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Hoilday Decorating Identity Disorder

I have diagnosed myself with HDID, technically known as Holiday Decorating Identity Disorder.  I am a psychometrist and a counselor on top of that, so I can legally diagnose myself.  I just don't do family and friends!  You may ask, what is Holiday Decorating Identity Disorder?  I must say that this disorder is a geographical one and I made it up!  My blogging friends north of Hattiesburg, MS won't understand this troubling disorder.  Typically, we decorate for one holiday then move on to another.  Oh no, not in the deep south.  Once the Christmas trees disappear from the stores, up comes Valentines Day decorations alongside the purples, greens, and golds that proclaim Mardi Gras.  Now, the question is do I want to stick with the pinks and reds for Valentine's Day or celebrate the exuberant Mardi Gras?  OR, what if I do both?  Will my home look like a seasonal store with a stomach virus?  Will I look like I can't make up mind?  Do I truly have HDID?  After many sleepless nights, I finally decided to celebrate it all!  Since it has given me much mental anguish, I thought I would share my HDID decorations with you!

Let's start with Mardi Gras.  The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced to medieval Europe.  There is a period of feasting beginning January 6 and ending on Fat Tuesday which is always the day before Ash Wednesday.  Fat Tuesday is the actual Mardi Gras day although festivities including parades and balls occur throughout the season.  These Mardi Gras wreaths welcome guests to Still Woods.  Won't you come in?
For now, the dining room table is decorated for Mardi Gras.
 This pretty little plate sits on top of the piano ready for a roaring rendition of "It's Carnival Time".
No Mardi Gras season is complete with a King Cake.  A King Cake is basically a large cinnamon type roll filled with an endless variety of options. Our favorite is blueberry and cream cheese.  Yum. . . yum!!  I do make my own, but wanted to share with you a tempting picture of a Paul's King Cake.  They ship everywhere and are delicious. 
I love Valentine's Day!  There is something so sweet about this holiday.  Did you know this is the second highest card sending holiday, second only to Christmas?  Also, the average dollar amount spent on your Valentine is reported to be $75.00.  Poor Mr. Still Woods is always at a loss for Valentines Day.  I am one of those rare individuals who dislikes chocolate.  I also hate to see anyone spend an exorbitant amount of money on anything that will die in a few days. My Valentine's Day decorations include these on my mantel.  I have a favorite set of candle holders with red glitter balls and a red floral topiary. The candles lend a romantic glow!
Valentine's Day is not complete without an apothecary jar of Sweetheart candies. This candy first appeared to the masses in 1901-1902 with the famous statements of "Kiss Me", "Be Mine", and "Be True"; however, NECCO states that their conversation hearts were first  stamped in 1866 on candy lozenges. Yep, that is Mr. and Mrs. Still Woods in our younger days.
Even the laundry room has a touch of Valentine's decorations.
My sweet hubby gave me this beautiful milk glass cake plate and ten dessert plate set one year for Christmas.  It still had the original box.  Look closely and you will see that the outer rim is edged in cut out hearts.  Perfect for Valentine's Day dessert!
I love this table which is located under the stairs.  I have a three piece red cut glass set with a heart as a simple adornment for this cozy corner.  When the tea lights are lit, the cut glass glitters. Just beautiful!
Since tomorrow is Mardi Gras Day, I will leave you with a Cajun French saying heard often during this time of year. " Laissez les bons temps rouler"  or "Let the good times roll"!!








Comments

  1. 20 North OraFebruary 11, 2013 at 8:44 PM

    Thanks for visiting 20 North Ora. I love your Mardi GRAS decor. Great job!

    Judy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Life at Still WoodsFebruary 11, 2013 at 9:21 PM

      Thank you for visiting with me today. Glad you liked the Mardi Gras decor. It is a fun to decorate for this holiday with all the purples, golds, and greens!
      Blessings from Still Woods

      Delete
  2. AnonymousFebruary 12, 2013 at 7:00 AM

    Today is Fat Tuesday "Mardi Gras", I think we will skip the crowds and parades today. For those who go, be careful and have fun. Catch some beads for me! "Throw me something mister".

    ReplyDelete
  3. Debra at HOMESPUN: http://www.thehomespun.com February 12, 2013 at 5:36 PM

    This post was just a blast! Funny, informative and beautiful pics! :) And OH how I love your mantel! Beautiful old wood and thank goodness not chalk painted lol! ( I think it has its place but I see too much paint going over gorgeous heirloom wood in blogland ! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Life at Still WoodsFebruary 13, 2013 at 9:24 AM

      Glad you enjoyed it! I agree with your comments regarding chalk paint. I would like to use it one day, but I love the character of old wood. For pieces that have been in the family for years, it seems a shame to cover "memory marks". I have a table of my grandmother's that has a burn stain from my grandfather's cigarette! Each time I see it, I am reminded that she probably gave him a good talking to after that incident!

      Delete
  4. Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble ChristmasFebruary 13, 2013 at 7:10 AM

    Love your Mardi Gras and V Day decorations!! I do holidays in a big way with 5 V Day Trees and a Winter tree!!! So I too definitely have this disorder!!
    I hope you will stop by and enter my 3rd Blog Anniversary Giveaway..

    Hugs,
    Deb

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Life at Still WoodsFebruary 13, 2013 at 9:26 AM

      Hi Deb,
      I am headed your way to join the giveaway! Glad to know that I am not alone in this disorder! Thanks for stopping by and visiting me.
      Blessings from Still Woods

      Delete
  5. UnknownFebruary 13, 2013 at 4:33 PM

    Thanks for stopping by my blog today...I can't wait to see your vintage valentines! It is very nice to meet you! :)

    ReplyDelete

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