A prayer for Newtown and my birthday recap.....

I start this post by saying my heart is heavy over the unspeakable tragedy in Newtown, and asking everyone to keep those affected in their prayers.   Absolutely devastating and frankly hard to wrap my head around. For those families left behind dealing with the most unimaginable grief, I hope God will protect, bless and guide them during this dark time and in the difficult days ahead. My heart breaks for each of them. All we can do is keep them in our prayers, which I will continue to do. 

LAST DAY TO SUBMIT YOUR HOLIDAY PICTURES.......IT CAN BE OF YOUR TREE, YOUR HOME, YOUR GIFT WRAP, AS LONG AS ITS HOLIDAY RELATED! I WILL BE POSTING MY READERS SPECTACULAR IMAGES TOMORROW! YOU ARE IN FOR A ROYAL TREAT......SEND ME YOUR PICTURES TO THEENCHANTEDHOME@GMAIL.COM

As you know Friday was my birthday as well. I am glad I didn't know about it beforehand, admittedly it would have been difficult to get into a celebratory mood knowing what was going on just a state away.  I first want to say thanks so much for the wonderful and warm birthday wishes and was so touched by your comments, emails and even a few E-cards!  I really had a wonderful day. It meant so much to have a "day off", no pressure to run around, play mama elf and do a million things in a day, do anything other than allow myself to be wined and dined by those I love and who thankfully love me back:) My dear friend made a beautiful luncheon for me and five of my closest friends. It is more than apparent that she put a lot of love and care into this special day as these pictures will attest.

The food was amazing, the atmosphere picture perfect and holiday ready and the company bar none....being surrounded by my closest friends, who could ask for anything more! I gave out nutcracker ornaments as favors and then she showered each of us with a beautiful Ralph Lauren candle and giant gingerbread cookie! It was like Christmas 11 days early! Besides feeling very loved and cared for, it was fun to be in her stunning home all decked out for the holidays! So you know I love to share with you my comings and goings and I thought you would all enjoy seeing highlights from this special day.....

 Such a beautiful and elegant holiday/birthday tablescape!

 Her dining room is absolutely beautiful and you know I love that paper (and those jars)!

 Killer view.......

 Her 15 foot tree, its a stunner and could give Rockefeller Center a run for its money!

This is a beautiful vignette in browns and greens...love it!

 A peek into the kitchen

 Another angle of that amazing view....

This is such a pretty picture, don't you think?

 Her elegant and warm butlers pantry.....

 

And for all you Gracie wallpaper fans......this is one stunning powder room!

 Coffee was served in these darling nutcracker mugs....

 How about this darling pair of lab fireplace fenders for her two labs, love this!

 Her beautiful new mohair chairs.......love the color!

 The pooches are partied out....they are ready for an afternoon siesta!

 Looking from the family room into the kitchen and breakfast room, such a pretty shot.

 My "favors" for each of my friends, a trio of nutcracker ornaments

 The ornaments that I gave out as favors....love nutcrackers!

 And the second favor! A beautiful Ralph Lauren candle and giant gingerbread cookie!

 The beautiful table setting, love the plaid, the gold and of course those darling napkin rings!

 There are the "party animals"

 Part of the spread to start....yummy cheese and a crudite

 A wonderful rose champagne, that just kept on flowing...I certainly didn't say no!

 Pretty!

 Nutcrackers are everywhere....

I am getting hungry all over again!

 A wonderful really yummy pasta with fresh lemon and olive oil...soooooo good!

 And this lemon sole was heavenly!

 The colors are so pretty and warm

 Time for the "goodies"!

 My friend putting her last minute touches on her wonderful cooking!

 

This green tea ice cream was sooooo good, love the peppermint topping she put in for a little holiday cheer!

 And my special birthday cupcake....yum!

 And my beautiful gift, it was almost too pretty to open. I said almost, but I was able to oblige:)

Her beautiful welcoming family room.......pretty!

With a view like this, it was hard to get up and get back to our schedules...mesmerizing!

 

 What a fabulous day!! Thank you so much for making me feel like one special lady! This was such a nice break from the chaotic days that I have had, and the perfect remedy to a crazy busy last few weeks. I feel recharged and ready to carry on with the holiday hustle bustle! Thanks for stopping by, hope you are getting through the holiday craziness OK........I am taking it easy today, wrapping gifts but not even thinking of venturing into stores, supposed to stop by a holiday party a friend is having, and just catching my breath before I begin what will be a super busy week (I am determined to finish all my shopping no later than Wednesday)! Have a wonderful Sunday......

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