (The cup and saucer are beautiful!)

    ReplyDelete
  35. Your tree is so beautiful.

    I do hope you have Happy Holidays.

    (Not entering giveaway) just want to comment.

    carol

    ReplyDelete
  36. Dear Celia
    Your Christmas tree is the most magnificently decorated tree I've seen for a long long time - what a presence! I can't believe how I've missed out on your blog via Mariette's. Thanks so much for your sweet and kind words on my blog - it really cheered me up!
    Your story sounds amazing and rather humbling to everyday complaints!! So pleased to have made your acquaintance. BTW... I adore Lady Carlyle. My late mother in law had a cabinet of 9 cups and saucers (never used them) and they made me swoon every time I saw them. I have to say they have a very happy home with me and they have always caused ooohing and aaahing whenever they've been used (mainly for lady tea-parties).
    xo
    Joan

    ReplyDelete
  37. Your home is looking beautifully festive! I am no ware near as far in decorating as you are.
    Love that teacup! Wow, what a generous giveaway!
    Hugs,
    Terri

    ReplyDelete
  38. Your tree is lovely, as are all of your decorations!

    I'm your newest follower and come over from Blogging Sisters. I look forward to coming over often and learning more about you.

    Your tea cup is beautiful - and would love to be in for a chance of winning it. Is there anything better than a cup of tea? Only with a friend, or thinking of one, for sure!

    Blessings for a beautiful Christmas.
    Donna

    ReplyDelete
  39. I love your traditions.
    Your give away is so pretty, I have only 1 teacup, this would be pretty with it.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Love the Nutcracker theme, such a great idea, I particularly like the way you have included the ballet slippers on the tree - just perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Good Morning My Sweet Friend!
    I hope you are having a great day:)
    What a great giveaway-
    I love your theme!!! Everyhting looks beautiful.

    Happy Holidays friend, I am so glad that your enjoying the holidays this year.

    XOXO

    ReplyDelete
  42. I cannot wait to share my Xmas decor photos ~ you will get a good chuckle out of one in particular.
    I'm a follower! That tea cup is grand!

    ReplyDelete
  43. This is a stunning cup. I think your tree looks magical, like you! The nutcracker is such a fun story this time of year....mystery, love and sweets...PERFECT!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Your home is lovely and I enjoyed viewing the photos of your Nutcracker Christmas decor. What a great idea for a giveaway at Christmas with the beautiful cup and saucer. Merry Christmas! Happy Tea Time! Pam

    ReplyDelete
  45. Your decorations are just beautiful!!!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Thank you for joining in our Christmas tea. Love the Nutcracker theme. Maybe we will start a new tradition and wait for Christmas Eve to put our angel on top of the tree. It was more special because you were here.

    Blessings,
    Pam

    ReplyDelete
  47. What great pictures! I love christmas decorationsl. Especially ones that come with dogs :)

    ReplyDelete
  48. Dearest Celia,

    Okay, got your cup & saucer out on my post, with a button for easy taking home for others.
    Love to you and Mr. G. + furry babies.

    Mariette

    ReplyDelete
  49. Your teacup is beautiful! I love the pink color and the design. Your nutcrackers are very cute and look so nice on the tree.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Nice!! i'm number 808 right now, loveley.:)
    I would like to take a chance for your teacup., i'm not winning, i'm sure, but you never know isn't it ?
    Excuses for mij poor writing English, but I'm Dutch..
    I wanne take a give it a try with my blog "Schunsland"

    ReplyDelete
  51. Hello, Nice to meet you!
    I Orchid and came from your friend Ms. Mariette's blog.
    What a GORGEOUS cup♡♡♡ I am joining in and I am a Japanese; I wish it won't be the trouble for you as Mariette said.
    I enjoyed seeing your marvelous Christmas Decorations♬♬♬
    Sincerely, Orchid*

    ReplyDelete
  52. Love your Nutcrackers. They are all adorable. I especially love the ballerina on your tree. The teacup is so pretty. Thanks again for visiting and sharing your lovely blog.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Your excitement for the coming birthday party is apparent in the design of your gorgeous Chirstmas tree...just beautiful. Thank you for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay

    ReplyDelete
  54. My girls are ballerinas as well and have participated in the Nutcracker ... isn't it a sweet time of year?! Just celebrated my birthday yesterday, my daughter's the day before. How do you like having a December birthday?

    Great giveaway!
    oxox
    Denalee

    ReplyDelete
  55. Enjoy the Nutcracker!

    Your tree looks awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hi: I love theme Christmas Trees. Yours is an idea I will have to follow. It is so cute. Please count me in for your give away. I am a follower and would love to own this beauty. Blessings, Martha

    ReplyDelete
  57. Your Christmas tree post and your love of The Nutcracker Ballet brought back to me the last time I attended the play while visiting my daughter on Cape Cod. We attended the matinee proformance and it 'was a lovely back-in-time afternoon'.

    I follow your other blog and am a new follower of this blog now.

    Teacups have been 'my thing' and I have introduced my daughters, granddaughter and now great-granddaughters to the delights of drinking tea in a 'lovely teacup'. I have given so many teacups away...

    Many years ago our Catholic CWL club gave new mothers a cup and saucer which I think is now a lost time...we should all try to think in terms of renewing 'giving a lovely teacup to new mothers in our lives', n'est-ce pas?

    Thank you for this lovely giveaway and 'taking time to do so at the Christmas Season'. Whoever wins will always remember this gift and this Christmas season.

    Mary Christ Mass (aka Merry Christmas)
    ~Sylvia Faye

    ReplyDelete
  58. This would make a wonderful present for my mum :) I'm following via GFC as Jasmine1485.

    kate1485 at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. I love this ROYAL ALBERT teacup. As you said the details are amazing.
    You tree was perfectly decorated, and your dog is sooo cute!
    GFC: Alba M U
    mail: alba.calamar@gmail.com

    Have a nice day!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to comment. Know that each one is appreciated and read. Any questions posed in comments in will be responded to via the Reply button below your comment. - Live Life Luxuriously!